What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the digestive tract - from the mouth to the anus. Gastroenterolgy studies the functioning and disorders of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, as well as its associated organs such as the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
There is documented evidence that some forms of Gastroenterolgy were practiced in ancient Egypt. Greek, Roman and Arab practitioners studied the digestive tracts of the human body with specially designed spatula and mirrors illuminated by candles or oil lamps. More complex tools for examining the rectum with dilating specula were found in the ruins of Pompeii.
The development of modern Gastroentorolgy, like most forms of medicine, was dependent on new modes of perception - creating the technologies that allowed physicians to examine the digestive tract of a living patient. It wasn't until the 18th and 19th century the modern major breakthroughs came in the study of field.
Gastroenterolgy covers a wide ranges or medical conditions and diseases. The most common include:
Anal fissure, Fistula and Abscess
Barrett's Esophagus
Colon Polyps/Cancer
Constipation
Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Esophagitis and Stricture
Gallstones
Gas
Gastritis
Gastroparesis
GERD
Heartburn and Reflux
Helicobacter Pylori
Hemorrhoids
Hiatus Hernia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Ostomy
Pancreatic Disease
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Prevention of Colon Polyps/Cancer
Rectal Bleeding
Ulcerative Colitis
Hepatology, the study of the liver is considered a sub-specialty of Gastroenterology.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver
Hemochromatosis
Hepatitis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Typical Gastroenterolgy procedures include:
Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)
Colonoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
ERCP
Esophageal Dilatation
Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal pH
Liver Biopsy
Liver Transplant
Correction of Acid Reflux by Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
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