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Gastroenterology is a medical specialty dealing
with the digestive system, which is comprised of the esophagus, stomach,
small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists
complete the same basic training as all doctors. In order to become
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, they complete
at least two years of additional training, then study for an another two
to three years specifically in conditions of the digestive tract.
People with heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD), difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, ulcers,
nausea, anemia, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea,
diverticular
disease, colitis,
polyps,
liver problems, jaundice and hepatitis frequently seek the help of
a Gastroenterologist or are referred to one by their family physician.
Gastroenterologists often perform endoscopy to diagnose and treat many
conditions of the digestive system. Endoscopy is the insertion of
a soft, flexible instrument, about the diameter of your finger (called
an endoscope) through the mouth or rectum for direct visualization of the
esophagus, stomach, duodenum and colon. The endoscope has a lens
and computer chip at the end which magnifies the image and displays
it on a TV screen, affording a detailed inspection of the problem area.
Therapeutic procedures can also be performed via the endoscope, including
biopsies, removal of polyps, dilatation of narrowed areas of the esophagus,
insertion
of a stent into the bile duct and removal of gallstones trapped in
the bile duct. Endoscopic procedures are performed under sedation
and discomfort is usually minimal.
The Digestive System
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