GASTROENTEROLOGY is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and it’s disorders. These disorders may affect the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.

A GASTROENTEROLOGIST is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive tract. Gastroenterologists are Internal Medicine Specialists who have completed an additional 2-3 year fellowship in Gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastroenterologists are able to assist with a wide variety of problems extending from the esophagus all the way along the digestive tract to the anal canal. A small sample of medical problems for which you would see a gastroenterologist for include;

Acid Reflux (GERD)
Helicobacter pylori infection and Peptic Ulcer Disease
Allergy to wheat (Celiac Disease), Small intestinal Malabsorption problems
Diarrhea of all types
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
Cancer of the colon and rectum, Liver Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer
Liver and Biliary Disorders (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, gallstones) due to infections, alcohol abuse and autoimmune diseases
 
At IMS, we provide Specialist consultation for all types of Gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastroenterologist are also experts in Endoscopic testing (Endoscopes are small flexible telescopes that are used to look in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon and biliary tract). Gastroenterologists undergo several years of mandatory endoscopic training to ensure that the endoscopic procedures preformed are safe and thorough. At IMS, all your endoscopic procedures are performed by fully trained gastroenterologists with years of experience to ensure that your test is done safely and to the highest medical standard.

At IMS, GI endoscopic tests that are available include;

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
PEG (feeding) tube placement
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
 
Gastroenterologists are also especially concerned with preventing colon and rectal cancer in people who are at increased risk, for several reasons, including a Family History, and also in patients at Normal Risk because of age over 45 – 50 years . These patients are often advised to have a screening Colonoscopy to find and remove per-cancer polyps, and then are offered regular surveillance. (typically every 5 to 10 years.)