Gastroenterologists are Internists with specific expertise in the diagnosis and management of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver.

You may wish to see a gastroenterologist if you know that you have a disease involving these organs or if you have symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal problems.

Although gastrointestinal conditions can present in many ways, some of the more common complaints include:

Many problems require that the gastroenterologist do an interview and a physical examination in order to determine the best course of investigation or treatment.

Upper endoscopy- This test assesses the structure of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Under sedation, a tube with a video chip in the end is passed via the mouth. The doctor can look directly at the inner surface of these organs. If needed, biopsies (removal of small amounts of tissue) or polypectomy can be done. For patients who are bleeding, there are a umber of techniques that the gastroenterologist can use to stop the bleeding after he has visualized the cause for the bleeding and the location.

Colonoscopy- This test involves passing a tube with a video chip in the end via the rectum throughout the colon. The inner lining is visualized. Polyps can be removed. Although there are a number of reasons to do this test, colonoscopy is often done to screen patients for polyps, a potential precursor for cancer.

ERCP- An abbreviation for a test that involves injection of dye into the pancreatic or bile duct. This test is done to look for gallstones or to assess the pancreas. It is often part of the investigation for jaundice.

Endoscopic ultrasound- A test that allows for the assessment of the depth of tumors in the esophagus and stomach. Endoscopci ultrasound is also used to assess the bile duct and pancreas.

Liver biopsy- A sample of liver is removed.

Esophageal manometry and pH study- Investigations of the esophagus to assess the function of the muscles involved in transferring food from the mouth to the stomach. pH monitoring is used to quantify acid reflux.