Endoscopy

EGD (Esophagoduodenoscopy)

Termed esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD or upper endoscopy is a procedure that is utilized to evaluate the upper digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.

This is accomplished using a thin, flexible tube with a camera inserted through the mouth and advanced to the small intestine to evaluate for sources of blood loss, inflammation, discomfort and malabsorption.

Colonoscopy

A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is advanced throughout the colon to evaluate for sources of blood loss, inflammation, stenosis and precancerous or cancerous growths. A large benefit of colonoscopy compared to other colon cancer prevention techniques is that removal of precancerous growths can be performed during the procedure while other screening techniques require follow up colonoscopy which can result in an incremental financial expense.

Video Capsule Endoscopy (VCE)

A pill shaped capsule containing a camera is swallowed by the patient and takes thousands of pictures throughout the digestive tract that are not easily reachable by other procedures. The capsule then passes normally in the stool. This allows for further evaluation of the small intestine and can prompt additional work up if needed through imaging or endoscopy.

Small Bowel Enteroscopy (SBE)

This is an upper endoscopy that utilizes a longer upper endoscope which may or may not utilize a balloon that inflates to allow for further advancement through the small intestine.

 This technique allows for intervention for findings identified with video capsule endoscopy.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

  • A specialized upper endoscopy which utilizes an ultrasound to evaluate:
    • Liver disease and etiologies of cirrhosis (Liver disease treatment)
    • Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) and lesions including cysts or malignancy (Pancreas Clinic)
    • Gallbladder inflammation and bile duct disorders including stones.
    • Celiac nerve plexus which can be etiology of chronic pain with chronic pancreatic inflammation or malignancy.
  • Further management in the form of biopsy, aspiration or delivery of an analgesic (pain block) can be performed depending on the clinic setting.
  • When utilized as a lower endoscopy, ultrasound can be utilized to evaluate for anal sphincter injury which may result in fecal incontinence.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

A specialized upper endoscopy performed under fluoroscopic imaging (x-ray) that can be utilized to extract bile duct stones or place stents for alleviating bile duct or pancreatic duct stenosis that is resulting in obstructive symptoms.