GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY

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OUR SERVICES

UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY

Upper Gl endoscopy allows your doctor to look directly into the upper gastrointestinal (Gl) tract. The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) make up the upper Gl tract.

The Procedure

  • Upper endoscopy is usually performed with the patient lying on his or her left side.
  •  The patient’s throat may be numbed with a spray or gargle. The patient is then given a sedating (relaxing) medication through an intravenous (IV) line.
  • An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light on one end and a camera on the other,
  • which is gently passed into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
  • The doctor carefully examines the structures and takes biopsies, if necessary.
  • The procedure takes only a few minutes and is completely free of any discomfort.
  • The scope does not affect the ability of the patient to breathe normally.
  • The sedating medication helps to keep the patient from gagging
  • The stomach can be inflated with a small amount of air to help the doctor see better.
  • This may result in mild belching after the endoscope is removed.
  • The endoscope transmits images of the upper GI tract to a video screen.
  • After the completion of the procedure, the patient is observed closely until full alertness has returned. The patient should be accompanied by an adult, who can drive the patient home after the procedure.  The patient should not drive for the remainder of the day.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Black or tarry stools; blood in your stool.
  • Fever
  • Persistent pain in your abdomen.

COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy is used to view the inside of your lower digestive tract (colon and rectum). It can help screen for colon cancer and can also help find the source of abdominal pain, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. This test can safely be performed in our state-of-the-art endoscopy unit on an outpatient basis, as well as at an ambulatory surgical center or at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ.  During the exam, the doctor can remove a small tissue sample (a biopsy) for testing. Small growths such as polyps may also be removed during a colonoscopy.

Preparation

During the Test

  1. You are given sedating (relaxing) medication through an IV line. You may be drowsy or completely asleep.
  2. The procedure takes 30 minutes or longer.
  3. The doctor performs a digital rectal exam to check for anal and rectal problems.
  4. The rectum is lubricated and the scope is inserted.
  5. If you are awake, you may feel as if you have to have a bowel movement. Also, you may feel pressure as the colon is filled with air. It’s perfectly acceptable to pass gas during the procedure.

After the Test

  • You may discuss the results with your doctor right away or at a future visit.
  • Try to pass all the gas right after the test to help prevent bloating and cramping.
  • After the test, you can go back to your normal eating and other activities.

Risk and Complications Include

  • A puncture or tear in the colon.
  • Risk of infection.
  • Risks of anesthesia.

OTHER SERVICES

 

Abdominal Ultrasound
Hemorrhoidal Band Ligation
Removal of polyps
Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test
Liver Biopsy
Enteroscopy

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Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Capsule Endoscopy