Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that studies the function of the digestive system – the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver, as well as the diseases affecting this system of organs. It includes a detailed understanding of the physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) organs, including the passage of food through the stomach and the intestines, the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body, the removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver and pancreas as a part of the digestive system.

Gastroenterology involves the diagnosis and treatment of relatively common and at the same timesignificant conditions, such as polyps and colon cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract diseases, nutritional problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in evaluating and treating conditions that affect your digestive system.

When should you visit a gastroenterologist and how can digestive problems be prevented?

If you have symptoms affecting your digestive system that your general practitioner cannot reliably diagnose or effectively treat, you should consult a gastroenterologist.

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as the following:

• Pain, abdominal distension
• Indigestion
• Passing gas (which may be accompanied by pain)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Heartburn
• Jaundice

The followingare among the most common digestive problems that we encounter:

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic condition characterized by gastric acid reflux, accompanied by a burning sensation in the stomach or chest and difficulty swallowing. It occurs when gastric acid backflows into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the mucosal lining.

2. Irritable bowel syndrome: A functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or frequent bowel movements. It is often caused by stress, poor diet, or hormonal changes.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are chronic inflammatory bowel disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

4. Liver diseases: These include a number of conditions, such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis (viral or autoimmune), cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving liver function and preventing complications.

5. Pancreatic disorders: Disorders such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer can cause abdominal pain, indigestion, weight loss, and jaundice. They are often associated with alcohol consumption. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Maintaining digestive health includes adopting healthy lifestyle habits and having regular gastroenterological examinations, especially for individuals at risk or with a family history of digestive disorders and diseases, primarily cancer. Key preventive measures and strategies include eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as limiting the intake of processed foods. In addition, it is important to drink enough water and exercise regularly, which improves digestion, reduces stress, and helps in maintaining a normal body weight.

What does an examination by a gastroenterologist look like?

The gastroenterologist beginswith a physical examination – he/she will palpate and externally observeyour abdominalorgans. If necessary, the doctor may order follow-up tests, such as blood work, stool tests, an ultrasound examination, computed tomography (CT) imaging, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

However, when they need more information than these tests can provide, gastroenterologists are specially trained to perform endoscopic procedures. These are examinations that allow visualization of the inside of your body using an endoscope – a small video camera at the end of a long, thin, flexible tube that is inserted into your body.

Endoscopic procedures include the following:

• Upper GI endoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, from the throat downwards through the stomach and duodenum to the proximal end of the small intestine.
• Colonoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract –the large intestine.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: Upper or lower GI endoscopy with an ultrasound probe attached to the endoscope, which helps to visualize your biliary system or pancreas.
• Polypectomy: Removal of polyps from the stomach or intestines during endoscopy.

Gastroenterologists can remove possible intestinal obstructions that are blocking food passage, widen narrowed passageways, stop bleeding, and remove tumors with the use of an endoscope. They can also use an endoscope to perform a biopsy, i.e., take tissue samples for pathohistological analysis.