What Is a Gastroenterologist, and What Do They Do?
If you have ever been referred to a gastroenterologist, you know these specialists are problem-solvers and relief-givers when it comes to gastrointestinal troubles. While some people have this doctor on speed dial, other people may not understand what they do. We’re here to help you gain a better understanding of gastroenterology and how these doctors can help during visits and surgical procedures.
What is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist. To dig deeper into the name, “Gastro” means stomach, “entero” means intestines, and “ologist” means specialist. These specialists zone in on the digestive system and other related disorders. They have undergone extensive training and must check many boxes before practicing this special work. Gastroenterologists have the experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat conditions that affect a patient’s esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.
Where can I visit a gastroenterologist?
You can seek care from gastroenterologists in hospitals, clinics, or private offices. Your insurance provider may first require a referral from your primary care physician. Keep this step in mind to avoid a delay in treatment.
How does a gastroenterologist receive training?
You are in great hands with a gastroenterologist. They begin their career as general physicians. They must complete three years of being in a medical residency after completing medical school. To earn the title of a gastroenterologist, a person must also be certified. This certification identifies them as experts in gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. With this designation, a gastroenterologist is now qualified to perform specific exams and procedures and to interpret the results.
If you’re looking for a board-certified gastroenterologist, the qualifications are even more specific. Although board certification isn’t a must-have to practice gastroenterology, it can reassure patients of the additional experience and training. Below are the qualifications.
Gastroenterology Certification Exam (successful completion)
Three years of an internal medicine residency
Board certification in internal medicine
36 months of fellowship training, which includes at least 18 months of clinical training
Who needs a gastroenterologist?
Some of the most common visits to this specialist include those pesky conditions that can impact meal time and bathroom stops. Consider acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and colon cancer. If you are having tummy trouble or gastrointestinal (GI) issues, start with this specialist. Below are common systems to share during your visit:
Abdominal pain (recurring or severe)
Bloated stomach
Constipation or difficulty passing bowel movements
Diarrhea
Gas and gas pain
Heartburn (frequent)
Indigestion
Jaundice
Nausea and vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
What happens during a first visit?
It is a bold step to make your first appointment. Digestive dialogue can be difficult for people, but there is no reason to suffer in silence. During each visit, a gastroenterologist focuses on listening. For the initial visit, here are some questions to consider:
What are your diet and exercise habits?
How would you describe your current stress level?
Are you currently taking any medications? If so, name them.
Do you have any family members with gastrointestinal issues?
Can you describe your symptoms in detail?
The initial visit will also include a physical exam. The medical specialist will palpitate your abdomen and listen to your digestive system with a stethoscope. Leave room for additional diagnostic tests like bloodwork or even imaging studies.
Which procedures can a gastroenterologist use for diagnosis and treatment?
A gastroenterologist uses a variety of procedures to properly diagnose and treat patients. Here are the most common procedures:
Colonoscopy
Medical specialists use this screening test to determine whether a patient has colon cancer or another condition that affects the colon. When a gastroenterologist performs this procedure, they use a long, flexible tube with a camera. The camera allows the doctor to examine the inside of the colon and rectum.
Endoscopic ultrasound
A patient receives this test to detect and diagnose conditions such as pancreatic cancer. An endoscopic ultrasound combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging.
Endoscopy
A gastroenterologist may perform an endoscopy to examine the inside of your digestive system. The procedure also removes polyps or takes biopsies. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube. It also has a camera and light attached.
Esophageal manometry
An esophageal manometry can help a doctor diagnose achalasia and esophageal spasms. It measures the strength and coordination of a patient’s esophagus muscles.
pH monitoring
Doctors use this test to see the amount of acidity in your esophagus. The information can help diagnose conditions like acid reflux.
Can a gastroenterologist diagnose and treat cancer?
Don’t delay a visit to a gastroenterologist if you notice gastrointestinal issues. These medical specialists may be the first to detect cancer if it is located in any of the organs in your digestive system. If your doctor detects cancer, an endoscopic procedure is the next step.
The procedure can help your doctor properly stage cancer and determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Depending on the case, a gastroenterologist can also use an endoscope to treat certain kinds of tumors. The doctor will either dissect the tumor or target the tumor with a laser.
Below are cancers a gastroenterologist may address, including staging or treating. You may even find them on your care team for another form of cancer. Their endoscopy skills are a great asset to a medical team.
Bile duct cancer
Colorectal cancer
Duodenal cancer
Esophageal cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Small intestine cancer
Stomach cancer
With such a specific line of work, gastroenterologists are your best bet if you are feeling unsettled about your tummy. With extensive years of training, they are equipped to listen well, diagnose conditions, and treat with accuracy. There is no shame in seeking care.
If you have gastrointestinal issues and call Honolulu, Hawaii, home, please reach out to our team today. Dr. Jennifer Tamai was born and raised in Honolulu and has many areas of interest, including colon cancer screening and prevention, esophageal and stomach disorders, and other gastrointestinal disorders. She specializes in performing upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, polyp detection, and removal.
