Gastroenterology in Lebanon

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine focused on the normal function and diseases of the digestive system or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, as well as colon and rectum. Doctors who specialize in gastroenterology are called gastroenterologists. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system. Some of the conditions that these specialists can treat include:

• Ulcers
• Acid reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Polyps or growth that can occur in the large intestine (colon)
• Hepatitis C
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• Bloody stool
• Hemorrhoids
• Colon and bowel cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Colitis
• Pancreatitis 

While gastroenterologists can treat diseases of the digestive system, they do not perform surgery. If surgery is required they will work with or refer patients to a gastrointestinal surgeon. The following are a range of nonsurgical procedures that gastroenterologists perform:

• Colonoscopy to detect colon polyps and colon cancer
• Endoscopic ultrasound to examine the upper and lower GI tract
• Sigmoidoscopy to assess blood loss or pain in the bowel
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to identify tumors, gallstones, or scar tissue in the bile duct
• Capsule endoscopy to examine the small intestine
• Liver biopsy to examine fibrosis and inflammation
• Polypectomy to remove a polyp.

How Long Should I Stay in Lebanon?

The type of procedure that you undergo determines your length of stay in Lebanon. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. However, you generally need to stay in Lebanon for around a week for follow up appointments and to let your body recover before you can travel. If you undergo a diagnostic procedure, your doctor will discuss the results and create a treatment plan during the follow-up appointment.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time for gastroenterology procedures range from a day to 2 weeks, or sometimes longer, depending on the type of procedure. During the recovery period, it is important to avoid any strenuous activities. Your gastroenterologist will let you know the specific time you can resume your normal activities, go back to work, and perform vigorous exercises.

What Aftercare is Required?

It is crucial that you follow all of the instructions closely, to prevent the problem from getting worse or from reoccurring, you may need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes. You may also need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your condition. You can have the checkups at home with your local doctor, or with your gastroenterologist in Lebanon.

What's the Success Rate?

Advances in gastroenterology have increased the safety and success rate of treatments. The diagnostic procedures offer high accuracy in finding problems within the gastrointestinal tract, and the treatments are found to be highly successful to treat conditions in the digestive system. For example, a colonoscopy now has a 94% success rate in capturing all colorectal cancer. Still, there are some risks to the procedures that you will need to be aware of, such as a tear in the intestine’s lining, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to the equipment or medication used during the procedure, organ perforation, infection, and incomplete removal (for removal of polyps).

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience problems in your digestive system and it is found to be caused by something else that is outside the gastroenterologists’ scope of practice, they will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Gastroenterology in and around Lebanon

Lebanon, a country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the smallest sovereign states. The country boasts a fascinating mixture of the Middle East and the West, Christianity, and Islam, and tradition and modernity. It has everything from golden beaches and World Heritage Sites to energetic nightlife and delicious cuisine. Among other countries in the Middle East, Lebanon appears to be one of the most popular medical tourism destinations. Over 10% of the tourists visiting the country, particularly from neighboring countries, come to receive medical care. Many hospitals and clinics in the country are accredited to the ISO:9000 standard and offer world-class specialist services in spine treatment, orthopedics, organ transplant, and other complex surgeries, as well as advanced cancer treatments. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are also popular.

Popular Parts of Lebanon

Beirut, the capital and largest city of Lebanon, is filled with historic landmarks and natural wonders. The most famous attractions in the city are the National Museum of Beirut, the Corniche and Pigeon Rocks, Sursock Museum, and Mohammed Al Amin Mosque. Many people also come to Lebanon to visit the port town of Sidon. Once a rich and thriving Phoenician city, it is dotted with historical monuments and ancient remnants, particularly in its Old City. Other popular cities include Tripoly, Baalbek, Byblos, and Tyre.

Weather and Climate in Lebanon

Lebanon has four seasons: winter (December to March), spring (April to May), summer (June to September), and autumn (October to November). Winter is the rainy season with high precipitation levels and cool temperatures. It is snowy in the mountains, but in some places, such as Beirut, it just rains during this season. Summer is hot, sunny, and dry, and can get very humid in cities located close to the sea. In the summer, the average temperatures are around 28°C to 30°C. Spring and autumn are both warm and pleasant. 

Getting around in Lebanon

The main international airport where visitors fly into and out of Lebanon is Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, which is the only operational commercial airport in the country. It serves international flights to numerous major cities across Europe and the Middle East, including Moscow, Paris, London, and Dubai. Given the small size of the country, there are no internal flights. Intercity buses and minibus are available and have an extensive network, especially in coastal areas. The best way to get around the country is by hiring a car (with a driver) or by using intercity taxis. 

Tourist Visas in Lebanon

All visitors need to obtain a visa to enter and stay in Lebanon unless they come from one of the seven visa-exempt countries (including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan). Citizens of 81 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, China, Canada, and the United States, are eligible for a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. A conditional visa on arrival is available for citizens of 15 countries, including Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Yemen. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP) is the official currency in Lebanon. 1 USD is equivalent to around 1,507 LBP. US dollars and the euro is widely accepted as well.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in many places around Beirut and other large cities. Many ATMs dispense both US dollars and Lebanese pounds. Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at most major establishments. Tipping can be expected, usually around 10% to 15% of the bill. 
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language in Lebanon. English and French are widely spoken as well, and many Lebanese can speak at least two to three languages.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam (around 60% of the population) and Christianity (around 34%) are the primary religions in Lebanon. About 5% of Lebanese practice the Druze faith, while other religions are practiced by the remaining 1% of the population.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, All Saints’ Day, Resistance and Liberation Day, as well as Independence Day are some of the more important holidays in Lebanon.