Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Gastroenterology focuses on the health of the digestive system. This is responsible for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and removal of waste from the body.

Gastroenterologists are doctors who have completed basic medical training, then undergone further specialty training to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system.

Hepatologists are usually gastroenterologists who have spent further time subspecialising in diagnosis and management of the liver in particular.

Conditions managed

Gastroenterologists and hepatologists diagnose, treat and manage conditions such as (but not limited to):

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and indigestion
• Investigation and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Barrett’s oesophagus
• Swallowing issues (dysphagia and odynophagia)
• Liver conditions such as viral and non-viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease
• Celiac disease
• Endoscopy and colonoscopy for investigation of bleeding, iron deficiency and cancer prevention
• Bloody stool, cramping and bloating.
• Chronic infections of the gastrointestinal tract

Special tests and procedures

Sometimes gastroenterologists will need to perform specialised tests, and these are usually performed in hospitals or day surgery clinics. These tests include:

• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopy or gastroscopy
• Swallowing studies
• Specialised imaging of the liver and biliary tree
• Capsule endoscopy
• Biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract via endoscopy or colonoscopy
• Biopsies of the liver
• Endoscopic ultrasound

If you require one of these tests your gastroenterologist will discuss the benefits and risks, potential side effects and costs as well as help organise and facilitate these tests for you.

Issues with the gastrointestinal tract are remarkably common, so it is a relief to have specialists in this field work so closely with the team at GSHealth so we can get people seen, diagnosed and treated promptly, and discuss cases in a really efficient manner.