Can someone explain if a gastro can diagnose or treat liver disease?

[panda2526]

I have a question regarding gastroenterologists versus the other specialists like hepatology or oncology? I have read some places that a gastro is not the person to see regarding liver disease or making diagnoses or even treating Hep C. Yet I also find information on what a gastro practices, treats, evaluates or diagnoses. I am confused...my husband sees a gastro/internist specialist for his liver diseases. The nearest hepatologist is 30 hours away.

Quote:

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine concerned with digestive diseases. The practice of gastroenterology concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This medical field is really a subspecialty of Internal Medicine, as is, for example, Cardiology, which deals with diseases of the heart.

A Gastroenterologist is a specialist who is first broadly trained in Internal Medicine and subsequently in diagnosing and treating disease of the digestive system. Frequently, a Gastroenterologist is called in cases of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or change in bowel habits when the diagnosis is unclear or where specialized diagnostic procedures are necessary. Most Gastroenterologists are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and then receive additional training in Gastroenterology. To qualify for Board certification, an individual must have completed four years of college, four years of medical school and have received a degree in medicine. Then he/she must complete an additional four to six years of specialty training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. After several years of clinical practice, the doctor must successfully complete an extensive series of examinations. All of our doctors are Board Certified in Gastroenterology.

Frequently, a Gastroenterologist is called in cases when the diagnosis is unclear or where specialized diagnostic procedures are necessary. A Gastroenterologist treats a broad range of conditions, including, but not limited to:

Abdominal Pain
Abnormal Xray findings
Colon Cancer
Colon Polyps
Colon Screening Exams
Constipation
Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea
Difficulty Swallowing
Diverticulosis
Esophageal Reflux
Gastritis
GERD
Heartburn
Hemorrhoids

Hepatitis

Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice

Liver Disease

Malabsorption
Nausea Diarrhea
Post-OperativeColon Tests
Rectal Bleeding
Spastic Colon
Ulcers
Ulcerative Colitis
Unexplained Weight Loss
Vomiting

DOES A GASTROENTEROLOGIST PERFORM SURGERY?

A Gastroenterologist does not perform surgery. His work is limited to diagnosis and medical treatment. However, under the broad classification of surgery, Gastroenterologists do perform such procedures as liver biopsy and endoscopic ("scope") examinations of the esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel. Also, the Gastroenterologist frequently works with surgeons before and after an operation in helping select the best operation for a particular patient, and in providing follow-up care relevant to the particular digestive disorder.

Gastroenterologists treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

ulcers
acid reflux, GERD, heartburn
irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohns, and Colitis
celiac disease

hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases

colon cancer


What is a Hepatologist?

Hepatologists are surgeons that treat diseases and disorders of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Most often hepatologists work in clinics. In hospitals, hepatological diseases are treated by gastrologists.

End quote...

Still confused.

Thanks...

[panda2526]

Thanks, H...I wish it WAS only 30 miles to the nearest hepatologist...!

It is a 2 and a half hour airplane flight...we would have about 20 HOURS just in driving time, depending on weather and road conditions, not including sleeping, stopping etc.

Thanks for the info...it just seems the only real option we have right now is a gastro/internist who is an 8 hours drive both ways...sure hope it is ok for now.

C

[HectorSF]

It all depends on how advanced your liver disease is.

If you have mild liver disease and no other major health issues you can treat with a gastroenterologist  who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating hepatitis C.

If you have cirrhosis of the liver than you should be under the care of a hepatologist as cirrhosis is a very complicated disease and they have special training and experience caring for patients with cirrhosis. To drive 30 miles in my opinion is worth doing as cirrhosis improperly managed can be fatal.

Hepatologist are NOT surgeons.

An Oncologist specialized in cancer.

Good luck
hector

[panda2526]

Thanks anyway...got it squared away. All good.

C