Peyton P. Berookim, MD, FACG

Is your doctor a gastroenterologist? Gastroenterologists undergo the most extensive training in performing colonoscopies and are considered experts in this field. Major medical studies confirm that gastroenterologists have a higher detection rate for polyp detection and lower complication rates than any other type of physician (including surgeons). Dr. Berookim is a specialist in gastroenterology with a particular focus on colon cancer prevention.

When a physician goes above and beyond in caring for patients, recognition naturally follows. Dr. Berookim is the recipient of many honors including Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, America’s Top Gastroenterologist, America’s Top Physicians, Patients’ Choice Award, and the UCLA Chancellor’s Humanitarian Award. Of course, the most trusted sources of information about any doctor are other patients like you. Here is just one example of what patients say about Dr. Berookim, “I recently underwent my first colonoscopy under Dr. Berookim’s care. He is professional, down-to-earth, and congenial and everything he told me about the procedure was fact. His follow-up was timely and thorough. He is a young, energetic and highly skilled doctor who I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.” – Dennis M.

Board certification ensures that gastroenterologists meet the highest standards for knowledge, training, experience, and ethics. Dr. Berookim is board certified by the American Board of Gastroenterology.

The nation’s best teaching hospitals prepare doctors to provide superior healthcare to patients. Dr. Berookim completed his three year subspecialty fellowship in Digestive Diseases at the world-renowned UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (one of the most highly ranked hospitals in the US). The opportunity to learn and train at a top medical research facility has given Dr. Berookim a head start in adopting the newest technology to improve outcomes for colon cancer prevention.

The “FACG” title after Dr. Berookim’s name stands for Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. This status is bestowed on the nation’s top GI doctors in recognition of expertise and accomplishments in the field of gastroenterology. Dr. Berookim continues to learn from interacting with other specialists across the U.S. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

It is important to know where your procedure will be done and where your gastroenterologist has hospital privileges. Dr. Berookim performs colonoscopy procedures in settings that support his dedication to world-class care. Outpatient procedures are done at the fully equipped, state-of-the-art LaPeer Surgery Center in Beverly Hills. Dr. Berookim also performs procedures and treats patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he maintains privileges. Cedars-Sinai ranks #4 in the US for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. (US News and World Report’s 2013 Best Hospital Rankings).

During the withdrawal phase of a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist checks for lesions (abnormal tissue) and polyps (precancerous growths). A colonoscopy should never be rushed. Available medical research shows that a withdrawal time of six minutes or more increases the rate of detection for lesions (6 minute withdrawal time is the current recommendation). Dr. Berookim routinely spends 12-15 minutes on the withdrawal phase of the procedure, taking the time to carefully inspect the entire colon. Spending more time translates to a higher rate of polyp detection, decreasing the risk of a missed lesion leading to cancer.

Adenomas (precancerous polyps) are a common finding in healthy patients over the age of 50 and detection rates can vary among gastroenterologist. Catching and removing polyps at this stage is what prevents colon cancer. In healthy patients, gastroenterologists should detect adenomas in at least 25% of men and 15% of women. Dr. Berookim routinely identifies polyps in a greater percentage of patients, helping prevent more cases of colon cancer with early detection.

A complete colonoscopy involves inspecting the entire colon all the way up to the beginning of the large intestine called the “cecum”. A well-trained GI doctor can typically achieve full cecal intubation in 90-95% of cases. Dr. Berookim is considered an expert in doing colonoscopies and achieves cecal intubation for almost 100% of patients, ensuring they receive a comprehensive examination.

Serious complications from colonoscopy are rare. The most dangerous complication is perforation of the colon. On average, only one patient out of every thousand experience a puncture during an exam. Dr. Berookim’s complication rate is well below the national average. His track record for safe colonoscopies is exceptional.

