gastroenterologii

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive tract and related organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, as well as the liver, biliary system, gallbladder, and pancreas. Specialists, called gastroenterologists, diagnose diseases using endoscopic techniques, imaging, lab tests, and clinical evaluation, and treat conditions with medications, endoscopic procedures, dietary management, and, when necessary, surgery.

Diagnosis and procedures are central to the field. Endoscopy, such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy, allows direct visualization and intervention in the GI tract, while procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and capsule endoscopy provide additional diagnostic options. Imaging studies including ultrasound, CT, and MRI complement clinical assessment. Noninvasive tests such as stool analyses, serology, and breath tests are also used. Treatments encompass acid-suppressing drugs, antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies for inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic enzyme replacement, and dietary management; endoscopic interventions (dilation, stenting, hemostasis, polypectomy) and referral for surgery when needed.

Common diseases managed by gastroenterology include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, pancreatitis, liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, biliary disorders like gallstones, and colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

Training and research: Gastroenterologists typically complete a medical degree, internal medicine residency, and a fellowship in gastroenterology, with board certification and ongoing continuing medical education. Research areas include noninvasive fibrosis assessment, liver disease management, the gut microbiome, endoscopic technologies, and minimally invasive therapies.