Services & Procedures

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) involves passing an endoscope, a long, flexible black tube with a light and video camera, through the patient’s mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Biopsies (taking small pieces of tissue) of any abnormality may also be done directly through the endoscope during the procedure, ulcers may be treated and any bleeding may be stopped.

Capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy allows the physician to examine the lining of the middle of a patient’s gastrointestinal tract and see into the small intestine. Capsule endoscopy requires a patient to swallow a pill-sized video capsule that has a camera and light inside of it, and allows the physician to search for bleeding, polyps or other irregularities that cannot be reached by a colonoscopy.

Small bowel enteroscopy with single balloon

Small bowel enteroscopy with single balloon allows physicians to look directly at the small intestine using a lighted flexible tube with a tiny camera that transmits pictures of the small intestine to a video screen. The physician can examine the small intestine for ulcers, inflammation or disease. Biopsies may be taken during the procedure to test for infection, illness or early signs of cancer.

Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and colonoscopy is one of the most important tools for colon cancer screening. A flexible scope is passed through the rectum to allow the physician to have direct visualization of the colon. During the colonoscopy, the physician is able to view the patient’s colon, obtain biopsies and remove potentially cancerous polyps.

Ablative therapy using the HALO system

Ablative therapy using the HALO system allows for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus that is commonly caused by chronic esophageal irritation or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). HALO ablation technology uses radio-frequency ablation to destroy Barrett’s cells and diseased tissue in an effort to prevent esophageal cancer. Results from a recent clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May 2009, revealed that non-surgical treatment for the pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus, is effective and reduces the risk of cancer development.

Esophageal studies (pH/motility/ impedance)

Esophageal studies allow physicians to evaluate the acidity of the esophagus as well as the muscular function.

Anorectal manometry

Anorectal manometry measures the ability of the anus and rectum muscles to function normally. This is a key study in fecal incontinence and constipation. During the procedure, your physician inserts a narrow, flexible tube into your anus and rectum. Once the tube is in place, a small balloon at the tip of the tube may be expanded, allowing your physician to determine your ano-rectal function.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic ultrasound is a highly specialized procedure that allows the physician to see the structures behind the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. It is instrumental in identifying lesions, masses and enlarged lymph nodes. EUS can utilize fine needle aspiration (FNA) to obtain tissue or cells to assist in diagnosis. EUS/FNA has proven to be a valuable tool in the assessment and diagnosis of GI, pancreatic and pulmonary diseases. The procedure facilitates a more precise detection of premalignant disorders, early-stage cancers and other disease processes. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, cancer survival rates are high; therefore, early detection and treatment are critical. EUS/FNA allows physicians to more accurately determine the stage of various cancers, without the need for surgery. Anorectal EUS is part of the evaluation for fecal incontinence, demonstrating muscle structure or defects.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure used to detect gastrointestinal disorders such as gallstones, bile duct or pancreatic duct blockages. It requires special equipment and the use of fluoroscopy. Some small gallstones may be removed through this therapy.