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EGD

Endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that is used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube into the body.

Upper endoscopy, also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is the best way to examine your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. EGD is used to help determine the cause of particular patient symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal or chest pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Bleeding
  • Difficulty swallowing

EGD also can help identify inflammation, ulcers and tumors.

Our specially trained doctors use an instrument called an endoscope, which is a thin scope with a small light and flexible camera at its tip, to examine the upper GI tract. For this exam, the endoscope is inserted down the throat once the patient has been properly sedated.

An EGD is more accurate than X-rays to detect abnormal growths (such as cancer) and to examine the inside of the upper digestive system. In addition, abnormalities can be treated through the endoscope, including:

  • Polyps can be identified and removed
  • Tissue samples can be taken for testing
  • Narrow areas of the upper GI tract caused by diseased can be dilated.
  • Bleeding due to ulcers, cancer and other causes can be treated.

EGD is considered to be relatively painless and, at worst, associated with mild discomfort.

The exam lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is the best way to examine your large bowel (colon and rectum) from the inside. Colonoscopies are usually used to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or unexplained changes in bowel habits.

A colonoscopy is also used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. The examination allows our specially trained doctors to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, bleeding and muscle spasms that might be signs of disease.

During the colonoscopy, if the doctor sees something that may be abnormal, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis and abnormal growths, or polyps, can be identified and removed. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for a major operation.

The exam lasts from 15 to 30 minutes while the patient is under anesthetics.