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Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine whereby the digestive system and its disorders are studied. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the organs from mouth to anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty.

Check your gut.

Digestive discomforts like heartburn, stomach upset, acid reflux and painful gas could be symptoms of serious medical problems. If you have questions about your digestive health, but aren’t quite sure where to begin, start with a digestive health assessment and learn more about conditions you may have.

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Your Digestive Health

Introduction – The Digestive System

Common Digestive Ailments

Acid Reflux & GERD

Do you suffer from frequent heartburn after eating?

Gallstones

Do you have sharp pain in your upper right or center abdomen?

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Do you have upper abdominal pain?

IBS/IBD/Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis

Do you feel bloated, have diarrhea or constipation?

Diagnostic Procedures

Endoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Esophageal pH Study

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions; general surgeons also commonly perform procedures to treatment many of these:

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Hepatitis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Colon or rectal cancer
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Gallstones
  • GERD and heartburn
  • Symptoms and conditions of the digestive system

Should you have these one or more of these conditions, contact your primary caregiver for a referral to a gastroenterologist or a Saint Mary’s general surgeon.