Gastroenterology Izmir

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases. The digestive system includes organs such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon),rectum, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Gastroenterology investigates the causes of diseases related to these organs, makes diagnoses, and applies appropriate treatment methods.

Diagnostic Methods in Gastroenterology

Modern technologies and comprehensive tests are used to diagnose gastroenterological diseases. The main diagnostic methods include:

Endoscopic Procedures in Gastroenterology

Gastroscopy: Used to examine the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum.
Colonoscopy: Allows for the examination of the large intestine and rectum.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Performed to examine and treat bile and pancreatic ducts.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS): Provides detailed imaging of digestive system organs.

Gastroenterology Stomach Diseases and Symptoms

Stomach diseases can affect daily life quality and may lead to serious consequences if not treated early.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Symptoms of Gastritis

Burning sensation or pain in the abdomen, especially after meals
Bloating and indigestion
Nausea, sometimes vomiting
Loss of appetite

Stomach Ulcer

Sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer

Increased stomach pain or burning when hungry
Bloating and early satiety after meals
Nausea, sometimes vomiting blood
Presence of blood in stool (black-colored stool)

Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - GERD)

Occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

Burning sensation in the chest and throat (heartburn)
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth after meals
Hiccups
Sore throat and hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

A bacterial infection that settles in the stomach and is a major cause of gastritis and ulcers.

Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Persistent stomach pain
Bloating and gas
Loss of appetite
Nausea and weight loss

Gastroenterology Intestinal Diseases and Symptoms

Intestinal diseases can affect both bowel function and overall health. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing disease progression.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional disorder of the intestines.

Symptoms of IBS

Chronic abdominal pain and cramps
Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both)
Bloating and gas
Symptoms worsening with stress

Crohn’s Disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease where the immune system damages the intestines.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Abdominal pain, usually in the lower right side
Bloody or mucus-filled diarrhea
Fever
Fatigue and loss of appetite
Weight loss and vitamin deficiencies

Ulcerative Colitis

An inflammatory disease that affects the colon.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Bloody, mucus-filled diarrhea
Cramping abdominal pain
Fever, weakness, and fatigue
Urgency to defecate without being able to pass stool

Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer

Colon polyps are benign growths on the surface of the colon, but some may become cancerous.

Symptoms of Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer

Blood in the stool or black stool
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
Abdominal pain and bloating
Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue

Intestinal Infections

Caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Symptoms of Intestinal Infections

Severe diarrhea
Abdominal cramps and pain
Fever and weakness
Nausea and vomiting

Pay Attention to the Severity of Gastroenterological Diseases!

The symptoms of these diseases can be mild, but over time, they may lead to serious complications. For example, an untreated stomach ulcer can cause bleeding or perforation. Chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can result in severe damage to the intestines.

If your symptoms are frequent or severe, consult a gastroenterology specialist.
Participate in screening programs to ensure early diagnosis.

Diagnostic Methods in Gastroenterology

Endoscopic Methods

Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)

Used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Indications: Reflux, gastritis, stomach ulcers, upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Colonoscopy

Used to examine the colon and rectum.
Indications: Colon cancer screenings, inflammatory bowel diseases, detection and removal of polyps.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

Used to examine and treat bile ducts and the pancreas.
Indications: Gallstones, pancreatic duct obstructions, bile duct strictures.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Combines endoscopy with ultrasound to examine the internal walls of the digestive system and surrounding tissues.
Indications: Tumors, bile duct diseases, pancreatic cysts.

Imaging Methods

Ultrasonography (USG): Used to examine organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): Uses MRI technology to examine bile and pancreatic ducts.
Computed Tomography (CT): Preferred for detailed imaging of the abdominal area.
Liver Elastography (Fibroscan): Measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis levels.

Laboratory Tests

Blood Tests: Evaluates liver enzymes, bilirubin, amylase, and lipase levels.
Stool Tests: Analyzes for infections, digestive disorders, and bleeding.
Helicobacter Pylori Test: Diagnoses stomach infections via breath, stool, or blood tests.

Other Diagnostic Methods

Hydrogen Breath Test: Used to diagnose lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Manometry: Evaluates muscle movements of the esophagus or rectum.
pH Monitoring: Measures the amount of acid reflux in the esophagus.

Treatment Methods

Medication Therapies

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): Reduce stomach acid (e.g., for gastritis, reflux).
Antibiotics: Used for Helicobacter pylori infections and intestinal infections.
Bowel Motility Medications: Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
Steroids and Immunosuppressants: Used for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Bile Acid Binders: Treat diarrhea caused by bile acid malabsorption.

Endoscopic Treatments

Polypectomy: Removal of polyps during a colonoscopy.
Balloon Dilation: Expanding narrow areas in the digestive tract.
Endoscopic Stenting: Placing stents to open blocked bile ducts or the esophagus.
Bleeding Control: Stopping gastrointestinal bleeding using endoscopic methods.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery is generally performed when endoscopic methods are insufficient.
Indications: Colon cancer, bowel obstructions, gallstones.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Most digestive system diseases require dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Avoid acidic foods for reflux.
Follow personalized diets for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Increase fiber intake to treat constipation.

Other Treatment Methods

Probiotic Therapy: Supports gut flora.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Essential for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Biological Therapy: Advanced treatment targeting the immune system in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Gastroenterology Surgery in Izmir

Gastroenterology surgery is a medical field that applies surgical methods to treat diseases of the digestive system organs. The digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. This surgical branch provides treatment through both open surgery and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedures.