The Gastroenterology Department specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders related to the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and biliary system. Gastroenterologists, the specialists in this department, focus on a wide range of conditions and diseases affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Key areas of focus include:
Oesophageal Disorders
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Management of chronic acid reflux and heartburn.
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the oesophagus, often due to acid reflux.
- Oesophageal Strictures: Treatment of narrowing of the oesophagus, which can cause swallowing difficulties.
- Barrett’s Oesophagus: A condition that can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, often related to chronic GERD.
Stomach Disorders
- Peptic Ulcers: Treatment of ulcers in the stomach lining, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to pain and indigestion.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach empties more slowly than normal, leading to nausea and bloating.
Intestinal Disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Management of symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Treatment of chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the GI tract.
- Celiac Disease: Diagnosis and management of gluten intolerance, which affects the small intestine.
- Diverticulitis: Treatment of inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon.
Liver and Biliary Disorders
- Hepatitis: Treatment of liver inflammation caused by viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C), alcohol use, or other factors.
- Cirrhosis: Management of advanced liver disease often caused by chronic hepatitis or alcohol abuse.
- Gallstones: Diagnosis and treatment of stones in the gallbladder that can block bile ducts and cause pain.
- Fatty Liver Disease: Management of liver fat accumulation, often related to obesity or metabolic syndrome.
Pancreatic Disorders
- Pancreatitis: Treatment of inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosis and management of tumours in the pancreas.
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Pancreatic Issues: Managing pancreatic insufficiency and related complications.
Colorectal Disorders
- Colorectal Cancer: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in the colon or rectum.
Polyps: Removal of benign growths in the colon that could develop into cancer. - Constipation and Diarrheal: Management of chronic bowel habit changes.
- Hemorrhoids: Treatment of swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus.
Diagnostic Procedures
- Endoscopy: Using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the digestive tract. This includes upper endoscopy (for the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and colonoscopy (for the colon).
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): A specialized endoscopic technique to study the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder.
- Capsule Endoscopy: Swallowing a small, pill-sized camera that takes pictures as it moves through the digestive tract.
- Liver Biopsy: A procedure to remove a small sample of liver tissue for examination.
