Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists are the doctors who treat gastrointestinal issues in the body. The gastroenterologist treats digestive system issues: as diseases that affect the oesophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, intestines, colon, and rectum, whereas the hepatologists treat the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts.
The difference between gastroenterologists and hepatologists gives an insight into the best gastroenterologist in Vishakhapatnam. Read on to know more.
What is a Hepatologist?
Hepatologists are the doctors who diagnose, treat diseases and manage problems associated with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. The rise in the cases of liver ailments implies the importance of hepatologists who helps patients with liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver cancer and hepatitis.
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and long-term alcohol consumption can cause liver failure. Hepatologist identifies the degree of damage to the liver, run suitable diagnostic tests and plans the treatment. It helps to manage existing liver conditions. Liver transplantation surgery and biopsies, new research on liver diseases and treatments are all part of their job.
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What is a Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists diagnose, treat diseases and manage problems associated with the digestive system. They study to detail the disorders of the gastrointestinal tract organs- the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, rectum and anus.
Diagnosing the condition is often aided by blood tests, CT, Ultrasound and MRI scans, endoscopy and colonoscopy based on the symptoms and the organ affected. They also perform biopsies, prescribe medication etc. The best gastroenterologist in Vizag will guide or advise on the lifestyle changes one needs to make to prevent onset and progression of dieseases.
Hepatologist vs. Gastroenterologist
Both specialists deal with the digestive organs, but they have differences detailed below.
Training:
• In India, Hepatologists must have a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by a two to three years M.D (Medicine)/DNB course. After that, they have to pursue D.M. (Hepatology) to specialize in the field of Hepatology.
• The qualification to become a gastroenterologist in India is a 5½-year MBBS degree followed by two years M.D. (Medicine) course and three years D.M. (Gastroenterology) course.
Diagnosis and treatment:
• A Hepatologist focuses on the liver and its surrounding organs alone. They will be aware of the advanced research, diagnostic techniques and treatments available for hepatic diseases and can even perform transplantation when needed. Blood tests and imaging scans help them to evaluate the condition and plan the treatment.
• A gastroenterologist can also diagnose and treat hepatic diseases, but they focus more on the affected oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum. Blood tests, CT, Ultrasound, MRI scans, endoscopy, and colonoscopy diagnose the condition and help to treat it accordingly.
Skill:
A Hepatologist is skilled in treating conditions such as:
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Liver Cancer
• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
• Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Obesity
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
• Alcoholic Hepatitis
• Ascites
Also, they need to be trained additionally in liver transplantation apart from the skill to interpret diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and imaging scans.
Whereas a Gastroenterologist has expertise in:
• Polyps and cancer of the colon
• Constipation and diarrhoea
• Crohn’s disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hepatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Liver cancer
• Peptic ulcers
• Ulcerative colitis
• Cirrhosis
• Pancreatitis
• Celiac disease
They need to be skilled in diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy and colonoscopy for the correct diagnosis of the disease.
Both these specialists should possess skills to work with their team of healthcare providers, excellent communication skills and empathy with the patients who visit.
Job Duties
A physician may refer to a hepatologist if there are abnormal liver function test results, gastrointestinal bleeding and vomiting of blood, jaundice, hepatitis, bile duct blockage, medication overdose, auto-immune diseases, or toxin poisoning etc. Hepatologist would run necessary blood tests and imaging scans and plan the treatment.
A gastroenterologist focuses on digestive system issues and checks if there is blood in stool, changes to bowel movements, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Physical examination of the stomach and rectum to check for tenderness, bulges or masses, X-rays, scans, or blood and stool tests diagnose the problem.
Endoscopy checks persistent heartburn, belly pain and
vomiting. Colonoscopy may be required when the colon, rectum or large intestine needs checking for inflammatory bowel diseases and polyps or biopsy. They prescribe steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs and advise on lifestyle changes to curb the symptoms.
If there are concerning signs, consult the best gastroenterologist in Vizag in Queen’s NRI hospital and get it checked. The gastrointestinal department has doctors skilled in minimal-access surgery and experienced doctors with Olympus endoscopy systems available here in the hospital for various endoscopies, ERCP procedures etc. The hospital is an accredited government centre for liver transplants.
The medical equipment in the hospital is from the world’s best vendors. The departments work hand in hand to ensure smooth functioning and patient care.