Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is a procedure aimed at treating diseases of the digestive system. The areas of focus tend to be the esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, rectum, and the small and large intestine.
A common use of GI surgery is to remove a growth (cancerous or noncancerous) or damaged part of the body. Some gastrointestinal procedures are designed to repair certain issues, like a hernia, which is the medical term for a weak spot along the abdominal wall. Other, more minor GI procedures are used to diagnose digestive problems.
Patients visit a GI surgeon for a variety of common issues.
Colon and Other GI Cancers: Gastrointestinal surgery is used to remove cancerous tumors from the digestive system.
Appendicitis: The appendix can become infected. When that happens, a procedure called an appendectomy is performed to remove the vestigial organ.
Gallbladder Disease: Gallbladder problems like gallstones can lead to the removal of the entire organ during a procedure called cholecystectomy.
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and Hiatal Hernias: Otherwise referred to as acid reflux, GERD is when acid from the stomach backs up into the food pipe or esophagus. The result is heartburn. This is commonly caused by a hiatal hernia, which is where the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. A gastrointestinal surgery called fundoplication can repair the hernia and fortify the esophagus to keep the acid out.
Hernia: A hernia is when a part of the body, such as the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Hernia doesn’t always have symptoms. Some people have bulges in their abdomens while others can feel pain. GI surgery can repair the weak spot and alleviate discomfort.
Diverticular Disease: A diverticulum is a pocket in the colon that can become inflamed and cause pain. When pain results, the condition is referred to as diverticulitis. Researchers aren’t sure why diverticular disease develops, but the condition can be managed with GI surgery. The procedure involves the removal of the portion of the intestine that causes the inflammation to develop.
Crohn’s Disease: Also known as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, this condition can lead to intestinal damage if not controlled. Gastrointestinal surgery can remove the unhealthy parts and reconnect your bowels together using a technique called resection.
Rectal Prolapse: GI surgery can repair the condition where the intestine protrudes through the anus.
Weight Loss: Bariatric surgery (otherwise referred to as weight loss surgery) can treat obesity. The surgery is performed by a bariatric surgeon.
Diagnostics: GI specialists use a technique known as endoscopy to diagnose problems of the digestive system. The procedure involves the insertion of a thin tube into the body. The tube has a tiny camera attached that allows your surgeon to view the interior of your esophagus, abdomen, or anus, depending on the treatment area.
What are the Benefits of Gastrointestinal Surgery?
GI surgery can be lifesaving when the procedure involves the removal of a tumor or diseased body part. Other gastrointestinal surgeries are aimed at boosting life quality, particularly in those patients who have failed to benefit from medicine and dietary changes alone.
Get Screened for GI Problems in Los Angeles
You don’t have to live with gastrointestinal problems. If caught early, many GI issues are completely reversible with surgery, including some cancers. Get screened and diagnosed by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki at the Beverly Century Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, California.