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Patient Information
What is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon lining with a lighted fiberoptic camera, or scope. The scope is a flexible tube about the thickness of your finger. The doctor will insert the scope through your rectum then up through your colon to check for abnormalities. If necessary, an instrument can be passed through the scope to take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination in the lab. Biopsies are done for many reasons and do not necessarily imply cancer. During this process of diagnosis, your doctor may also perform other minor procedures, such as polyp removal. The procedure will take about 20 minutes, but expect your visit with us to last about two (2) hours if your procedure has been scheduled at Eastside Endoscopy Center and approximately three (3) hours if your procedure has been scheduled at Overlake Hospital. This time not only allows for the procedure but also for check-in, preparation and recovery.  Printer Friendly
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) What is it?
Upper GI Endoscopy, sometimes called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope. The upper gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and continues with the esophagus (food tube) which carries food to the stomach. The J-shaped stomach secretes a potent acid and churns food into small particles. The food then enters the duodenum, or small bowel, where bile from the liver and digestive juices from the pancreas mixes with it to help the digestive process. This test is to view the esophagus, stomach and part of the small bowel, using an endoscope. Biopsies may be taken and polyps can be removed using forceps along with this scope. Reason for the examination?
Upper GI Endoscopy is performed to identify and/or correct a problem in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. The procedure provides significant information upon which specific treatment can be given.
Some of the common reasons are: - Ulcers – which can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- Tumors of the stomach or esophagus
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Upper abdominal pain or indigestion
- Intestinal bleeding – hidden or massive bleeding can occur for various reasons
- Esophagitis and heartburn – chronic inflammation of the esophagus due to reflux of stomach acid and digestive juices
- Gastritis – inflammation of the lining of the stomach
Where is it performed?
Upper GI Endoscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. This test can be done either at EEC or SPU. Patients who are high-risk or are over 280 pounds should only be scheduled at SPU. They are better equipped to handle these types of cases. The throat is often anesthetized by a spray or liquid. IV sedation is usually given to relax the patient, deaden the gag reflex and cause short-term amnesia. You must arrange for someone to drive you home. Public transportation is not acceptable. For some individuals who can relax on their own and whose gagging can be controlled, the exam can be done without IV medication. Preparation
Patients should have liquids only on the day of the procedure up to four (4) hours prior to the procedure. Printer Friendly
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy What is it?
Sigmoidoscopy is a visual examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon, using a lighted, flexible tube connected to a video screen for viewing. During the sigmoidoscopy, only the last 1 to 2 feet of the colon is examined. This last part of the colon, just above the rectum, is called the sigmoid colon. Reason for the examination?
Sigmoidoscopy is performed to diagnose the cause of certain symptoms. The procedure provides information used to determine which treatment will be given, or reassurance can be provided when the exam is normal. Some of the reasons are: - Bleeding – hemorrhoids or a small tear at the anus, called a fissure, benign polyps, rectal or colon cancer, colitis, and inflammation.
- Diarrhea
- Pain – Hemorrhoids and fissures are some causes of pain around the anus or in the rectum. Discomfort in the lower abdomen can be caused by tumors. Diverticulosis can occur in the lower bowel.
- X-ray findings – A barium enema x-ray exam may show abnormalities that need to be confirmed or treated by sigmoidoscopy.
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BRAVO with Upper Endoscopy Why is a Bravo pH test ordered?
pH monitoring tests are intended to be used for the purpose of gastroesophageal pH measurement and monitoring of gastric reflux. In other words, it is way to evaluate heartburn symptoms to determine the frequency and amount of acid refluxing into the esophagus during a 24-48 hour period. How does the Bravo test work?
The traditional way to measure pH levels in the esophagus is to place a catheter, which is connected to a monitoring device on the patient’s belt, down the nose and into the esophagus. The catheter is left in place for a predetermined amount of time. Bravo - The test involves a miniature pH capsule, approximately the size of a gel cap that is attached to your esophagus. Throughout the test period, the Bravo capsule measures the pH in the esophagus and transmits this information to a pager-sized receiver worn on the belt or waistband just like a pager or mobile phone. The patient will be given a diary to write down the times when they experience reflux symptoms (for example, coughing, heartburn, regurgitation), when eating or when lying down. After the test is completed, the patient returns the diary and the Bravo Receiver to the office and the information is uploaded to a computer, which provides a comprehensive report so the physician can diagnose the condition. Several days after the test, the capsule naturally falls off the wall of the esophagus and passes through the digestive tract and is eliminated from the body. The Bravo is not for patients with pacemakers, implantable defibrillators or neurostimulators. Patients with a history of bleeding diatheses, strictures, severe esophagitis, varices and obstructions are not candidates for Bravo. Patients are restricted form undergoing an MRI study within 30 days of the Bravo procedure. Printer Friendly
Capsule Endoscopy What is it?
This test consists of a patient swallowing a disposable 11x23-mm capsule, which can capture two images per second. The images are then transmitted wirelessly to a monitor, which the patient wears throughout the day. The images can then be uploaded to a workstation for viewing. Where is it performed?
This test is done at Eastside Endoscopy Center. This should be scheduled several days in advance because they may need to order the capsule. The patient needs to arrive EEC around 7:00 - 7:15 to have the monitor placed on them and to swallow the pill. At the end of the day around 3:00-3:30 the patient will need to return to have the monitor taken off so that the images can be uploaded. Printer Friendly |
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