Gastroenterology

Diagnosis, Follow-up, and Interventional Treatment of Digestive System Diseases

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up of diseases affecting the digestive system. The digestive system is not only responsible for breaking down food; it also plays a crucial role in immunity, metabolism, vitamin absorption, and maintaining overall health. Therefore, disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system can influence the entire body.

In our department, early diagnosis and effective treatment are achieved through experienced gastroenterology specialists, advanced diagnostic methods, and modern endoscopy technologies. Evaluation of outpatient cases, interventional procedures, and treatments requiring hospitalization are planned with a multidisciplinary approach.

Which Organs and Diseases Does Gastroenterology Cover?

Gastrointestinal Tract (Digestive Tube)

This includes diseases affecting the structures that extend from the mouth to the anus.

• Diseases of the mouth and esophagus
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastritis and stomach ulcers
• Duodenal diseases
• Small and large intestine diseases
• Hemorrhoids and anal region diseases
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Polyps and precancerous lesions
• Celiac disease

Liver, Biliary Tract, and Pancreas

This group includes diseases of the accessory organs of the digestive system.

• Fatty liver disease
• Viral hepatitis
• Gallbladder stones
• Bile duct obstructions
• Pancreatitis
• Liver cirrhosis
• Metabolic liver diseases
• Autoimmune liver diseases

When Should You Consult a Gastroenterologist?

Digestive system diseases may present with many different symptoms. A gastroenterology evaluation is recommended if one or more of the following complaints are present.

Mouth and Esophagus Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing
• Sensation of food getting stuck
• Acid reflux or stomach contents coming into the mouth
• Burning behind the breastbone
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Persistent bad breath

These symptoms can sometimes be confused with heart-related chest pain and should be evaluated carefully.

Symptoms of Stomach Diseases

• Upper abdominal pain
• Indigestion and bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain that wakes you at night
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Black-colored stool

Symptoms of Intestinal Diseases

• Persistent diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloody stools
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Gas and bloating
• Changes in bowel habits
• Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying

Symptoms of Liver and Biliary Tract Diseases

• Jaundice
• Itching
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale-colored stool
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
• Swelling in the legs
• Persistent fatigue
• Loss of appetite

How Is Diagnosis Made in Gastroenterology?

Digestive system diseases may produce similar symptoms. Therefore, multiple diagnostic methods are often used together for accurate diagnosis.

Laboratory Tests

• Complete blood count
• Liver function tests
• Vitamin level tests
• Stool analysis

Imaging Methods

• Ultrasonography
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

Endoscopy is one of the most important diagnostic and therapeutic methods in gastroenterology. It uses a thin, flexible device with a camera that allows direct visualization of the digestive tract.

Procedures that can be performed during endoscopy include:

• Diagnosis of gastritis and ulcers
• Detection of Helicobacter pylori
• Biopsy sampling
• Removal of polyps
• Stopping gastrointestinal bleeding
• Dilatation of strictures

Colonoscopy allows evaluation of the large intestine and is the most effective method for colon cancer screening.

ERCP (Endoscopic Treatment of Bile Ducts)

ERCP allows visualization and treatment of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts during the same procedure.

With this method:

• Gallstones can be removed
• Bile duct obstructions can be opened
• Stents can be placed

In many cases, surgical intervention can be avoided.

Diseases Diagnosed and Treated in Our Department

Esophageal Diseases

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophagitis
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Esophageal strictures
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Esophageal infections
• Esophageal varices

Stomach and Duodenal Diseases

• Gastritis
• Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Functional stomach disorders
• Gastric polyps
• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Small and Large Intestinal Diseases

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Intestinal infections
• Intestinal polyps
• Colon cancer screening and early detection
• Celiac disease
• Malabsorption disorders

Anal Region Diseases

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissure
• Anal fistula
• Investigation of rectal bleeding

Liver Diseases

• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Viral hepatitis
• Drug- and toxin-related liver injury
• Cirrhosis and cirrhosis complications
• Liver masses and nodules
• Bile flow disorders

Gallbladder and Bile Duct Diseases

• Gallbladder stones
• Bile duct obstruction
• Cholangitis
• Bile leakage and strictures
• ERCP procedures for stone removal and stent placement

Pancreatic Diseases

• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cysts
• Pancreatic duct diseases

Conditions Treatable with Interventional Endoscopy

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Polyp removal
• Dilatation of strictures
• Removal of foreign bodies
• Placement of feeding tubes (PEG)
• Removal of bile duct stones (ERCP)

Treatment Approach

Treatment in gastroenterology is planned according to the specific disease and the individual patient.

Treatment methods include:

• Medical therapy
• Endoscopic procedures
• Dietary regulation
• Lifestyle modifications
• Long-term follow-up programs

The goal is not only to relieve symptoms but also to prevent disease progression and improve quality of life.