Before a treatment or rehabilitation plan can be established for conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the physician must first determine the reason for, and source of, a condition. After the evaluative information is collected and reviewed, the physician, often a gastroenterologist, will determine the best treatment plan, based on an individual's condition and preferences.

There are various types of diagnostic and surgical tests and procedures used to diagnose and treat conditions of the GI tract. In this section, you will find information to help you learn more about GI diagnostic and surgical procedures including an overview of the procedure, reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to do before the procedure, and what to expect during and after the procedure.

If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Online Resources section found at the end of each GI test or procedure Web page for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.