Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) is one of those interesting rare causes of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Multiple capillaries lie very close to stomach's surface in bands like a watermelon-- hence the nickname "watermelon stomach". It is associated with aortic stenosis, kidney disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. This condition is treated by burning the skin to produce a layer of protective scar and drive these vessels deeper. Several treatments may be necessary.
Mallory-Weiss Tears are tears in the esophagus where the food pipe connects with the stomach. The tear is caused by violent vomiting, and usually heals on its own in a few days if the vomiting can be controlled.
Colonoscopy screening: Better to look and find nothing, than not look and miss something.
Dr. Powell states he chose to practice Gastroenterology, “to treat a wide scope of different problems and afflictions and using modern treatment to help these patients feel better.”
