Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine in which the digestive system and its disorders are studied. This specialty studies diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. Hepatology or hepatobiliary medicine, encompasses the study of the liver and pancreas and is traditionally considered a sub-specialty.

The digestive tract (also known as the alimentary canal) is the system of organs that takes in food then digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste. The major function of the GI tract are ingestion, digestion, absorption, and defecation. The gastrointestinal tract is also a prominent part of the immune system. The immune system must work hard to prevent pathogens from entering into blood and lymph. Health-enhancing intestinal bacteria serve to prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria in the gut.

Physicians practicing in this field of medicine are called gastroenterologists (also referred to as GI doctors). Gastroenterologists must have a detailed understanding of the physiology of the gastrointestinal organs including 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 liver as a digestive organ.

Following medical school, gastroenterologists must complete a three-year internal medicine residency and then a specialized fellowship in gastroenterology, which lasts 2-3 years. Gastroenterologists learn how to interpret findings and biopsy results to make appropriate recommendations to treat conditions and/or prevent cancer. They receive dedicated training in endoscopy – upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Endsoscopy is the use of small tubes with built-in video cameras to see the inside of the intestinal tract. Gastroenterologists also learn how to perform advanced endoscopic procedures such as polypectomy (removal of colon polyps) esophageal and intestinal dilation (stretching of narrowed areas), and hemostasis (injection or cautery to stop bleeding).  In addition to rare disorders of the digestive system, gastroenterologists diagnose or treat a number of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, peptic ulcer disease, gallbladder disease and much more.

For more information, you can contact a Gastroenterologist