This field of specialty examines the standard function of and diseases related to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal system through which organs from the mouth to the anus are located along the alimentary canal are the focus of this field of specialty. In fact, all standard activities of and diseases related to digestive organs are part of Gastroenterology. Physicians working in this field are called Gastroenterologists. In some countries, liver and gallbladder are separated from this group and hepatology comes to the fore as a second specialty.

Doctors dealing with this science are called hepatologists. In our country, there is no legal distinction in this sense. Gastroenterology concentrates on the physiology of the Gastrointestinal organs including the movement of food within the stomach and intestines, digestion and absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste from the system.

It plays significant role in diagnosing common and important diseases such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, reflux, ulcer, colitis, gall bladder, nutritional problems, bowel syndrome.