Butts & Guts: A Cleveland Clinic Digestive Health Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Weight Loss Without Surgery? Understanding Bariatric Endoscopy Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

Bariatric endoscopy offers incisionless weight loss options for people looking for an alternative to traditional bariatric surgery. Stephen Firkins, MD, gastroenterologist and Co-Director of Advanced and Bariatric Endoscopy for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts & Guts to explain procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), who may benefit and what patients can expect before and after treatment.

Inguinal Hernias: From Groin Pain to Hernia Repair Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Kevin Wissinger, a general surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida, discusses inguinal hernias, including common signs and symptoms, how they’re diagnosed and when treatment may be needed. He also discusses watchful waiting, surgical repair options and the role of mesh in hernia repair.

Reducing Your Risk of Pancreatic Cancer Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

What can you do to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer? Robert Simon, MD, general surgeon and hepatobiliary/pancreatic specialist at Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease Institute, discusses pancreatic cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening, including the role of family history, genetics and lifestyle.

Constipation: What's Normal and When Should You Be Concerned? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Constipation is common, but when is it more than just an occasional problem? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic Florida gastroenterologist, Dr. Monica Multani, discusses the causes of constipation, the role of fiber and hydration, and safe treatment options to help keep your digestive system moving. Learn when lifestyle changes may help, when it's time to seek medical care, and how healthy bowel habits support digestive and gut health.

Pelvic Floor Disorders: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Are you experiencing pelvic pressure, urinary leakage, constipation or symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Anna Spivak explains pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary and fecal incontinence, rectal prolapse and other common pelvic floor disorders. She discusses symptoms, risk factors and treatment options available through Cleveland Clinic's multidisciplinary Colorectal Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders.

Anal Fistulas and Perianal Abscesses: Symptoms, Causes and Current Treatment Options Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Ebram Salama, colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida, discusses perianal abscesses and anal fistulas, two common causes of anal pain, swelling, drainage and recurrent infection. Learn when these conditions need medical attention, what treatment options are available and what recovery may look like after fistula surgery.

Patient Perspectives: Diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer at 26—Now Cancer-Free After a Liver Transplant Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

At just 26 years old, David Lyon never imagined that his symptoms would lead to a diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer. After learning his cancer had spread to his liver, David underwent treatment, surgery and ultimately a liver transplant. David joins Dr. Scott Steele and transplant surgeon Dr. Alejandro Pita on this episode of Butts & Guts to share his remarkable journey, the importance of not ignoring symptoms and how the multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic helped save his life.

What Is a Hernia? Signs, Causes and Treatment Options Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. David Krpata, a Cleveland Clinic general surgeon and hernia specialist, explains what a hernia is, the most common hernia symptoms and how they are diagnosed and treated. Learn when a hernia may require medical attention, what to expect from hernia surgery and recovery, the role of hernia mesh and the full spectrum of treatment options available for hernia repair.

Trouble Swallowing? It Could Be Dysphagia Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Do you have trouble swallowing or feel like food gets stuck when you eat? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Fady Asslo, gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida, explores dysphagia, a common swallowing disorder. He discusses dysphagia symptoms (including choking and coughing while eating), causes, the latest treatment options and when swallowing difficulties may be a sign of a more serious condition.

FiberMaxxing: The Truth About Fiber, Your Gut Microbiome and Digestive Health | Julia Zumpano Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

Is fibermaxxing just a social media trend, or is dietary fiber truly the key to better gut health? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic Registered Dietitian Julia Zumpano separates fact from hype, covering the gut microbiome, fiber-rich foods, fiber supplements, bloating, constipation, IBS and why most Americans aren't getting nearly enough fiber to support their digestive health.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Butts & Guts: A Cleveland Clinic Digestive Health Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected