Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology in Kenai, Soldotna, and Homer.
Help for digestive issues—big and small
The way your body processes food is vital to your health and impacts how you feel every day. Our gastroenterologist, also called a GI doctor, provides the care you need for mild to severe digestive issues as well as liver problems. He is a specialist in understanding how gastrointestinal organs move material through the stomach and intestines, digest food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste—and what to do when the system isn’t working.
GI doctors treat everything from occasional gas or stomach pain, to diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Dr. Kim addresses problems such as colon polyps, cancer, acid reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (IBD), nutritional problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, constipation and many other issues.
One of the primary ways he protects your health is through colonoscopies, which can detect colon cancer and more importantly, remove polyps which can turn to cancer. Dr. Bill Kim’s high-quality colonoscopy process consistently exceeds the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) standards for adenoma (pre-cancer) detection and removal rates. He takes the time to make sure your exam is thorough and that you are treated with the highest quality of care.
Our Gastroenterology Department provides a full range of services, including:
- Screening Colonoscopy
- Colonoscopy with Poly Removal
- Upper endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy/EGD)
- Upper Endoscopy with dilatation of blockages.
- Evaluation of Liver Disorders including Hepatitis B & C
- Evaluation of Irritable Bowel Disease.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
FAQ
Can you help people with chronic heartburn?
Yes. Heartburn symptoms and severity vary quite a bit among different people. If your heartburn is mild, or occurs only occasionally, then a series of lifestyle changes may be all you need to manage it. For example, not eating late at night or avoiding trigger foods may help. Talk to your primary care provider about options that may work for you. If your heartburn is persistent, or if making small lifestyle changes doesn’t help, then we encourage you to see one of our specialists right away.
Does stress cause ulcers?
An ulcer occurs because of an imbalance between the stomach’s digestive fluids and the duodenum, which neutralizes gastric juices. There is no single cause. Some ulcers are the result of bacterial infections. While people link ulcers with stress, it may be that people under stress make certain lifestyle choices that contribute to ulcers. For instance, drinking alcohol in excess, smoking tobacco, or taking certain painkillers (NSAIDs) can all lead to excess stomach acid production, thereby contributing to an ulcer.
How do I know if I have an ulcer?
The three most common signs of an ulcer include shooting abdominal pain after meals, increased or chronic indigestion, and nausea.
When should I get my first colonoscopy?
Most people should start getting screened for colon cancer at age 50. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor might suggest that you start getting screened earlier. African Americans are at a higher risk and should be screened starting at age 45.
What is it like to get a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are incredibly important because they allow doctors to find polyps early and remove them before they become cancerous. The most uncomfortable part is drinking the prep that cleans out your bowels because it means you need to go to the bathroom a lot. The procedure itself is simple and painless. It takes about half an hour, and many patients drift off to sleep under light sedation.
What makes Gastroenterologists different?
The unique training that Gastroenterologists complete provides them with the ability to provide high quality, comprehensive care for patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal ailments. Gastroenterologists perform the bulk of research involving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures as well as the interpretation of results, and are considered experts in the field. Studies have shown that Gastroenterologists perform higher quality colonoscopy examinations and comprehensive consultative services when compared to other physicians. This translates into more accurate detection of polyps and cancer by colonoscopy when performed by Gastroenterologists, fewer complications from procedures and fewer days in the hospital for many gastrointestinal conditions managed by trained gastroenterology specialists. It is this ability to provide more complete, accurate, and thorough care for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, which distinguishes Gastroenterologists from other physicians that provide some similar services.
Location with this Service
100 Trading Bay Dr. Suite 8
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: (907)283-9110
Fax: (907)335-1956
