Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include organs from mouth to anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this speciality. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct and liver. Gastroenterology as a term refers to the treatment that can be surgical and non-surgical to treat a variety of conditions.

A Gastroenterology disease is a disease that effects the normal action of the gastrointestinal organs; this includes the movement of material through the stomach and intestine (motility), the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system, and the function of the pancreas and liver as digestive organs. This includes common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and pancreatitis.

Who does it cover?

•          Patients with a range of gastro issues
•          Adults and children

What does Gastroenterology specialise in?

•          The Oesophagus
•          Stomach
•          Small Intestine
•          Colon & Rectum
•          Pancreas
•          Gallbladder
•          Bile Duct
•          Liver

What kinds of investigations are available?

•          Barium Enema
•          Barium Swallow And Barium Meal
•          Colonoscopy
•          Gastroscopy
•          Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
•          ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatograpy)
•          Barium Follow through
•          Abdominal Ultrasound
•          Abdominal X-Ray
•          MRI
•          MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
•          CT Scan
•          CT pneumocolon

When should you see a Gastroenterologist?

It is important to see a Gastroenterologist if your general practitioner (GP) recommends you do if your symptoms are persistent or you suffer with repeated episodes. Your GP may recommend you see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of GI disorders:

•          Rectal bleeding
•          Leakage/underwear stains
•          Bowel movement urges that are hard to control
•          Diarrhoea
•          Change in bowel habits
•          Pale-coloured stools
•          Dark Urine
•          Heartburn (acid reflux)
•          Abdominal pain or bloating
•          Excessive gas or belching
•          Oesophageal pain
•          Vomiting
•          Loss of appetite or weight
•          Lethargy
•          Chest pain (not related to heart condition)
•          Cough
•          Nasty taste in mouth