Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine involving disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.
Patients with a variety of digestive complaints or problems – abdominal pain, bleeding, heartburn, ulcer disease, hepatitis, colon polyps and cancer, diarrhea or constipation, gallstones, pancreatitis - will often see a gastroenterologist for evaluation and treatment.
Fasting is usually required for at least six hours prior to an endoscopy. Evaluation of the large intestine (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) will require additional preparation. Patients are sedated with intravenous medications and usually have little or no recollection of the procedure. After recovery, the patient will require a drive home. Immediate resumption of a regular diet is the rule.
Fasting is usually required for at least six hours prior to an endoscopy. Evaluation of the large intestine (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) will require additional preparation. Patients are sedated with intravenous medications and usually have little or no recollection of the procedure. After recovery, the patient will require a drive home. Immediate resumption of a regular diet is the rule.
Mild gas pains are often present after the procedure, but will resolve quickly. More serious complications including bleeding or perforation are extremely rare.
