Who is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions and illnesses of the digestive system and the biliary organs, which include the intestines, colon and rectum, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.
These specialists treat diseases such as colorectal polyps, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis. They can also address inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), stomach ulcers, food intolerances, and allergies. They can also treat gallbladder and biliary illnesses such as gallstones, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis.
Gastroenterologists are also the right specialists to consult when you have problems with your liver, such as toxic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. They also treat issues with swallowing, hiatal hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophagitis.
Education and training for gastroenterologists in the U.S.
To become a licensed gastroenterologist in the U.S., students begin with an undergraduate program concentrating on sciences—upon completion, they enroll and finish four years of medical school. After finishing medical school, gastroenterology candidates must complete a three-year residency focusing on internal medicine. Fellowships in gastroenterology take two to three years to complete. Several national societies oversee gastrointestinal fellowships in the U.S. — the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). After completing fellowships, gastroenterologists can add the suffixes—FACP (Fellow of the American College of Physicians) or FACG (Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology) after their names.
Most gastroenterologists also become board-certified after completing their fellowship training. The governing body in the U.S. that conducts a written examination for certifying gastroenterologists is the American Board of Internal Medicine. On completion of this exam, gastroenterologists are called board-certified.
Who is a pediatric gastroenterologist?
A pediatric gastroenterologist is a pediatrician who has received additional training in gastroenterology. After three years of general pediatric medicine residency, pediatricians undergo three more years of training to become certified pediatric gastroenterologists. During this additional training, they focus on gastrointestinal and liver conditions that affect children, particularly emphasizing nutrition. They also learn how to interpret signs and symptoms in children and conduct examinations and minor procedures specific to their smaller bodies.
What common conditions do gastroenterologists treat?
Some habits, certain medications, and improper nutrition can result in gastrointestinal issues. These problems indicate abnormalities in the digestive system, which can be treated by surgery or medication. Some common conditions gastroenterologists treat are:
Hepatitis or liver inflammation generally occurs due to viral infections. However, alcohol consumption and other health conditions can also cause it. Hepatitis has at least five types - A, B, C, D, and E. It spreads through a virus transmission via food and water or contact with infected fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. It can be treated by medication such as antiviral drug therapies.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS, also known as spastic colon or nervous stomach, is a condition where the colon contracts more or less often than expected. Some symptoms include excess gas, abdominal pain or cramps, a change in bowel habits, and frequent constipation or diarrhea. Medications, specific diet, and lifestyle changes can help improve IBS.
Colorectal cancer can be detected in its early stages as benign or non-cancerous growths (polyps) in the colon and rectum tissues. It develops when polyps grow, and abnormal cells invade the surrounding tissue. Screening tests are essential for diagnosing it as it has no symptoms in the early stages. However, blood in the stool, excessive abdominal pain, weight loss, and constant tiredness can indicate it at an advanced stage.
Cirrhosis is a life-threatening condition that prevents the liver from functioning properly and cannot be reversed. The liver tissue can scar from long-term liver damage or late-stage liver disease complications. Alcohol abuse, fatty liver, diabetes, obesity, and hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, and severe cases may require liver transplantation.
Common procedures performed by gastroenterologists
In cases where you complain of constant abdominal cramping and pain that refuses to go, loss of weight and appetite, and persistent diarrhea, your primary care doctor may ask you to consult a gastroenterologist near you. The latter will employ advanced tools to deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. They will study your medical history and test reports and combine medical imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, etc) with particular procedure (s) to come to a conclusion. Some of the key procedures performed by them are:
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy: Gastroenterologists perform an upper GI endoscopy to diagnose and treat upper digestive tract issues, such as GERD, blockages, or strictures. They insert a thin, flexible endoscope through the mouth and guide it through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. They may conduct biopsies, dilate narrowed areas, remove foreign objects, or perform minor surgical or laser treatments during the procedure.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): In an EUS, gastroenterologists examine the upper and lower digestive tracts using an endoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe. This allows them to examine internal organs in detail, detect tumors (especially in the pancreas), identify bile duct stones, and perform biopsies. EUS is also valuable for gastrointestinal cancer staging.
