Gastrointestinal Surgeon

Joel Lavine
3 min readOct 12, 2022

A surgeon who specializes in gastroenterology operates on the digestive system, including the upper and lower intestines. These operations entail removing diseased digestive system components and restoring the affected framework. Surgical procedures performed on the digestive tract are often known as digestive surgery or upper GI surgery.

In recent years, surgery for digestive diseases has evolved dramatically. Recent technical advancements and research have paved the way for numerous innovative procedures that have increased the overall success rate. Some surgeries are now conducted utilizing a scope, a thin tube containing a camera and small surgical equipment, as opposed to a little knife. The scope is a good method for viewing the interior of the digestive system and for removing obstructions from the digestive tract.

A gastroenterology surgeon is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders, such as diseases of the intestines and liver. This specialization takes three years of medical school and an additional five to six years of training. Although gastroenterologists typically do not undertake surgery, they can diagnose a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. A gastrointestinal surgeon is frequently referred by a primary care doctor.

In addition to gastroenterology, gastroenterology surgeons specialize in advanced endoscopic techniques. In addition to endoscopic ultrasound, these methods include esophageal resection and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. These techniques enable physicians to remove stones and malignancies that cannot be removed with conventional surgery.

A gastroenterology surgeon should be able to diagnose and formulate a treatment strategy for any gastrointestinal problem. The treatment will be determined by the origin of the symptoms and the severity of the underlying condition. Many people with gastrointestinal issues suffer from discomfort and fever. It is essential to select an expert gastrointestinal surgeon over one with less experience.

A gastroenterology surgeon specializes in diseases affecting the digestive tract, including the esophagus, liver, and colon. In order to identify and treat gastrointestinal problems, a gastroenterology surgeon can also do standard operations such as colonoscopies. After medical school, these specialists receive five to six years of specialized training.

Patients may be referred to a gastrointestinal surgeon by their primary care physician or independently seek one. During the initial visit, a detailed discussion of the patient’s overall health is conducted. Patients should bring a list of their current drugs and be aware of any previous medical issues. A comprehensive physical examination is also undertaken to check the patient’s health. A gastrointestinal surgeon is able to pinpoint the precise origin of the issue and initiate treatment.

A gastroenterology surgeon is an expert in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal illnesses and can perform endoscopic procedures to acquire a clearer picture of the internal organs. A gastroenterology surgeon may conduct surgical procedures on patients with ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other gastrointestinal conditions. A gastroenterology surgeon is also aware about and able to surgically treat gastrointestinal cancer.

If your gastroesophageal reflux disease is severe and negatively affecting your quality of life, a gastroenterology surgeon may perform a Nissen procedure to strengthen the muscles that prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Patients with this ailment generally report chest or throat burning sensations, as well as trouble swallowing. Fundoplication is another technique that a gastrointestinal surgeon can undertake. This surgery tightens the sphincter and wraps the top of the stomach around the esophagus to prevent acid reflux.

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Joel Lavine

Joel Lavine MD has had a lengthy career filled with several highlights that demonstrate his abilities and significance in his area.