Gastroenterology is a medical specialty dealing with the digestive system, which is comprised of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists complete the same basic training as all doctors. In order to become Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, they complete at least two years of additional training, then study for an another two to three years specifically in conditions of the digestive tract. People with heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, ulcers, nausea, anemia, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea, diverticular disease, colitis, polyps, liver problems, jaundice and hepatitis frequently seek the help of a Gastroenterologist or are referred to one by their family physician. Gastroenterologists often perform endoscopy to diagnose and treat many conditions of the digestive system. Endoscopy is the insertion of a soft, flexible instrument, about the diameter of your finger (called an endoscope) through the mouth or rectum for direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and colon. The endoscope has a lens and computer chip at the end which magnifies the image and displays it on a TV screen, affording a detailed inspection of the problem area. Therapeutic procedures can also be performed via the endoscope, including biopsies, removal of polyps, dilatation of narrowed areas of the esophagus, insertion of a stent, removal of gallstones trapped in the bile duct. Endoscopic procedures are performed under sedation and discomfort is usually minimal.
Endoscopic Images:
This page is graphically intense and slow to load, please be patient.
Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are fairly common benign growths of the colon. There are different types of polyps, some of which are considered pre-cancerous. Polyps grow larger over time and may bleed. All polyps found during colonoscopy are removed painlessly through the scope and sent to the lab for microscopic examination.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) develop in the colon. Diverticula form with age and are caused by chronic constipation and a diet low in fiber. A more serious condition called diverticulitis can occur when diverticula become inflamed or infected. People with diverticular disease should avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn, eat a diet high in fiber, drink plenty of fluids and avoid constipation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a term used for two chronic, inflammatory diseases of the bowel, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. CD and UC are two different diseases with similar symptoms (alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloody stools, abdominal pain) which usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood. The cause of IBD is unknown and treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (upper part of the small intestine). It is now known that 80-90% of peptic ulcers are caused helicobacter Pylori, a bacteria that lives in the lining of the stomach. Ulcer symptoms may include a dull, gnawing pain occurring 2-3 hours after meals or when the stomach is empty which is relieved by eating, bloating, gas, nausea and weight loss. H. Pylori is easily cured with a two week therapy consisting of an antibiotic to kill the bacteria and a drug to decrease stomach acid and protect the lining of the stomach.
Hemorrhoid Banding
A banded internal hemorrhoid
|