Gastroenterology and GI surgery are two closely related medical specialties that deal with different aspects of the digestive system.

Gastroenterology primarily focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical management of diseases and disorders affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, biliary tree, and pancreas. Gastroenterology concentrates on afflictions impacting the digestive tract, encompassing organs from the oral cavity to the rectum throughout the alimentary canal, is primarily concerned with gastrointestinal maladies.

Gastroenterology involves outpatient care, but some cases, such as severe inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding, may necessitate a blend of physician and surgical intervention, especially in determining the necessity and timing of surgery.