Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that looks at diseases of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, small and large intestines (bowel), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Gastroenterologists treat conditions such as:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal cancer.
- Anaemia with low iron levels – a condition where the haemoglobin the blood (a pigment that carries oxygen) is below normal levels.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease, e.g., Crohn’s disease (inflammation of the lining of the digestive system), ulcerative colitis (inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the rectum and colon).
- Short bowel syndrome.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Jaundice – a condition where the skin and eyes yellow due to an accumulation of bilirubin the blood and tissues.
- Management of liver conditions related to alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as viral hepatitis (Inflammation of the liver caused by a virus) and autoimmune liver disorders (where the body attacks its own cells).
- Unexplained abdominal pain.
- Persistent changes in bowel habit.
This information below is for anyone currently waiting for a routine (non-urgent) appointment or procedure under local Gastroenterology services. We have some advice on what you can do to help prepare for your appointment or procedure and what you should do if your health deteriorates while you are waiting.
First outpatient appointment
You have been referred to the hospital for an appointment with a Gastroenterology specialist. You may be having an appointment for treatment, diagnosis, or a procedure. You may be offered a face-to-face appointment in a hospital clinic, or a telephone or video appointment. Please be assured that you will get the same quality of care no matter what type of appointment you have.
While you wait for your first outpatient appointment, it may be helpful to think about what you will want to talk to the specialist about and write a list. This could include:
- Your symptoms and any changes in symptoms.
- Any medicines you are taking, including prescriptions, medicines you’ve bought yourself or any alternative treatments.
- Any allergies you have.
- Any questions or concerns.
- Anything your GP has recommended you ask.
You can ask someone to come with you to your appointment, such as a carer, family member or friend.
If your appointment is taking place in the hospital, look up where it is and plan how you will get there. It may be helpful to look up local transport or parking arrangements.
Once your appointment comes through, remember to bring the details of your appointment with you. Allow plenty of time for your visit, especially if it is your first appointment.
During your appointment, the specialist will talk to you about:
- Your symptoms or how you manage your health or condition.
- Your medical history.
- Whether you need any tests.
- How to get your results for any tests you’ve already had.
- Options for treatment so you can decide what would be best for you.
- How best to use any devices, equipment, or medicines you’ve been given to manage your condition.
Together you will decide a plan for your ongoing care. You may be given another appointment, or you may be asked to arrange another appointment when your symptoms or circumstances change. If you’re unsure of anything, ask your specialist to explain it again, or to write it down for you.
You might find it helpful to take some notes during your appointment. You can look back at these at home or at your follow up appointment.
You can find more information about different gastro investigations, how to prepare and what to do if your condition is getting worse.
Gastroscopy
You’ll find helpful information if you are waiting for a gastroscopy. This includes information on what you should do if your health deteriorates.Colonoscopy
You’ll find helpful information if you are waiting for a colonoscopy. This includes information on what you should do if your health deteriorates.CT colonoscopy
You’ll find helpful information if you are waiting for a CT colonoscopy. This includes information on what you should do if your health deteriorates.FibroScan
You’ll find helpful information if you are waiting for a FibroScan. This includes information on what you should do if your health deteriorates.Flexible sigmoidoscopy
You’ll find helpful information if you are waiting for a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This includes information on what you should do if your health deteriorates.
- Guts UK is a charity for the digestive system; the gut, the liver and the pancreas. They have useful information for patients.
- NHS England information about irritable bowel syndrome.
- Patient Webinars have information and support for those with irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease including a range of webinars from specialist gastroenterology dieticians.
- The IBS Network is the UKs national charity offering information, advice and support to patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Crohn’s and Colitis UK have over 50 pages of information to help inform anyone affected, including friends, family, medial professionals and employers.
- NHS England information about endoscopy.
- Coeliac UK is a charity funder of research into coeliac disease and gluten related immune conditions.
- British Liver Trust is the UKs largest liver health charity working to improve liver health for all and supporting those affected by liver disease or cancer.
- Bowel Cancer UK is the UKs leading bowel cancer charity, determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
Last Updated: 12 April 2024
