Colonoscopy and EGD
Endoscopy is a procedure that enables doctors to examine the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. A thin flexible tube with a tiny digital camera and light at one end is used to look inside the intestinal tract. The picture from the camera appears on a monitor to provide a clear, magnified view of the lining of the intestines. Your doctor can then carefully guide the scope to examine the inside of the stomach or colon.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines the colon (large bowel) and the tip of the small bowel called terminal ileum.
Screening for colon cancer with a Screening Colonoscopy typically begins at age 45. Common indications for the procedure include rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, a family history of bowel cancer. The doctor can also take biopsies to look for early signs of cancer, infection, and inflammation, and also remove colon polyps. Removed polyps are examined closely to determine if they are pre-cancerous. The procedure can take 15 to 20 minutes.
During the procedure, patients receive a mild sedative and pain medication for comfort. A registered nurse assists the doctor during the procedure and an anesthetist monitors vital signs.
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, also referred to as EGD or Gastroscopy, enables our doctors to see inside the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract – esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
This procedure is used to analyze swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, and abdominal pain or chest pain, and for upper GI cancer screening, particularly in those with a family history of gastric or esophageal cancer. Small tissue samples (biopsies) of the upper GI tract can be obtained for further analysis. The procedure can take 5 to 10 minutes.
During the procedure, patients receive a mild sedative and pain medication for comfort. A registered nurse assists the doctor during the procedure and an anesthetist monitors vital signs.
