• What is Surgical Gastroenterology and who is a Surgical Gastroenterologist??

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       Surgical Gastroenterology is a superspeciality branch of Surgery which deals with                  diseases of gastrointestinal system. This includes right from Oesophagus,                                  Stomach, Small intestine, Large intestine, Colon, Rectum , Anus, Liver, Pancreas ,

      Gall bladder and Spleen. A specialist surgeon who treats these diseases is called a                    Surgical Gastroneterologist.

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• If that is so, then why is hepatobiliary surgery specially mentioned??

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      HepatoPancreaticoBiliary or Hepatobiliary or HPB Surgery is a subspeciality of Surgical        Gastroenterology which deals with diseases and surgery of Liver, Pancreas, Biliary tree          and Gall Bladder. Though it is included under spectrum of Surgical gastroenterology,            because of complex and complicated nature of HPB surgeries, it emerged as a

      separate sub branch. Those surgical gastroenterologists who are trained in

      HPB surgery are called Hepatobiliary surgeons. 

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• What is GI Oncology or GI Cancer Surgery?

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      The sub branch of Surgical Gastroenterology which deals with cancers of oesophagus,            stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, intestines, colon, rectum and anus is

      called GI Oncology. It is a complex field which requires combined management from a

      GI cancer surgeon, Medical Oncologist and a Radiation Oncologist. Cancers are

      best treated by cancer specialists who have adequate training and experience in

       operating cancers. 

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• When should I consult a Surgical Gastroenterologist?

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       The common symptoms which needs advice and evaluation from a Surgical                             Gastroenterologist includes:

            ~Abdominal pain

            ~Abdominal Distension

            ~Vomiting (food or green coloured bile)

            ~Hemetemesis (blood vomit)

            ~Bloating

            ~Indigestion and dyspepsia

            ~Diarrhea/ Constipation

            ~Bleeding in Toilet

            ~Loss of Appetite

            ~Unexplained Loss of weight

            ~Jaundice

            ~Feeling of lump or swelling inside abdomen

            ~Any acid or alkali poisoning

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• What does a Surgical gastroenterologist do when you consult?

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       A Surgical Gastroenterologist asks about your history, symptoms, examines you                     physically and orders some scans and blood tests to confirm his clinical diagnosis.

       Based on diagnosis, it will be decided if you have to undergo surgery or

       medical treatment will cure your illness. 

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• What is laparoscopy or keyhole Surgery??

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      Keyhole or laparoscopy is a method of performing surgery where instead of large                    incisions, small holes are made in your abdomen and camera is used to

      perform surgery. Advantages are:

      ~Less postoperative pain

      ~Early recovery 

      ~Less Hospital stay

      ~Early return to work

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• Is laparoscopy safe?

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       Worldwide, laparoscopic surgery is accepted as a safe method of doing surgery if                    performed properly. Due to complexity involved, all procedures may not be possible

        by laparoscopy but majority of gastrointestinal surgeries can be safely performed by it.

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• What is Laser Proctology?

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       Proctology is a sub branch of Gastroenterology which deals with diseases of anus like            piles, fissure, fistula, abscess etc. Latest development in proctology is the Diode Laser            which can be used for treatment of these diseases with minimal pain postoperatively              unlike conventional surgery where pain was the pain concern of patients. 

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