Gastrointestinal Surgeons for Digestion Diseases
Written by Dr. Nikit Mahale, General PhysicianLast Updated on 7th February 2022Who is a Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists are Digestive health and Liver care Experts. They treat all the medical conditions related to the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, liver and bile ducts. Medical Gastroenterologist treats Liver and Digestive health related diseases through medical management and Surgical Gastroenterologist treats diseases through surgical management.
What does a Gastroenterologist do?
Gastroenterologists are doctors specialised to treat diseases of the digestive system and liver. They are specialised in treating diseases that can have symptoms like stomach pain or burning sensation, heartburn, indigestion, frequent nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowish discoloration in the skin, urine), change in color of stools, constipation or frequent diarrhea and many more. Few of the Gastrointestinal diseases are as follows:
- Acute or chronic Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or heartburn
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Gastric ulcers
- Acute or chronic Pancreatitis
- Colon polyps
- Colon cancer
- Celiac disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Crohn’s disease
- Peptic ulcer
- Cholecystitis
- Cholangitis
- Cholelithiasis (Gallbladder stones)
How often should you go to a Gastroenterologist?
You should see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in Vomiting
- Blood in stools
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Persistent heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
- Yellowish discoloration of skin/eyes
- Change in color of stools
- If any Doctor refers you to gastroenterologist
- In case Doctor asks you to follow up
How often should you go to a Gastroenterologist?
You should see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in Vomiting
- Blood in stools
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Persistent heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
- Yellowish discoloration of skin/eyes
- Change in color of stools
- If any Doctor refers you to gastroenterologist
- In case Doctor asks you to follow up
What degrees do you need to be a Gastroenterologist?
After 5 year MBBS course and 3 year training in postgraduate course(MD/MS/DNB), Medical or Surgical Gastroenterologists are trained full-time for 3 more years in their respective specialties. There will be a Medical Gastroenterologist (DM/DNB after MD) and Surgical Gastroenterologist (Mch/DNB after MS).
Finding a good Gastroenterologist
How to find a good Gastroenterologist?
To find a good Gastroenterologist, speak to a family member or friend to refer you to a good doctor. You could also search online for Gastroenterologists; Google does a great job of providing services closest to you, i.e., they’d connect you with doctors near you. Usually, there are ratings and reviews online for the quality of services provided to help you decide what’s best for you.
How to choose a Gastroenterologist?
Choosing the right Gastroenterologist is one of the most important and personal decisions you would make. Following are seven essential tips to help you choose the right gastroenterologist doctor:
- Research. There are many doctors out there. Decide upon the one you would be comfortable with; someone with a good reputation, communication and soft skills.
- Get the proper referrals. Speak with your family members, colleagues, friends to help you connect with the right doctor.
- Check for licencing and credentials of the doctor.
- Consider the years of experience of the Gastroenterologist.
- Consider the gender of the gastroenterologist doctor depending on if you would want to disclose your health condition to them.
- Consider the communication style of the gastroenterologist doctor. Choose an eye doctor you would get along with quickly. Developing a rapport helps in communicating efficiently with the doctor. If possible, read patient reviews to help you make the right decisions.
- It’s good to know if you would be covered under the insurance plan that you have.
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- Ask the doctor about your symptoms, problems, medications, and more during your consultation.
- You may have to submit your medical history and records if any, so the doctor can better understand your condition.
- Post teleconsultation, you could also follow up with your doctor online.
- Additionally, you can also buy medicines online and get lab tests done using the MFine app, all from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gastroenterologist
Can I eat before seeing a Gastroenterologist?
What questions should I ask a gastroenterologist?
To ask good questions, you need to have at least some basic knowledge of your gastrointestinal system. Here is a list of a few questions you could ask your Gastroenterologist to get started:
- Why have I been referred to a gastroenterologist?
- What’s causing my gastrointestinal system not to function properly?
- Is there any diet I need to avoid/consume?
- Is there any physical activity I need to avoid/do?
- How do I take care of my gastrointestinal tract and liver?
How do I prepare for a gastroenterologist appointment?
While it is overwhelming to know that you or your loved one has a stomach or liver disease, it’s comforting to know that they are treatable. One must, therefore, have a positive approach and come well prepared before an appointment. Your Gastroenterologist may want to gather information about your past medical history and medications. Here are some valuable tips on how to prepare for an appointment with your Gastroenterologist:
- If possible, bring all your past and current medical records and reports. It’s also helpful to bring along your medications to the appointment if you can’t remember the name of your medicines.
- Prepare a list of questions you may want to ask your Gastroenterologist, such as,
- What’s causing the disease
- Diet you may need to avoid/consume
- Amount of water you need to drink daily.
- The intensity of workouts/exercises you need to do
- Preventive measures you need to take etc.
- Let them know about your symptoms, how you have been feeling, etc. Let them know if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stools
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Persistent heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
- Difficulty swallowing etc.
How does a gastroenterologist check your stomach?
What happens on the first visit to the Gastroenterologist?
How does a gastroenterologist check your liver and gallbladder?
What are the most common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders?
- Abdominal discomfort with pain, bloating, and cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Acidity
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite etc
Does a Gastroenterologist deal with the liver?
Do they put you to sleep for a stomach scope?
How do you know if your intestines are damaged?
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- Treatment for Acid indigestion
- Treatment for Acid Peptic Disease
- Treatment for Acute Gastritis
- Treatment for Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
- Treatment for GERD Grade 3
- Treatment for Gilbert syndrome
- Treatment for Gastritis
- Treatment for H.Pylori Gastritis