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Gastroenterology

Looking for a gastroenterologist in San Diego?

Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups is your source for a list of San Diego’s most advanced gastroenterology and digestive health specialists. Gastroenterologists have advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the diseases of the digestive organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver, and gallbladder. In addition to general gastroenterology, many gastroenterologists have expert training in advanced endoscopy, Celiac disease, gastrointestinal motility and physiology, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreaticobiliary disorders, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.

Those suffering from gastrointestinal and liver diseases know all too well how life-altering these conditions can be. Some of the most common symptoms and conditions include: abdominal pain and discomfort, cancer (including stomach, pancreatic, liver, and colon cancers), constipation, diarrhea, and chronic abdominal pain. If you’re experiencing symptoms that you suspect may be related to your digestive health, you should see a gastroenterologist to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Gastroenterologists perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using endoscopes to see internal organs. Some gastroenterologists may complete additional training for more advanced procedures such as transplant hepatology or advanced endoscopy. A gastroenterologist may work in a multidisciplinary team of specialists including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists in order to provide the best management and/or treatment plan depending on your health condition.

Common GI Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists, and one of the most common conditions seen by primary care doctors.

Other common GI conditions include:

Acid reflux, heartburn, GERD
Belching, bloating, flatulence
Diarrhea (chronic & acute)
Dyspepsia, indigestion
Gallstone pancreatitis
Hemorrhoids
Peptic ulcer disease

Causes of Abdominal Pain

There are many factors that may cause abdominal pain, but most fall into these main categories:

Abdominal or chest wall pain (i.e. shingles, hernias)
Bowel obstruction
Cancer (i.e. stomach, liver cancers)
Female pelvic conditions (i.e. endometriosis, ovarian cysts)
Functional problems (i.e. irritable bowel syndrome)
Inflammatory conditions (i.e. ulcers, esophagitis)
Non-abdominal causes stemming from the heart, lungs, or pelvis
Urinary tract conditions (i.e. kidney stones)
Vascular problems

Colon Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to view and examine the entire colon with the use of a flexible, steerable instrument called a colonoscope. Patients typically experience little to no pain.

In addition to being a highly effective tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of GI disorders, colonoscopies are used to: