Gastroenterologists in the UK

Information about Gastroenterology

What does a gastroenterologist do?

A gastroenterologist looks after the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, anus, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. They study both how these organs work normally and the conditions that can affect them, as well as how digestive problems interact with the rest of the body. 

Why might you be referred to a gastroenterologist? 

You're usually referred when digestive symptoms don't settle, keep coming back, or test results need a closer look. The aim is to assess your case in detail and guide the diagnosis. 

When to see a gastroenterologist? 

It's worth booking an appointment when you notice ongoing symptoms such as heartburn, tummy pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, or signs like rectal bleeding, bowel incontinence, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight changes. 

Digestive issues are among the most common reasons people in the UK see a doctor. Around 1 in 8 deaths in the UK involve a gut or liver condition, and more than 500,000 people live with inflammatory bowel disease (Guts UK, 2024; British Society of Gastroenterology & IBD UK, 2024). 

Bowel cancer alone accounts for around 44,000 new diagnoses each year (Cancer Research UK, 2024), while millions more deal with conditions such as IBS (NHS, 2024). 

If symptoms last more than a few weeks, keep coming back or affect daily life, seeing a gastroenterologist is a routine step to get clear answers and a tailored plan. 

Why choose a gastroenterologist? 

They are the specialist with dedicated training to study the digestive tract and associated organs as a whole. They carry out an individualised assessment, supported by clinical history and tests, with an approach tailored to each patient. 

Who tends to see a gastroenterologist? 

People of any age with digestive symptoms see a gastroenterologist: from those living with reflux or IBS, to patients with liver disease, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or follow-up due to family history. 

Conditions a gastroenterologist treats

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Coeliac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Bowel cancer
• Haemorrhoids (piles)
• Helicobacter pylori
• Liver disease

Preparing for your appointment with a gastroenterologist 

It's helpful to bring a brief account of your symptoms (when they appear, how often, what makes them better or worse), previous medical reports, recent test results and a list of any medicines or supplements you take regularly. 

Tests and treatments a gastroenterologist may request 

• Gastroscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Capsule endoscopy
• Anorectal manometry
• Endoscopy
• Abdominal MRI
• Food intolerance test

How to book an appointment with a gastroenterologist 

At Top Doctors, you can book an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in just one click. You only need to choose the consultant, date and time that suit you best. 

Best gastroenterology clinics in the UK 

At Top Doctors, we work with the best clinics specialising in Gastroenterology across the UK, with medical teams ready to support you with the diagnosis and follow-up of any digestive condition.

References 

• Black, C. J., Drossman, D. A., Talley, N. J., Ruddy, J., & Ford, A. C. (2021). Functional gastrointestinal disorders: Advances in understanding and management. Clinical Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7850201/ 
• British Society of Gastroenterology & IBD UK. (2024). The state of IBD care in the UK. https://www.bsg.org.uk 
• Cancer Research UK. (2024). Bowel cancer statistics. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bowel-cancer 
• Guts UK. (2024). Digestive conditions. https://gutscharity.org.uk 
• National Health Service. (2024). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). https://www.nhs.uk