Dr. Ronald M. Rance Gastroenterologist and Digestive Health Specialist
Dr. Ronald M. Rance is a board-certified gastroenterologist who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, and related organs.
His clinical work includes digestive disease evaluation, colon cancer screening, colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease management, gastrointestinal bleeding assessment, and treatment of conditions affecting digestive health.
About Dr. Ronald M. Rance
Dr. Rance provides gastroenterology care for adults experiencing digestive symptoms and conditions that require specialised evaluation.
The digestive system involves multiple organs that work together to process food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. Problems in one area can sometimes affect other parts of the body, which is why a gastroenterology evaluation often includes a complete review of symptoms, medical history, medications, and previous testing.
His areas of care include:
- Colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Acid reflux and GERD evaluation
- Swallowing difficulties
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Colitis
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Digestive tract disorders
- Liver-related digestive concerns
- Abnormal digestive symptoms requiring specialist assessment
Patients can explore gastroenterology and digestive health services available through Doctiplus.
Education and Specialist Training
| Training Area |
Institution |
Details |
| Medical education |
Sapienza University of Rome |
Doctor of Medicine |
| Residency |
Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center |
Internal medicine training |
| Fellowship |
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Gastroenterology fellowship |
| Board certification |
American Board of Internal Medicine |
Gastroenterology |
Dr. Rance completed medical training at Sapienza University of Rome, followed by residency training and specialised gastroenterology fellowship education. His fellowship training provided advanced experience in digestive disorders and gastrointestinal procedures.
Understanding Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology focuses on conditions involving:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Colon
- Rectum
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
A gastroenterologist evaluates symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, bowel changes, bleeding, swallowing problems, and unexplained digestive issues.
Some digestive conditions are temporary, while others require long-term monitoring and treatment.
Acid Reflux and GERD Care
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach contents repeatedly move back into the esophagus, causing irritation.
Common symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- Chest discomfort after meals
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
Patients can review information about acid reflux and GERD.
Evaluation may include:
- Symptom review
- Medication assessment
- Lifestyle discussion
- Upper endoscopy when appropriate
- Additional testing for persistent symptoms
Treatment may involve dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, medication, or further investigation when symptoms continue.
Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a flexible camera.
It may be recommended for:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Removal of colon polyps
- Rectal bleeding evaluation
- Persistent bowel changes
- Unexplained anaemia
- Follow-up after previous abnormal findings
Patients can learn more about colorectal cancer screening.
During colonoscopy, doctors can identify abnormalities and remove certain polyps before they become cancerous.
The recommended screening approach depends on age, family history, previous findings, and individual risk factors.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy allows examination of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
It may help evaluate:
- Persistent reflux symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Ulcers
- Bleeding
- Inflammation
- Abnormal imaging results
During the procedure, tissue samples may be collected when needed. The findings can help determine the cause of symptoms and guide treatment decisions.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions involve ongoing inflammation within the digestive tract.
Possible symptoms include:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stool
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Reduced appetite
- Urgency to use the bathroom
Patients can review information about Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Management may include:
- Medication
- Regular monitoring
- Nutrition support
- Laboratory testing
- Imaging
- Endoscopic evaluation
- Long-term disease management
Treatment depends on the location and severity of inflammation and the patient’s overall health.
Crohn’s Disease and Colitis Care
Crohn’s disease and colitis can affect different areas of the digestive tract and may cause symptoms that change over time.
A gastroenterology evaluation may include:
- Symptom history
- Blood tests
- Stool testing
- Colonoscopy
- Imaging
- Review of previous treatments
The goal of treatment is to control inflammation, reduce symptoms, maintain nutrition, and prevent complications.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease often benefit from ongoing monitoring even when symptoms improve.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Evaluation
Bleeding anywhere in the digestive system requires careful evaluation because the cause can range from minor conditions to problems requiring urgent treatment.
Possible signs include:
- Blood in stool
- Dark stool
- Vomiting blood
- Unexplained anaemia
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Patients can read about gastrointestinal bleeding causes and evaluation.
