What is a GI Doctor?
A GI doctor, also known as a gastroenterologist, is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver.
Key Takeaways
- Gastroenterologists specialize in digestive system conditions
- GI doctors treat issues involving the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, and liver
- Common conditions include acid reflux, IBS, and colon polyps
- Gastroenterologists perform procedures such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy
- Some GI specialists perform advanced minimally invasive procedures
What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?
Gastroenterologists diagnose and manage a wide range of digestive health conditions, including:
- Acid reflux and GERD
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Stomach pain
- Colon polyps
- Colon cancer screening
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Liver disease
- Pancreatic and biliary disorders
They also evaluate symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rectal bleeding
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
What Procedures Does a GI Doctor Perform?
Common gastroenterology procedures may include:
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Polyp removal
- Colon cancer screening
- Advanced endoscopic procedures
These procedures help diagnose and sometimes treat digestive conditions without traditional surgery.
What Is Advanced Endoscopy?
Some gastroenterologists specialize in advanced therapeutic endoscopy, which uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat conditions inside the digestive tract.
Advanced procedures may help manage:
- Large colon polyps
- Early digestive cancers
- Pancreatic and bile duct conditions
- Barrett’s esophagus
These techniques may reduce the need for open surgery in certain patients.
When Should You See a GI Doctor?
You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience:
- Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
- Persistent stomach pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in the stool
- Ongoing digestive symptoms
GI specialists also help guide routine colon cancer screening and preventive care.
About Dr. Rishi Sharma
Dr. Rishi Sharma is a gastroenterologist at BASS Medical Group specializing in advanced endoscopy, colon cancer screening, Barrett’s esophagus, GERD, pancreatobiliary disease, and general gastrointestinal care.
Video Transcript
A gastroenterologist is a specialist who focuses on treating conditions of the digestive system, from the esophagus to the colon, including the liver.
At BASS Medical Group, we have various gastroenterologists specializing in general gastroenterology, including screenings like colonoscopies, treating acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.
My focus is on advanced therapeutic endoscopy, which allows us to perform procedures that were traditionally done through surgery.
With these minimally invasive techniques, we can now treat conditions like cancer and also diagnose cancer early.
Thank you for submitting your questions to #BassListens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GI stand for?
GI stands for gastrointestinal, which refers to the digestive system.
Is a GI doctor the same as a gastroenterologist?
Yes. A GI doctor and a gastroenterologist are the same type of medical specialist.
What is the difference between a GI doctor and a general doctor?
A gastroenterologist specializes specifically in digestive system conditions and procedures.
Do gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies?
Yes. Colonoscopy is one of the most common procedures performed by gastroenterologists.
Medical Disclaimer: Content provided by BASS Medical Group is intended for general informational purposes only and does not establish a physician-patient relationship. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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