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What is a gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterology focuses on investigating, diagnosing, treating and preventing illnesses and disorders of the digestive system and diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, covering the alimentary canal from the mouth to the anus. Physicians who specialise in this complex field are called gastroenterologists. 

Gastroenterologists carry out a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including colonoscopy, endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and liver biopsy. Some go on to specialise in transplant hepatology, advanced endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and more. They are all experts in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and most are also competent in lower GI endoscopy and colonoscopy. Some have specialist training in things like small bowel endoscopy.

When to see a gastroenterologist?

Some typical examples of the kinds of problems that top gastroenterologists in Knightsbridge deal with on a regular basis. Include bleeding in the digestive tract, problems with the liver or gallbladder, heartburn or acid reflux, ulcers, cancers, colon diseases like IBS and Chron’s, uncontrolled nausea or vomiting, haemorrhoids, certain types of hernias, malnutrition or malabsorption problems with the intestines, and similar problems. Patients can easily find a top gastroenterologist in Knightsbridge using Doctify.

It is important to note that the best gastroenterologists in Knightsbridge can offer a range of treatment options, including medication, diet and lifestyle changes, and minimally-invasive outpatient procedures. If a particular problem requires surgery, however, gastroenterologists will typically refer or recommend patients see a colorectal surgeon, as they are not, strictly speaking, trained to perform major surgical procedures. Between the two specialities, any kind of digestive issues that a patient may have, from the oesophagus to rectum, can be identified, managed, and treated.

What conditions does a gastroenterologist treat?

What procedures can you find at a gastroenterology clinic in Knightsbridge? 

What subspecialties are included in gastroenterology?  

  • Hepatology or hepatobiliary medicine – the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile ducts
  • Proctology – the anus and rectum
  • Pancreaticobiliary – the pancreas and biliary system
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • Functional bowel disease
  • Tropical diseases
  • Gastrointestinal cancers
  • Upper GI disease – the oesophagus and stomach
  • Small bowel disease
  • Transplants 
  • Clinical pharmacology
  • Inherited cancer syndromes
  • Clinical nutrition

What should you expect at a gastroenterology clinic? 

Most people are referred by their GP. Sometimes test results will be needed before you can make an outpatient appointment, sometimes you might be referred directly for an Endoscopy or Gastroscopy, which is usually an outpatient procedure. Your consultant will discuss everything with you at your appointment, put you at ease, and answer all your questions.