Services & Procedures
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities. After the patient has completed the preparation, which involves cleaning out the colon, the doctor slowly advances a colonoscope into the large intestine and examines its lining. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, is performed under mild anesthesia and is painless. You should plan on 2 – 3 hours for waiting, preparation and recovery.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper portion of your gastrointestinal tract. This examination includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). An endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, will be inserted down the throat, enabling the doctor to view images of the upper GI tract on a video monitor. Common terms for an upper endoscopy examination are upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or panendoscopy. The examination takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes, is performed under mild anesthesia and is painless.
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized test used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver. During ERCP, your doctor will pass an endoscope through your mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Once the common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas are identified, a catheter will be passed through the endoscope and into the bile ducts. A contrast medium (dye) will be injected into the pancreatic or biliary ducts and x-rays will be taken. This examination is performed in the hospital under anesthesia and usually requires 3 – 4 hours of your time.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy allows your doctor to evaluate the middle portion of the GI tract. This area includes the three portions of the small intestine, which are the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. This part of the GI tract that cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful in detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers and tumors of the small intestine. The procedure involves swallowing a small capsule (the size of a vitamin) that contains a video camera. Images of the digestive tract are recorded throughout the day and the patient returns to the office at the end of the day to collect the results. The capsule is excreted through the normal digestive process and is disposable.
