The gastroenterologist is the doctor who specializes in the dysfunction of the digestive system. It can treat several diseases such as gallstones, hemorrhoids, cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcers…
Practiced by a gastroenterologist, gastroenterology is thestudy of the functioning of the digestive system and its various diseases. This medical specialty takes care of both the organs (stomach, small intestine, etc.) and the glands of the digestive system (liver, pancreas, etc.). What does a gastroenterologist treat? Why consult it? What examination does a gastroenterologist do? Do you need a prescription to see him?
What is a gastroenterologist?
The gastroenterologist is the therapist who is interested in the digestive tract and the organs and glands associated with it. It is he who studies the pathologies likely to arise there. There are three major specializations in gastroenterology:
► Gastroenterologists who deal more with the digestive tract
► Liver hepatologists
► Proctologists mainly of the anus
“But most gastroenterologists take care of everything, and the specialty is also called hepato-gastroenterology” develops Dr. Frédéric Cordet, hepato-gastroenterologist in Bordeaux and general secretary of the National Syndicate of Doctors of the Digestive System (Synmad).
What does a gastroenterologist treat?
“Its main roles are to prevent, detect and treat digestive diseases”, continues Dr. Cordet. Indeed, the gastroenterologist is responsible for detecting diseases related to the digestive system, regardless of the age of the patient. In people over 50, he carries out the examinations recommended for detect possible colorectal cancers. Moreover, he is increasingly required to educate patients on the prevention of these diseases of the digestive tract, such as those caused by tobacco, alcoholism and poor diet. The gastroenterologist is required to treat all diseases and dysfunctions of the digestive system, i.e. many pathologies including:
- Of the gallstones
- A bowel obstruction
- Of the hemorrhoids
- Cirrhosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Inflammation of the rectum (proctitis),
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- appendicitis)
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- A gastric or duodenal ulcer
- celiac disease
- Tumors (benign or malignant) of the stomach, liver, esophagus, colon, etc.
Do I need a prescription to see a gastroenterologist?
Yes, in principle. Digestive complaints (heartburn, chronic constipation or, conversely, regular diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain) which are very frequent must lead to people to consult their general practitioner first. After consultation, it is the latter who will direct the patient to consult a gastroenterologist if he suspects a pathology requiring additional examinations. He therefore gives his patient a medical prescription. Similarly, if there is a family history, it is advisable to have regular preventive examinations with a gastroenterologist.
When seeing a patient, the doctor asks questions about your symptoms, history and lifestyle. He then performs a general clinical examination, then more oriented towards the abdominal area. If necessary, he performs additional examinations.
For a complete consultation, remember to bring all your previous examinations (biological analyses, ultrasounds, etc.).
What tests does a gastroenterologist perform?
In addition to a clinical examination, the practitioner may be required to perform several types of examinations such as:
- An abdominal ultrasound
- Digestive endoscopies (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, colon)
- A proctologic examination, including a digital rectal examination.
First of all, the student must follow a traditional course in medical school – either 6 years of courses and internships. “You then have to pass a competition to access a specialty that you will choose according to your ranking”, says Dr. Cordet. “The boarding school then lasts 4 to 5 years” and ends with obtaining the diploma of specialized studies (DES) in hepato-gastro-enterology. Finally, to be able to exercise and bear the title of doctor, the student must also submit a research thesis.
You can ask your GP to recommend a gastroenterologist.
How much does a session with a gastroenterologist cost? Is it reimbursed?
You must first consult your doctor, who will then prescribe a consultation with a gastroenterologist. The consultation will then be covered by health insurance. “The cost of consultations reimbursed is 50 euros for a first consultation addressed by the general practitioner, then 30 euros when it comes to a follow-up”concludes Dr. Cordet.
Thank you to Dr Frédéric Cordet, hepato-gastroenterologist in Bordeaux and general secretary of the National Syndicate of Doctors of the Digestive System (Synmad).