Gastroenterology is the branch of science that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the digestive system and its diseases. The gastroenterology department, which has a wide range of diseases; It diagnoses and treats diseases such as the pharynx, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas, which may seem different from each other but may be related to each other.
Specialists working in the field of gastroenterology are called gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders and diseases that occur in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, biliary tract and pancreas.
Gastroenterology Diagnostic Methods
Gastroenterology diagnostic methods include;
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- ERCP,
- Gastroscopy
- Ph-metrics,
- There are methods such as sigmoidoscopy.
Endoscopy is a procedure that examines the esophagus, stomach and 12-finger intestine. Colonoscopy can diagnose disorders in the small intestine and large intestine.
Gastroenterology Surgery
Gastroenterology surgery is the surgical treatment of benign or malignant diseases of the digestive system. The benign or malignant tumor is removed by surgery. Cancer, colitis, pancreas, gallbladder, liver diseases, reflux, obesity surgeries can be solved with technological surgical methods.
Gastroenterology Treatments
In the Gastroenterology department, different diagnosis and treatment methods are applied according to each organ. The methods applied are as follows:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Evaluation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum by endoscopy.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is an endoscopy technique in which the bile and pancreatic ducts are examined endoscopically and used in the treatment phase.
Colonoscopy: It is known as the method used in the examination of complaints or findings in the intestinal region, as well as in colon and rectal cancer screening.
Rectosigmoidoscopy: It is a method in which the large intestine is examined with a thin and bendable instrument called rectum and sigmoid colon.
Treatment with Endoscopy: Objects observed in the esophagus, stomach and rectum can be removed by endoscopy.
Treatment with Spark Plugs and Balloons: Narrowing of the esophagus can be expanded with the application of the spark plug and balloon method. Experts can also apply stents in this region.
Band Ligation: In esophageal variceal bleeding caused by liver cirrhosis, it is a procedure in which the bleeding vein is vacuumed and a rubber band is applied around it by endoscopic access to stop the bleeding.
Polypectomy: It is a procedure in which polyps are removed by colonoscopy.
Which diseases does gastroenterology deal with?
Digestive system diseases may show similar symptoms and signs. Gastroenterology department deals with common diseases. Gastroenterology includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, rectum and anus. Diagnosis and treatment of the resulting disorders is carried out by the department's specialist doctors.
While many of the diseases can be minimized with lifestyle changes, cancer screening tests, which are recommended to be performed regularly every year, can be diagnosed and treated early.
Gastrointestinal Canal Diseases
In the gastrointestinal system, esophageal diseases can cause symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing and bad breath. Diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases such as reflux, bleeding or injury to the esophagus, damage caused by various substances and esophageal cancer are performed by gastroenterology specialists. Gastrointestinal tract diseases can be listed as follows:
Stomach Diseases: Stomach diseases, which are among the common ailments, can occur due to many different reasons. In the gastroenterology department; diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, reflux, stomach hernia and stomach cancer are diagnosed and treated.
Intestinal Diseases: The task of the intestines is to ensure the absorption of the nutrients consumed. Some diseases such as ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease can occur in the intestines. Diseases such as 12-finger intestinal ulcer and celiac disease, which can cause loss of appetite and diarrhea, can also be treated in this department.
Colon Diseases: There are many different disorders affecting the colon and rectum. Functional disorders in the intestines can lead to a number of diseases. These diseases include colitis, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, anal fissures, constipation, hemorrhoids, abscesses or colon cancer. Colonoscopy and different methods are used to diagnose the diseases.
Rectal Diseases: Another common disease is diseases of the rectum. The most common of these is hemorrhoids and related bleeding. In addition; anal fissure, anal pruritus, anal fistula and abscesses are observed.
Liver Diseases: Liver diseases are among the most common and important diseases seen in the gastroenterology department. Diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases are also performed in this department.
Bile Diseases: Biliary diseases are among the diseases that occur in relation to the liver and pancreas. Some diseases that occur in the bile ducts are; gallstones, inflammation, injury in this area, stenosis and gallbladder tumors.
Pancreatic Diseases: Insulin and glucagon hormones, which are important for the body, are produced in the pancreas. If the pancreas is removed for any reason, these hormones cannot be produced by the body. For this reason, it is important for individuals whose pancreas has been removed to pay attention to such situations.
