Are you seeing a gastroenterologist for the first time? If your answer is yes, then here’s your guide for all your questions. Because they specialize in diseases of the digestive tract, gastroenterologists treat many people who have symptoms similar to yours.
Table of Contents
Overview
The food we eat is converted into energy, which the body needs to function effectively. Various organs in the body play a role in the absorption of food and form the “digestive system”. The “digestive tract” can be divided into 2 parts: the upper digestive tract, which consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum. The lower digestive tract comprises the small, large intestine, rectum and anus.
But, What Is A Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and make recommendations for treating the problem.
As internal medicine specialists, they use medical products as endoscopes for examination and intervention. This tube-like device allows the gastroenterologist to examine the digestive tract and perform procedures such as biopsies or removal of polyps and cancer.
They examine the digestive system and any diseases that affect the stomach, esophagus, gallbladder,liver, pancreas, intestines, rectum, and large intestine such as:
- cirrhosis
- Colon polyps and colon cancer
- constipation and diarrhea
- Crohn’s disease
- gallbladder disease
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- hepatitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- heart cancer
- stomach ulcer
- ulcerative colitis
- pancreatitis
The first appointment with your gastroenterologist will last for 30-60 minutes. In order to diagnose the cause or treatment, they will question you more about the medical history, symptoms, or any treatments you have tried.
How Are Gastro Surgeons Different From Gastroenterologists?
Gastro Surgeons often perform complex and complicated operations while the patient is under general anesthesia. They specialize in the abdominal area, including the large intestine, rectum, or anus.
Some examples of these surgical procedures are:
- tumor removal
- Correction of pelvic floor disorders
- Gastro Surgeons may also use surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat hemorrhoids or other disorders of the colon and rectum.
What Questions Will My Gastroenterologist Ask?
When you visit a gastroenterology hospital first, your nurse will take your blood pressure and heart rate test, and ask you questions about your health. Tell them what medications you are taking or if you have any allergies.
Your gastroenterologist should ask more detailed questions, such as:
- What are your symptoms?
- Where’s the pain?
- How long does your pain usually last?
- Does your pain move or change?
- When did your symptoms start?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse or better at times?
- Does something seem to be causing your symptoms?
- Does anyone in your family have digestive problems or other health problems?
- Have you had any other illnesses or surgeries before?
Some of the questions don’t seem to have anything to do with your digestive issues. But symptoms in other parts of your body can help a gastroenterologist make the right diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Gastroenterologist
You also need to ask questions. Here are some you can try:
- Do I need to see a Gastro surgeon?
- What is the usual treatment for my condition?
- Do I need a colonoscopy or endoscopy?
- What should I do if my symptoms worsen before I see them again?
- What are the signs of serious complications?
- Is there a drug that can make my problem worse?
- Should I change my diet?
How To Choose The Best Gastroenterology Hospital?
Although there are hundreds of gastroenterology hospital across the country, it is very important to choose the best liver hospital in India for your gastroenterology treatment and to do that there are a few things you need to check before making your doctor’s appointment.
Services Offered – Gastrointestinal problems are different and you need to find a gastroenterology hospital that specializes in dealing with the problem you are currently facing. For example, if you need a cancer screening, you need to find a gastroenterology hospital who not only offers that service, but also specializes in it. This will help you find the best treatment for the problem you are facing. So, if the doctor of your choice doesn’t treat a particular medical condition, making an appointment with him would be a total loss.
Knowledge and Experience – These two factors play an important role in ensuring that the gastroenterology hospital you choose is really good for you. Therefore, before choosing the best liver hospital in India, it is very important to think about the abilities of gastroenterologist. Often there are several self-proclaimed experts in the market that you should get rid of. Make sure the doctor you choose has the correct title to his name and is highly qualified to treat any problems you may be suffering from.
It is also important that your doctor is not a beginner in this field. Choosing an expert has its advantages. Not only will he have accumulated extensive knowledge of various digestive issues during his years of practice in this field, but he will also be able to suggest the most appropriate course of action for you. This leads to better results and better recovery.
Updated Technology – The field of gastroenterology is growing rapidly and new ones are added every day, be it medications prescribed by a doctor, tools for detection and surgery, or postoperative care. Therefore, it is important for your doctor to be aware of the latest developments in this area so that he or she can apply them to your treatment. This helps to achieve better and faster treatment results.
Safety Standards – It is important that the gastroenterology hospital maintains the best health and safety standards throughout your treatment. It is important to have a sterile environment during the operation along with other basic equipment like strict infection prevention practices etc. which can ensure complete safety. Any doctor who does not follow the procedures recommended by the local medical association when treating the digestive tract can put you at health risk and is therefore a very important no-no in all situations.
Cost – The best liver hospital in India will have a number of gastroenterologists who are renowned for their expertise in their field. However, not everyone charges the same for the services they provide. Therefore, it is best to first determine the fees charged by each specialist in the GI department and then make your choice. You don’t want to overpay for the same treatment that other specialists can offer at a relatively low price.
Making a wise decision when choosing the hospital in India will give you peace of mind and help you get the best treatment, and therefore the best outcome.
