What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology, is a specialised medical field, concerned with the human digestive system. Gastroenterology focuses on the study, functioning and disorders affecting the stomach, oesophagus, intestines, and associated organs including the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

Gastroenterologists are specialised doctors in gastroenterology, who are trained in diagnosing and treating patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnostic procedures for gastroenterology may include endoscopic examination, blood and stool laboratory tests, radiological examination, and rarely surgery.

Gastroesophegal reflux disease (GORD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcer disease, GI cancer, liver cirrhosis, and hepatitis are some of the frequent disorders that come under the branch of gastroenterology. Gastroenterology diseases can cause a range of signs and symptoms including constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heart burn, indigestion, rectal bleeding, liver disturbance, nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Diagnostic procedures may comprise of gastroscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), capsule endoscopy, breath test analysis, liver biopsy, oesophageal manometry and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Along with antibiotics and medications, a combination of proper attention to diet and life style may also be needed to reduce the symptoms of gastroenterological disorders.

Relevant Links

Capsule Endoscopy
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Intus