A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specialises in diseases that affect the gut.
Any condition affecting the gut (gastrointestinal system).
Treatment often involves medications. These may be short or long term. If an operation is required generally you will be referred to a surgeon. Some procedures a gastroenterologist performs include:
Your gastroenterologist will begin by asking you about the symptoms you have been getting. The character, duration, relieving and worsening factors and any previous tests and treatments. Risk factors, other medical problems, medications, allergies and social history is also important.
A gastroenterologist can determine a great deal about your condition, its likely cause and severity, by a general examination. Before focussing on your gut (ie the tube that runs from mouth to anus) and abdomen they will observe you generally. Finger nails, hands, skin, hair, eyes and mouth will be quickly explored to see if there are any clues to be found. Next your gastroenterologist will examine your abdomen, feeling for masses or tenderness, sometimes percussing (tapping) or listening to determine the cause of your problems. They usually end by examining your anus, an unpleasant but important part of the assessment. From history and examination the gastroenterologist will have a short list of differential diagnoses - a list of several different illnesses that may have caused your symptoms. They will also have a prioritised list of investigations (tests) that they feel will contribute most to your assessment and subsequent management.
