Procedures

  • Endoscopy

    Description:

    An endoscope with a camera on the tip is inserted into the mouth then a visual inspection of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is performed.

    When is it indicated?

    Chronic heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, upper abdominal pain, or suspicion of internal bleeding.

    How long does it take?

    5-15 minutes, once sedated.

    What are the risks/complications of this procedure?

    Mild sore throat, perforation, bleeding, abdominal pain.

    What preparation do I have to do?

    You must have an empty stomach for at least 6 hours prior to the test.

    Will I be sedated?

    Yes

    Will I need a ride home?

    Yes

  • Colonoscopy

    Description:

    A visual inspection of the large intestine (colon) with a lighted scope and a camera on the tip is inserted into the rectum.

    When is it indicated?

    Used to screen for colon polyps and cancer. To look for causes of abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, or bowel changes or irregularity.

    How long does it take?

    20-45 minutes.

    What are the risks/complications of this procedure?

    Mild gassiness and abdominal distension, perforation, bleeding.

    What preparation do I have to do?

    You will drink a special solution the day before and be on a clear liquid diet. You must stop blood thinners, aspirin, multi-vitamins, Vitamin E and fish oil supplements 5-7 days before test.

    Will I be sedated?

    Yes

    Will I need a ride home?

    Yes

    How often do I need to have it done/repeated?

    Depends on the findings.

  • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

    Description:

    This procedure uses a flexible endoscope to find the opening to the main bile duct, and the doctor injects x-ray dye into the bile duct and pancreatic duct.

    When is it indicated?

    When a blockage of the bile duct or pancreatic duct with stones or tumors is suspected.

    How long does it take?

    45 minutes to 2 hours.

    What are the risks/complications of this procedure?

    Bleeding, perforation, pancreatitis.

    What preparation do I have to do?

    You must have an empty stomach for at least 6 hours. You must also stop blood thinners, aspirin, multi-vitamins, Vitamin E and fish oil supplements 5-7 days before test. Our staff will advise you on specifics.

    Will I be sedated?

    Yes

    Will I need a ride home?

    Yes

  • Wireless Capsule Endoscopy

    Description:

    This procedure uses a video camera in an ingestible pill that is swallowed with water.

    When is it indicated?

    With certain types of anemia, to identify bleeding or for unexplained diarrhea.

    How long does it take?

    8 hours.

    What are the risks/complications of this procedure?

    Rarely, the capsule may not pass through the intestinal tract.

    What preparation do I have to do?

    Cleansing of the bowel by drinking a special solution, as for colonoscopy.

    Will I be sedated?

    No

    Will I need a ride home?

    No

  • Liver Biopsy

    Description:

    A small needle is passed through the side into the liver, to sample a small core of tissue that is sent for analysis.

    When is it indicated?

    Hepatitis, cirrhosis, abnormal liver tests, scans, suspected advanced liver disease, pre-transplant evaluation, long-term significant alcohol use.

    How long does it take?

    Procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, although you will need to be observed for several hours post procedure.

    What are the risks/complications of this procedure?

    Bleeding, perforation, abdominal pain.

    What preparation do I have to do?

    Special tests of blood clotting one week in advance. You must stop blood thinners, aspirin, multi-vitamins, Vitamin E and fish oil supplements 5-7 days before test.

    Will I be sedated?

    The area will be made numb.

    Will I need a ride home?

    Yes

  • Infrared Coagulation of Hemorrhoids

    Description:

    A probe is inserted into the rectum and pulses of infrared light stop bleeding hemorrhoids.

    When is it indicated?

    Bleeding hemorrhoids.

    How long does it take?

    Approximately 15 minutes.

    What are the risks/complications of this procedure?

    Mild pain.

    What preparation do I have to do?

    You must stop blood thinners, aspirin, multi-vitamins, Vitamin E and fish oil supplements 5-7 days before test.

    Will I be sedated?

    No

    Will I need a ride home?

    Yes