Sometimes, what you need most is clarity. An explanation for symptoms that have been worrying you. A clearer understanding of what is happening. Or simply the confidence of knowing that someone is looking carefully at the bigger picture.
Dr. Hakam Al-Balas, Consultant Gastroenterologist in Dubai, brings a calm, considered approach to digestive concerns that can otherwise feel overwhelming. It is where his background in gastroenterology and endoscopy comes together.
Dr. Hakam’s Experience in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
Dr. Hakam is German Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He has spent his career caring for patients with a wide range of digestive conditions, while developing extensive expertise in both everyday and more advanced endoscopic care.
How Dr. Hakam and His Team Care for Patients
Today in Dubai, Dr. Hakam is part of a Gastroenterology Department recently recognised in Statista’s hospital rankings for Gastroenterology. For Dr. Hakam and the team, that recognition is about more than a ranking. It reflects the work happening behind the scenes to keep improving care, introduce new possibilities and make sure patients have access to the right expertise when their symptoms need a closer look.
When it comes to your health, feeling informed, supported and confident in the next step can make all the difference.
Find the Right Gastroenterologist for Your Care
Looking for doctors like Dr. Hakam Al-Balas? Through Doctors Finder, we help you connect with specialists like Dr. Hakam Al-Balas and other verified UAE gastroenterologists by specialty, location and hospital across every emirate. You can also read about Dr Lisa Sharkey IBD care and Cardiology care with Dr. Rudolf, and if you are comparing specialists, Doctor profile information explained shows what to look for. contact us today to take the next step in your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a gastroenterologist do?
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. They manage problems such as acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and liver disease, and they perform endoscopic procedures to look inside the digestive tract.
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look inside the digestive tract. It helps a doctor find the cause of symptoms, take tissue samples if needed, and sometimes treat a problem during the same procedure, without the need for open surgery.
What is the difference between a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy?
A gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract, the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine, usually to investigate symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing or upper abdominal pain. A colonoscopy examines the large bowel (colon) and is used to look into symptoms like changes in bowel habits or bleeding, and to screen for polyps and bowel cancer.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
It is worth seeing a gastroenterologist for persistent digestive symptoms such as heartburn that does not settle, ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, a change in bowel habits, difficulty swallowing, or blood in the stool. They can also advise on screening, for example for bowel cancer, when it is recommended for your age or family history.
Is an endoscopy painful?
An endoscopy is usually not painful, though it can feel uncomfortable. It is often done with a numbing throat spray or light sedation to help you relax, and most people go home the same day. Any discomfort, such as a mild sore throat or bloating, tends to settle quickly afterwards.