Clinical gastroenterology is the study and treatment of digestive system diseases. Gastroenterologists use endoscopes to diagnose and treat ailments such as cancer, polyps, and colitis. They specialize in understanding the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and treat disorders of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are common diagnostic tools.
Clinical gastroenterology is the study and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. Doctors who specialize in studying and treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and its healthy functioning are called gastroenterologists. The main diagnostic tool of gastroenterology is the endoscope, which can detect ailments such as cancer, polyps and colitis, among others.
Clinical gastroenterology is a specialized field of Western medicine. Doctors who specialize in this field are called clinical gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists are required to complete a bachelor’s degree and continue their education with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine. After the education is completed, these physicians must complete a gastroenterology fellowship to finalize their experience.
A thorough understanding of the normal and healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is the first task of clinical gastroenterology. To identify diseases and disorders of the digestive system, it is imperative to first understand how the digestive organs and systems are supposed to function. This field includes the study of healthy and diseased states of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas, among many other organs.
Clinical gastroenterology applies to many different digestive disorders. Some of the more common of these digestive disorders include colon polyps, cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also includes the study and treatment of diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, such as hepatitis, gallbladder and biliary tract diseases, and pancreatitis. Nutrient absorption and nutritional problems are also the concern of gastroenterology.
One of the main diagnostic tools of clinical gastroenterology is colonoscopy. A colonoscopy involves a long, thin tube with a camera and light attached to the end called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted into the anus and worked slowly and gently into the colon and large intestine while the patient is sedated. With this tool, the gastroenterologist can see any polyps, bleeding or other symptoms of digestive system diseases. The endoscope also allows your doctor to remove polyps and take tissue samples from your digestive tract.
Another similar diagnostic tool of clinical gastroenterology is upper endoscopy. Upper endoscopy uses the same endoscopic instrument that colonoscopy requires, but this time it is inserted into the mouth instead of the anus. From the mouth, the endoscope is worked slowly and gently into the esophagus and stomach. Upper endoscopy can detect polyps, heartburn, and ulcers. The endoscope can remove polyps and take samples of stomach tissue to determine if a bacterial infection is present. When swallowing problems are present due to a narrowing of the esophagus, the endoscope can be used to stretch the esophagus with a dilator or balloon.
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