Surgical Gastroenterology is a specialised field in the Gastroenterology branch of medical science. This super specialised field deals in diagnosing & surgically treating disorders of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. 

Surgical Gastroenterology focuses on diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders that require surgical intervention, such as hernias, gallstones, and gastrointestinal cancers. Surgical Gastroenterologists perform procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and colorectal surgery.

On the other hand, Medical Gastroenterology deals with diagnosing and managing digestive disorders non-surgically. Medical Gastroenterologists treat conditions like acid reflux, IBS, and liver disease through medications, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy.

In essence, while both specialities deal with the digestive system, Surgical Gastroenterologists handle cases that require surgery, and Medical Gastroenterologists manage conditions through non-surgical methods. 

They treat a range of conditions such as hernias, gallstones, acid reflux (GERD), colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and appendicitis, among others. 

You should see a Surgical Gastroenterologist if you have persistent digestive issues such as severe abdominal pain, chronic acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that requires surgical intervention. 

Common procedures include gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), appendectomy, hernia repair, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and surgeries for colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases. 

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery. It’s commonly used for gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, and treatment of digestive tract conditions. 

Laparoscopic surgery is often used to treat conditions like gallstones, hernias, appendicitis, acid reflux (GERD), diverticulitis, and certain cancers of the digestive system, such as colorectal cancer. It’s a minimally invasive approach, leading to quicker recovery and less scarring. 

Preparation typically involves fasting, stopping certain medications, and following your doctor's specific instructions. A pre-surgical consultation will provide a detailed plan based on your procedure. Your experts will suggest you before the procedure, as per the requirements of the particular case’s treatment. 

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. Minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic ones often have shorter recovery periods (1-2 weeks), while more extensive surgeries may take several weeks to heal fully. 

Yes, most gastrointestinal surgeries are safe, especially when performed by experienced surgeons. However, like all surgeries, there are risks, and these will be discussed with you before the procedure. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, can help reduce the risk of developing digestive disorders. Visit our social media channels to learn more tips. 

Digestive cancers are diagnosed through tests like endoscopy, colonoscopy, CT scans, and biopsies. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, depending on the type and stage of cancer.