We have extensive experience in evaluating the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine with gastroscopies and colonoscopies. These procedures are very valuable in diagnosing reflux esophagitis, stomach ulcers, and causes of intestinal bleeding but also allow us to dilate esophageal strictures and remove colon polyps before they can become malignant. These procedures are typically very well tolerated and can be performed as an outpatient under moderate sedation (light, relaxing sleep).
Some of the Endoscopic Procedures We Offer
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): The visualization of the inside of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the feeding tube (esophagus) through the stomach to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This allows the direct evaluation of heartburn, infection, ulcers, bleeding and tumors.
- Dilation of Esophageal Strictures (balloon or bougie): The relief of difficulties swallowing food by gently stretching scar tissue which may narrow the feeding tube (esophagus)
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomies (PEG): The combination of an EGD with the passage of a small tube directly from the stomach out through the skin where it can be secured for temporary or permanent feedings and giving medication.
- Complete colonoscopies: The passage of a small, lighted (fiber optic) scope with a camera through the large intestine from the anus typically to the appendix and opening into the small intestine (approximately six feet).
- Polypectomy (hot biopsy or snare): The removal of abnormal growths from the lining of the gastrointestinal tract for testing to confirm there haven’t been cancerous changes.
- Bicep and /or injection treatment of hemorrhage: Techniques for constricting or sealing small vessels that maybe bleeding spontaneously or after polypectomy.
- Tattooing (marking the site within the colon) where suspicious lesions have been removed for future evaluation.