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
• Ph. D - Gastroenterology & Human Nutrition Unit
• DM - Gastroenterology
• DNB - Gastroenterology
• FRCP - Gastroenterology

What are the possible areas of emphasis in Gastroenterology?

Following are the area of emphasis in Gastroenterology:

• Hepatology
• Pancreatic diseases
• Transplantation
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Endoscopic surveillance
• Reflux esophagitis

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 from piles.

How often should a Gastroenterologist be consulted?

A patient who is diagnosed with the digestive disorder should visit Gastroenterologist once a month. However, a healthy person must visit Gastroenterologist once in 5-6 years 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

What are the procedures performed by a Gastroenterologist?

A range of non-surgical procedures performed are:

• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Colonoscopies
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
• Sigmoidoscopies
• Liver biopsies
• Capsule endoscopies
• Double balloon enteroscopy