The gastroenterology diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed include:
Upper endoscopy
Upper endoscopy uses a thin flexible tube with its own lens and light source to allow your physician to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestine. Upper endoscopy is more accurate than x-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and lower portion of the colon. A flexible tube is inserted into the anus and is slowly advanced into the rectum and lower part of the colon. If the doctor sees an area that needs evaluation in greater detail, a biopsy may be obtained and submitted to a laboratory for further analysis. If the polyps need to be removed a colonoscopy is usually recommended.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the colon for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and colon. If an area needs further evaluation, an instrument is passed through the colonoscope to obtain a biopsy for analysis. If polyps are found, they are generally removed. Even though the majority of polyps are noncancerous, after they are removed, polyps are sent to a pathologist for further examination. Because the doctor cannot always tell by its outer appearance alone, removal of colon polyps is an important way to detect and/or prevent colorectal cancer.
ERCP
ERCP is a specialized technique used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. Your physician will insert a thin tube called an endoscope through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the first part of the small intestine. Once the ducts to to pancreas and gallbladder are identified, a catheter is passed through the endoscope and contrast dye is injected gently into the ducts and x-ray films are taken. Of there are small gallstones blocking the ducts, they may be removed using a thin instrument passing through a scope.
