UPHCN

Gastroenterology

A gastroenterologist provides diagnosis and treatment of adult disorders of the digestive system (the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver and pancreas), including trouble with swallowing, heartburn, chest pain not due to heart disease, ulcers, problems with digestion and elimination, and symptoms occurring after surgery. A gastroenterologist does not do physicals or provide general medical care, but does follow patients with chronic G.I. disorders such as Crohn's Disease ulcerative colitis, chronic hepatitis and chronic pancreatitis. By using fiber-optic and video endoscopes, the gastroenterologist can explore symptoms after the patient has been evaluated by the family physician and radiologist. This includes screening for colon cancer by fiber-optic sigmoidoscopy and the removal of polyps by colonoscopy.

[UPHCN]