Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Common services and procedures in gastroenterology include:

Diagnostic Services:

1. Endoscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy) – Visual examination of the digestive tract to diagnose conditions like ulcers, GERD, or cancers.
2. Capsule Endoscopy – A small, pill-sized camera that the patient swallows to capture images of the small intestine.
3. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) – Combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat bile or pancreatic duct disorders.
4. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – Blood tests to assess liver health.
5. H. pylori Testing – For detecting the bacterium associated with stomach ulcers.
6. Breath Tests – For diagnosing conditions like lactose intolerance and bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.
7. Ultrasound and MRI of the abdomen – Imaging tests to visualize organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
8. Manometry – Tests that measure the movement and pressure in the esophagus or anal sphincter to evaluate motility disorders.
9. pH Monitoring – To detect acid reflux over a 24-hour period.

Therapeutic Procedures:

1. Endoscopic Polypectomy – Removal of polyps from the colon or stomach during endoscopy.
2. Hemorrhoid Banding – Minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoids.
3. Stent Placement – Insertion of stents to open blockages in the esophagus, bile ducts, or intestines.
4. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – Used to diagnose and sometimes treat issues like tumors, gallstones, or pancreatitis.
5. Paracentesis – Removing fluid from the abdominal cavity, often for patients with liver disease.
6. PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) Tube Placement – Inserting a feeding tube into the stomach through the abdomen for long-term feeding.
7. Variceal Ligation/Banding – Tying off varices (enlarged veins) to prevent bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.
8. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) – Removal of early-stage cancer or large benign growths from the gastrointestinal tract.
9. Biliary Drainage – Used for relieving obstructions in the bile ducts.
10. Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Medications or surgeries for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other Services:

• Nutritional Counseling for patients with chronic GI conditions.
• Management of Hepatitis B & C – Includes antiviral therapies and monitoring.
• Pancreatitis Treatment – For both acute and chronic forms.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening – Routine checks for early detection of colorectal cancer.

These services and procedures are vital for diagnosing and managing disorders like GERD, IBS, liver disease, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal cancers.