Gastroenterology in Turkey, best of Istanbul gastroenterologists 2024

What is a gastroenterology consultation?

Gastroenterology is the study and treatment of digestive system diseases. These include pathologies of the upper tract (esophagus and stomach),as well as those of the lower part (the intestine and colorectal tract). Pathologies of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas also fall within the remit of the gastroenterologist.

A gastroenterological consultation is a medical examination carried out by a specialist in the study and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal system. General practitioners may refer patients to a gastroenterologist to ascertain the nature of various symptoms. These include abdominal pain and cramps, a burning sensation in the stomach, the presence of diarrhea (even with mucus and/or blood loss),and constipation.

To identify your condition, your gastroenterologist in Turkey will determine the necessary tests to be carried out such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or fibroscopy.

Diseases treated by the best gastroenterology doctors in Turkey

Many conditions of the digestive tract can occur in people regardless of their sex or age, such as:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Many digestive disorders can be treated by the best gastroenterology doctors in Turkey, such as Inflammatory bowel diseases classified as follows:

Cohn's Disease

Cohn's disease is classified as an IBD that affects the digestive tract, most commonly in the small intestine. It can cause inflammation in different areas, once spreading into the bowel's deep layer, leading to:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases that leads to both inflammation and ulcers in your digestive system. Thus, ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum mucosa, generating gradually developed symptoms that do not occur suddenly.

Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating, and can sometimes lead to dangerous complications if not properly diagnosed or treated. However, several medications can be used to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

The hemorrhoids (piles)

Hemorrhoids are characterized by swollen, irritated veins that appear mainly when pressure is applied to the anus or lower rectum during stool expulsion. They may occur internally (subcutaneously) or externally to the anus.
Several factors can contribute to the appearance of hemorrhoids, such as age, general state of health (pregnancy, constipation),type of diet (too spicy, greasy, etc.),etc.

• Burning and itching near the anus
• Seated discomfort
• Bleeding

The exact origin of hemorrhoids is unidentified. However, they are related to high pressure on the lower rectum, which can make the veins puffy and inflamed. 

Hemorrhoids are a common disease, and they happen to most people at some stage of their lives.

The gallstones

These are also called cholelithiasis, or cholelithiasis, characterized by the formation of stones inside the gallbladder.

The gallbladder is the organ that is responsible for storing and releasing gall (also called bile). The latter is a digestive fluid secreted by the liver, to help in digestion. This fluid also carries wastes like bilirubin and cholesterol that the body produces when it destroys red blood cells. This process may lead to the development of gallstones.

The gallstones' size can vary from being as small as a grain of sand to being as big as a golf ball. They remain unnoticed until they block a bile duct, leading to severe pain that requires treatment immediately.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease, is a chronic and autoimmune disease of the gut caused by the consumption of gluten. It is characterized by diarrhoea, pain, and bloating.

This condition occurs in each person differently, with symptoms affecting the digestive tract or other parts of the body. 50% of patients may suffer diarrhea and abdominal pain, while the remainder may experience irritation in the affected area.

A blood test can help the gastroenterologist diagnose the illness and know if it's a hereditary condition. He may also need to analyze a piece of the small intestine tissue. After the diagnosis, treatment will be a gluten-free diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

It is a syndrome impacting the bowel more precisely in the large intestine, distinguished by recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation. Bowel irritation may be aggravated by the patient's psychological state (stress or anxiety). Patients can experience other symptoms such as spasms and puffiness that can be relieved with drugs and medical bits of advice.

Therefore, this syndrome requires a lifelong diet and medication. Thus, some people can deal with their symptoms by controlling their eating habits and stress.

It should be noted that IBS doesn't increase the probability of having colorectal cancer.

Gastroenterology treatment in Istanbul, Turkey

Depending on the type of pathology and the seriousness of the situation, your gastroenterologist in Istanbul Turkey will decide the necessary treatment. A proper diet may decrease the intensity and duration of diarrhoea. Added to that, doctors may use intestinal transit-delaying drugs that decrease intestinal contractions or adsorbent / intestinal protector drugs.