A GI doctor or gastroenterologist is a professional who treats all digestion-related problems. If you have trouble swallowing, frequent diarrhea, stomach pain, piles, ongoing constipation and heartburn, you need to visit the best GI surgeon in Kolkata or other parts of the country. Gastroenterologists have extensive knowledge of all body parts that aid in digestion. These specialists treat all these conditions with surgical and nonsurgical procedures, whether it’s a stomach, rectum, gallbladder, intestine or pancreas problem.
Due to poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles, gastrointestinal disorders become very common in both adults and children. GI doctors promote the wellbeing of the gastrointestinal systems and keep us healthy. Let us discuss the education and qualification of these professionals.
Qualification & Education Of Gastrointestinal Surgeon
The individual who wishes to become Gastrointestinal first has to complete five and a half years of Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). After that, they have to undergo MD in medicine, a two-year course, followed by DM in Gastroenterology. Then they have to do 2-3 years of residency training in internal medicine, followed by a two years fellowship in a renowned healthcare department. And finally, after getting the license, they can join a hospital or open their own clinic. It is important to note that some GI doctors do fellowship to learn equally about all gastrointestinal parts, while some focus more on liver-related disease (called hepatologist). Hepatologists have a deeper knowledge of live functionality and treat viral Hepatitis and many other alcohol-related health conditions.
Earnings Of GI Surgeon
Like all other medical professions, the income of a GI surgeon varies from city to city & state to state. However, the average income of Gastrointestinal surgeons in India is around 31 Lakh Rupees per year. The salary package of these specialists starts from 15 lakhs per annum to 50 lakhs per annum, depending on their profile and the place where they render their services. Moreover, 10% of gastro surgeons earn more than 50 Lakhs per year. Apart from the salary, they also earn several other perks like insurance, overtime, etc.
Types Of Health Conditions Treated By GI Surgeon
- Gallbladder
Many people have stones in their gallbladder, which creates inflammation and unbearable pain. GI surgeons treat this problem by performing laparoscopy surgery to remove the gallbladder. This surgery is also known as cholecystectomy (Koh-Lil-si-steak-toh-mee).
- Colon Cancer
The development of tumors in the large intestine is called Colon cancer. There are myriad causes of this problem, including diarrhea, constipation, and rectal bleeding. GI surgeons remove these tumors from the intestine and parts of the liver & pancreas affected by cancer.
- Hernia
The hernia is a very painful condition during which internal organs protrude through abnormal openings. It is often observed that in most patients, hernias develop in the abdominal region. However, sometimes it can also occur in the thighs. The best GI surgeoncan resolve this problem by repairing the weak spots & holes in the body.
- Rectal Prolapse
This is a health condition in which the large intestine protrudes through the anus. Generally, rectal prolapse affects older women. But, it doesn’t mean that young women and men never become a victim of rectal prolapse. This problem can be treated only with the help of surgery.
- GERD
GERD is Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It occurs when the stomach content or acids return back. This disorder causes heartburn and severe acidity problems to the victim. A GI specialist performs surgery named fundoplication to fix this problem.
- Appendicitis
The appendix is 3 and a half-inch long, finger-shaped organ extending from the large intestine to the right side of the body. When this appendix is filled with pus, the condition is known as appendicitis and requires immediate surgery. Gastro surgeons remove this organ when the appendix becomes inflamed and causes extreme pain.
- Celiac Disease
People who consume large amounts of gluten-rich food are at high risk of developing celiac disease. It affects the immunity of the body. In this condition, the body itself starts attacking the small intestine’s cells. GI doctors play a crucial role in diagnosing as well as treating Celiac disorder.
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease)
This disorder affects the functionality of the large intestine, which causes unbearable inflammation and pain in the lower abdomen. GI specialists can help you get rid of this health condition by removing the damaged part of the digestive tract.