- Colonoscopy: Gastroenterologists use colonoscopy to examine the large intestine (colon) and rectum. They insert a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope through the rectum to detect ulcers, polyps, tumors, obstructions, and other abnormalities. If they discover polyps during the exam, they immediately remove them and send the sample for biopsy. Colonoscopy is also a standard screening method for colorectal cancer.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Gastroenterologists conduct ERCP to assess the biliary system, including the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, and gallbladder. They insert an endoscope through the mouth down to the small intestine and guide a thin catheter to inject a contrast dye, highlighting the bile and pancreatic ducts on X-rays. This procedure helps diagnose tumors, infections, and blockages. Doctors can remove gallstones or take tissue samples during the same session if needed.
What should you expect at the first appointment with the gastroenterologist near you?
Your gastroenterologist will begin with a physical exam to understand the cause of your symptoms. For this, you may lie on the exam table while your doctor presses down on the area around your belly and pay close attention to any odd sounds from your bowels. They may also look for any tenderness or an abnormal mass that can cause concern. Your doctor may also have to examine your rectum via the insertion of a finger in the anus to find any irregularities.
Next, they may ask you to complete diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or blood and stool tests. They may also suggest procedures such as an endoscopy, colonoscopy, or enteroscopy. These tests will help the gastroenterologists get a better sense of your problem.
Accordingly, your doctor may suggest specific medications or lifestyle changes to help improve your condition. They may prescribe over-the-counter medications to treat your constipation or other symptoms. They can advise making specific lifestyle adjustments, such as cutting back on caffeine, eating more fiber, exercising regularly, and learning stress-reduction strategies.
Remember to let the gastroenterologist know if you experience any changes in bowel movements or notice unexplained weight changes.
How do proctologists and colorectal surgeons differ from gastroenterologists?
Proctologists are surgeons who specialize in conditions related to the large intestine, including the anus, rectum, and colon. The term "proctologist" specifically refers to the lower part of the large intestine, which is the rectum and anus. This specialization isn't as common nowadays, and you are more likely to consult a colorectal surgeon for conditions involving the colon, rectum, or anus that may require surgery. Colorectal surgeons have a broader range of specializations than proctologists and may treat conditions affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract.
The main difference between a colorectal surgeon, a proctologist, and a gastroenterologist is that the former train as surgeons. After medical school, they undergo five years of surgical residency and practice general surgery before receiving special training in colorectal procedures. On the other hand, a gastroenterologist may be able to determine if surgery is necessary, but they would not be the ones operating. Instead, they would likely refer you to a colorectal surgeon.
How do you find a gastroenterologist near you in Nashville, TN?
Book your medical appointments on Zocdoc -- the quickest way to find top doctors near you. You can enter the specialty that you would like to see. You can also enter your symptoms, and Zocdoc will find you the right specialist from its extensive database. Add your location and preferred appointment date to narrow down your search. If you have an existing healthcare plan, Zocdoc can find an in-network provider to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Choose your insurance to get started. If you cannot see your insurance plan on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (not applicable to vision or dental insurance cards). We will scan your card's image and provide information about a likely plan. If you are having difficulty uploading a photo of your card, please get in touch with our service team for assistance. If you have more insurance-related queries, you can visit Zocdoc's insurance page.
When you click on search, you will find a list of the best gastroenterologists in the city. You may filter these results by distance, time, age, gender, language, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children. Each provider profile includes detailed information such as their education and training history, hospital affiliations, and certifications. The profile also has user-verified reviews and ratings, giving you a comprehensive idea of the provider. Through Zocdoc, you will find the best gastroenterologist near you that matches all your preferences.
Once you have assessed the profiles, you can make an informed decision and book an online or in-person appointment for free. Zocdoc is all about convenience. It allows you to book and track all your medical appointments. All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free.
Statistics related to gastroenterology in Tennessee
According to a report compiled by the National Cancer Institute for 2017-2021, the state of Tennessee had documented roughly 12.9% of pancreatic cancer patients, nearly 5.5% of stomach cancer patients, and almost 8.6% of liver and bile duct cancer patients.
As per a 2023 report by America's Health Rankings, Tennessee recorded an arthritis rate of almost 33.2%. People with rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) risk developing digestive issues more than the average population. Each end of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible for a different function; R.A. can impact either. According to studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis are nearly 70% more likely to have gastrointestinal problems than those without.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
American College of Gastroenterology
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
National Cancer Institute
America's Health Ranking
Arthritis Foundation
Unio Specialty Care
