In the world of medicine, gastroenterology is the study of the entire digestive system, which includes the liver, which is the largest organ in the human body. Gastroenterology is one of the oldest of all the medical disciplines. This scientific field can be traced back to the tenth Egyptian dynasty, around 2125 B.C., where Irynakhty is known to have been a court physician specializing in gastroenterology.
Within gastroenterology, the field of liver disease in particular, is now often seen as an area of medicine that stands alone, and is referred to as hepatology. This study, as an independent field of medicine is attributed to Dr. Sheila Sherlock (1918-2001), as a forward-thinking pioneer in the science of liver disease she is often looked upon as the ‘mother of hepatology’.
Not surprisingly, the names of both of these fields of studies come from ancient Greek. With some cursory research, gaster, literally meaning ‘belly’, enteron, meaning ‘intestine’, hepatikos means ‘liver’, with the suffix ‘logy’ meaning study or field, we can see the etymological history of these, now common, medical terms.
At Samitivej Hospital, the sciences of gastroenterology and hepatology are the specialty of the Liver and Digestive Institute. The institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of liver, pancreatic, gastrointestinal and gallbladder diseases and conditions. The highly skilled physicians staffing the institute have access to cutting edge equipment for both diagnostics and treatment with state-of-the-art surgical suites.
Why and When to Visit the Liver and Digestive Institute
Why? You are putting yourself into the hands of leading doctors in the field, practicing from one of the world’s leading institutes in the sciences of gastroenterology and hepatology. Entrusting your health to an exemplary medical institute, with impeccable credentials, builds confidence and positivity, which in itself is an advantage to any patient going through medical treatment and the subsequent healing processes.
When should you visit Samitivej Hospital’s Liver and Digestive Institute? There are many reasons that may necessitate a visit to Samitivej Hospital’s Liver and Digestive Institute. Digestive tract disorders such as painful or difficulty in swallowing and heartburn should be assessed by Samitivej’s physicians. There are a multitude of stomach problems which should also be diagnosed, some common complaints are, nausea and vomiting, aches, pains, bloating and flatulence.
Problems with the small intestine and colon, otherwise known as the large intestine, are common. These problems fall into two main areas, functional gastrointestinal diseases and structural gastrointestinal diseases. Across the world 40% of the adult population will suffer with a functional gastrointestinal disease at some point in their lives.
The vast majority of these complaints can be effectively treated by the experts at Samitivej Hospital’s Liver and Digestive Institute. Common complaints include, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, referred to within the profession as GERD. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is common as is constipation, bloating and diarrhea. Food poisoning also accounts for multiple cases of functional gastrointestinal disease, which can be life threatening if not treated promptly and effectively.
Then there are the structural gastrointestinal diseases. With diseases in this category the bowel shows signs of physical abnormalities and will be failing in its normal functions. Inflammatory bowel disease is one such abnormality, as is diverticular disease, colon polyps, hemorrhoids, strictures and stenosis. The Liver and Digestive Institute also tackles cancerous diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including colon cancer.
The treatments and cures for structural gastrointestinal diseases will sometimes require surgical procedures which are performed in the institutes advanced theater suites which are equipped with the most up-to-date, cutting edge equipment. A combination of having the very best equipment available being utilized by some of the world’s best physicians in this field, means the institutes success in treating these diseases is comparable to that of any other hospital in the world.
As with most diseases, early diagnosis can be vital. Anyone showing typical signs of gastrointestinal disease should consult the Samitivej Hospital’s Liver and Digestive Institute without delay. Common symptoms to be aware of include, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool or black stool, any aches and pains around the abdominal region.
Gastrointestinal Diseases-Imparting Knowledge
Vershal M. Mane: “Knowledge is Worth. Only when it is of service to others”. The professionals at Samitivej Hospital’s Liver and Digestive Institute know this all to well. They understand the importance of imparting their wealth of knowledge is as vital as their expert diagnostics and treatment procedures.
Their collective knowledge of gastrointestinal diseases is expansive and comes as a result of having undergone the very best training at the highest level and from years of experience. Their resultant wisdom plays a vital role in the success of the institute. Daily, they use this collective wisdom to maintain and improve the lives of people with gastrointestinal issues.
At the Samitivej Hospital Liver and Digestive Institute there is a belief in utilizing the very best equipment with the very best professionals to provide the very best diagnostics and treatment. They also have equal beliefs in post and preventative care. This is done through the vast expertise and knowledge of all the institutes personnel, surgical teams, support and nursing staff.
Prevention will always be better than cure. Expert advice is a key part of the service that the institute provides. Eating habits are often the key to maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal function. For some, there is a need to be more attentive to their food intake. Expert dietary advice is invaluable for those people with a tendency towards gastrointestinal problems. The Liver and Digestive Institute fill this role with qualified practitioners in dietary needs and control.
Lifestyle is another area in which expert advice can help prevent future gastrointestinal disease. Adequate levels and types of exercise can be advised upon for each individual case. Stress can also be an aggravating factor for those with a tendency towards gastrointestinal problems. Competent stress avoidance and management can have a significant bearing on our overall health and wellbeing, this can be achieved with expert advice from the institutes trained professionals.
All of this is equally true of Samitivej Hospital’s Liver and Digestive Institute’s post care planning. Patients are given expert advice on dietary and lifestyle choices after treatment. At Samitivej Hospital, not only do they want to prevent and treat disease, they want every patient, post treatment, to live a happy and fulfilling life. At the first sign of a gastrointestinal problem the right choice will always be the Samitivej Hospital Liver and Digestive Institute.
Leave a Reply