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Common procedures

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure where a tube, or endoscope, is inserted into the body so that the physician can see inside. There are many different kinds of endoscopes and endoscopic procedures. Depending on what the physician is examining, the scope may be inserted through the mouth, anus, urethra or through a small skin incision.

The physician performing your procedure is a board-certified gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a physician with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. Your physician is a specialist in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system. In addition to standard medical education and training, your physician has received intense education and clinical training specific to the digestive system and has been thoroughly trained in the safe and proper operation of the endoscope.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a valuable tool used in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of diseases of the digestive tract. During this procedure, your physician can see the entire colon and remove any polyps, if necessary. This procedure is also used as a screening tool for cancer. Abnormalities suspected by symptoms or X-ray can be studied in detail during the exam. You will be sedated during the procedure to make you feel more relaxed, drowsy and comfortable.

Beginning at age 50, all men and women of average risk should begin having colonoscopies at least every 10 years. Those individuals at higher risk should have a procedure done more often. Individual risk varies, and patients should discuss their personal risk factors with a physician.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

With the patient under sedation, a lighted scope is passed through the mouth, esophagus, stomach and duodenum. This procedure is used to diagnose conditions causing swallowing problems, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain or chest pain.

Esophageal pH monitoring

This procedure will measure abnormal pH which is often the cause of acid reflux disorder. This method of diagnosis utilizes a capsule placed in the lower esophagus which transmits findings into a receiver which is in place for approximately 48 hours.