Gastroenterology Gastroenterology
Oesophagus, stomach, bowel, liver, biliary system, pancreas. Most digestive endoscopy is done here.
Who is usually sent here
Persistent abdominal pain, ongoing heartburn, a change in bowel habit, blood in stool, abnormal liver tests.
What this specialty does NOT cover
Does not operate — appendix, hernia and gallstone surgery belong to general surgery. Lower abdominal pain in women may belong to gynaecology.
What a first visit usually involves
A detailed history of eating and bowel habit, an abdominal examination, then endoscopy or ultrasound if indicated.
Bring with you
Previous endoscopy reports with images, a food and symptom diary, and any stomach medicines you bought yourself.
Worth asking
- Do I have any sign that warrants early endoscopy
- When should it be repeated
- Is any dietary change worth making