SURGICAL GASTROENTEROLOGIST
Dr. G. Sathiyavelavan M.B.B.S., M.S. M.ch
Consultant Surgical Gastroentrologist
Our Surgical team offers comprehensive patient care to treat injuries, diseases and other disorders.
Surgical gastroenterology, also known as gastrointestinal surgery or GI surgery, is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the surgical management of diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract includes the organs involved in the digestion process, such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Surgical gastroenterologists are trained to perform both open and minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the GI tract. These conditions may include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Surgical treatment options like fundoplication can be performed to alleviate symptoms and prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Gallbladder Disease: Conditions such as gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder may require surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Surgery can be considered for patients with severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease who do not respond well to medical treatments.
- Diverticulitis: Severe cases of diverticulitis, characterized by inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon wall, may require surgical intervention to remove the affected segment of the colon.
- Colorectal Cancer: Surgical gastroenterologists play a crucial role in the surgical management of colorectal cancer, which may involve removing tumors, sections of the colon or rectum, and potentially performing reconstructive procedures.
- Liver and Pancreatic Diseases: Surgical procedures such as liver resection, liver transplantation, and pancreatic surgeries can be performed to treat various conditions, including liver tumors, pancreatic cancer, and chronic pancreatitis.
- Bariatric Surgery: Some surgical gastroenterologists specialize in bariatric surgery, which involves surgical interventions to treat obesity and its associated health conditions. Procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding can be performed to aid weight loss.
These are just a few examples of the conditions that surgical gastroenterologists may diagnose and treat. It's important to note that surgical interventions are typically considered after conservative and non-surgical treatments have been explored. The specific treatment approach depends on the individual patient, the severity of the condition, and other factors that the medical team will consider during the evaluation process.