PrintWhat are benign digestive disorders?
Benign digestive disorders are conditions other than cancer that affect the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Examples of benign digestive disorders include viral hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (heartburn) and peptic ulcer disease. These disorders can cause a variety of problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, internal bleeding or weight loss.
UHN’s Benign Digestive Disorder Care Area
Our team of physicians (gastroenterologists), nurses and dietitians provide a broad range of services to assist patients with benign digestive disorders. Our services are offered primarily through Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto General Hospital, with additional consultations offered through Princess Margaret Hospital.
We’re among Canada’s leading benign digestive disorder care teams, providing a range of special services and treatment:
GI Medicine
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Viral hepatitis – treatment for this disease, which attacks the liver |
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Portal hypertension – treatment for high pressure in veins caused by end-stage liver disease |
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Gastro-intestinal motility – treatment to improve the movement of food and waste through the GI tract Advanced endoscopy techniques – diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as gallstones, polyps and gastrointestinal (internal) bleeding |
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Home parenteral nutrition program – providing nutrients and fluids through an intravenous tube (IV) set up in the patient’s home |
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Inflammatory bowel disease – treatment of diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that cause inflammation and ulcers in the GI tract and result in abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, diarrhea and weight loss |
General Surgery
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Benign disorders of the GI tract include inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, bowel disease |
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Inflammation and infection of the abdominal compartment including abscess, fistula, postoperative complaint, pancreatitis |
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Surgical management of patients with significant comorbidity and attendant comorbid medical problems |
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Advanced laparoscopic approaches to abdominal diseases including GI reflux, intestinal problems, both benign and malignant, and diseases of the spleen |
