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What is Gastroenterology?

Branch of science that deals with the study of the gastrointestinal tract and other digestive system organs like the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, bile duct is called Gastroenterology. Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who specialize in the branch of gastroenterology. They are trained in examining, diagnosing, and treating diseases and disorders related to the 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

Is endoscopy a painful surgery?

Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure, but not surgery. During this procedure, an endoscope which is a thin long tube with a camera and light at one end goes through the mouth, so that Gastroenterologist can check the upper digestive tract for any abnormalities or take a biopsy. Usually, endoscopy is not a painful procedure, but most people feel discomfort. If an individual is not ready for the procedure, the doctor may give local anesthesia to numb the particular area of the body. 

What are the medical conditions that can be treated by a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat diseases related to digestive system organs such as the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, intestines, gallbladder, colon, and rectum. Following are few medical conditions that they treat:

• Constipation and diarrhea
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Liver cancer
• Hepatitis
• Gastric ulcers
• Peptic ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gallbladder disease
• Stomach cancer
• Colon cancer
• PolypsCirrhosis

Do Gastroenterologists perform surgeries?

No, Gastroenterologists do not perform surgeries, they can perform diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopies, and biopsies, etc. 

Do Gastroenterologists treat polyps?

Gastroenterologists can treat polyps that occurred mostly on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps are the abnormal growths that occur in different areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Removal of polyps will never have a chance to turn into cancer. Polypectomy is important in preventing colorectal cancer.

What are the procedures performed by Gastroenterologists?

Following are some of the non-surgical procedures performed by Gastroenterologists:

• Sigmoidoscopies
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Double balloon enteroscopy
• Colonoscopies
• Liver biopsies
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Percutaneous gastrostomy
• Lactose intolerance test
• Capsule endoscopies
• 
  

How can I prepare for a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy needs a cleansing preparation of the colon the day before the procedure so that the colon can be fully visualized. This can be done by drinking a lot of fluids that cause emptying of the colon. The Gastroenterologist will suggest the dietary plan a week before the appointment for the procedure. It is necessary to follow all the instructions carefully given by the doctor.