A colorectal surgeon is a medical professional who is experienced with the colon and rectum and is capable of diagnosing and treating diseases that affect these parts of the body. They treat illnesses and diseases that range from mild to severe, and they sometimes work with other specialists and doctors to determine how to treat their patients properly. They are sometimes referred to as proctologists.

A gastroenterologist is a healthcare professional who has been educated and trained to treat patients who are experiencing health problems or have diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and liver. They also diagnose and treat diseases that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.

Pediatric Gastroenterology is a medical field that specializes in both children and gastroenterological issues. These kinds of conditions are found in the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. Common conditions that may lead to a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist include persistent abdominal pain or upset, severe diarrhea, persistent vomiting, and even cancer of the bowel. Patients often seek the intervention of this kind of medical professional when their general physicians were unable to adequately address their problems or concerns.