Gastroenterology

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on all the disorders of the digestive system. A digestive system consists of a GI tract ( gastrointestinal tract), which includes our small intestine, stomach, esophagus, large intestine, and other organs of digestion like gallbladder, liver, pancreas, etc. Some medical conditions that are a part of gastroenterology include gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis, colon polyps cancer, etc.

What Conditions Do Gastroenterologists Treat?

Some of the common conditions that gastroenterologists treat include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where the contents of the stomach start to move up into the esophagus. It becomes a serious issue when it causes frequent symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, coughing, sore throat, etc.
• Peptic ulcer disease: A peptic ulcer is a condition that causes open sores in the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) and the part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). Some of the causes of peptic ulcers include prolonged use of NSAIDs ( nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to conditions that lead to chronic inflammation of the GI tract. It is a term that mainly refers to two conditions- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In Crohn's disease, inflammation can occur in any part of the GI tract. However, in ulcerative colitis, the inflammation mainly appears in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.
• Gallbladder and biliary tract diseases: These included conditions like gallstones, biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), gallbladder cancer, biliary atresia, bile duct obstructions, and many more.
• Liver diseases: Gastroenterologists can also treat various liver conditions, including alagille syndrome, biliary atresia, cirrhosis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

What Are The Various Tests Performed By Gastroenterologists To Treat Gastroenterological Conditions?

• Bravo PH study: It is a test that is used to determine whether the acid of the stomach is reaching the esophagus. If your healthcare expert thinks you are suffering from GERD, he/she might conduct this test to have an accurate diagnosis.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that helps doctors visualize and examine the digestive tract. In this procedure, the surgeon uses an instrument called an endoscope, which has a light and camera attached to it, to take pictures of the tract and view it on a color TV monitor. This helps the surgeon identify abnormalities, and perform surgery or tissue removal. Colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy.
• Imaging tests: Different imaging tests like ultrasound, defecography, CT scan, oropharyngeal motility (swallowing) study, MRI, lower GI series, and X-ray can also be performed by gastroenterologists to examine the GI tract and nearby organs. These tests can help identify abnormalities or blockages in the digestive tract.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This test uses gastrointestinal endoscopy and x-rays to diagnose and treat problems related to the liver gallbladder, bile, and pancreatic ducts.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: In this test, the doctor uses an instrument called a sigmoidoscope to look inside and examine the rectum and lower colon. The sigmoidoscope has a light and camera attached to it which helps the healthcare provider to look for deformities like swollen tissue, polyps, and cancer.
• Blood tests: Your healthcare provider may conduct various blood tests like blood count, liver function test, pancreatic enzyme test, etc. to diagnose certain gastrointestinal disorders like bacterial or parasitic infection, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, etc.

What Are The Various Gastrointestinal Surgeries Performed At Marengo Asia Hospitals?

Here are some common types of gastrointestinal surgeries performed at Marengo Asia Hospitals:

• Appendectomy: Appendectomy is a procedure to remove the appendix from the body. This procedure is required to treat an inflamed appendix, also known as appendicitis. Appendicitis can occur when the opening of the appendix gets blocked ( clogged) by stool or bacteria. Appendicitis needs immediate treatment, because the appendix may burst. If that happens, the bacteria can reach your bloodstream and can lead to sepsis.
• Cholecystectomy: A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. A gallbladder is a small organ found below the liver. It is basically located on the upper right side of the abdomen. Cholecystectomy is performed if your gallbladder has stones, is cancerous, or is swollen or infected.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure done to remove internal or external hemorrhoids from the body. Hemorrhoids (piles) refer to the veins in and around the anus that have become inflamed. Hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective way to treat hemorrhoids and their complications like prolapse, thrombosis, and strangulation
• Hernia Repair Surgery: Hernia surgery is the most effective way to treat hernias. A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through the muscle that contains it. It typically occurs in the groin region or abdomen. Hernia surgery allows the healthcare expert to push the organ back into its original place and reinforce it using mesh or stitches.
• Bariatric Surgery: Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery that helps obese people lose weight. Healthcare experts may advise this surgery if other weight loss techniques are unsuccessful and if excessive weight poses a significant risk to your health. In bariatric surgery, the surgeon modifies your digestive system to control the amount of calories you consume.