I have decided on how I will respond to each new, 'Word of the Day', from now on. The regular responders of this blog, are much more eloquent and have a way with words that I do not. So, I will content myself when possible, with just presenting, just the facts(thank you Joe Friday)!

So, here are the facts:

Gastrologist Or Gastroenterologist? Know The Difference?

Being diagnosed with  Diverticulosis, I know the word of the day way too good! 🤪

OK I'm playing it safe and going for etymology:

Not surprisingly the origin of the word ‘gastroenterology’ is Greek.

Is made out of three words. Gastro which is the area where the stomach is. The fluids of the stomach are called gastric acids.

Entero (singular) entera (pl) are the intestines. Logos has the same meaning as the scientific use of the word in English which is the study of…

Now to diverge; since we are on the subject of ‘gastro’ the term gastronomy which refers to the art of good cooking has the same origin because the word ‘gastra’ is also used for a pot (flowerpot or cooking pot) as well as for the belly of the ship. It means something which is hollow, but not hollow in itself (which is ‘κοιλο’ (koilo) in Greek). Often in Greek, the word koilia is used to point to the belly.

Enough confusion?

I'll retreat.

My personal experience is that it's not only gastroenterologists who are keen on performing colonoscopies. My experience is that there are much nicer experiences involving that part of the human anatomy.

10 minutes ago, Paladin said:

My personal experience is that it's not only gastroenterologists who are keen on performing colonoscopies. My experience is that there are much nicer experiences involving that part of the human anatomy.

Having had my 19th colonoscopy on Friday, this is a word I know and fear! Still, after 49 years of ulcerative colitis, the “digestivo” guys here in Spain have been amazing and have saved me from operation after operation.   
 

@Myr you do a great job selecting such a range of words.  Thanks!

My colonoscopy was performed by a general surgeon, in case he had to remove polympsl or do a biopsy along the way, but my colon was as clean as a whistle, thanks to the powerful laxatives he had me take the day before, and not a polyp in sight.   

To put it simply, a gastroenterologists is a medical doctor who specialize in the digestive system, from the esophagus to the colon. They diagnose and treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, polyps, chronic heartburn, acid reflux, and hemorrhoids. They can also detect and prevent certain types of cancer. 

Gastroenterologists perform endoscopic procedures to diagnose and treat conditions. During an endoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a camera attached to a long, thin tube to look inside the body. They can also perform minimally invasive procedures to treat hemorrhoids.   Gastroenterologists are knowledgeable about treating hepatitis because the liver is an important part of digestion and metabolism. They can also diagnose and treat celiac disease. 

1 hour ago, Bill W said:

My colonoscopy was performed by a general surgeon, in case he had to remove polympsl or do a biopsy along the way, but my colon was as clean as a whistle, thanks to the powerful laxatives he had me take the day before, and not a polyp in sight.   

The guy ahead of me had 12 polyps, 10 removed by gastro guy.  Two remain for general surgery.  So nice of the dr to share this info with the family and all those waiting to go in!!!! 😱one poor lady started to shake.