Understanding the differences between a colorectal surgeon vs. gastroenterologist is crucial when managing gastrointestinal, digestive system, and colon-related disorders. The biggest difference is that a gastroenterologist does not perform surgery, while a colorectal surgeon does.
It’s important to work with the correct expert for any procedure. Different types of physicians have varying degrees of education, training and experience, and that impacts the care they provide. Knowing which specialist to visit will help you receive the best treatment possible for your condition as soon as possible.
Colorectal surgeon: Role and expertise
Colorectal surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders involving your large intestine. That’s the part of your gastrointestinal tract that includes the colon, rectum, and anus. These specialists provide complete care for patients, including diagnosis, treatment and follow up for conditions such as colon and rectal cancer, severe constipation, hemorrhoid’s, pelvic floor disfunction, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and more. They may also referred by gastroenterologists or primary care doctors when surgical intervention is needed for conditions such as colorectal cancer, severe hemorrhoids, or anal fistulas — or when non-surgical treatments have failed.
They complete extensive training, including a medical degree, a five-year General Surgical residency, and another year of specialized training in colorectal surgery. They must also pass two exams to receive certification, one from The American Board of Surgery and one from the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. This enables them to develop the knowledge and skills for complex procedures.
While they specializing on the large intestines, as certified surgeons, they may also operate on other parts of the body, particularly those throughout the abdomen. And they perform non-surgical tests and treatments, as well as minimally invasive procedures.
Gastroenterologist: Role and expertise
Gastroenterology is the “study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. In essence, “all normal activity and disease of the digestive organs,” according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Gastroenterologists can perform tests and interpret the results to diagnose and treat many digestive system problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disease.
Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal diseases through non-surgical means. After becoming general physicians, they undergo a residency in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology, usually for 2 or 3 years.
Gastroenterologists don’t perform surgeries. They use endoscopic procedures and other tests and interpret the results to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal problems. They typically refer patients to colorectal surgeons if a healthcare problem requires surgery.
Key differences between the two specialties
The fields of colorectal surgery and gastroenterology differ in their education, diagnosis, and treatment philosophies. Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who focus on non-surgical treatments and manage a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Colorectal surgeons specialize in conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract and may employ non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, and when necessary, surgical intervention.
There is an overlap in some of the conditions they treat and the treatment methods they use, so it can be confusing to patients. Patients often will be referred by their primary care physician to one or the other, depending on their symptoms. Colorectal diseases can be complex, and gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons frequently work together to treat a patient. When the doctors at a collaborative care institution are able to communicate and combine efforts, the treatment plans are more comprehensive and customized to each patient’s particular needs. This approach increases patient satisfaction while simultaneously decreasing morbidity.
When deciding between colorectal surgeon vs. gastroenterologist, it’s essential to consider your symptoms and condition. For digestive problems like bloating, acid reflux, and nausea, a gastroenterologist is usually the first specialist to consult. These experts treat gastrointestinal disorders involving the stomach, intestines, and related organs like the liver and pancreas using non-invasive methods.
However, if your condition is more severe and does not respond to medication or lifestyle changes, a colorectal surgeon may be consulted. These surgeons are highly skilled in performing surgeries for colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and other conditions when needed.
Two things can help you figure out what’s best for your health: getting a referral to a specialist for your illness and getting a second opinion.
Treatment options for colorectal cancer have recently evolved thanks to developments in gastroenterology and colorectal surgery. For minimally invasive treatment of small tumors, such as those detected early, gastroenterologists often perform endoscopic procedures. This technique uses a scope to remove tumors with minimal impact on the patient. Colorectal surgeons also use endoscopic procedures in treating small tumors. When beneficial, they may perform trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), which is a type of endoscopic procedure used to address early rectal cancers often helping to avoid larger surgeries.
For larger or more advanced cancers, colorectal surgeons employ advanced techniques like laparoscopic colon resection and robotic-assisted surgeries. These methods enable more precise tumor removal and reduce recurrence rates. By refining these surgical approaches, colorectal surgeons help mitigate the impact on sexual, bowel, and bladder functions, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for patients. They will also work collaboratively with other physicians such as oncologists to ensure appropriate treatment and ongoing survival far after your surgery.
Colorectal surgeon vs. gastroenterologist: Making a choice
Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health is ready to meet your needs whether you need a colorectal surgeon, a gastroenterologist or both. Our Department of Colorectal Surgery specializes in colorectal endoscopy, rectal surgery and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. They treat a host of conditions including anal fissures, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction , rectal prolapse, fistulas and more. We also offer preventative screening services to help you take control of your health.
Our team of colorectal surgeons work hand-in-hand with primary care physicians and other specialists, sharing test results and treatment plans through our electronic health records system. Our St. Petersburg location offers primary care and multiple specialties to help you worry less about traveling to multiple clinics
Meet Our Colorectal Surgeons
Dr. Williams
 J. Ryan Williams, MD is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon with Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Colorectal Surgery. In addition to his expertise in the specialized care of colon and rectal conditions, he is certified as a console surgeon on da Vinci® Robotic Surgical Systems and performs complex laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries.
He was listed in Tampa Magazine as one of the area’s Top Doctors for Colon and Rectal Surgery. Dr. Williams is active in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and American College of Surgeons, where he serves on multiple committees nationally.
Dr. Ayscue
Jennifer Ayscue, MD is the Chief of Colorectal Surgery for the west region at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. A colorectal surgeon for more than 20 years, she most recently served as the at a Northeastern healthcare system.
Dr. Ayscue is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, where she serves on national committees. She also is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Surgical Oncology and has been published in several other medical journals.
Call today at (727) 893-6363 to make an appointment, or request an appointment online.