ONP Hospitals

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a field that deals with the care and prognosis of digestive tract disorders. These disorders affect specific organs within the abdominal cavity.  This field also includes the disorder of secondary ailments that influence digestion and nutrient absorption indirectly. There are various screening and testing process may include invasive treatments (endoscopy, biopsies) and surgery to diagnose disgestive tract disorders. 

The proper functioning of the organs of the digestive tract is necessary in order to maintain healthy digestion of food, absorption of nutrients from food and removal of waste from the body. Some common disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), malignant tumours, colorectal cancer, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and rectal disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Everything you need to know about gastroenterology

What is Gastroenterology?

First of all, digestion and nutrient absorption issues within the gastrointestinal tract are related to gastroenterology. This means that problems with one digestive tract area can impact overall health. Additionally, it also means that organ failure or chronic sickness might result. Hence, diagnostic procedures play a big role in selecting the treatment plan. The following are some common conditions that may necessitate invasive procedures:

  • Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects GERD and other acid reflux problems.
  • Tumors and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • There is a lack of movement in the stomach, esophagus, or intestines.
  • Cancer of Ulcerative Colitis

Many things can impact negatively on your GI tract’s motility (power to keep working), including:

  • Consuming a low-fiber diet.
  • Consuming a lot of milk products. No physical activity.
  • Trip or other usual disruptions.
  • Pressure or tension
  • Hemorrhoids 
  • Overuse of anti-diarrheal drugs
  • Taking calcium- or aluminum-containing antacids.
  • Taking specific medications (especially antidepressants, iron pills)
  • Narcotics – strong pain medicines.

What does a Gastroenterologist do?

Many diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in gastroenterology are similar because they rely on imaging and investigation. Hence, If medicines can cure the disease, then the prescription is given by the doctor. The following are the more frequent procedures that may be utilized for initial therapies:

  • Colonoscopy is a method that inserts a movable device through the rectum to view the lower intestine. Even though this is primarily an imaging tool, doctors may employ it to remove any present polyps. Patients may need rest for 1-2 days. 
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, uses an X-ray in conjunction with an endoscope, a long, thin, and lighted tube. Your doctor can examine the organs inside the stomach to discover if any problems exist. After that, they will introduce a tube into the endoscope and inject a dye through it. 
  • CT – It scans the stomach area. Several X-ray scans and computer processing are utilized to obtain cross-sectional images. Also, the patient may be given an enema or a contrast drink.
  • Endoscopic capsules – This procedure requires the patient to consume a tiny camera passing through the digestive system. However, the procedure requires less recovery time than other endoscopic procedures. Patients need to wait in the clinic for around 6-7 hours.
  • Laparoscopic surgery – This diagnostic and surgical approach removes polyps, organ components, and the appendix.

When to visit a Gastroenterologist?

Any issue that affects digestion may necessitate a diagnostic procedure. Therefore, individuals with specific concerns regarding stomach function need to undergo a series of tests to determine the cause of the problem.

What Are the Causes of Gastrointestinal Disorders?

Doctors have discovered several causes for gastrointestinal disorders. The following are a few examples:

  • Poor nutrition – If you don’t receive enough fiber in your diet, you’ll have a harder time passing stools.
  • Childbirth – The impact to your lower abdomen can weaken muscles, develop sores and scars, and lead to infection.
  • Constipation – When you don’t pass stools regularly, your nerves have to work extra hard since the stools harden with time. The additional strain causes the nerves and muscles in the area to deteriorate.
  • Diseases of the Gene – Crohn’s disease patients are more likely to experience gastrointestinal difficulties.

Drugs for Gastroenterology

Treatment for stomach disorders might include a variety of drugs.

Some drugs are designed to treat illness, while others have a soothing impact on the intestines. Hence, the following are a few of the drugs:

  • Stivarga & Cyramza – Heals stomach cancer.
  • Entyvio – Cures Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Zerbaxa – Treats inflammation and infections.

Gastroenterological Surgical treatments

  • Surgery for Tumor tissues This may be indicated if the digestive tract has polyps or tumors or if the tissues are infected. Additionally, removing parts of the intestines is typical in appendicitis or Crohn’s disease.
  • Fecal divert – It occurs when feces get compacted as a result of sickness or drug reactions. Surgery helps to remove the blockage or modify the path of the feces. If parts of the intestines do not function, surgery is required.
  • Internal sewing – Sometimes, stitches may result in low stomach function in some cases. Therefore, if this is the situation, surgery to reattach prolapsed organs or sections of the intestine may be essential to restore normal body function.

Why choose ONP Hospital?

The best treatment plans for Gastroenterological issues are available at Oyster and Pearl Hospital (ONP). Our medical team at the Gastroenterology department is highly knowledgeable and experienced and is focused to provide quality care to all our patients. 

Our hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency services. Ours is the most reputable and trustworthy hospital in the country. We are equipped with high-end technology and facilities including all surgical devices and machines, necessary for gastroenterological treatment. We strive to provide the best possible care to everyone at affordable costs. You are choosing the best healing hands when you choose our ONP hospital.