Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the digestive system and its diseases. Covering a wide range of conditions, the field of gastroenterology diagnoses and treats diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas—organs that may appear distinct but can be interconnected.

Specialists working in the field of gastroenterology are called gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders and diseases affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Gastroenterology Diagnostic Methods

Gastroenterology diagnostic methods include:

Endoscopy,
Colonoscopy,
Biopsy,
ERCP,
Gastroscopy,
pH-metry,
sigmoidoscopy, and other similar procedures.

Endoscopy is known as a procedure used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Colonoscopy, on the other hand, can diagnose disorders in the small and large intestines.

Gastroenterological Surgery

Gastroenterological surgery is the surgical treatment of benign or malignant diseases of the digestive system. During surgery, benign or malignant tumors are removed. Conditions such as cancer, colitis, pancreatic and gallbladder diseases, liver diseases, reflux, and obesity can be treated using advanced surgical techniques.

Gastroenterology Treatments

In the gastroenterology department, different diagnostic and treatment methods are applied depending on the organ. The methods used are as follows
:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): This is an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is an endoscopic technique used to examine the bile and pancreatic ducts and to perform therapeutic procedures.

Colonoscopy: This
procedure is used to investigate symptoms or findings in the intestinal region and is also known as a screening method for colon and rectal cancer.
Rectosigmoidoscopy: This procedure involves examining the rectum and sigmoid colon—parts of the large intestine—using a thin, flexible instrument.

Endoscopic Treatment: Lesions observed in the esophagus, stomach, and rectum can be removed using endoscopic methods.

Dilator and Balloon Treatment: Narrowings in the esophagus can be dilated using dilators and balloons. Specialists may also place stents in this area.

Band Ligation: In cases of esophageal variceal bleeding caused by liver cirrhosis, this procedure involves using an endoscope to access the bleeding vessel, suctioning it, and applying a rubber band around it to stop the bleeding.

Polypectomy: This is the procedure in which polyps are removed via colonoscopy.

What Conditions Does Gastroenterology Treat?

Diseases of the digestive system may present with similar symptoms and signs. The gastroenterology department primarily deals with commonly encountered conditions. Gastroenterology encompasses the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, rectum, and anus. The diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are carried out by the department’s specialist physicians. While many of these diseases can be minimized through lifestyle changes, early diagnosis and treatment are possible through cancer screening tests recommended on an annual basis
.

Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases

Diseases of the esophagus (food pipe) in the gastrointestinal system can cause symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and bad breath. Diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions—such as reflux, bleeding or injury to the esophagus, damage caused by various substances, and esophageal cancer—are performed by gastroenterologists. Gastrointestinal tract diseases can be categorized as follows
:
Stomach Diseases: Stomach diseases, which are among the most common conditions, can arise from many different causes. The gastroenterology department diagnoses and treats diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, reflux, hiatal hernia, and stomach cancer.
Intestinal Diseases: The function of the intestines is to facilitate the absorption of consumed nutrients. Certain diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can develop in the intestines.
Conditions affecting the duodenum—such as ulcers and celiac disease—which can lead to loss of appetite and diarrhea, can also be treated in this department
.
Colon Diseases: There are many different conditions that affect the colon and rectum. Functional disorders in the intestines can lead to the development of certain diseases. These conditions include colitis, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, anal fissures, constipation, hemorrhoids, abscesses, and colon cancer. Colonoscopy and other methods are used to diagnose these conditions
.
Rectal Diseases: Another common group of conditions involves diseases of the rectum. Among these, the most common are hemorrhoids and associated bleeding. In addition, anal fissures, anal pruritus, anal fistulas, and abscesses are observed
.
Liver Diseases: Liver diseases are among the most frequently encountered and significant conditions treated in the gastroenterology department. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the liver are also carried out in this department.

Biliary Tract Diseases: Biliary tract diseases are also among the conditions associated with the liver and pancreas. Certain diseases affecting the bile ducts include gallstones, inflammation, trauma to this area, strictures, and gallbladder tumors.

Pancreatic Diseases: The hormones insulin and glucagon, which are vital for the body, are produced in the pancreas. If the pancreas is removed for any reason, the body can no longer produce these hormones. For this reason, it is important for individuals who have had their pancreas removed to be mindful of such conditions.