In order to proactively monitor your overall health, regular trips to a general physician are not always sufficient. While internists have the ability to treat a wide variety of medical problems, only specialists have the experience, training, and focus that offers detailed attention needed to access and treat a specific organ or system of the body.
Gastroenterology is the area of medicine focused on the digestive system and involves both the organs of digestion and the gastrointestinal tract. Two primary reasons why individuals need gastroenterologists are for regular checkups for disease prevention and special attention for problems with the digestive system. Due to the intricacies of the digestive system, there are a wide variety of diseases and disorders which affect our health stemming from or affecting this part of the body.
The common procedures used by gastroenterologists are Colonoscopy, Upper Endoscopy, Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreography (ERCP). The two primary procedures performed by a gastroenterologist are a Colonoscopy and an Upper Endoscopy. A Colonoscopy allows doctors to view the lining of the colon to assess health and treat potentially dangerous polyps. An Upper Endoscopy grants doctors the ability to inspect the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms warrant a visit to a gastroenterologist specialist, ask your internist or contact us directly to answer any question(s).