Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery

Gastroenterology is devoted to the study of the digestive system and the treatment of diseases related to it. It deals with: Organs (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus); As well as the digestive glands (liver, bile ducts, pancreas). Hepatology (liver) and Proctology (rectum and anus) are its two main specialties.

If you are suffering from heartburn or you are wondering what could be causing the problems in your stomach, then you might want to consider the question of who is a gastroenterologist. These doctors have an extensive understanding of the digestive system and the stomach. Not just that, but they also understand the problems of the lungs, the kidneys, the liver, and other internal organs. They are highly qualified health care professionals who will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis. They are not limited to just treating heartburn, they treat any type of digestive system malfunction. Some of the conditions that gastroenterologists specialize in include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, just to name a few. If you have IBS, then you know what irritable bowel syndrome is all about. The doctor will check for ulcers, sores in the mouth and other digestive problems along with blood in the stool. He will also check for intestinal obstruction, a bad taste in the mouth, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and mucus in the mouth. If you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, then the doctor will be looking at your colon to see if it is irritated and damaged. A gastroenterologist is highly educated and knows how to deal with patients. You can expect your doctor to ask you many questions about your medical history and to test your digestive system. You should always cooperate with your gastroenterologist because he or she has the utmost duty to ensure that you get the best treatment available. You will be taken care of as quickly as possible and will likely be released to go home the same day. When you go to the doctor for a check up, keep in mind that it is not a bowel movement problem or something physical that happened. It is a sickness that you need to take care of.

Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist if you have unusual digestive signs. This specialist can treat many pathologies: intestinal obstruction, hemorrhoids, gallstones, cirrhosis, hepatitis, ulcer, celiac disease, chronic Crohn's disease. In the event of blood-red vomiting or black stools, consult without delay in case it is a matter of digestive hemorrhage. The acute and persistent pain must also lead to a rapid consultation, in the event of obstruction, intestinal perforation or gallstones.

Digestive disorders such as heartburn, constipation or regular diarrhea, bloating as well as pain are frequent reasons for consultation. As a first step, it is preferable to consult Gastroenterologist. It is in the event that the situation requires further examinations.

People with a personal and family history are at higher risk for digestive tract disease. Generally speaking, most diseases of the digestive tract are not related to age. The only real threat remains cancer, especially colon cancer, especially after 55 years. It is therefore advisable to perform screening every two years. The other preventive examinations recommended at any age are screening for hepatitis C (in the event of a blood transfusion or drug addiction) and rectal examination for men from 50 years old, in order to check the absence of abnormalities in the prostate or to the rectum.

Personal and family history: medical, but not just the digestive tract. Note the cardiac, pulmonary, neurological history and of course the cases of cancer in the immediate family; Previous examinations: bring your latest biological analyzes and liver tests; Prescriptions: List the medications taken now or in recent months.

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver which results in, among other things, sclerosis of the liver tissue and the development of a network of fibrous scars. The causes are multiple: alcoholism, hepatitis B, C, D or of unknown origin; Gallstones are small stones that form in the bile ducts from crystallized bile pigments and calcium salts. They can cause jaundice, right abdominal pain and obstruction / inflammation of the gallbladder (bile reservoir under the liver); Colitis and colic. The term colic is commonly used to refer to pain while colitis is inflammation of the colon. They are treated by medication; Endoscopy is a test that looks for ulcers or tumors and takes samples and sutures without surgery. A tube with a camera is inserted into the digestive tract to see the interior of certain organs. If the tube is introduced through the mouth, it is a gastroscopy, if it entered through the anus, it is a colonoscopy; Digital rectal examination. Completely painless, it consists of palpating through the anus to detect abnormalities. He asks to be placed in the fetal position; Gastroesophageal reflux is a rise of acid in the esophagus caused by a breakdown of the sphincter (valve) which separates it from the stomach.