Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine focused on disorders of the digestive system. These include: 

  • colon polyps and cancer
  • hepatitis
  • gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
  • peptic ulcer disease
  • colitis
  • gallbladder and biliary tract disease
  • nutritional problems
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • pancreatitis

A patient may be referred to see a gastroenterologist by a GP (doctor), or other specialist colleagues. A gastroenterologist will often conduct a gastroscopy or colonoscopy to examine the gastrointestinal tract.