eviCore Gastroenterology
Evidence-based guidelines developed and administered by eviCore are used to help decide whether a particular study is or is not appropriate for a particular medical condition or complaint. Our pre-authorization services help to improve the quality of healthcare with increased accuracy, efficiency, and access to appropriate services.
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these warning signs or symptoms.
Many conditions can affect the digestive system, so it may be the source of numerous illnesses, some of which are discussed below. To diagnose and treat these conditions, healthcare providers will assess each patient with a complete history and physical examination, as well as laboratory studies (for example, of the blood, urine, or stool). In addition, other studies are available to visualize and evaluate the digestive system. Some of these are radiological imaging procedures, and others use instruments such as endoscopes, to look directly at the inside of the gastrointestinal tract. In determining when and if the various imaging studies and procedures should be employed, factors such as their respective benefits, as well as the risks of complications, exposure to radiation, and discomfort; patient preferences; and cost should all be considered.
Pancreas
Liver
Gallbladder & Bile Duct
Large Intestine
Small Intestine
Stomach
Esophagus
Pancreas
Action/Function:
Secrete digestive enzymes and insulin as well as other hormones.
Common Illnesses:
Acute and chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, cancer.
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Upper middle abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, weight loss, mid-upper back pain.
Gallbladder & Bile Duct
Action/Function:
Store and release bile to aid in digestion.
Common Illnesses:
Gallstones, inflamed gallbladder, cancer.
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Right-sided upper abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, dark urine, light or white stool.
Liver
Action/Function:
Produce bile, metabolize drugs and toxins, produce and store vitamins and essential nutrients.
Common Illnesses:
Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by viruses and other reasons), cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer.
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, swelling of the belly with fluid, abnormal liver tests on lab.
Large Intestine
(appendix, cecum, colon, sigmoid, rectum, anus)
Action/Function:
Absorb water, and store and eliminate feces.
Common Illnesses:
Cancer, diverticulitis, inflammation (ulcerative colitis), infection, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, constipation, diarrhea, polyps (growths in the wall of the colon).
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and constipation.
Stomach
Action/Function:
Digestion; secretion of acid, mucus, and enzymes; churning and break down of food so that it can be passed along into the small intestine and digested.
Common Illnesses:
Cancer, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis.
Warning Signs & Symptoms:Upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, weight loss.
Small Intestine
(duodenum, jejunum, ileum)
Action/Function:
Mixes juices from the pancreas and liver (digestive enzymes and bile) to help digest and then absorb foods.
Common Illnesses:
Gastroenteritis, celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cancer, disorders of absorption.
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, bleeding, pain, bloating.
Esophagus
Action/Function:
This is the tube that passes food from the mouth to the stomach.
Common Illnesses:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cancer, hiatal hernia.
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Heartburn, food sticking in throat or pain during swallowing, nausea/vomiting, chest pain, hiccups, sore throat, hoarseness, acid reflux, cough, wheezing/asthma.
To support growth, regeneration, health, and well-being the body requires the digestion and absorption of nutrients and water from the diet, and the elimination of waste material.
Following is a review of some of the more common conditions associated with the gastrointestinal tract:
These important functions are the responsibility of the digestive system (also known as the gastrointestinal tract).
The human body is complex and includes a number of remarkable organ systems.