Kristin MacArthur, MD, is a general gastroenterologist with a special interest in women’s gastrointestinal (GI) health, including pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is an inability to properly relax and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles to have a bowel movement, or may be due to weakness of the muscles in the anus or rectum. Symptoms include fecal incontinence, constipation, or prolapse. Bothersome hemorrhoids are also common.
“Often, women don’t bring these symptoms up because they are embarrassed, but there are so many things we can do to make them better,” Dr. MacArthur says. “I make sure all of my patients understand that my office is a safe space where we can discuss all of their issues.”
Dr. MacArthur also treats patients with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), eosinophilic esophagitis, and liver diseases. She performs upper and lower diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, as well as capsule endoscopy. She also manages all forms of gastrointestinal bleeding, polypectomy(surgical removal of a polyp), and endoscopic esophageal dilationfor swallowing disorders. She performs anorectal manometry as well as hemorrhoid banding.
“What drew me to the GI field is the nice balance between patient care in the office and performing procedures,” Dr. MacArthur says. “I enjoy the long term relationship that develops with patients with chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease balanced with more acute issues such as gastrointestinal bleeding.”
Working with patients is the best part of her job, she says. “I believe in shared decision-making in which we discuss options and come up with the best treatment for the patient together.”
