Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure used to evaluate the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a small scope in the body, usually through a natural body opening. Through the scope, one is able to see lesions, take small biopsies and retrieve foreign objects. Endoscopy is also employed in minimally invasive surgery.
Many endoscopic procedures are relatively painless and only associated with mild discomfort, though patients are sedated for most procedures. Complications are rare but may include perforation of the stomach or intestine with the endoscope or biopsy instrument. If this occurs, surgery is required to repair the injury. Endoscopic equipment can be used to visualize and collect specimens from different areas of the body. At Physicians Endoscopy Center, we specialize in procedures in the gastrointestinal tract, including:
- esophagus, stomach and duodenum (upper endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD)
- colon (lower endoscopy or colonoscopy)
- sigmoid colon (flexible sigmoidoscopy or flex sig)
GI Exams
EGD | Colonoscopy | Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
EGD
Your doctor has ordered a test known as an upper Endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD. The EGD is performed to examine your upper gastrointestinal tract to diagnosis and treat diseases or conditions such as:
- Ulcers - which can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum; occasionally ulcers can be malignant
- Tumors of the stomach or esophagus
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Upper abdominal pain or indigestion
- Intestinal bleeding - hidden or massive bleeding can occur for various reasons
- Esophagitis and heartburn - chronic inflammation of the esophagus due to reflux of stomach acid and digestive juices
- Gastritis - inflammation of the lining of the stomach
Preparation
Your stomach should be completely empty before the procedure. Your doctor will instruct you as to when to begin fasting.
Before the exam, you will be asked for information regarding your current medications and drug allergies and health problems. You will then be asked to remove your clothes and to put on a patient gown. Valuables should be left at home.
Procedure
The nurse will place a small needle in your vein for the duration
of the test. You will then receive medication to relax you prior
to the exam. Your throat is sprayed with a local anesthetic to numb
it. The endoscope is passed through your mouth, allowing your doctor
to look at your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the
small intestine, called the duodenum. Small biopsies may be taken
by passing an instrument through the endoscope. This does not cause
any discomfort. The endoscope will not interfere with your breathing.
The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
After the exam, you will rest for 45 minutes to one hour in the
recovery area. When you awaken, your doctor will review his/her findings
with you. You are required to have a responsible adult drive you home
and to refrain from driving or operating machinery for the
rest of the day. You may resume your normal activities the next
day. You can resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed
by your doctor.
(click to watch a video demostration)
High
Resolution - Broadband
Low
Resolution – Dial Up
Back to top
Colonoscopy
Your doctor has advised you to have a colonoscopy, an exam of your large intestine. The exam is an important tool in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer and the diagnosis of other colon diseases such as:
- Colon cancer - a serious but highly curable malignancy
- Polyps - fleshy tumors which usually are the forerunners of colon cancer
- Colitis (Ulcerative or Crohn's) - chronic, recurrent inflammation of the colon
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis - pockets along the intestinal wall that develop over time and can become infected
- Bleeding lesions - bleeding may occur from different points in the colon
- Abdominal symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, particularly if associated with weight loss or anemia
- Abnormal barium x-ray exam
- Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a change in bowel habits
- Anemia
Preparation
For best viewing, your colon must be completely empty of waste.
Your doctor will recommend the best method of achieving a clean
colon. Before the exam, you will be asked for information regarding
your current medications and drug allergies and health problems.
You will then be asked to remove your clothing and wear a patient
gown. Valuables should be left at home.
Procedure
The exam takes about one hour. The nurse will place a small needle
in your vein for the duration of the test. You will then receive
medication to relax you prior to the exam. The exam is performed
with a flexible, narrow tube, introduced into the rectum and advanced
through the colon. If polyps or suspicious tissue are found, biopsies
may be taken or the tissue may be removed.
After the exam, you will rest for 45 minutes to one hour in the
recovery area. When you awaken, your doctor will review his/her findings
with you. You are required to have a responsible adult drive you home
and to refrain from driving or operating machinery for the
rest of the day. You may resume your normal activities the next
day. You can resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed
by your doctor.
(click to watch a video demostration)
High
Resolution - Broadband
Low
Resolution – Dial Up
Back to top
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Your doctor has ordered a flexible sigmoidoscopy for you. This examination is a tool in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer and the diagnosis of other colon diseases such as:
- Bleeding - Rectal bleeding is very common. It is often caused by hemorrhoids or by a small tear at the anus, called a fissure. However, more serious problems can cause bleeding. Benign polyps can bleed. It is important to identify and remove polyps at an early stage before they can become cancerous. Rectal and colon cancers bleed and require immediate diagnosis and treatment. Finally, various forms of colitis and inflammation can cause bleeding.
- Diarrhea - Persistent diarrhea should always be evaluated. There are many causes of diarrhea and the exam is of great help in tracking down the specific cause.
- Pain - Hemorrhoids and fissures are some causes of pain around the anus or in the rectum. Discomfort in the lower abdomen can be caused by tumors. Diverticulosis can occur in the lower bowel. With this condition, small pockets or sacks project from the bowel.
- X-ray findings - A barium enema x-ray exam may show abnormalities that need to be confirmed or treated by sigmoidoscopy.
Preparation
The rectum and sigmoid colon must be empty of waste at the time of the examination. Please follow preparation instructions exactly, which will be given to you and explained by the physician or his/her nurse. Before your exam, you will be asked about allergies you may have, medications you take, and other pertinent information. You will then be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down and to put on a patient gown. Valuables should be left at home.
Procedure
The exam takes between 5 - 10 minutes. It is performed using a thin, flexible tube. The tube is introduced into the rectum and passed into the last two feet of the colon. Biopsies may be taken during the exam, but this is not at all painful. You may feel cramping during the procedure; deep breathing and relaxation will help to keep any discomfort to a minimum.
After your exam, your doctor will review his/her findings with you. Your vital signs will be rechecked and you may leave. You may resume your normal activities and diet as soon as the exam is over.
Back to top
|
