Gastrointestinal Disorders: Hernias

Introduction

This section addresses gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that could compromise the ability of the law enforcement officer (LEO) to perform essential job functions safely, but should not be viewed as a complete list. The section aims to assist the police physician in determining LEO fitness for duty. There are relatively few gastrointestinal conditions that could cause increased risk for sudden incapacitation or could compromise the LEO’s ability to perform essential job functions. However, as with any medical diagnosis, the LEO’s condition should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the individual’s condition permits safe and effective job performance. Such an evaluation must include the following key elements, which are discussed in detail below:

• Knowledge of the physiologic demands of the critical job functions;
• Knowledge of specific gastrointestinal conditions, its management and current stability.