Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. The digestive system includes the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the anus, as well as the liver, pancreas, and biliary system.
A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system. These specialists are often involved in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They also treat patients with gastric or intestinal cancers, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions affecting the GI tract.
In addition to medical management, gastroenterologists also provide endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. These procedures allow for visualization of the inside of the GI tract in order to diagnose and treat various conditions.