Sumit Sahni is a Gastroenterologist based in St Leonards, NSW, Australia. He looks after people with gut and digestive health issues, especially when the problem is more complex than a simple stomach upset.
In day to day care, Dr Sahni helps patients who are dealing with long-term conditions of the digestive system, and also people who need help after a sudden flare-up. This can include things like acute pancreatitis, trouble absorbing food due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and ongoing gut problems linked to colorectal conditions.
He also works with patients who are facing serious pancreatic and bowel cancers. That includes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer, along with cases where surgery and longer treatment plans may be discussed. At times, people also need support for pancreatic and gut complications after procedures, including care around pancreatic ducts and related operations.
Another part of his work involves gastrointestinal fistulas. These can be difficult and stressful for patients, and they often need a careful plan to manage symptoms and support healing. Dr Sahni focuses on working out what is going on, explaining the next steps in plain language, and helping patients feel more in control.
Because medicine doesn’t always fit neatly into one box, he also treats people with complex health conditions where digestive symptoms can show up alongside other problems. For example, hereditary and genetic conditions listed in his service area can include Friedreich ataxia and hereditary ataxia, and he supports the gut side of care as part of the bigger picture.
Over time, his experience in gastroenterology has built a steady approach to both urgent issues and slower, ongoing problems. He understands that people can feel worried when symptoms keep coming back, or when scans raise questions. In many cases, a calm, step-by-step conversation makes it easier to make decisions.
Dr Sahni’s education includes medical training and specialist education in gastroenterology. When it comes to research, there is a focus on keeping up with current thinking that helps guide care, especially for pancreas and bowel conditions.
Clinical trials are not always suitable for every person, and this depends on the stage of illness and the details of each case. When trials are relevant, he can talk through options and what they might involve, in a way that suits each patient.
