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Time for an anatomy pop quiz: Do you know where your gallbladder is? This small, pear-shaped organ is located beneath your liver on the right side of your abdomen. Its primary function is to hold bile, a fluid produced by the liver that’s released into your small intestines to help you digest fatty foods. Sometimes, hard deposits called gallstones can build up in your gallbladder. What Are Gallstones? Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive material. They can be as small as a grain of sand, the size of a pebble or even as large as a golf ball. Two main types exist: cholesterol stones

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders.

The SIU Division of Gastroenterology has obtained ACGME accreditation for a new Fellowship program. The achievement has been reached after decades of development. A fellowship is advanced training a physician can pursue following his/her residency. Individuals receive the opportunity to spend 2-3 years studying a specific branch of medicine in depth. These additional years of education allow them to specialize and become an expert in a particular field. Abdul Swied, MD, will serve as program director for the new fellowship. Shaylee Sullivan, APRN, will be its coordinator. Division Chief Zafar

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, a digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile enters the esophagus, causing discomfort and damaging the lining. Symptoms include burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and worsens when lying down. Changes in diet and lifestyle, or over-the-counter medication may provide temporary relief. Prescription medication may be needed.

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any hemorrhage or loss of blood in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment options depend on the location and severity of the bleeding. Blood in the stool or urine is a common symptom.

Gastrointestinal cancer is any cancer impacting the gastrointestinal system, including the esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, intestines, colon, rectum and anus. Treatment options depend on the organ affected, as well as the type and severity of the tumor.

Gastrointestinal disorders are any of a wide number of diseases or conditions affecting the health and function of the gastrointestinal system. Common such conditions include constipation, ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps and colitis. Treatment may be as simple as making changes to diet and lifestyle, but may require medication or surgery.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person's digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, physicians can view the interior of a patient's digestive tract, examining for any signs of disease or abnormality.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon tumors of the GI tract. These tumors start in the wall of the GI tract, usually in the stomach or small intestine, but they can start at any point in the tract. GISTs may be diagnosed through endoscopy, biopsy, ultrasound, or blood tests.