Diseases and Surgery of the Digestive System

What is the Digestive System?

The digestive system is a long, coiled structure that begins at the mouth and continues through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and ends at the anus. It breaks down food into simpler components such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, so that the body can obtain the energy and nutrients it needs. Throughout this process, accessory organs such as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas contribute with their enzymes and secretions. The primary goal of digestion is to convert food into absorbable forms, allowing nutrients to pass into the bloodstream and be used by the body’s cells. Proper functioning of the digestive system is essential for energy production and overall health.

The main functions of the digestive system include:

• Breaking down food both mechanically and chemically,
• Converting nutrients into their simplest forms (such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids),
• Ensuring absorption of nutrients in the small intestine,
• Transporting absorbed nutrients into the bloodstream for delivery to cells,
• Eliminating waste products from the body through stool.

The treatment of digestive system diseases requires collaboration across various medical disciplines. Specialists in gastroenterology, hepatology, and medical oncology play a key role in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. In addition, supportive fields such as radiology and nuclear medicine contribute technical expertise throughout the process.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures effective outcomes, particularly in areas such as bariatric surgery, colorectal surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, and esophageal and gastric surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of Digestive System Diseases?

Common symptoms of digestive system diseases include abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other frequently observed signs are difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, weight loss, blood in stool, or black-colored stool. Belching or passing gas may indicate digestive disturbances, while severe cases can involve stomach or intestinal bleeding, jaundice, or bowel obstruction. These symptoms usually point to a dysfunction in one of the digestive organs and should be carefully evaluated to identify the underlying cause.

Typical symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps,
• Bloating and gas,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Loss of appetite,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Diarrhea,
• Constipation,
• Blood in stool or black-colored stool,
• Heartburn or burning sensation in the chest,
• Bitter or sour taste in the mouth,
• Weight loss or weight gain,
• Abdominal swelling or hardness,
• Persistent fatigue or weakness.

What Are the Causes of Digestive System Diseases?

The most common causes include unhealthy eating habits, infections, genetic predisposition, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Stomach and intestinal infections are often caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, and reflux are usually linked to excess stomach acid. Low-fiber diets, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive fatty food consumption may disrupt bowel function and lead to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Certain medications, particularly painkillers and antibiotics, can also negatively affect the digestive system. In addition, autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, fatty liver, gallstones, and pancreatitis are significant contributors.

Common causes include:

• Unhealthy eating habits (excessive intake of fatty, spicy, or processed foods),
• Inadequate fiber intake,
• Inadequate fluid consumption,
• Stress and anxiety,
• Genetic predisposition,
• Smoking and alcohol use,
• Infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori),
• Imbalance of gut microbiota,
• Medication use (especially long-term use of painkillers or antibiotics),
• Obesity,
• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis),
• Age-related weakening of the digestive system,
• Gallbladder or pancreatic disorders,
• Food intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten intolerance).

Diagnosis and Tests for Digestive System Diseases

Diagnosis is based on a detailed evaluation of symptoms and appropriate medical tests. The physician first reviews the patient’s medical history and considers symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, bleeding, or weight loss. During physical examination, abnormal findings such as abdominal tenderness, swelling, or organ enlargement may be detected. To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests (blood and stool analyses) and imaging methods (ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy, MRI, or CT scans) are performed. In some cases, a biopsy may be taken for histological examination. The main goal is to accurately identify the source of the condition and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

Diagnostic tests include:

• Blood tests (to evaluate anemia, infections, or liver function),
• Stool tests (to check for parasites, bleeding, or digestive issues),
• Upper endoscopy (to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine),
• Colonoscopy (to examine the large intestine and rectum),
• Biopsy (to evaluate abnormal tissues for cancer or other diseases),
• Ultrasound (for liver, gallbladder, and pancreas imaging),
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detailed imaging,
• Computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate structural issues,
• Barium X-rays (to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and intestines),
• Helicobacter pylori test (for suspected stomach infection or ulcer),
• Hydrogen breath test (for lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth).

What Are Digestive System Diseases?

From the esophagus to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts, digestive system diseases are among the most prevalent health issues worldwide. Gastritis and ulcers, which directly affect the stomach, are among the most common conditions.

Functional disorders can also occur alongside irregularities in the functioning of the stomach and intestines. These can be identified through symptoms such as indigestion, burning, sourness, pain, bloating, and flatulence, as well as through examination methods.

Some common symptoms seen in digestive system diseases may indicate the need to consult a specialist doctor. Some of these symptoms are as follows:

• Chronic or severe abdominal pain: Persistent or intense pain may signal a digestive disorder.
• Nausea and vomiting: Ongoing or severe episodes may indicate an underlying serious condition.
• Difficulty digesting or swallowing food: Could be a sign of esophageal or gastric disease.
• Bloody stool or bloody vomiting: Red blood in stool or vomit that looks like coffee grounds are signs of serious conditions requiring urgent medical attention.
• Diarrhea or constipation: Prolonged or severe diarrhea and constipation may indicate digestive system disorders.
• Weight loss: Unexplained and unintentional weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of digestive system diseases.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes may be a sign of problems with the liver or bile ducts.
• Reflux or heartburn: Frequent or severe reflux and heartburn are among the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In case of any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist specializing in digestive system diseases and undergo the necessary tests.

Treatment Options for Digestive System Diseases

In the treatment of digestive system diseases, collaboration between different health disciplines is of critical importance. Gastroenterology, hepatology, and medical oncology specialists manage the diagnosis and treatment process, while departments such as radiology and nuclear medicine provide technical support to complete this process. A multidisciplinary approach enables successful outcomes, particularly in specialized areas such as bariatric surgery, colon and rectal surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery involving the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts, and esophageal and gastric surgery.

