Procedures

An endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel where a thin, flexible scope is placed into the rectum and advanced through the entire colon (large intestine). The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the colon. A screening colonoscopy may be performed on an asymptomatic patient at age 45-50. A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed on patients who are exhibiting lower gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, etc.).

A visual examination of the upper intestinal tract where a thin, flexible scope is placed into the mouth and advanced to the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine). The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the esophagus and stomach and proximal portion of the small intestine.

A visual examination of the upper intestinal tract where a thin, flexible scope is placed into the mouth and advanced to the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine). The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The EUS scope also has an ultrasound probe which allows the physician to examine the gastrointestinal tract with ultrasound waves. The ultrasound waves allow the physician to exam the different layers of the intestinal wall as well as other organs adjacent to the intestinal wall. EUS is also used to stage rectal cancers.

An endoscopic procedure where a thin, flexible scope is placed into the mouth and advanced to the jejunum (the second portion of the small intestine). The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

An endoscopic procedure where a thin, flexible scope is placed into the mouth and advanced to the second portion of the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine). The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and opening to the bile duct and pancreatic duct. The physician can access the bile duct to remove stones or place stents in the case of an obstruction.

An endoscopic procedure where a thin, flexible scope is placed into the rectum and advanced through the lower third of the colon. The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the colon.