Gastroenterology

What is gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology deals with all issues of the digestive system. The medical specialization deals with the health of your:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small and large intestine (colon) and rectum
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder and bile ducts
• Liver
  
  

Your gastroenterologist has a focused understanding of how food and other substances move through the stomach and intestine, how nutrients are digested and absorbed, how waste leaves the body, and how the liver functions as a digestive organ. This involves studying hepatology — the liver and its functions. 

What kinds of conditions fall under gastroenterology?

Conditions related to gastroenterology include:

• Colon polyps and cancer
• Hepatitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Gallbladder disease and gallstones
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Hemorrhoids
• Reflux esophagitis
• Pancreatitis
  
  

Any activity, normal and abnormal, in the digestive organs, falls under gastroenterology.

What kinds of screenings are offered by the gastroenterology team?

Gastroenterological screenings include preventive colonoscopies and diagnostic procedures. Some of the most common include:

Colonoscopy

The top colon cancer screening procedure is colonoscopy. Generally, this screening is recommended for all adults starting at age 45. If you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, your provider will want to begin preventive screenings sooner. This test examines your colon for polyps (growths) that might or have turned into cancer.

ERCP

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is used to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Your provider uses an X-ray technology called fluoroscopy and a long, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope, usually inserted through your throat, to view your digestive organs.

MRCP

MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is a specialized MRI that provides detailed images of your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile and pancreatic ducts.

EGD

EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is used to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). Your provider passes an endoscope, a small camera affixed to a tube, down your throat to get a view of your organs.

Endoscopy

An endoscopy involves placing an endoscope through the upper or lower parts of your digestive tract to view your system.

What hemorrhoid treatments are available?

Hemorrhoids are swollen and often painful blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. They’re pretty common and can be seriously uncomfortable. Treatments are available.

If lifestyle changes such as adding more fiber to your diet, topical treatments, warm baths, and oral pain relievers don’t offer relief, you’ll need more involved treatments. Vantage Medical Associates PC offers hemorrhoid injections and hemorrhoid banding to shrink and eliminate the hemorrhoid.

If you need gastroenterology services, call Vantage Medical Associates PC today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.