What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that involves the diagnosis and
treatment of disorders of the digestive system. These disorders may affect the
esophagus (food tube), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon),
rectum, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
A gastroenterologist is a physician who is trained in internal medicine and then
spends several additional years of training in gastroenterology. Most
gastroenterologists are board certified in Internal Medicine. Then after
specialty training and further testing, a physician can become board certified
in gastroenterology.
Gastroenterologists are frequently asked to evaluate the following problems:
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Abdominal pain
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Difficulty swallowing
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Gallbladder disease
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Heartburn
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Indigestion
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Liver problems
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Pancreas problems
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Rectal bleeding
Some diseases that are diagnosed and treated by a gastroenterologist include:
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Acid reflux
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Cirrhosis
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Colon Cancer
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Colon polyps
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Crohn's disease
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Diverticulosis
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Gallstones
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Gas
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Hepatitis
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Pancreatic disease
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Peptic ulcer disease
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Ulcerative colitis
Gastroenterologists may perform the following procedures to help make a
diagnosis:
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Ano-Rectal Manometry
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Colonoscopy
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ERCP
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Esophageal Dilatation
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Endoscopic Ultrasound
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
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Upper GI Endoscopy
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