Gastroenterology Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine focusing on the digestive system and its disorders. It covers the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Gastroenterologists specialize in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional bowel disorders, celiac disease, gastrointestinal motility disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, liver disorders, and pancreatic disease.
Gastroenterologists also manage conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, pancreatitis, chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis C and fatty liver disease, and colorectal diseases and disorders. Gastroenterologists also provide nutritional advice to patients who are suffering from malabsorption syndromes or who have difficulty digesting certain foods.
Gastroenterologists use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause of a patient's digestive problem. These include blood tests, stool tests, imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds, endoscopy (a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the digestive tract to take pictures), biopsies (samples of tissue taken from the body), and manometry (a test that measures muscle contractions).
Gastroenterologists perform a variety of medical procedures to diagnose and treat digestive disorders. These procedures include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), gastrointestinal motility studies, endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Gastroenterologists also provide nutritional advice to patients who are suffering from malabsorption syndromes or who have difficulty digesting certain foods. They may recommend dietary changes or suggest supplements to help improve patients' digestion.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
To become a gastroenterologist, a physician must first complete three years of internal medicine residency, then a fellowship in gastroenterology.
Related Medical Specialties to Gastroenterology
While gastroenterologists are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the digestive system, they often work together with other medical professionals to ensure their patients receive the best care possible.
Related medical specialties to gastroenterology include hepatology, which focuses on the liver; endocrinology, which focuses on hormones; nutrition, which focuses on diet and nutrition. Gastroenterologists also collaborate with radiologists to interpret imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasound.
Gastroenterologists may also work with colorectal surgeons who perform surgical procedures such as colon resections or fundoplications. As well, they work with general surgeons, surgical oncologists, internists, and family medicine physicians. They may also work with pathologists to examine tissue samples taken during endoscopic procedures.
Finally, gastroenterologists may refer their patients to other specialists such as allergists or immunologists if they suspect an allergy or autoimmune disorder is causing their digestive problems.
Medical-Legal Cases Involving Gastroenterology
Medical-legal cases involving gastroenterology typically involve allegations of negligence or malpractice. These cases can arise from issues such as delayed diagnosis, incorrect diagnosis, improper treatment, or failure to obtain an informed consent.