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About Gastroenterology
Seventy million people suffer from an issue in their digestive tract every day. Gastroenterology addresses gastrointestinal problems affecting the entire digestive tract, from the esophagus to the colon and rectum, including the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, and gallbladder. At Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. - Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the team offers a full range of care for digestive health, from diagnostic procedures to advanced treatments. Call or use the convenient online booking tool to schedule your appointment today.
Why should I see a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist specializes in digestive diseases. Digestive health covers various conditions and diseases. Common symptoms that bring a patient to a gastroenterologist include:
- Frequent heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
- Rectal bleeding
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal pain
You may also seek a gastroenterologist for colon cancer screening. Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps that can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy. If you have any of the above symptoms or wish to have a colon cancer screening, call our practice or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
How are digestive disorders diagnosed in gastroenterology?
All diagnoses for digestive disorders begin with discussing your medical history and symptoms with your physician. Your physician may require several tests to reach a diagnosis, including:
- Lab tests
- Imaging tests
- Endoscopic procedures
Gastroenterology testing has varying degrees of invasiveness. A lab test may require a simple stool test, while an endoscopic procedure may involve using a camera to view the stomach or colon. The qualified team at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology will determine the right test for your symptoms.
What is the role of endoscopy in gastroenterology?
An endoscopy is a procedure used to examine your digestive tract without surgery. Your doctor uses an endoscope, a tube with an attached light and camera, to navigate through the digestive system, displaying images on a monitor. Endoscopies can focus on either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. An upper endoscopy views the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. If you experience ulcers, difficulty swallowing, or digestive tract bleeding, you may need an upper endoscopy for a diagnosis.
A colonoscopy, an endoscopic procedure targeting the large intestine or colon, is recommended for all adults over 50 years of age to check for and remove polyps. Most colon cancers begin as colon polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the intestine. Identifying and removing colon polyps during a colonoscopy prevents their progression to cancer. Though not all polyps are cancerous, almost all colon cancers begin as polyps. Regular colonoscopies are instrumental in preventing colon cancer.
For symptoms related to your digestive health or to schedule a colon cancer screening, use the online booking tool or call Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology for an appointment today.