Nearly four decades ago, William A. Cassidy, MD founded Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. on the principle of meeting the needs of a growing community. The goal was simple. By specializing in the disorders affecting the digestive tract, this group of dedicated physicians would set the standard for gastroenterology care within the community.
With its humble beginnings in Annapolis, this devoted group has grown with the community, and is now pleased to provide care for patients at three convenient locations. The expectation they have set with their patients is that of high quality healthcare with a gentle touch. They are building relationships that will last a lifetime.
These expert physicians are capable of treating digestive disorders, which include but are not limited to colon and rectal disease, ulcers and stomach disorders, colitis, Crohn's disease as well as liver and pancreatic disease. Each of the Board certified gastroenterologists regularly perform procedures to correct any one of these issues. However, the real passion of this group is to steadily prevent the spread of colorectal cancer with early detection through screenings.
AAGA is proud to salute three of our expert physicians chosen by the community as Top Docs for 2011:
Anthony J. Cala ese, MD, FACG who has served our troops as Chief of Gastroenterology at Andrews Air Force Base. He was also president of the medical staff at AAMC. His expertise is extraordinary within the field. In addition, you may see him playing the sax and clarinet in a popular big band or out on the Bay fishing.
Suzanne L. Sankey, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. A compassionate, sensitive and enthusiastic physician, she is a leader among her peers in promoting women’s health issues in the field of gastroenterology.
Charles J. Cattano, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, is oft en called upon by universities and pharmaceutical firms to speak on his cutting-edge treatment of liver and GI Tract diseases. His high level of care is remarkable. He successfully practices both adult and pediatric gastroenterology, while being the Chief of Medicine at AAMC.
As the community evolves, AAGA will look for additional ways to serve this ever-changing populace. They will continue to provide a safe, caring and compassionate environment in which patients are actively accommodated and offered the most appropriate medical care.
Q: What are the risks involved in a colonoscopy?
A: The low risk of colonoscopy is well balanced against the benefits of the procedure—removing polyps before they grow into cancer. Roughly 90 percent of patients will survive colon cancer with treatment and early detection. No medical technique is perfect or 100 percent accurate. However, as a cancer screening tool it is among the best available. Risks are low and the published complication rates generally involve minor issues. Bleeding, infection, dehydration, and over-sedation occur rarely, and the risk of perforation is less than 1 per 2,000 persons. Patient concerns commonly arise from the need to cleanse the colon before testing. These concerns are well outweighed by the early detection of colon cancer (the #3 cause of cancer death) with colonoscopy.
— Charles J. Cattano, MD, Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates
Q: What is a colonoscopy?
A: A colonoscopy is an exam of the colon and ileum using a fiber optic flexible scope to directly examine the lining of the large intestine and the distal small bowel to look for polyps, cancer, and a variety of medical conditions which affect this part of the body. It can provide diagnostic evaluation of these areas as well as therapeutic maneuvers, i.e. polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.
— Suzanne Sankey, MD, Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates
Q: What is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer?
A: Unlike most cancer strategies that emphasize early detection of a cancer that has already developed, colorectal cancer is actually preventable in most cases. For most of us at an average risk of developing colon cancer (the #2 most frequent cause of cancer mortality in the U.S.), the current best strategy for its prevention is removal of benign yet pre-cancerous polyps that can be found and removed when discovered at routine screening colonoscopy.
— Anthony J. Cala ese, MD, FACG, Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates
