Digestive System

Advanced Gastroenterology

The Gastroenterology Department at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital is headed by Dr Malena García Arredondo and focuses on the clinical management of gastrointestinal conditions using a structured, reflective and person-centred approach.

The department takes an integrated approach to both common digestive conditions and highly complex cases, including functional disorders, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, liver and biliopancreatic conditions, as well as situations involving a risk of cancer. The care model is based on the expert interpretation of symptoms, the integration of clinical and diagnostic data, and decision-making tailored to each patient’s specific situation.

Care is provided with the time required to inform, assess and decide, offering clarity, predictability and safety throughout the entire care process, within a hospital setting equipped to handle clinical complexity.

Specialist care for complex gastrointestinal conditions

Diseases of the digestive system often present with non-specific symptoms, variable progression or asymptomatic phases, which makes them difficult to interpret and can lead to clinical uncertainty. Accurate assessment requires experience, the ability to synthesise information, and an individualised analysis that allows for the differentiation between functional, inflammatory, metabolic, structural and oncological processes.

The specialty of Gastroenterology plays a key role in both accurate diagnosis and the prevention of complications, avoiding oversimplified approaches or unnecessary interventions. In this context, expert clinical judgement is essential for guiding the investigation, setting priorities and defining appropriate and proportionate management.

Diagnostic process and therapeutic strategy

The care process begins with a detailed clinical assessment, aimed at understanding the origin of the symptoms, their functional impact and the overall clinical context of each individual. Based on this assessment, a reasoned decision is made regarding the need for diagnostic investigations, which are always integrated within an expert clinical interpretation and clearly explained.

The therapeutic decision is made on an individualised basis, taking into account the actual benefit of each option, the risk profile and the expected course of the condition. Treatment is prescribed in accordance with the principles of proportionality and prudence, with sufficient time being taken to assess alternatives and avoid hasty actions.

Clinical follow-up and continuity of care form an essential part of the model, enabling the course of the condition to be reassessed, decisions to be adjusted and the patient to be supported throughout the entire clinical process.

Specialist units in Gastroenterology

The Digestive System speciality is organised into specialist clinical units, enabling a precise approach to each area of digestive pathology and effective coordination between professionals, whilst always maintaining a holistic view of the patient.

Intestinal-Brain Axis Disorders Unit

Dedicated to the diagnosis and management of complex functional digestive disorders, this unit focuses on the expert interpretation of symptoms and the functional assessment of the digestive system. Its approach enables the differentiation between functional disorders and conditions posing a genuine clinical risk, and the definition of prudent treatment strategies tailored to each individual case.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit

The Digestive Endoscopy Unit specialises in the endoscopic examination of the digestive system, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic services, and addressing both general and complex digestive conditions. Its practice is based on the correct indication for each examination, careful planning of the procedure, and care centred on safety and support throughout the entire process

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disease Unit

Specialising in the management of chronic immune-mediated digestive diseases, this unit offers care based on the precise assessment of inflammatory activity and well-founded therapeutic decisions. Expert monitoring and continuity of care enable treatment to be tailored to each stage of the disease, prioritising safety and quality of life.

Hepatology and Metabolism Unit

Focused on the diagnosis, monitoring and management of liver diseases, particularly those related to metabolic disorders, this unit addresses conditions that progress silently and require expert risk assessment. Its work centres on integrating clinical and follow-up data to determine the most appropriate timing and type of intervention.

Biliopancreatic Unit

Focusing on diseases of the biliary tract and the pancreas, the unit deals with both acute conditions and chronic or recurrent conditions that require clinical expertise and appropriate therapeutic management. Management is aimed at resolving the cause of the problem using appropriate, minimally invasive techniques where indicated, within a safe care setting.

High-Risk Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit

Dedicated to the assessment, prevention and monitoring of the risk of cancer of the digestive system, this unit focuses on the early identification of conditions requiring surveillance or intervention. Its approach is based on rigorous risk stratification and on prudent, proportionate decisions, avoiding both underestimation of risk and the performance of unnecessary investigations.

A comprehensive approach to digestive disorders

The Gastroenterology Department at Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital has a medical team with extensive experience in the comprehensive management of digestive disorders, accustomed to handling everything from common conditions to highly complex clinical situations.

Work is carried out in a coordinated manner between specialists and in collaboration with other departments within the hospital when the case requires it, ensuring continuity of care, clarity of information and support throughout the entire process. Clinical practice is based on a common principle: integrating knowledge, making rigorous decisions and providing safe, structured and compassionate medical care.