Barrett’s esophagus, also known as Barrett’s disease, is a disorder in which perpetual exposure to stomach acid causes injury to the cells of the lower esophagus. Left untreated, Barrett’s esophagus raises a patient’s risk of developing esophageal cancer by up to 80 percent. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus than those in the general population. Also known as acid reflux, GERD is a condition in which stomach acid regularly washes back up into the esophagus. To protect their long-term health, patients with GERD should undergo testing for Barrett’s esophagus. If you’re suffering from GERD, or think you may be at risk for Barrett’s disease based on your symptoms or risk factors, then you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berookim. Monitoring and treating Barrett’s now is the best way to protect yourself from developing esophageal cancer in the future.

Hydrogen breath testing is a simple and effective way to test for food intolerances and bacterial imbalances. Breath tests are completely non-invasive and can provide key insight into treatment to finally relieve ongoing digestive complaints.

Celiac disease (CD) is a common, yet potentially life threatening, disorder which can easily be under diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Three million Americans are living with Celiac Disease, but only 17% of them realize they have it! Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an abnormal response to glutens—proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune system’s reaction to dietary gluten causes inflammation of the intestinal lining. Over time, the tiny fingerlike protrusions (villi) that line the intestinal wall are damaged and flattened. They no longer absorb food nutrients effectively. As a result, celiac disease can cause serious malabsorption issues.

Colon cancer is diagnosed in over 140,000 Americans each year. This cancer causes tumors in the large intestine, which is the lower part of your digestive system. Colon cancer can have a very high recovery rate if caught in its earliest stages with a screening procedure called a colonoscopy. Expert Los Angeles gastroenterologist Dr. Peyton Berookim encourages his patients to schedule life-saving procedures like colonoscopies to diagnose colorectal conditions and detect early signs of colon cancer. Following the recommended colon screening guidelines is crucial to protecting your digestive health for years to come. Contact Dr. Berookim, the colon cancer treatment Los Angeles specialist at the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California today to schedule your colonoscopy and to learn more about colon cancer prevention.

Colon and rectal polyps are abnormal growths arising from the lining of the large intestine or the rectal canal. Polyps are the most common condition affecting the colon and rectum. They appear in about 15 to 20 percent of adults. Some polyps are flat, while others protrude from the lining of the colon. Polyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign, which means they are not cancerous. Though colon and rectal polyps are often benign, it’s difficult to predict when one will become cancerous. For this reason, the complete removal of polyps is recommended. If you think you may be suffering from polyps or any other condition affecting your digestive health, don’t hesitate to visit Dr. Berookim for an evaluation.

Colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables Dr. Berookim to evaluate the inside of the colon (also known as the large intestine or large bowel). A colonoscope is a four-foot flexible tube approximately the width of a finger that features a camera and light at the tip. A colonoscopy is most often performed to find and prevent tumors or polyps (precancerous growths) that can develop into colon cancer. It is a preventative technique that can be extremely effective in preventing, diagnosing and treating colon cancer. Secondly, a colonoscopy can be used to examine the cause of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in bowel habits or other abnormality. Colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic and actually effectively prevents colon cancer. Colon cancer is very treatable if found early, which is why getting screened is very important.

A Colonoscopy is the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening. Prior to the procedure, you will be instructed to drink a bowel prep beverage that will be used to clean the colon before the exam. A tube with a flexible camera and light about the size of a finger and 4 feet in length is inserted into the colon for the procedure. The camera at the end allows Dr. Berookim to visualize and treat tumors or polyps that can develop into colon cancer. Throughout the procedure, you will be under anesthesia and not experience any discomfort or pain. This preventative technique is highly effective in stopping the progression of polyps to colon cancer. It is also used to diagnose causes of abdominal pain, diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, or blood in the stool, among other issues.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., killing almost 50,000 people each year. More than 136,000 new patients are diagnosed every year with colon cancer. Los Angeles GI doctor Peyton Berookim, M.D., has devoted his practice to screening and prevention—saving families from the grief and trauma of this devastating disease. Education is the first step in this endeavor.

