The digestive system includes all the organs responsible for the intake, breakdown, transport, and digestion of food. Medical professionals distinguish between the upper digestive tract, consisting of the oral cavity (including the teeth), the pharynx, the esophagus, and the stomach, and the lower digestive tract, which consists of the large and small intestines, the pancreas, the liver, and the gallbladder. Diseases of the digestive system are classified in Chapter XI of the World Health Organization’s globally recognized ICD-10 diagnostic code system under codes K00 through K93, depending on which part of the digestive tract is affected.
The treatment of diseases of the digestive system is generally handled by specialists in internal medicine. These specialists usually have further subspecializations in gastroenterology, hepatology, or proctology. If surgical treatment is necessary, it is performed by specialists in visceral surgery, who often have further specialized in intestinal, gastric, hepatic, or esophageal surgery. Dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons also treat disorders of the digestive system when the teeth or jaw are affected. On the following pages, learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various digestive disorders and find selected, qualified specialists.
The treatment of diseases of the digestive system is generally handled by specialists in internal medicine. These specialists usually have further subspecializations in gastroenterology, hepatology, or proctology. If surgical treatment is necessary, it is performed by specialists in visceral surgery, who often have further specialized in intestinal, gastric, hepatic, or esophageal surgery. Dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons also treat disorders of the digestive system when the teeth or jaw are affected. On the following pages, learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various digestive disorders and find selected, qualified specialists.
