The physicians at Northshore Center for Gastroenteroliogy use state of the art techniques and equipment when performing surgical procedures. Our physicians will review your medical history with you prior to your sugery. Our staff will provide you with detailed preparation instructions, the week and evening before your scheduled procedure to that your colon and/or stomach are completely empty for your exam.
COLONOSCOPY
Understanding the Procedure
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows for your physician to examine the entire length of your large intestine. The colonoscopy can assist in identifying problems with the colon, such as early signs of cancer, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. An endoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube (also called a colonoscope), is inserted through the rectum into the colon. In addition to allowing visualization of the internal colon, the colonoscope enables your physician to irrigate/suction, and access the bowel with surgical instruments. During a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist may remove tissue for further examination and possibly treat any problems that may be discovered.
Reasons for a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy may be used to examine colon polyps, tumors, ulceration, inflammation, diverticula (pouches), strictures (narrowing), and foreign objects within the colon. It may also be used to determine the cause of unexplained chronic diarrhea or gastrointestinal bleeding or to evaluate the colon after cancer treatment. In addition, there may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a colonoscopy.
Risks of a Colonoscopy Procedure
As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Complications related to colonoscopy include, but are not limited to, the following: persistent bleeding after biopsy, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity), and/or perforation of the intestinal wall (which is very rare). If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure. Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a colonoscopy. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: use of soap suds enemas prior to the procedure, which irritate the lining of the mucosa; presence of barium from previous tests used to examine the colon (such as a barium enema); inadequate preparation of the bowel before the procedure; and/or problems which may interfere with the passage of the colonoscope, such as narrowing of the colon, surgical adhesions, or disease such as chronic inflammatory disease.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure that allows your physician to diagnose and treat problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The procedure involves a physician using a long, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is guided through the patient's mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Your physician uses the endoscope to examine the inside of these organs to detect abnormalities. In addition to performing visual examination with the endoscope, your physician can insert instruments through the endoscope to obtain tissue samples for a biopsy, remove foreign objects, stop bleeding, or perform therapeutic procedures, such as endoscopic surgery, laser therapy, or dilatation.
Reasons to have an EGD Procedure
An EGD may be performed to diagnose structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and/or duodenum. These abnormalities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Weight loss or anorexia (loss of appetite)
Upper abdominal pain or chest pain of a noncardiac origin
Intractable vomiting (continuous vomiting from an unknown cause)
Strictures (narrowing) or obstructions
Gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus)
Inflammation and ulcers
Tumors (benign or malignant)
Hiatal hernia - upward movement of the stomach, either into or alongside the esophagus
Damage caused by ingestion of caustic substances (chemicals such as lye, household detergents)
An EGD may be performed therapeutically to control bleeding, remove tumors or polyps (growths), dilate narrowed areas in the esophagus, remove foreign objects, perform laser therapy, and place a percutaneous gastrostomy tube (a tube used for tube feeding into the stomach). Tissue or gastrointestinal fluid samples may be obtained via an endoscope. In addition, an EGD may be used to evaluate the stomach and duodenum after a surgery. Additionally, there may be other reasons for your physician to recommend an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Risks of the EGD Procedure
As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to, the following: infection, bleeding, and/or perforation of the duodenum, esophagus, or stomach.
Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, shellfish, or latex should notify their physician. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your physician. EGD is contraindicated in patients who have a large aortic aneurysm, Zenker's diverticulum (a herniated pouch in the esophagus), a recent perforated ulcer, or a perforation elsewhere in the GI tract. There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure. Barium within the intestines from a recent barium procedure may interfere with an EGD.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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