Most people endure the occasional bout of constipation. However, if you’re experiencing three or fewer bowel movements a week or often have difficulty passing stool, you may be suffering from a more serious condition known as chronic constipation. While lifestyle changes are usually sufficient to relieve constipation, the condition can sometimes be indicative of a more serious problem. If you’ve been suffering from chronic constipation, we invite you to visit the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California for a consultation.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease which can involve any part of the digestive tract (mouth to anus). Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only involves the colon, patients with Crohn’s disease may demonstrate healthy sections of colon and rectum as well. Accurately diagnosing the severity of Crohn’s disease from which a patient suffers is essential to identifying the appropriate method of treatment. If you think you may be suffering from Crohn’s disease or another condition affecting your digestive health, don’t hesitate to visit Dr. Berookim for an evaluation.

Everyone experiences diarrhea at some point. These semi-frequent loose and watery bowel movements occur as a result of viral infection or other gastrointestinal issues. Diarrhea is very common and is often not serious. It can typically be treated by consuming plenty of fluids and by taking over-the-counter medicine. If diarrhea persists for more than two days, however, it is considered prolonged and can be a sign of a more serious medical issue. Prolonged diarrhea also puts patients at risk for dehydration, which can negatively impact overall health. If you notice signs of prolonged diarrhea or have any questions pertaining to your symptoms, contact Dr. Berookim for a consultation.

Have you ever experienced difficulty swallowing, or had the feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest? Trouble swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a sign of a problem in your throat or esophagus. The esophagus help move foods and liquids from your mouth to your stomach, and dysphagia usually stems from an issue within the esophagus. Difficulty swallowing is a common health issue, and it is a cause for concern at every age. Anyone can suffer from dysphagia, but the condition is most common in infants, adults over 60, and patients with brain or nervous system problems. Millions of cases of dysphagia are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Your expert gastroenterologist, Dr. Peyton Berookim, specializes in treating dysphagia and other issues affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Untreated dysphagia can lead to serious health issues. Contact Dr. Berookim today to find out more about dysphagia treatment.

An EGD is a procedure in which an endoscope, or thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the tip, is placed into the mouth and advanced down through the stomach and into the beginning of the small intestine. During the procedure, the patient is under anesthesia and completely comfortable. This technique allows Dr. Berookim to visualize from the mouth down into the small intestine for various pathologies (Barrett’s esophagus, hiatal hernias, ulcers, gastric cancer, and celiac disease). This procedure takes less than 10 minutes and allows the patients to go home as soon as the anesthetic has worn off.

Esophageal cancer is a disease that affects the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach through which food passes during swallowing. Cancer in this area of the body usually begins in the lining of the esophagus and travels deeper into the tissue over time as the lesion turns into a tumor.Tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake increase the risk of cancer in the upper esophagus (squamous cell cancer). Barrett’s Esophagus (which is linked to chronic acid reflux) is more likely to lead to cancer in the lower esophagus (adenocarcinoma).

Also known as Open Access, Fast Track enables healthy patients to schedule a screening colonoscopy with Dr. Peyton Berookim without the initial pre-op consultation. Not only does Fast Track save patients time and money, it also helps ensure that individuals schedule this life saving procedure. While Fast Track is a great and time-saving option for many patients, it is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with medical conditions such as coronary artery disease, emphysema, sever asthma, kidney disease, stroke, diabetes or obesity may not be good candidates for Fast Track. If you have one of these conditions, you will likely need to undergo a traditional pre-screening consultation with Dr. Berookim prior to your procedure. Additionally, taking certain prescription medications such as blood thinners may prevent you from undergoing this expedited route.

Fatty liver is a condition that occurs when abnormal quantities of fat accumulate in the liver. These fatty deposits start out small, but can grow large enough to create cysts (irreversible lesions). The most common factors leading to fatty liver are excessive alcohol intake and obesity. Patients with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, hypertension, and other markers of metabolic syndrome may be particularly likely to store extra fat in their liver. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NFLD) is typically reversible and may not cause any lasting health problems if it is treated early.

Dietary fructose intolerance or fructose malabsorption is a digestive disorder that occurs when the small intestines cannot absorb a normal amount of fructose in the diet. While the average person has a limit on the amount of fructose they can comfortably digest in one sitting, a patient with dietary fructose intolerance has a much lower threshold. Excess, undigested fructose can ferment, irritating the intestines, altering the balance of bacteria, and causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms.

