Gastroenterology and Hepatology are subspecialties of internal medicine that focus on the digestive system and liver. They are closely linked, often studied and practiced together, and play a vital role in diagnosing and managing a wide range of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders.

Gastroenterology: Digestive System Medicine

Gastroenterology deals with the structure, function, and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Key Areas:

• Esophageal Disorders

  • GERD (acid reflux), esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus

• Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

  • Peptic ulcers, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection

• Small and Large Intestine Disorders

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), celiac disease

• Colorectal Diseases

  • Colon polyps, colorectal cancer, diverticulosis

• Pancreatic Disorders

  • Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, exocrine insufficiency

• Functional GI Disorders

  • Motility issues, bloating, constipation

• Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

  • Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for GI tract visualization and treatment

Hepatology: Liver and Biliary System Medicine

Hepatology focuses on the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Key Areas:

• Hepatitis

  • Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E), autoimmune hepatitis

• Liver Cirrhosis

  • Scarring of the liver due to chronic damage (e.g., alcohol, hepatitis)

• Liver Failure

  • Acute or chronic liver dysfunction requiring intensive care or transplant

• Fatty Liver Disease

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease

• Liver Cancer

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma

• Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders

  • Gallstones, cholecystitis, biliary obstruction

• Liver Transplantation

  • Evaluation and post-operative care of transplant patients

Skills and Tools in Gastroenterology & Hepatology

• Endoscopic procedures (EGD, ERCP, colonoscopy)

• Liver function tests and imaging (ultrasound, FibroScan, MRI)

• Biopsy and histopathology

• Nutritional and metabolic assessment