Services & Procedures
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities. After the patient has completed the preparation, which involves cleaning out the colon, the doctor slowly advances a colonoscope into the large intestine and examines its lining. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, is performed under mild anesthesia and is painless. You should plan on 2 – 3 hours for waiting, preparation and recovery.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper portion of your gastrointestinal tract. This examination includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). An endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, will be inserted down the throat, enabling the doctor to view images of the upper GI tract on a video monitor. Common terms for an upper endoscopy examination are upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or panendoscopy. The examination takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes, is performed under mild anesthesia and is painless.
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized test used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver. During ERCP, your doctor will pass an endoscope through your mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Once the common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas are identified, a catheter will be passed through the endoscope and into the bile ducts. A contrast medium (dye) will be injected into the pancreatic or biliary ducts and x-rays will be taken. This examination is performed in the hospital under anesthesia and usually requires 3 – 4 hours of your time.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy allows your doctor to evaluate the middle portion of the GI tract. This area includes the three portions of the small intestine, which are the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. This part of the GI tract that cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful in detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers and tumors of the small intestine. The procedure involves swallowing a small capsule (the size of a vitamin) that contains a video camera. Images of the digestive tract are recorded throughout the day and the patient returns to the office at the end of the day to collect the results. The capsule is excreted through the normal digestive process and is disposable.
Endoscopic Ultra-Sonography (EUS)
EUS allows your doctor to examine your stomach lining as well as the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The upper tract is the esophagus, stomach and duodenum; the lower tract includes your colon and rectum. EUS is also used to study internal organs that lie next to the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gall bladder and pancreas.
Your endoscopist will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. Your doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth or anus to the area to be examined. Your doctor then will turn on the ultrasound attachment to produce sound waves that create visual images of the digestive tract.
EUS provides your doctor with more information than other imaging tests by providing more detailed pictures of your digestive tract. Your doctor can use EUS to diagnose the cause of conditions such as abdominal pain or abnormal weight loss. Or, if your doctor has ruled out certain conditions, EUS can confirm your diagnosis and give you a clean bill of health.
EUS is also used to evaluate an abnormality, such as a lump, that was detected at a prior endoscopy. EUS provides a picture of the lump, which can help your doctor determine its nature and help him decide the best treatment. In addition, EUS can be used to diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder when other tests are inconclusive.
Barrx Halo Procedure
This a new outpatient endoscopic procedure for the treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus, a pre-malignant condition related to Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. In the past, this condition was just observed for progressive changes and then more drastic therapy undertaken. Now, during the course of an upper endoscopy, the tissue can be safely destroyed using radio frequency ablation. For further information please check the web site www.barrx.com
CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Banding
This is a new technique for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. It is a simpler variation of band ligation techniques, which have been used for many years. There is no pain and no preparation or sedation necessary. The procedure is done in three sessions two weeks apart, each of which takes only a few minutes. For further information please check the web site www.crhsystems.com