Assessment may involve:
- Blood tests
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Imaging
- Medication review
The location and severity of bleeding determine the most appropriate investigation and treatment.
Swallowing Problems
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, may occur because of narrowing, inflammation, movement problems of the esophagus, or other conditions.
Patients may notice:
- Food feeling stuck
- Pain while swallowing
- Trouble with liquids or solids
- Coughing during meals
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
Evaluation may include:
- Medical history review
- Upper endoscopy
- Imaging
- Swallowing tests
- Esophageal function testing
Early assessment is important because swallowing problems can affect nutrition and quality of life.
Liver and Digestive Health
Gastroenterologists may also evaluate conditions involving the liver and related organs.
Concerns may include:
- Abnormal liver tests
- Hepatitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver inflammation
- Digestive symptoms connected with liver conditions
Evaluation may involve blood testing, imaging, medication review, and lifestyle assessment.
Patients can review information about liver disease and digestive health.
Digestive Symptoms That May Need Specialist Evaluation
A gastroenterology consultation may be helpful for:
- Ongoing abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Persistent constipation
- Acid reflux that does not improve
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abnormal liver tests
- Repeated digestive symptoms
- Family history of digestive cancers
A specialist evaluation helps determine whether symptoms require testing, medication, monitoring, or another treatment approach.
Diagnostic Procedures and Testing
Depending on symptoms, Dr. Rance may recommend:
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
- Blood testing
- Stool testing
- Imaging studies
- Biopsy when appropriate
- Review of previous medical records
Not every patient requires invasive testing. The recommended approach depends on symptoms, risk factors, examination findings, and previous results.
Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Ronald M. Rance
A gastroenterology consultation may be useful for patients who:
- Need colorectal cancer screening
- Have digestive symptoms lasting several weeks
- Experience unexplained abdominal discomfort
- Have bowel habit changes
- Need colonoscopy or endoscopy
- Have inflammatory bowel disease
- Have digestive bleeding
- Have swallowing concerns
- Need evaluation of abnormal digestive tests
- Want another opinion about a digestive condition
Patients can use the Doctiplus doctor and specialist directory when comparing healthcare professionals.
What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment
A digestive health appointment may include discussion of:
- Current symptoms
- Medical history
- Family history
- Previous procedures
- Medication use
- Diet
- Bowel habits
- Weight changes
- Laboratory results
- Imaging reports
- Previous treatments
The examination and recommended testing depend on the reason for consultation.
Preparing for the Appointment
Patients can bring:
- Current medication list
- Previous colonoscopy reports
- Endoscopy records
- Laboratory results
- Imaging reports
- Pathology reports
- Family history of digestive diseases
- Symptom timeline
- Questions about treatment options
Patients should inform the doctor about blood thinners, supplements, and non-prescription medications because these may affect certain procedures.
Questions to Ask Dr. Rance
Patients may consider asking:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do I need a colonoscopy or endoscopy?
- Are there alternatives to this test?
- What preparation is required?
- What treatment options are available?
- How often should I be monitored?
- Could diet affect my symptoms?
- What warning signs should I watch for?
- When should I schedule follow-up?
Practice and Appointment Information
Dr. Ronald M. Rance provides gastroenterology care through GI Specialists of Houston. His professional information lists gastroenterology as his specialty, with experience in digestive disease management and endoscopic procedures.
Appointment availability, insurance participation, office hours, and procedure locations may change. Patients should confirm current information directly with the practice before scheduling.
When Digestive Symptoms Need Urgent Care
Urgent medical attention may be needed for:
- Vomiting blood
- Heavy rectal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fainting
- Severe dehydration
- Persistent vomiting
- Yellow skin with confusion or severe illness
- Difficulty swallowing with breathing problems
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
Emergency services should be contacted when symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
Profile Accuracy
This profile has been prepared using current publicly available professional and clinical information.
Readers can review the Doctiplus editorial policy and the site’s trusted healthcare resources for additional medical information.
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