Procedures Performed at Sullivan Digestive Center
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the most accurate and most commonly performed procedure used in the prevention and detection of colon cancer. It may also be used to diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding , abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal concerns.
It is very important that your colon is cleaned out in order for your physician to get the best view possible. To achieve this, a special diet followed by a laxative preparation is necessary to clear out any waste or solid residue. Additionally, you may receive enemas prior to your procedure.
Just before your procedure, a nurse will place an IV that will allow you to receive medication that will sedate you prior to the exam. Most people do not remember the procedure when they awaken. The procedure is performed using an instrument called a colonoscope (a flexible, narrow tube, introduced into the rectum and advanced through the colon). If polyps or suspicious tissue are found, biopsies may be taken or the tissue may be removed and sent to a pathologist. Removal of colon polyps is important in preventing colorectal cancer and should cause no discomfort for you during the procedure.
After your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area. The results of the exam will be discussed with you, as well as, any additional instructions. It is important that someone drive you home and that you refrain from driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day. You may resume your normal activities the next day. You may also resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed.
Complications are rare. However, they can occur and include bleeding from a biopsy site or a reaction to the sedatives. Irritation to the vein where medications were given can occur. It is important for you to recognize the early signs of possible complications and to contact your doctor.
Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy is performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or heartburn. It is more accurate than X-rays for detecting inflammation, ulcers or tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. A flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of your little finger is placed through your mouth and into the stomach and duodenum. Your stomach should be completely empty before the procedure.
You should have nothing to eat or drink for approximately 8 hours before the examination. The nurse will place a small needle in a vein and you will then receive medication to relax you prior to the exam. Most people fall asleep and do not remember the procedure when they awaken. Any biopsies taken will be sent to a pathologist for review. These results will take approximately 5 days to return.
After your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area. Some patients may experience a minor sore throat for a day or two especially if a dilatation of the esophagus is performed. The results of the exam will be discussed with you as well as, any additional instructions. It is important that someone drive you home and that you refrain from driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day.
Complications are rare. However, they can occur and include bleeding from a biopsy site or a reaction to the sedatives. Irritation to the vein where medications were given can occur. It is important for you to recognize the early signs of possible complications and to contact your doctor.
Esophageal Dilatation
Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus. This is usually performed during an endoscopy procedure while you are sedated. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common problem that can occur due to a narrowing or stricture in the esophagus. Many diseases can cause esophageal stricture formation. These include acid peptic, autoimmune, infectious, caustic, congenital, iatrogenic, medication-induced, radiation-induced, malignant, and idiopathic disease processes
Ablation of Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition found in a large number of patients and refers to an abnormal change in the cells in the lower end of the esophagus thought to be caused by damage from chronic acid exposure or reflux. It is considered a pre-malignant condition and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Ablation, which is performed during endoscopy, burns the abnormal cells in the lining of the esophagus preventing or slowing down the progression of abnormal cell growth.
PEG Tube Placement/change
Gastrostomy feeding tube placement is where a feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall, directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. This procedure is for patients that cannot swallow or use the oral/esophagus route for food intake.