Procedures

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also known as upper endoscopy, is a procedure that lets a doctor look at the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It is usually recommended to evaluate unexplainable pain in the upper belly, acid reflux symptoms, nausea and vomiting, black bowel movements, vomiting of blood, or trouble swallowing. The procedure is performed after fasting for 12 hours.

During the procedure, the doctor administers relaxing medicines intravenously. Then the doctor introduces a thin tube with a camera and light on the end into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum looking for irritation, bleeding, ulcers, or growths.

During an upper endoscopy, the doctor might also take biopsies to look at the tissue under a microscope in order assess the severity of reflux, or cancer risk, i.e. Barrett‘s esophagus. The findings guide a tailored therapy (lifestyle, medical, endoscopic or surgical therapy). The doctor may also treat problems, such as stopping bleeding, widening narrow areas of the esophagus (dilation) or removing growths. The most common side effects after endoscopy are feeling bloated and having a sore throat.

Colonoscopy is a test that looks at the inside lining of the large intestine or colon. People have colonoscopy as a screening test to check for polyps or cancer, or as part of the evaluation of symptoms, such as blood in the bowel movement, altered bowel habits, anemia, or abdominal pain. Doctors recommend that most people begin having colon cancer screening at age 45. Some people have an increased chance of getting colon cancer, because of a strong family history or certain medical conditions. These people might begin screening at a younger age. 

The colon needs to be cleaned out before a colonoscopy and this is accomplished by taking pills or a special drink that cause watery diarrhea. Before and during the procedure an intravenous medicine is given to relax the patient. Then he or she will put a thin tube with a camera and light on its end into the anus and up into the rectum and inside the lining of the whole colon.

During the procedure, the doctor might do a test called a biopsy. During a biopsy, a doctor takes a small piece of tissue to look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancer. The doctor might also remove precancerous growths (polypectomy). 

Sigmoidoscopy is a test that looks at the inside lining of the distal colon only. In this regard, it is similar procedure to a colonoscopy but it requires minimal preparation and no sedation. People have colonoscopy as part of the evaluation of symptoms, such as blood in the bowel movement, altered bowel habits, or urgency. The colon needs to be cleaned out before sigmoidoscopy and this is accomplished by taking 2 enemas before the procedure. Then the doctor will introduce a thin tube with a camera and light on its end into the anus and up into the rectum and distal colon. During the procedure, the doctor might do a biopsy. 

While not directly performed by our office we can facilitate this test being done by trusted gastroenterology colleagues in our medical community. 

While not directly performed by our office we can facilitate the following advanced motility tests by trusted gastroenterology colleagues in our community:

-Esophageal pH testing (24 hour ambulatory pH testing and Bravo pH testing)

-Esophageal manometry testing

-Anorectal manometry testing

-Defecography

-Whole gut scintography