A gastroenterologist can study, manage, and treat the disorders which are linked to the gastrointestinal tract. They diagnose the potential issue which affects your body's ability to digest the food with ease and get rid of it like normal. Your gastrointestinal system needs to be healthy so that the body absorbs the vital nutrients and energy it needs.

Depending on your condition, the gastroenterologist will tell you which test you need to get for the digestive issue you have. Some of the common tests performed by the doctor are:

• Colonoscopy (checks rectum, colon, and intestinal tract)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (only examines the colon portion)
• Endoscopic or abdominal ultrasound
• Upper GI endoscopy (checks esophagus and upper gastro system)
• Abdominal Angiogram
• CT enterography
• ERCP ( Procedure to enter and treat diseases in Bile duct / Pancreatic duct)

When the gastroenterologist identifies the issue in the digestive tract or system, the treatment is given accordingly. Some of the issues for which he will plan the treatment are:

• Polyp removal is done through endoscope removal.
• Colonic, esophageal, bile duct, or duodenal stent placement. It is used so that the solid, waste, and body fluids get a comfortable passage.
• Surgical procedures are performed which include gastric bypass surgery, colostomy, proctectomy, bowel surgery, and appendectomy down by GI surgeon

The individuals who are older than 45 or more, or they have a family history of GI cancer, or they have complained regarding the digestive issue. The problem is likely going to occur with pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or heartburn. This means that you need to consult a gastroenterologist.

Some of the medications can affect the results of the examination. You must talk to the doctor regarding the medications you are taking and the allergies which can trigger due to the consumption of medications. The preparation will depend on the type of procedure that needs to be done.