When Is A Gastroenterologist Required?

The digestive system is one of the most critical systems in the body to ensure proper functioning of the rest of the body. When the digestive system and liver are not functioning correctly it has a huge impact on all other body functions. For some people this can start out as a general discomfort such as heartburn but then quickly turn into something much more significant. While a family physician may initially try traditional treatments for the less significant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract or liver, when the conditions worsen a gastroenterologist is usually the first specialist called in.

Like a general or family doctor, the gastroenterologist has completed a four-year medical degree after their initial post-graduate degree. After this training they then complete a specialization residency in Internal Medicine that lasts three years. After this they then further specialize through training in a fellowship in gastroenterology that can last between two and three years. Upon completion of this additional five or six years of highly specialized training they then complete the required components for licensure and are eligible to work in the field of gastroenterology.

A gastroenterologist can be called in to consult with a family doctor or work with a medical treatment team for a variety of reason. The most common referral occurs when the treating physician believes that the patient is not responding to traditional types of treatment or that there is a more significant medical issue than originally determined or diagnosed. The specialist then orders a variety of medical tests, typically including an endoscopy, which allows a very detailed picture of the gastrointestinal tract. An endoscopy is a procedure that allows the specialist to use a very small, highly flexibly type of tube to see into the digestive tract. The tube has lights and a camera that literally provide the specialists with a direct view of the functioning of the GI tract without the need for surgery or other types of highly invasive procedures used in the past.

Based on the finding from the endoscopy the doctor may then request a surgical procedure to obtain a piece of tissue from any abnormal growths or tumors. The specialist will then study this biopsy sample and determine if there is a need for further surgical procedures or if the tissue is cancerous or otherwise. Medical treatment will be developed based on these findings. The specialist may also use several other techniques to treat conditions of the gastrointestinal tract including removing polyps, stretching or expanding narrowed areas of the digestive tract or controlling bleeding within the digestive system.

While the doctor may be a specialist they also work in conjunction with a treatment team or primary care physician for long-term care and follow up. This is most common with chronic types of health conditions of the digestive tract that may have a significant impact on an individual's life for both short and long term. When specialists are involved at this level they typically see the patient on a regular basis but not as frequently as the primary care physician.

Generally your doctor will recommend that a gastroenterologist become involved in your treatment team when he or she feels that a complex diagnosis or treatment is likely. Working with the GI specialist is a wonderful way to ensure the most complete treatment options possible. It will also work to make sure that your digestive health problems are corrected and managed as effectively as possible both now and in the future.