Gastroenterology & Hepatology

GASTROENTEROLOGY is the speciality dealing with the diagnosis and management of diseases of the Digestive System, that comprises 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, fatty liver disease  etc.

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 gastro-intestinal tract using endoscopes to photograph and or to sample areas that appear abnormal in order 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.