What is Gastroenterology and Hepatology

In the 1920s and 30s, the nutritionist Victor Lindlah quoted: ‘we are what we eat’. The digestive system is mainly involved in the metabolism of food. The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends at the bowel. The long journey through the body may sometimes be hindered by dysfunctional organs, disrupting the process of digestion and impacting nutrient absorption. Some of the conditions that can disrupt this seemingly natural process are as follows:

Esophagus, Stomach and Small Bowel Disorders

• Gastritis
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD)
• Stomach cancer
• Bacterial infection (Helicobacter Pylori)
• Malabsorption (celiac disease, tropical sprue)

Large Bowel (Colon/Rectal) Disorders

• Colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Colonic polyps

Liver, Biliary System and Pancreatic Disorders

• Gallbladder stones
• Stricture (narrowing) or obstruction (blockage) of the bile ducts
• Hepatitis (A,B,C)
• Liver cirrhosis and failure
• Liver abscesses and liver tumours
• Pancreatitis
• Cancers of the bile duct system, gall bladder and pancreas
• Cysts appearing in the liver, pancreas or bile ducts