Gastroenterology

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of digestive system diseases. This specialty covers diseases of organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Gastroenterologists diagnose, treat and take the necessary precautions to prevent various diseases related to the digestive system.

Scope of Gastroenterology

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A disorder caused by stomach acid leaking back into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
• Peptic Ulcer: Sores that form on the inner surface of the stomach or duodenum. Associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of NSAID drugs.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and variable bowel habits.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Autoimmune diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the intestines, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections. There are types of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
• Liver Diseases: Includes conditions such as liver cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cancer.
• Gallbladder Diseases: Diseases such as gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and bile duct obstructions.
• Pancreatic Diseases: Includes pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer, and other disorders of the pancreas.
• Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disease in which the small intestine is damaged due to gluten consumption. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Colorectal Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the large intestine and rectum. Screening methods such as colonoscopy are used for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small sacs (diverticula) in the wall of the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and digestive problems.

The Importance of Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases. The digestive system performs vital functions such as the absorption and digestion of nutrients and the excretion of waste. Therefore, digestive system diseases can have serious effects on overall health. Gastroenterology is important for early diagnosis, effective treatment and prevention of complications of these diseases.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods Used in Gastroenterology

• Endoscopy: Used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the upper digestive system (esophagus, stomach, duodenum) and lower digestive system (colon and rectum). Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are common endoscopic procedures.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Used in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructions in the bile and pancreatic ducts.
• Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS): An advanced imaging method used to visualize and biopsy the digestive system and surrounding organs.
• Liver Biopsy: Used in the diagnosis of liver diseases. A sample of liver tissue is taken and examined under a microscope.
• Capsule Endoscopy: A method used for detailed imaging of the small intestine. Patients swallow a small capsule, and images are recorded as it moves through the digestive system.
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): Provides magnetic resonance imaging examination of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.
• Blood Tests: Liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes, viral hepatitis tests, and other blood tests are used to diagnose digestive system diseases.
• Stool Tests: Used to identify infections, inflammation, and bleeding.

Gastroenterology Treatment Methods

• Medical Treatment: Drug treatments play an important role in the management of digestive system diseases. Various drugs such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, antibiotics, antispasmodics, immunosuppressants and biological agents are used.
• Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Diet and lifestyle changes play an important role in the treatment and management of many digestive system diseases. Dietary changes are especially recommended in celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and reflux disease.
• Endoscopic Interventions: Endoscopic procedures such as polyp removal, biopsy, stopping bleeding and widening of strictures are performed for therapeutic purposes.
• Surgical Interventions: Surgical interventions may be required in the treatment of some digestive system diseases. Surgical treatment may be applied in cases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and gallbladder diseases.
• Rehabilitation and Support: Rehabilitation and support services are provided during the recovery process after digestive system diseases. This helps patients improve their general health and increase their quality of life.

Gastroenterology with Asumed Health Care

Asumed Health Care offers the best service in the field of gastroenterology by collaborating with leading healthcare institutions in Turkey. The main services we offer to our patients are as follows:

• Diagnosis and Assessment: We ensure that our patients undergo a comprehensive assessment. We provide accurate diagnosis and preparation of appropriate treatment plans with endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS, liver biopsy and other diagnostic methods.
• Medical and Surgical Treatment: We apply medical and surgical treatments for digestive system diseases in accordance with the latest treatment protocols.
• Diet and Lifestyle Consulting: We provide consultancy services to our patients on diet and lifestyle changes for the management of digestive system diseases.
• Endoscopic Interventions: We perform endoscopic treatment procedures such as polyp removal, biopsy, stopping bleeding and widening of stenoses.
• Rehabilitation and Support: We provide supportive treatment and rehabilitation services to our patients during the recovery process after digestive system diseases.
• International Patient Support: We offer services specifically designed for our patients coming from abroad. These services include guidance throughout the treatment process, accommodation and transportation arrangements, translation services and support for other needs.