Gastroenterology

Northway Medical Centres offer consultations conducted by experts in gastroenterology. Our gastroenterologists perform the essential tests and examinations, provide accurate diagnoses and offer the most effective treatments.

What is a gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on the study of diseases affecting the internal organs, their progression, methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Gastroenterologists provide comprehensive consultations, conduct ultrasound examinations of pelvic organs, and treat acute and chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. They are medical specialists who are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts, including various complications.

Diseases treated by a gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various diseases and conditions of the digestive system, including irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid indigestion), esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, colon and rectal polyps, diarrhea, constipation, acute and chronic pancreatitis, gallstone disease, coeliac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, jaundice, hepatitis, and more.

Our Medical Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and staffed with a team of experienced gastroenterologists, enabling us to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for acute and chronic diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, intestines, liver, biliary system, and pancreas.

The most common examinations and procedures

Before undergoing any tests, it is important to consult with a gastroenterologist. During your initial visit, the gastroenterologist will gather your medical history, listen to your complaints, inquire about symptoms, and develop a personalized testing plan.

One of the most common examinations conducted by gastroenterologists is an ultrasound scan of pelvic organs, including the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, and the abdominal aorta. This examination serves as an initial imaging test that helps assess the condition of organs, determine the need for further tests, or refer to other specialists. At our Centre, an ultrasound scan is typically performed during your visit with a gastroenterologist. During the ultrasound examination, your doctor will evaluate the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, intestinal tract, and search for enlarged abdominal lymph nodes or fluid accumulation. Based on the patient’s complaints and ultrasound results, further diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be recommended to clarify the diagnosis if necessary.

A rapid and accurate urease breath test is performed to diagnose H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection. Helicobacter pylori settles in the lining of the stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis). In many cases, this infection does not cause symptoms, but if the inflammation becomes acute, it can lead to indigestion, burning pain in the upper abdomen, and nausea. In rare cases, it can cause vomiting, bloating, or loss of appetite. The urease breath test can also be used to check the effectiveness of prescribed treatment and confirm its success. The IgG blood test, with qualitative and quantitative range, is effective in diagnosing H. pylori, which is one of the most widespread infectious diseases worldwide.

Endoscopic examinations play a crucial role in diagnosing even minor changes in the condition of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and large bowel, thereby helping to prevent insidious diseases. Endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to visualize the inside of a person’s body using a specialized instrument called an endoscope. Gastrointestinal endoscopy, or endoscopic examination of the digestive tract, provides a high accuracy rate of 98-100%.

Gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is used to examine the spleen, stomach, and a portion of the duodenum. It is recommended in cases of pain or discomfort in the upper part of the stomach, lack of improvement with previous treatments, “dangerous” symptoms in individuals aged 50-55 or older, family history of stomach or esophageal cancer, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, difficulty or painful swallowing, iron-deficiency anemia of unknown origin, chronic vomiting, palpable mass in the stomach or enlarged lymph nodes, and jaundice. Gastroscopy is also recommended for patients with recurring or long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, unexplained nausea and vomiting, and to differentiate between functional disorders (such as functional dyspepsia) and symptoms caused by possible organic neoplastic diseases. It is used for active and chronic bleeding, iron deficiency, when other radiological examinations have detected pathological formations that require further clarification, and for endoscopic follow-up of pre-cancerous or neoplastic conditions, as well as for monitoring post-endoscopic or surgical treatments.

Gastroscopy aids in diagnosing both malignant and non-malignant diseases, as well as ensuring the absence of pathology.

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a colonoscope to examine the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract (colon). Colonoscopy can be performed as part of routine screening under the Program for Early Detection of Large Bowel Cancer. Adults aged 50-74 are advised to undergo fecal occult blood tests. If the results are positive, it is strongly recommended to have a colonoscopy. To arrange this examination, you should consult with your GP. Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in Lithuania, with approximately 1,500 new cases detected each year, and the number is increasing annually. Detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage provides the greatest chance for a cure. Unfortunately, patients may not experience any signs of the disease for an extended period. For this reason, regular fecal occult blood tests are important for predicting early-stage colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy, including biopsy when necessary, can confirm or rule out colorectal cancer. The importance of regular examinations cannot be overstated, as timely diagnosis leads to effective treatment.

Colonoscopy can also be used as a follow-up test for inflammatory bowel disease, after the removal of polyps and colorectal cancer, and to assess the spread of inflammatory bowel disease. It may also be recommended in cases of active or chronic bleeding of unknown cause, chronic pelvic pain, sudden changes in bowel habits (such as constipation) accompanied by other concerning signals like weight loss, anemia, or blood in the stool, and for the evaluation of abnormal tissues diagnosed through other radiological examinations.

Typically, colonoscopy helps diagnose polyps, diverticulum, large bowel cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition to visual examination, the doctor may take a tissue sample (biopsy) for further analysis by a pathologist.

Both upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination and colonoscopy can also be used as therapeutic procedures. The most common endoscopic treatment methods include polyp resection in the large bowel, removal of stomach polyps, pre-cancerous tissues, and early stomach cancer, dilation of narrowed lumens, stent placement, control of bleeding, and removal of foreign bodies from the esophagus.

When should you see a gastroenterologist?

If you frequently experience bloating and pain, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. If these symptoms occur after almost every meal and are accompanied by nausea or painful bowel movements, it is recommended to seek an examination from a gastroenterologist. Additionally, severe symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite should not be ignored and require immediate attention from a gastroenterologist.

Certain symptoms should never be ignored, including constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week), acute or chronic diarrhea (three or more bowel movements per day with watery, liquid stools), and the presence of blood in the feces. Bleeding is commonly caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, intestinal infections, or inflammatory bowel disease. However, it can also be a warning sign of malignant disease, particularly in individuals over the age of 50 or those with risk factors such as long-term smoking, a family history of cancer, or a high intake of red meat.

Frequent reflux (indigestion) and frequent use of antacids can be another reason to consult a gastroenterologist. Frequent reflux may indicate conditions such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, dysbiosis, esophageal thrush, or gastroesophageal hernia. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, the sensation of food getting stuck, or painful swallowing, it is important to contact a gastroenterologist promptly as they can be signs of a malignant disease.

Persistent esophageal pain, difficulty swallowing, or worsening of swallowing over time should not be ignored. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist and undergo an endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach (gastroscopy) to determine the underlying cause.

All adults aged over 50 are encouraged to participate in the Program for Early Detection of Large Bowel Cancer and undergo a colonoscopy, even in the absence of symptoms.

Gastrointestinal diseases often start with no or subtle symptoms that are frequently overlooked and left untreated. Gastroenterologists emphasize the importance of preventive health check-ups at least once a year, as many diseases can be detected at an early stage. If you experience any discomfort in the bowel, it is recommended not to delay and seek further examination with a gastroenterologist. Identifying the underlying causes of ailments and prescribing effective treatment can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and prevent disease progression.

Northway Medical Centre provides a team of highly skilled and trained gastroenterologists who offer comprehensive consultations, order and perform essential examinations, treat acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions, and provide recommendations for prevention.