Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include the organs from mouth into anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty.
Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. It involves a detailed understanding of the normal action (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. It includes common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. In essence, all normal activity and disease of the digestive organs are part of the study of Gastroenterology.
When does the Gastroenterologist’s second opinion make sense?
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when your doctor doesn’t have the required specialist knowledge for your condition.
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when various doctors have given you different recommendations and you need help making a decision.
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when you haven’t received a clear diagnosis or therapy recommendation.
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when your doctor has recommended a major operation and you want to make sure that it’s the best way to help you.
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when you feel that you haven’t been given enough information about your planned treatment.
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when the suggested treatment promises no significant improvement to your condition.
- The Gastroenterologists’ second opinion makes sense when you want to find out if there are other treatment options you can pursue.