Gastroenterology Treatment in India
What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology primarily deals with disorders related to the digestive system. It concentrates on addressing conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, esophagus, large intestine, and small intestine. A Gastroenterologist is responsible for accurately diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system.
Who should consider Gastroenterology Surgery?
Unexplained weight loss and alterations in bowel habits serve as concerning symptoms for gastroenterological issues. In addition to these, certain situations warrant consultation with a specialist :
Gastroenterology Disorders
The gastrointestinal system impacts various organs, including:
Types of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Various types of gastrointestinal surgery can address specific conditions, significantly enhancing the quality of life for many patients. Some of these conditions include:
The scope and nature of Gastrointestinal Surgery (GI) depend largely on the cancer's location and size. It may serve as the sole treatment or be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy for a comprehensive approach.
Gallbladder Cancer : Gallbladder cancers in their early stages are often treated with surgery.
Stomach Cancer : Gastrectomy is the surgical procedure employed for treating stomach cancer. In partial gastrectomy, a section of the stomach is removed, and the remaining portion is then connected to the esophagus and small intestine.
Liver Cancer : Hepatectomy is the surgical process of removing segments of the liver. Up to 80% of the liver can be removed, provided the remaining liver tissue is healthy. The left part of the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of the organ.
Pancreatic Cancer : The Whipple procedure is employed to treat pancreatic cancer, involving the removal of the first part of the small intestine, the head of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach, and the bile duct. Alternatively, a distal pancreatectomy procedure can be used to remove the tail and body of the spleen along with a portion of the pancreas.
Esophageal Cancer : Esophagectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove either a portion or the entire esophagus. This approach is employed in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer : To address colorectal cancer, a procedure called colorectal resection involves removing the rectum or a segment of the colon, and then reconnecting the remaining ends. In rare cases, a colostomy may be performed, creating a new path for waste elimination. This involves making an opening in the abdomen to connect to the intestine, and a bag is fitted in the opening to collect waste.
Gastroenterology Diseases and Treatments
Diseases of the Small Intestine
Diseases of the Duodenum and Stomach
Diseases of the Gall Bladder
Diseases of the Colon
Diseases of the Pancreas
Diseases of the Esophagus
Diseases of the Liver
Capsule Endoscopy (Inpatients)
It's a procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-sized capsule containing a miniature wireless camera. This facilitates capturing images of the digestive tract for medical diagnosis.
Colonoscopy (Full Length)
Colonoscopy is a medical examination to assess abnormalities and changes in the large intestine and rectum. The procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube into the rectum, equipped with a small video camera. This allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon for a more accurate diagnosis.
Endoscopy (UGI Endoscopy)
This test is conducted to examine any portion of the upper digestive system or UGI, which includes the small intestine, stomach, esophagus, and mouth. The procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube through the mouth for both diagnosis and treatment.
Endoscopy Pseudocyst Drainage
Pancreatic pseudocysts are fluid-filled sacs on the pancreas that can result from trauma or pancreatitis. The procedure involves inserting an endoscopic ultrasound into the GI tract, positioned in close proximity to the pancreas, to facilitate the drainage of the cysts.
ERCP (Diagnostic)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique employed to investigate issues in the gallbladder, pancreatic ducts, and bile ducts. This procedure combines both endoscopy and fluoroscopy for a comprehensive examination.
Esophageal Stenting
This procedure involves inserting a tube into the esophagus (throat) to alleviate a blocked area. It is primarily performed to facilitate the swallowing of fluids and solids and is a crucial component of the treatment for conditions like peptic esophageal strictures, esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula, and similar issues.
Sigmoidoscopy
This procedure is used to examine the interior of the rectum and the lower colon, specifically the sigmoid colon and descending colon, for signs of cancers, polyps, or ulcers. It involves using a small tube equipped with a camera and light, commonly known as a sigmoidoscope.
Whipple Procedure
This surgical operation is performed to remove tumors from the pancreas. The procedure entails extracting the head of the pancreas, gall bladder, the first part of the small intestine, and a portion of the bile duct. Following the surgery, the organs are reconnected to enable the patient to digest food normally.