Gastroenterology is the field of medicine focused on the organs and health of the digestive system. This is an extremely important system in our body, responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients and removing unnecessary substances from the body. Many people imagine that only the stomach and intestines are involved in the digestive system. In reality, however, gastroenterology examines the function, complaints, symptoms and diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.

When should you see a gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterology is responsible for many different components of the digestive tract, and when their function is disturbed, various symptoms usually appear, such as:

• difficulty swallowing;
• rising heartburn;
• blood in the stool;
• abdominal pain;
• bloating;
• disturbed bowel movements (diarrhoea or constipation);
• fatigue;
• unexplained weight loss.

If you have experienced even one of these symptoms, be sure to see a specialist. “In people over 50, the risk of colorectal cancer increases, so I recommend that once you reach this age you visit a gastroenterologist for a preventive check-up, even if you have no complaints,” advises gastroenterologist Gediminas Šemeklis. 

Which diseases does gastroenterology treat?

After examining the patient and carrying out the necessary tests, the gastroenterologist diagnoses various diseases and conditions, which may include:

• reflux;
• hepatitis C;
• coeliac disease;
• haemorrhoids;
• polyps;
• ulcers;
• stones;
• nutritional disorders;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas;
• gastrointestinal cancer.

Which tests are performed at the clinic?

At AND klinika the gastroenterologist advises on all matters relating to digestive-tract disorders. After listening to the patient's complaints, they may be prescribed medication or additional tests. The clinic performs an ultrasound examination that helps diagnose some upper and lower digestive-tract disorders. Gastroenterology also examines the influence of the pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori on the digestive tract. After a blood sample is taken, an H. pylori IgG test is carried out quickly and simply.