Who is a Gastrointestinal Surgeon
A Gastrointestinal Surgeon (also known as a GI surgeon or surgical gastroenterologist) focuses on surgical treatments for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or digestive system. Unlike gastroenterologists, who are primarily trained in non-surgical medical care for gastrointestinal conditions, GI surgeons have the expertise to perform operative procedures to treat GI disorders.
At IRIS Multispecialty Hospital, a leading gastrointestinal surgery center in Kolkata, our GI surgeon team provides compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals requiring GI surgery (from accurate diagnosis to post-surgery recovery).
Gastrointestinal Surgeon Also Known As
Some common names are:
- Surgical gastroenterologist
- GI surgeon
- Gastro surgeon
Gastrointestinal Surgeon vs Gastroenterologist
Here is the basic difference:
| Aspect |
Gastroenterologist |
Gastrointestinal Surgeon |
| What they do |
Diagnosis, medical treatment, endoscopy/colonoscopy |
Surgical procedures like laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, etc. |
| Education |
A medical degree (i.e. an MBBS or MD/DO), a residency in internal medicine, and a specialized fellowship in gastroenterology. |
4 years earning MD or equivalent + General surgery residency + GI surgery fellowship |
| Common Procedures |
They can do endoscopies and biopsies and prescribe medications |
They can do tumor removal, hernia repair, organ resections, etc. |
| When they can help you |
Consistent symptoms like reflux, IBS |
When surgery is required after non-surgical treatment failure |
What Conditions Are Treated by a Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Kolkata?
They help treat the following GI-related conditions:
1. Esophagus
- Achalasia
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Esophageal cancer
2. Stomach & Duodenum
- Benign tumors
- Gastric cancer
- Peptic ulcers
- Gastroparesis (muscles in the stomach don't move food as they should)
3. Intestines
- Appendicitis
- Bowel obstructions
- Crohn's disease
- Diverticulitis (swelling of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine)
- Colorectal cancer
4. Gallbladder & Biliary
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder disease
- Bile duct issues
5. Pancreas & Liver
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver tumors
- Pancreatic pseudocysts (a benign, fluid-filled mass that grows outside of the pancreas)
The Key Responsibilities of a Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Kolkata
The best gastrointestinal surgeon in Kolkata, like at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital, performs the following 11 major duties:
- Decide if the patient requires surgery or not via physical examinations and patient histories.
- Order diagnostic tests such as imaging, endoscopies, and biopsies. Then analyze the results.
- Perform complex surgical procedures such as laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgeries on digestive tract organs.
- Diagnose gastrointestinal conditions such as cancers, obstructions, and inflammatory diseases.
- Curate and safely implement individualized treatment plans by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Track patient safety during surgery.
- Closely monitor post-operative recovery and possible complications.
- Make the patient aware of procedures, risks, recovery, and lifestyle modifications so that they can make an informed decision.
- Maintain precise, detailed medical records for continuity of care and for any legal compliance.
- Keep themselves updated with advancements in GI surgery techniques and technologies.
- Collaborate with other medical departments or specialists, such as gastroenterologists, for comprehensive diagnosis and management.
What Advanced Methods Do Gastrointestinal Surgeons in Kolkata Use
The best gastrointestinal surgeons in Kolkata are equipped with the following advanced minimally invasive and cutting-edge techniques:
- Laparoscopic Surgery (small incisions with camera-guided tools)
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- Endoscopic Procedures (ERCP, EUS)
- High-Definition Endoscopy/Colonoscopy
- MRCP and Fibro Elastography (Non-invasive imaging)
- Bariatric and Anorectal Laser Surgery
- HPB Surgery (advanced hepato-pancreato-biliary techniques)
Why Choose IRIS Hospital for Gastrointestinal Surgery Services in Kolkata
Choosing IRIS Multispeciality Hospital in Kolkata for gastrointestinal surgery services means you are under the guidance of experienced surgeons who truly care. We are equipped with the latest technology and provide patient-centric care throughout your treatment journey.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Pancreatic Surgery
- Endoscopy
- Sclerotherapy for Gastric Ulcers
- Colonoscopy Diagnostic And Biopsy
- Endoscopic-Assisted Ryle's Tube Placement
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement
- Banding of Esophageal Varices
- Glue Injection of Gastric Varices
- Foreign Body Removal
- Stricture Dilation
- Polyp Removal
Whether it’s a routine check-up or a complex issue, our multidisciplinary team helps you understand the issue clearly to decide the best treatment methods.
Contact us at: +91 8929579509
Our Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700047 Open: 24x7
FAQs
Q1: What is the gastrointestinal surgery recovery time?
A: The recovery time may vary based on the type and complexity of the surgery and other individual factors.
- Initial recovery (first 1-2 weeks): gradual walking can be allowed.
- Intermediate recovery (1-3 months): may be advised to resume light daily activities, but heavy weight lifting is restricted.
- Long-term recovery (3-12 months and beyond): your doctor will advise you on the things that you can or cannot do according to the status of the recovery.
Q2: What does gastrointestinal surgery include?
A: Depending on your GI condition, your doctor may recommend gastrointestinal surgeries, which include:
- Appendectomy
- Cholecystectomy
- Gastrectomy
- Nissen Fundoplication
- Whipple Procedure
- Colectomy
- HPB Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
- Esophagectomy
- Bariatric Surgery
Q3: Why would someone need gastrointestinal surgery?
A: Gastrointestinal surgery refers to a range of different procedures that are used to treat disorders such as:
- Removal of tumors in colon, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, or liver
- Gallbladder Issues like Gallstones, cholecystitis, or bile duct blockages
- Severe Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or pancreatitis unresponsive to drugs.
- Obstructions and emergencies like bowel blockages and appendicitis.
- GERD, achalasia, or gastroparesis
- Obesity-Related