Gastro Services

What Is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is the medical specialism that looks how at how well the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver works. They are well trained in spotting, diagnosing and treating problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists study the physiology of the gastrointestinal organs including how food is moving through the stomach and intestine, how nutrients are being digested and absorbed, how the waste is removed and the normal function of the liver.

This field regularly uses endoscopy procedures to examine the digestive tract as well as CT and Ultra sound scans. On Consultation with your consultant, the consultant will advise you what procedures if any would be necessary.
Gastroenterology

Conditions


  • Acid Reflux (Indigestion)

    Almost everyone will experience acid reflux symptoms from time to time, for example following a heavy meal, or on holiday when there can be a change in diet to richer food. However, if symptoms are occurring on a more regular basis it is likely that there is an underlying problem.
  • Oesophageal Cancer

    Oesophageal cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the oesophagus, sometimes called the gullet or food pipe. The oesophagus connects your mouth to your stomach. How serious oesophageal cancer is depends on where it is in the oesophagus, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.
  • Peptic Ulcer

    Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach. These are known as duodenal ulcers. Both stomach and duodenal ulcers are sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers. Here the term stomach ulcer will be used, although the information applies equally to duodenal ulcers
  • Coeliac Disease

    Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your gut (small intestine) so you are unable to take in nutrients. Coeliac disease can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten
  • Iron Deficiency Anaemia

    Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by lack of iron, often because of blood loss or pregnancy. It's treated with iron tablets prescribed by a GP and by eating iron-rich foods.
  • Bowel Cancer

    Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term mainly used to describe 2 conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are long-term conditions that involve inflammation of the gut. Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon (large intestine). Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the bottom (anus).
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. It's usually a lifelong problem. It can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life.
  • Diverticular Disease

    Diverticulae are small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system, often in the lower part of the colon or large intestine. They are common in people over the age of 40 and normally don't cause any problems. However, if a diverticula becomes infected or inflamed it can cause a condition known as diverticular disease or diverticulitis. Mild cases can normally be treated with antibiotics and a change in your diet. Although, more severe cases may require hospitalisation and surger
  • Fatty Liver

    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It's usually seen in people who are overweight or obese. A healthy liver should contain little or no fat. It's estimated up to 1 in every 3 people in the UK has early stages of NAFLD, where there are small amounts of fat in their liver. Early-stage NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse.
  • Acute Pancreatitis

    Acute pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed (swollen) over a short period of time. The pancreas is a small organ, located behind the stomach, that helps with digestion. Most people with acute pancreatitis start to feel better within about a week and have no further problems. But some people with severe acute pancreatitis can go on to develop serious complications. Acute pancreatitis is different to chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation over many years.
  • Pancreatic Cancer

    Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of your pancreas, an organ in your abdomen that lies behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help manage your blood sugar. Several types of growths can occur in the pancreas, including cancerous and noncancerous tumors. The most common type of cancer that forms in the pancreas begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma)

How Can Kent Gastro Services Help?


At Kent gastro services we offer a range of procedures and tests for patients who are suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. If you are struggling with symptoms of the upper or lower digestive system such as ulcers, cancers, IBD, IBS, colon cancer and more, please speak to our consultant gastroenterologist. We offer the following procedures (not limited to):


  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD)
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Therapeutic Upper And Lower GI Endoscopy


  • Our consultant may be able to reassure you that what you are experiencing is nothing to be concerned about and provide you with the advice and care necessary for managing your condition.

    Whether your gastrointestinal symptoms started recently or are long-standing, our specialist can help diagnose and manage your condition. Please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist. A consultation with a specialist to discuss the necessary diagnostic tests is the first step.

    Ready For Consultation?

    We offer specialist advice for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.