Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists are trained to manage a wide range of digestive system conditions, from common issues like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to more complex diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver cirrhosis. Gastroenterologists employ various diagnostic techniques, including endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI), and laboratory tests (such as blood tests and stool analysis), to evaluate GI symptoms accurately and develop individualized treatment plans for patients.