Our specialized gastroenterologist can provide you with the latest treatment for liver, bowel, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal diseases as well as give you a proper diagnosis for any concern you might have regarding symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, rectal bleeding, etc. After inquiring about your medical history, your gastroenterologist will conduct a physical exam, which includes:
- Observation of your belly area. Your doctor will check your abdomen for signs that may indicate abnormalities, like visible masses or surgical scars with bulges.
- Auscultation of bowel sounds. The gastroenterologist will listen to each abdominal quadrant for bowel sounds or bruits (vascular sounds linked with turbulent blood flow). Your doctor will note the duration, pitch, and intensity of the sounds.
- Palpation of the four quadrants in your belly area. This is done to feel around for masses or tenderness. You may be asked to take a deep breath or cough, or explain if palpation elicits pain.
- Rectal exam. Your gastroenterologist will feel for bulges, masses, signs of inflammation, and muscle tone.
Your doctor may ask you to undergo additional tests after a physical examination to rule out other possible conditions. These tests may include:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Blood or stool exam
- Barium swallow or enema You will be asked to swallow barium liquid and take an X-ray to highlight different parts of the digestive system.
- Upper GI endoscopy A tube with a light and camera at the end (endoscope) will be passed through the mouth to better view your upper digestive tract. This is usually performed for patients with GI complaints such as vomiting and heartburn, as well as to perform biopsies.
- Colonoscopy A tube with a camera is passed through the rectum to visualize the lower digestive tract better. Colonoscopy is usually done for patients with bloody stools, as well as to screen for colorectal cancer.
Depending on whether you need additional tests, your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the results and possible treatment plan with you.