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Welcome to the California Digestive Diseases Institute
Directions to Olympia Medical Plaza
5901 W. Olympic Bl., Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90036
For more information,
please call 310.556.7747
The California Digestive Diseases Institute provides medical excellence in the care of GERD, colon cancer and GI issues, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in the most efficient, cost-effective and compassionate manner. Liver, pancreas and biliary tree diseases often require referrals in several different disciplines. You will find the California Digestive Diseases Institute's Tertiary Referral Center information below.
Information from the California Digestive Diseases Institute
- Tertiary Referral Center
- Medical Director
- Contact Information
GENERAL QUESTIONS
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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE CALIFORNIA DIGESTIVE DISEASES INSTITUTE?
Board Certified Physicians with Expertise – Experience – Excellent Care
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IS THERE A MINIMALLY INVASIVE WAY TO ELIMINATE GIANT BILE DUCT STONES?
The California Digestive Diseases Institute at Olympia Medical Center is one of only a few centers in California with the necessary expertise to perform giant stone fragmentation. This minimally - invasive procedure combines ERCP with laser technology to break up giant stones in the common bile duct. The stone fragments are then flushed from the site and passed naturally from the body.
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IS TRADITIONAL GALLBLADDER SURGERY EVER APPROPRIATE?
Yes. An open cholecystectomy may rarely be indicated when laparoscopic cholecystectomy has failed. Open cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder through a large cut in the abdomen. By contrast, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally-invasive alternative that allows us to remove the gallbladder through three small incisions in the abdomen. Recovery time is short.
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WHEN IS GALLBLADDER REMOVAL UNNECESSARY?
Gallbladder removal may be unnecessary in the elderly patient when patients present with bile stones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis). Using ERCP technique with sphincterotomy, we can eliminate such stones by inserting a fiber-optic tube down the patient’s throat to the opening of the common bile duct. An electronic “hot wire” is then passed through the tube to make a tiny cut at the opening of the bile duct, allowing stones to pass into the small intestine. This means no external incisions or scars, and because the procedure is less invasive, patients recover quickly.
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GALLSTONE MEDICATION TREATMENT
At the California Digestive Diseases Institute, we've found that medication therapy, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall), may be a successful treatment option for some patients with gallstones.
QUESTIONS REGARDING ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE
CHOLANGIO PANCREATOGRAPGY ( ERCP ) :
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IS ERCP PAINFUL?
The procedure itself will not cause you pain since you are sedated and asleep during the procedure. Sphincterotomy and dilatation of stricture may case abdominal pain following the procedure. If this is occurs, we will provide you with adequate pain medication.
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CAN I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?
No. You should not have any food or water for at least six hours prior to your procedure, generally speaking from midnight, the evening prior to the procedure. You may have a small sip of water with important medications, but please discuss it with the nurse practitioner prior to doing so.
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MAY I GO HOME AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
If you do not have any pain after four hours, you may go home.
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WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER ERCP?
Generally, as soon as you feel like returning to work. The recovery time is extremely varied and depends on the nature of the problem.
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WILL I NEED TO TAKE MEDICATION AFTER THE ERCP PROCEDURE?
You will be given pain medication to use should you need it. You will also probably
receive either oral or intravenous medication for approximately three to four days following the procedure.
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WHEN DO I HAVE TO COME BACK FOR FOLLOW-UP VISIT?
Generally speaking, we like to see you in one to two weeks for a follow-up visit to learn how you are feeling and review the findings with you. This will, in part, depend on how far away you live from our office. We will also discuss the future of your medical management.
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IF I HAVE STENTS PLACED, WHEN DO THEY NEED TO BE REMOVED?
If plastic stents are utilized, we usually remove them after two weeks. However, times may vary for different problems.
 A Tertiary Referral Center :
Liver, pancreas and biliary tree diseases often require referrals in several different disciplines. That's why the California Digestive Diseases Institute provides access to a wide range of affiliated specialists in surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, anesthesiology and oncology. Our program specializes in treating the following conditions:
Choledocholithiasis
Giant Common Bile Duct Stones
Obstructive Jaundice (any cause)
Acute/Chronic Pancreatitis
Obstructive Jaundice Status Post Lap-choly
Sclerosing Cholangitis
Ascending Cholangitis
Bile Duct Cancer/Cholangio-carcinoma
Hepatitis
Benign Biliary Strictures Status Post Lap-choly
Pancreatic Pseudocysts (Endoscopic Drainage)
Oriental Cholangio-hepatitis
GERD
Barrett's Esophagus
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The California Digestive Diseases Institute has gained international recognition for its excellence in treating liver, pancreas and biliary diseases.
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Medical Director: Mehrad Vosoghi
Mehrdad Vosoghi, M.D., F.A.C.G. is the Medical Director of the California Digestive Diseases Institute at Olympia Medical Center. He is specially trained in ERCP and EUS (endoscopic ultrasound).
Contact Information
When it comes to treating the liver, pancreas or biliary tree, experience counts. But at the California Digestive Diseases Institute, our patients can also count on a caring medical team who know how to listen. For more information please call 310.556.7747 or e-mail CDDI@Olympiamc.com .
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