Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
- Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms
- Evaluation of swallowing difficulties
- Screening for Barrett’s Esophagus
- Evaluation of GI bleeding
- Diagnosis of ulcers
- Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Colonoscopy
- Colon cancer screening
- Detection and removal of colon polyps
- Evaluation of diarrhea and constipation
- Evaluation of anemia and rectal bleeding
- Diagnosis and management of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
What To Expect
On the day of your endoscopic procedure, you will be at our facility two to three hours from time of admission to time of discharge. A nurse will review your medical history and ask if you have arranged for a responsible adult (18 and over) to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure. If these arrangements have not been made, you will be asked to reschedule the procedure. After your doctor has reviewed the benefits and risks of the procedure and answered any questions you may have, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
A nurse will start an IV to administer sedation medication and you will be attached to monitors for your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. The sedative will help you relax and feel sleepy. Colonoscopy is performed using CO2 (carbon dioxide) rather than air for distending the colon. The use of CO2 has been shown to reduce the incidence of gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort following a colonoscopy. After the exam, you will spend some time in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. When you are fully awake, your doctor will discuss the findings with you and give you a copy of the report. If polyps were removed or biopsies taken, you will be informed how to obtain the results which usually take approximately one week.
