Dr. Zaodi Gu

Dr. Zaodi Gu diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A chronic immune system disease characterized by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus, causing inflammation, difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and chest pain.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Autoimmune Liver Diseases (Autoimmune Hepatitis, PBC, PSC): Conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells (Autoimmune Hepatitis), bile ducts within the liver (Primary Biliary Cholangitis), or larger bile ducts inside and outside the liver (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis).
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) & Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A spectrum of conditions characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol. NASH involves liver inflammation and cell damage and can progress to cirrhosis.
• Pancreatic Cysts, Tumors & Pancreatic Insufficiency (Evaluation & Co-management): Evaluation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) or growths (tumors) on or in the pancreas, and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus

• Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis): A chronic inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and ulcers primarily in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically presenting with bloody diarrhea, urgency, and abdominal pain.
• Crohn's Disease (Ileal, Colonic, Ileocolonic, Perianal): A chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, causing transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and potential complications like strictures or fistulas.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Zaodi Gu.

• Management of Common & Chronic Digestive Symptoms: Investigating and treating common but potentially disruptive digestive symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and unexplained weight loss.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Testing & Eradication Therapy: Diagnosis of H. pylori infection using breath tests, stool tests, or endoscopic biopsies, and providing appropriate antibiotic regimens for eradication to treat ulcers and gastritis.
• Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
• Colonoscopy (Screening, Diagnostic, Surveillance) & Polypectomy: Comprehensive examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a colonoscope to detect and remove precancerous polyps, screen for and diagnose colorectal cancer, evaluate symptoms, and diagnose other colonic conditions like colitis or diverticular disease.
• Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) - Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Specialized procedure combining upper endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstone removal from bile duct, stent placement for strictures or leaks, and sphincterotomy.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Digestive Diseases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging or rare gastrointestinal diagnoses, unclear test results, and proposed complex treatment plans, including for IBD, liver disease, and pancreatic disorders.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Gu for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Gu practices at a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic within a hospital or dedicated outpatient facility located in North Red Deer, in the neighborhoods of Normandeau and Highland Green. The practice is conveniently situated near Downtown Red Deer, accessible via public transit options including Red Deer Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the site, providing convenient options for those driving to appointments. The environment is designed to support patient comfort and privacy, with modern amenities and easy access to diagnostic and therapeutic services essential for comprehensive digestive health care.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Gu, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gu, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Gu's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Gu, a Gastroenterologist?

Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gu for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.

What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Gu diagnose and treat both?

Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gu can diagnose and treat both IBS and IBD, but they are very different conditions. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation and physical damage (like ulcers and strictures) to the digestive tract, visible during endoscopy and on biopsies. It's an autoimmune-related condition. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gut disorder, meaning the GI tract doesn't work correctly, but there's no visible inflammation or damage on standard tests. IBS causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, it doesn't cause the destructive inflammation seen in IBD. Diagnosis involves different criteria and investigations for each.

What are some common procedures a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gu typically performs?

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Gu are highly skilled in performing a range of endoscopic procedures. The most common are upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy to visualize the entire colon. During these procedures, She can take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps (which can prevent colon cancer), dilate narrowed areas (strictures), control bleeding, and place feeding tubes. Other procedures may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower colon), capsule endoscopy (swallowing a tiny camera to see the small intestine), and more specialized interventions like ERCP or EUS depending on their training and practice focus. Many also specialize in managing specific areas like hepatology (liver disease) or IBD.

What is generally involved in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure?

Preparing for a colonoscopy is a critical step to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. Dr. Gu's office will provide very specific instructions, which must be followed closely. Typically, preparation involves dietary changes for a few days beforehand (e.g., low-residue diet), followed by a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to the exam. The most important part is the bowel cleansing process, which involves drinking a prescribed laxative solution designed to completely empty and clean your colon. This usually starts the evening before and may continue the morning of the procedure. You'll also need to arrange for transportation home, as sedation is commonly used.

What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gu?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gu is common for various reasons, including: persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD); difficulty or pain when swallowing; unexplained abdominal pain or bloating; chronic nausea or vomiting; significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., chronic diarrhea, severe constipation); blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; iron deficiency anemia with no obvious cause; suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis); Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) not responding to initial management; celiac disease; abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease (like hepatitis or fatty liver); pancreatitis; or for screening and surveillance colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer, especially if there's a family history or personal history of polyps.

3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Phone: (403) 343-4422

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gu is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Gu for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9a18e6ec-87d4-4b44-898d-bb526b86a199&i=555