Who are Gastroenterologists?

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of the digestive system and its disorders affecting organs from mouth to anus. Gastroenterologists are the doctors who are specialized in examining, diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disorders related to digestive system organs.

What are the qualifications of Gastroenterologists?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Gastroenterologist:

• Diplomate in Gastroenterology
• CCST - GastroenterologyMRCS (UK)
• DNB - Surgical Gastroenterology
• Fellowship in Gastroenterology
• MRCP (UK)
• MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I.Surgery
• MASGE
• Ph. D - Gastroenterology & Human Nutrition Unit
• DM - Gastroenterology
• DNB - Gastroenterology
• FRCP - Gastroenterology

How often should I visit Gastroenterologists?

A patient who is diagnosed with the digestive disorder should visit Gastroenterologist once in a month or as directed by the doctor. However, a healthy person must visit Gastroenterologist once in a year to check the condition of the digestive system.

Why should an individual consult a Gastroenterologist?

If a person who is suffering from any of the following digestive diseases should consult a Gastroenterologist.

• Pancreatitis
• Gastric ulcers
• Polyps
• Hemorrhoids
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Gallbladder disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Celiac disease
• Stomach cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Severe stomachache

Are Gastroenterologists and Proctologists the same?

Gastroenterologists and Proctologists are the same and the only difference is Gastroenterologists will do only diagnostic procedures whereas Proctologists can perform surgery related to the digestive system.

Can Gastroenterologist treat hernia?

Gastroenterologists can treat hernia that occurred on the stomach. This type of hernia is called hiatal hernia [bulging of the upper part of the stomach]. However, before treating hernia, your Gastroenterologist may suggest a few tests to diagnose the type of hernia.

Can Gastroenterologist cure piles?

Generally, piles can be treated and cured by a general surgeon. However, if there are any complications involved, the patient can be referred to a well experienced and trained Gastroenterologist to get treated piles.

Can Gastroenterologist detect the presence of cancer?

Yes, Gastroenterologists can detect different types of cancers like pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer.

What surgeries can be performed by a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists may not perform any kind of surgeries but they can perform different types of diagnostic procedures like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and biopsy, etc.