Gas and bloating are issues that affect everyone. There are many factors that can be involved. Habits such as eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, leading to bloating and belching. Intestinal fermentation of undigested carbohydrates (including as those found in beans) is a common cause of flatulence. However, frequentor particularly uncomfortable episodes can indicate an underlying digestive problem. Food sensitivities such as fructose or lactose intolerance and dysfunction of the small bowel such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are common causes of frequent digestive discomfort.

Experiencing the occasional bout of acid indigestion after a meal is not uncommon. However, persistent heartburn and reflux could be signs of a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Patients who experience reflux more than twice a week are encouraged to visit GERD specialist Dr. Berookim for a consultation.

Increase size Reset to Default Decrease sizeH. Pylori and UlcersH. pylori, also known as Helicobacter pylori, is a bacterial infection located in the stomach. It is often contracted during childhood. While many people with H. pylori demonstrate no symptoms, doctors estimate that half the world’s population is infected. H. pylori can spread from person to person or through tainted water. For this reason, the infection is more common in developing nations. Left untreated, the bacteria can lead to peptic ulcers, inflammation, and even certain types of stomach cancer. To protect their long-term gastrointestinal health, individuals with ulcers should be tested for H. pylori. Contact Dr. Peyton Berookim, Helicobacter pylori and ulcers specialist Beverly Hills, for a consultation to learn more about this potentially serious condition.

For many people, heartburn is simply accepted as a fact of life. It is controlled (often poorly) with over the counter medications. But severe and persistent heartburn is a sign that something is wrong with the gastrointestinal system. If you have symptoms of heartburn, Beverly Hills gastroenterologist Dr. Berookim can help: Identify the underlying cause, Prescribe more effective medications to reduce flare-ups, Offer advice on lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms and Evaluate tissue changes in the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around the anal canal or rectum. Though hemorrhoids are often not serious, they are a common problem that can become uncomfortable and painful if not treated. The rectum leads to the anus and completes the final stage of the digestive tract, so hemorrhoid symptoms often become evident during bowel movements. If you have noticed discomfort, like anal itching or blood in your stool or on your toilet paper, this may be the first sign of hemorrhoids. If you are concerned you may have hemorrhoids and are interested in hemorrhoid treatment, contact Dr. Peyton Berookim at Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California for more information on diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids.

The esophagus runs from the mouth to the stomach and passes through an opening in the diaphragm. This opening is called the hiatus. In some individuals, the stomach can protrude through the hiatus and cause a condition known as a hiatal hernia. While not always dangerous, large hiatal hernias may cause food and stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Some patients require surgery to correct the hernia and relieve heartburn and discomfort. If you are experiencing severe heartburn more than twice a week or if you have other troubling digestive symptoms, please contact Dr. Peyton Berookim for a consultation.

Commonly known as IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder in which the colon is especially sensitive to the natural contractions that help food pass through the intestines. Left untreated, the condition can cause a great deal of pain as well as emotional distress and inconvenience. If you’ve been suffering from unexplained GI symptoms, feel free to visit the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California for a consultation.

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder that occurs when the small intestine cannot break down lactose—the natural sugar found in dairy products like milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. This condition is not a food allergy. It can occur at any age, but it usually develops during adolescence or adulthood. If your body is unable to produce enough lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose for digestion), lactose passes into the large intestine undigested. When undigested lactose reaches the large intestine, it interacts with bacteria that are normally present there. The result is a set of uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms.

Gastrointestinal issues can cause patients a great deal of suffering and distress, interfering with their ability to enjoy daily life. Fortunately, Dr. Berookim offers a new procedure option called the ESO pill to identify and diagnose esophageal problems including ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. The ESO pill is a revolutionary procedure in which a patient swallows a small pill-sized video camera that takes hundreds of pictures of the esophagus that Dr. Berookim can later evaluate for abnormalities. Less invasive than other methods, the ESO pill is performed in the comfort of the office and allows Dr. Berookim to examine the lining of the esophageal tract without the need for sedation. If you are interested in the ESO pill procedure, feel free to contact us online for a consultation.

