Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Gastroenterology is the speciality dealing with the diagnosis and management of diseases of the digestive system comprising the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, gall bladder and pancreas. Hepatology deals with diseases of the liver, such as liver inflammation or hepatitis caused by bacteria, virus, alcohol, drugs and toxic substances or fatty liver disease. Gastroenterology and Hepatology certified physicians have additional training and experience in these fields. They will take a history and conduct a physical examination and carry out necessary investigations which may include

laboratory blood tests, urine and faecal examination, ultrasound or radiological scans. In some cases it is necessary to visualise the gastrointestinal tract using endoscopes to photograph and or sample areas that appear abnormal to confirm a diagnosis. Certain diseases can also be treated endoscopically, such as to arrest bleeding in the stomach or intestine, to remove stones from the bile duct of the liver and to remove polyps that may be pre-cancerous in the intestine. Gastroenterological and Hepatic conditions sometimes require management by surgery. In such situations, after discussing the diagnosis the specialist will refer the patient to the appropriate surgical colleague.