Best Gastroenterologists Near Me in Columbus, OH | WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a GI doctor and a gastroenterologist? ›

Gastrointestinal refers to the digestive organs as a whole. A gastroenterologist, on the other hand, is a doctor who specializes in the subject of gastrointestinal. A gastroenterologist is uniquely qualified to diagnose GI tract disorders and perform operations such as a lower GI endoscopy.

A gastroenterologist may begin by physically examining you. They may feel and listen to your abdominal organs from the outside, or insert a finger into your rectum. They may order follow-up tests, such as blood tests, poop tests or imaging tests like GI X-ray exams that take pictures of your organs from the outside.

You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms of a digestive health disorder or if you need colon cancer screening. Often, seeing a gastroenterologist leads to more accurate detection of polyps and cancer, fewer complications from procedures and less time spent in the hospital.

After inquiring about your medical history, your gastroenterologist will conduct a physical exam, which includes: Observation of your belly area. Your doctor will check your abdomen for signs that may indicate abnormalities, like visible masses or surgical scars with bulges. Auscultation of bowel sounds.

A gastroenterologist is a specialist with expertise in the disorders and diseases that affect the digestive system — which includes the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus) as well as the pancreas, liver, bile ducts and gallbladder.

Common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia. The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting.

Standard imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. For an even clearer picture of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium swallow or barium enema may be used in conjunction with an X-ray.

Common GI exams include: Barium Swallow Test (Esophagram): An examination of the esophagus as it swallows. (Approximate time: one hour.) Upper GI Series: An examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (upper small intestine) as they digest.

Options range from no anesthesia or sedation at all to general anesthesia, but for upper endoscopies, moderate or deep sedation is most common. The anesthetics that may be used to minimize pain and discomfort and reduce anxiety include propofol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. No sedation.

If your referral is urgent, you will usually be seen in two weeks. If your referral is not urgent, and considered routine, you will need to wait longer for an appointment. Waiting times can vary, but most people can expect to wait 18 weeks.

Should I eat before going to a gastroenterologist? ›

Avoiding food helps in achieving better results and minimizing complications during procedures. This fasting period is usually 8 hours and can vary based on your doctor's advice. Otherwise, if it's a routine checkup or consultation, there are usually no restrictions, and you can eat and drink before the appointment.

See your health care provider if more-frequent bowel movements also are accompanied by any of the following signs or symptoms: Changes in the consistency, volume or appearance of your bowel movements, such as repeatedly passing narrow, ribbonlike stools or loose, watery stools. Abdominal pain.

It is important for someone with chronic heartburn symptoms to have an endoscopy. The most important thing to look for is Barrett's esophagus, a change in the lining of the esophagus that is associated with an increased cancer risk.

GERD surgery

The procedure is called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus. This reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less likely that acid might back up in the esophagus.

The stage of GERD is determined by the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Receiving the appropriate treatment for your particular stage of GERD is important for keeping your condition from getting worse.

What Are GI Doctors? GI stands for gastrointestinal, and GI doctors are gastroenterologists. They specialize in treating and preventing diseases in your gastrointestinal or digestive tract. GI doctors take care of any or all the organs involved in digestion, absorption, and elimination of waste.

The term gastrointestinal (GI) refers collectively to the organs of the body that play a part in food digestion. The gastrointestinal tract, also called the digestive tract or GI tract, includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and anus.

The large intestine is the last part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the long, tube-like pathway that food travels through your digestive system. It follows from the small intestine and ends at the anal canal, where food waste leaves your body.

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that addresses issues of the digestive tract and liver. It is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine, so a gastroenterologist completes the same training as an internist before pursuing additional fellowship training.