The treatment of digestive system disorders varies depending on the type, severity, and underlying causes of the disease. For mild discomfort, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and medication are usually sufficient. For example, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 receptor blockers can be used for conditions such as heartburn and reflux, while problems such as constipation or diarrhea can be managed with dietary and fluid intake adjustments.

Antibiotics may be required for bacterial infections, while immunosuppressive drugs may be necessary for autoimmune diseases. In more serious cases, problems such as intestinal obstruction, gallstones, tumors, or cancer may require surgical intervention. The treatment process is usually planned using a multidisciplinary approach and involves collaboration between specialists such as dietitians, gastroenterologists, and surgeons. Regular follow-up is crucial to support recovery after treatment and prevent recurrence of the disease.

Treatment options for digestive system diseases include the following:

• Medication Treatment: Medications targeted at the disease, such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, bowel regulators, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Dietary Changes: High-fiber diet, avoiding foods that cause allergies or intolerance, adequate fluid intake, and a balanced diet.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, quitting smoking and alcohol, regular exercise.
• Endoscopic Methods: Endoscopic procedures used for diagnosis and treatment (e.g., removal of polyps or esophageal dilation),
• Surgical Intervention: Necessary surgical procedures for conditions such as cancer, gallstones, or intestinal obstruction,
• Use of Probiotics and Prebiotics: Supporting beneficial bacteria to balance the intestinal flora,
• Alternative and Complementary Methods: Stress management methods such as acupuncture, yoga, or meditation,
• Psychotherapy: Especially for digestive system problems triggered by stress (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome),
• Observation and Regular Checkups: To follow the progression of the disease and adjust the treatment plan.

Digestive System Surgery

Digestive system surgery involves surgical interventions for the diagnosis, treatment, and sometimes prevention of diseases affecting the digestive system. These types of surgeries can be performed on digestive system organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and anus. The most common surgical procedures include fundoplication for reflux treatment, cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones, bariatric surgery for stomach cancer or obesity, and bowel resection for bowel obstruction or inflammatory bowel diseases. Surgical procedures are generally performed using open or laparoscopic (closed) methods; the laparoscopic method offers patients the advantages of less pain, a shorter recovery time, and smaller surgical scars. Digestive system surgery should be carefully planned according to the type of disease and the patient's general health condition and should be supported by a post-surgical diet, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up.

Digestive system surgery is usually performed using laparoscopic surgery (open) or traditional surgery (closed) methods. Minimally invasive techniques are used, which involve making small incisions in the surgical area with the help of a camera to perform the procedure more precisely. The minimally invasive approach of laparoscopic surgery allows for faster and less problematic recovery.

A surgical procedure called endoscopy is performed to diagnose digestive system problems and perform the necessary screening methods. In an endoscopy, a small camera is inserted through the mouth or rectum using a long, thin tube to view the inside of the organs.

If the problem is related to the stomach or esophagus, a comprehensive examination is performed. Again, to check for colon cancer or possible problems that may occur in the intestines, the doctor may request a detailed scan of the large intestine through the anus.

Digestive System Surgery can generally be used for operations that become necessary as a result of cancerous areas or diseases related to the digestive system. Some of these operations also include gastrointestinal conditions. Some of these conditions are as follows:

Appendicitis

When the appendix becomes infected and inflamed, it can be removed (appendectomy).

• Colon Cancer: Used to remove cancerous tumors in the digestive system. It is performed by removing cancerous cells from the pancreas, liver, or a section of the intestine. In some cases, the entire area may be removed.
• Diverticular Disease: This refers to a small cut or pocket in the colon. This section can sometimes become inflamed and cause pain (diverticulitis). Although diverticular diseases are usually treated without surgery, the doctor may consider it appropriate to remove the area due to inflammation.

Gallbladder

Conditions such as gallstones commonly occur in the gallbladder. Surgery for gallstones is now quite common.

Reflux (GERD)

Reflux causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. Reflux can also develop in some cases due to a hernia. It occurs when the diaphragm, which separates the stomach from the chest, is pushed up. In the operation performed by the surgeon, the hernia is repaired, and then the upper part of the stomach is sutured just below the esophagus to strengthen the valve system that keeps the acid out.

Hernia

A hernia is the displacement of organs from their normal position. It occurs when organs protrude through gaps in the muscles or tissues that hold them in place. The most prominent features of hernias are swelling and severe pain observed during movement. People with hernias usually recover quickly after surgery.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)

The most important cause of inflammatory bowel disease is the immune system attacking the intestines as if they were an enemy. Inflammatory bowel disease causes severe pain along with inflammation. Inflammation of the intestines can lead to permanent damage. In this case, the inflamed area is removed in sections and the intestines are reattached.

Rectal Prolapse

Surgery is used to treat rectal prolapse, which occurs when part of the intestine passes through the anus.

Obesity

This is a surgical method used to treat obesity. Different types of bariatric surgery can also be performed. This surgery should generally be performed by a specialist in bariatric surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Slow Digestion?

Slow digestion is usually caused by factors such as insufficient fiber intake, insufficient water consumption, lack of exercise, stress, side effects of certain medications, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, and aging. In particular, fiber and water deficiency can negatively affect bowel movements and slow down digestion.

Are There Risks Associated with Digestive System Surgery?

Yes, there are risks associated with digestive system surgery, and these risks may vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, and the area where the operation is performed. General surgical risks include infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related problems, wound healing problems, and blood clotting.