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Gastroenterology is a medical specialty dedicated to the study and treatment of conditions of the digestive system:oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gall bladder and pancreas.

Gastroenterologists will attend appointments but also perform endoscopic exams for diagnosis and treatment, such as endoscopy, colonoscopy and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography).

Currently, due to the high incidence of tumours in the digestive system, these exams are of great importance, namely, when it comes to tracking colorectal cancer (nowadays considered the most frequent tumour in Portugal).

Joaquim Chaves Saúde medical clinics we have a team of Gastroenterology specialist, with great experience in the study, diagnosis and treatment of related diseases and in performing endoscopic exams.

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Upper Digestive Endoscopy allows a direct observation of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), by using a thin flexible tube (endoscopic) introduced through the mouth. It has a camera in the extremity and this way it is possible to observe the interior of the digestive organs.

Colonoscopy is an exam that allow the visualization of the large intestine and the final part of the small intestine. A flexible tube (the colonoscopic tube) is introduced in the anus and through the micro camera in its extremity it is possible to observe with great detail the whole of the large intestine right until the blind intestine and eventually the terminal ileum.

If lesions are found (polyps, for instance), either in the upper digestive endoscopy or the colonoscopy, a biopsy (collection of a small sample with the help of tweezers) will be done.The anatomopathological study of the sample aims to clearly diagnose the identified lesions and establish appropriate treatment and vigilance programs.

It is currently considered that the best way to prevent the onset of colorectal cancer is to perform a screening through endoscopic exams. The Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology recommends that, for the general population, screening for colon and rectum cancer should start at 50 years old.

Other diseases within this specialty include: Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as anal pathology (haemorrhoids, fissures), part of the Proctology area. Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis) are part of the Hepatology subspecialty.