Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine concerned with the detection and treatment of problems and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, pancreas and liver.
A Gastroenterologist is a sub-specialist in the field of internal medicine who focuses primarily on the intestinal tract and liver. The doctors are medical specialists with extensive training in digestive diseases and are best equipped to answer your questions, to perform tests in making a diagnosis, and to prescribe the best course of treatment to help you feel better. A Gastroenterologist will finish 3 years of internal medicine training following medical school before completing 2 or 3 years of Gastroenterology training, or fellowship. Both training programs require the physician to pass an examination before becoming board certified.
The doctors of Ravinia Associates Gastroenterology perform endoscopy, the visualization of the internal organs by using a small, flexible tube inserted through the mouth or rectum. Endoscopy allows for the early detection of digestive problems which then can be diagnosed and treated.
A Gastroenterologist will be able to provide care for the following conditions and symptoms:
- heartburn
- swallowing disorders
- ulcers
- abdominal pain
- gas and bloating
- constipation and diarrhea
- rectal and gastrointestinal bleeding
- colon cancer screening and detection of colon polyps
- colitis and inflammatory bowel disease
- hepatitis and other liver problems
- hemorrhoids
- nutrition and diet
- irritable bowel syndrome