Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology refers to the whole of the gut – from the oesophagus or gullet to the colon and to various 'appendages' including the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. Gastroenterologists look after patients with diseases of these organs and are also trained in general medicine.

The upper and lower parts of the gut are accessible to direct inspection in great detail through flexible instruments (endoscopes) passed via the mouth or anus, and many patients will undergo investigation by endoscopy. A variety of treatments can now be administered in this way, for example stopping bleeding from peptic ulcers and removing polyps and early cancers from the colon. Long-standing inflammatory conditions of the intestines, particularly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, need careful ongoing review by gastroenterologists, with medication and sometimes surgery being used. Liver diseases are getting more common in the UK, often related to alcohol, obesity or hepatitis viruses, and sometimes lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

Some gastroenterologists - hepatologists - specialise in liver diseases and are closely involved in liver transplantation. All gastroenterologists work closely with surgeons, dietitians, nurses and others in multidisciplinary teams.

Related RCP publications

Map of Medicine

The RCP has been working with Map of Medicine since 2008 to produce web-based knowledge support tools. There are 300 evidence-based clinical care maps covering all major areas of healthcare; including care maps for specific specialties.

Care map	Specialty	Date of expiry	External link to Map of Medicine
Irritable bowel syndrome	Gastroenterology	31 October 2011	Access the irritable bowel syndrome care map
Jaundice	Hepatology/gastroenterology	30 November 2011	Access the jaundice care map
Food allergy	Nutrition/gastroenterology	27 January 2012	Access the food allergy care map
Dysphagia	Gastroenterology	29 February 2012	Access the dysphagia care map