Endoscopy
The GI department has 6 fully-equipped procedure rooms in which the staff performs more than 40 different types and over 9,000 procedures a year Descriptions of the most common procedures which make up over 90% of all procedures performed are:
Colonoscopy
An internal examination of the colon (large intestine), using an instrument called a colonoscope.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to identify stones, tumors, or narrowing in the bile ducts. The procedure is done through an endoscope.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003893.htm
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ercp/index.htm
Esophageal Manometry (Motility) Studies
Diagnostic services include esophageal motility studies, 24-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus, hydrogen breath testing, and 13 C urea breath testing for the detection of heliobacter pylori infection.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003884.htm
Sigmoidoscopy
An internal examination of the lower large bowel (colon), using an instrument called a sigmoidoscope.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/sigmoidoscopy/
Upper Endoscopy
An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003816.htm
Wireless Pillcam Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy allows the physician to examine the lining of the small intestine.
The patient swallows a capsule the size of a large vitamin that contains a mini-camera and a light source.
The capsule passes naturally through the digestive system while the camera takes pictures of the intestine.
These images are transmitted to small sensors, which are placed on the abdomen. the physician for processing.
A receiver the size of a Walkman, which is worn around the waist, will store the images.
Eight hours after ingesting the capsule, the test is finished and the receiver can be returned to the physician for processing.
GI Links
If you are interested in any Research Studies discuss with your GI provider