Until capsule endoscopy came along, the small intestine was always difficult to image and treat without open surgery. Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic technology that allows Dr. Berookim to detect lesions, ulcers, tumors, and bleeding within the small bowel. Patients arrive at the office earlier in the morning and swallow a pill-sized video capsule containing a miniature video camera, light bulb, battery and transmitter to photograph the inside lining of the small intestine. The capsule takes thousands of photographs over an 8 hour period (you will leave the office during the recording) that are later reviewed by Dr. Berookim. This amazing technology is commonly used to evaluate for abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia and Crohn’s diseease. For capsule endoscopy, patients are required to be on a clear liquid diet the entire day prior to the procedure.

Barrett’s esophagus is a disorder of the esophageal lining that can lead to esophageal cancer. Continuous exposure to stomach acid can cause the cells in the lower esophagus to become damaged, changing the architecture of the cells and increasing an individual’s risk of developing esophageal cancer. Studies have shown that people with Barrett’s disease are 50-80 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population.

If you have noticed blood in your stool, on used toilet paper, or in your toilet bowl, then you are suffering from rectal bleeding. Often an unnerving discovery for patients, rectal bleeding refers to blood that passes through your anus. While rectal bleeding usually comes from your lower colon or rectum, it can occur for various reasons including hemorrhoids, IBD, polyps, and cancer. If you’ve been suffering from unexplained rectal bleeding, feel free to visit the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California for a consultation!

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a dysfunction of the small bowel that allows bacteria to proliferate above normal levels. Unlike the colon, which should contain a lot of highly active bacteria, a healthy small intestine is not heavily colonized. Bacteria can accumulate in the small intestine if there is damage from inflammation or any obstruction that prevents food from being moved through the intestine with ease. Nerve or muscle damage, scarring, abnormalities in the intestinal lining, and certain medications can all affect the small bowel in this way.

Did you know that stomach cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States in the 1930s? Today, this cancer is not as common. But it still strikes more than 24,000 patients every year, causing more than 10,000 fatalities. As stomach cancer rates have gone down, awareness has also decreased—even as diagnostic capabilities and effective treatments are more readily available than ever. Sadly, this means that most patients who have stomach cancer are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease.

Stomach cancer, also know as gastric cancer, can affect any part of the stomach. However, it usually involves the stomach lining. Stomach cancer is treatable if detected in its early stages. If you’ve been suffering from unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or black stools, do not hesitate to visit the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California for a consultation. stomach cancer specialist los angeles

A colonoscopy has long been considered the gold standard in colon cancer detection and prevention, as it allows doctors to remove pre-cancerous polyps before cancer can develop. As part of his commitment to offering patients the most state-of-the-art procedures to guard against cancer, Peyton Berookim, M.D., F.A.C.G. now performs the Third Eye Colonoscopy Los Angeles services. If you have questions about this revolutionary procedure, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation at Gastroenterology Center of Southern California, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Heath problems affecting the small intestine can have a profound impact on the way you live your life. Ulcerative colitis, a type of irritable bowel disease, affects the inner lining of your large intestine and rectum and causes a number of unpleasant symptoms. If you are suffering from troubling digestive symptoms or changes in bowel habits, don’t hesitate to visit a Beverly Hills-based board-certified gastroenterologist like Dr. Berookim to be tested for ulcerative colitis and other conditions affecting your long-term health. ulcerative colitis specialist beverly hills

Since diseases of the digestive tract are often difficult to diagnose, these conditions cause patients a great deal of pain and suffering. Fortunately, a procedure called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) allows Dr. Berookim to visualize the esophagus, stomach and small intestine and examine the lining to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Also known as an upper endoscopy, EGD involves the insertion of a flexible tube with an attached camera into the mouth and advanced to the stomach. Not only can Dr. Berookim use EGD to diagnose disorders of the digestive tract, but he can also utilize the endoscope to treat issues that are found. If you are interested in learning more about EGD, feel free to contact Dr. Berookim by calling 310.271.1122.