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COMMON PROCEDURES
The experience you can trust for the important tests you need.
We understand that visiting the gastroenterologist may be a new experience for you and that you may be in pain or worried about your health. That’s why all the staff at Advanced Gastroenterology focus on making you feel comfortable and confident in our care. Dr. Son T. Do, Dr. Samuel K. Sim and our medical team take extra care to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions and thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options.
Colonoscopy
The doctor uses a lighted tube to look inside all or your colon. The doctor will be looking for a growth that could be cancer or a polyp that could turn into cancer. If he sees something that concerns him, he can take a piece of the growth and test it for cancer. Read more..Procedure: a colonoscopy involves the use of a colonoscope - a long, thin, flexible instrument connected to a camera and video display monitor. The doctor inserts this into the rectum and moves it slowly through the entire colon looking for any abnormal tissue growths. If the doctor notices anything of concern he is able to take a biopsy (small tissue sample) immediately.
Benefits: a colonoscopy is performed to identify and/or correct a problem in the colon. The test enables a diagnosis to be made and a specific treatment given. If a polyp is found, it can be removed at that time, eliminating future surgery. If a bleeding site is identified, treatment can be administered to stop the bleeding. Other treatments can be given through the endoscope when necessary.
Risks: Bloating and distension typically occur for about an hour after the exam until the air is expelled. Serious risks with colonoscopy however, are very uncommon.
Alternatives: Alternative tests to colonoscopy include a barium enema or other types of x-ray exams that outline the colon and allow a diagnosis to be made.
For additional information regarding colonoscopies, please refer to our medical library or go to American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Please click on this link for Procedure Preparation Instructions
Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions:
For additional information regarding colonoscopies, please refer to our medical library or go to American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Upper Endoscopy/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Upper GI endoscopy, sometimes called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible fiber optic or video endoscope, which is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Read more..Procedure: Upper GI endoscopy, sometimes called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible fiber optic or video endoscope, which is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The throat is often anesthetized by a spray or liquid. Intravenous sedation is usually given to relax the patient, deaden the gag reflex and cause short-term amnesia. For some individuals who can relax on their own and whose gagging can be controlled, the exam is done without intravenous medications. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. The patient can breathe easily throughout the exam. Other instruments can be passed through the endoscope to perform additional procedures if necessary. For example, a biopsy can be done in which a small tissue specimen is obtained for microscopic analysis. A polyp or tumor can be removed using a thin wire snare and electrocautery (electrical heat). The exam takes from 15 to 30 minutes, after which the patient is taken to the recovery area. There is no pain with the procedure and patients seldom remember much about it. Benefits: An upper GI endoscopy is performed primarily to identify and/or correct a problem in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This means the test enables a diagnosis to be made upon which specific treatment can be given. If a bleeding site is identified, treatment can stop the bleeding, or if a polyp is found, it can be removed without a major operation. Other treatments can be given through the endoscope when necessary.
Risks: A temporary, mild throat irritation sometimes occurs after the exam. Serious risks with upper GI endoscopy, however, are very uncommon. One such risk is excessive bleeding, especially with removal of a large polyp. In extremely rare instances, a perforation, or tear, in the esophagus or stomach wall can occur. These complications may require hospitalization and, rarely, surgery. Quite uncommonly, a diagnostic error or oversight may occur. Due to the mild sedation, the patient should not drive or operate machinery following the exam. For this reason, someone else should be available to drive the patient home.
Alternatives: Alternative tests to upper GI endoscopy include a barium x-ray and ultrasound (sonogram) to study the organs in the upper abdomen. Study of the stools, blood and stomach juice can provide indirect information about a gastrointestinal condition. These exams, however, do not allow for a direct viewing of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, removing of polyps or taking of biopsies.
For additional information please visit our Medical Library or go to American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Please click on this link for Procedure Preparation Instructions (EGD Preparation).
Upper Endoscopy Preparation Instructions:
For additional information please visit our Medical Library or go to American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Banding
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments known. Treating your symptoms with messy creams and ointments only provides temporary relief. So, don't keep treating them, remove them. It's time you feel your best again. Read more..Procedure: The CRH O'Regan Hemorrhoid Banding System utilizes a non-surgical, patented device that is fast, fairly painless, and has long lasting results.
Benefits:
- Long lasting results
- Easy (no anesthesia, fasting or other prep)
- Covered by most insurance plans
For more information please call (360) 576-5060 or go to CRH O'Regan
Capsule Endoscopy - Pill Cam
Capsule Endoscopy enables your doctor to examine your entire small intestine by swallowing a small camera contained within a capsule. Read more..Procedure: Our medical assistant will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor array to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves. The capsule endoscope (the PillCam®) is ingested with water and passes naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on a belt for approximately eight hours. During this time you are free to move about your daily interactions. Most patients find the test comfortable. Afterward, your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.
Benefits: Capsule endoscopy helps your doctor determine the cause for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia. In certain chronic gastrointestinal diseases, this method can also help to evaluate the extent to which your small intestine is involved or monitor the effect of therapy. Your doctor might use capsule endoscopy to obtain motility data such as gastric or small bowel passage time.
Risks: Although complications may occur, they are rare when doctors who are specially trained and experienced in the procedure perform the test. A potential risk could be retention of the capsule. It is important for you to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have a fever after the test, trouble swallowing or increasing chest or abdominal pain, tell your doctor immediately.
For additional information regarding Capsule Endoscopy, please refer to our Medical Library or visit Given Imaging
Please click on this link for Procedure Preparation Instructions (Miralax Capsule Preparation. Magnesium Citrate Capsule Preparation).
Capsule Endoscopy Preparation Instructions:
For additional information regarding Capsule Endoscopy, please refer to our Medical Library or visit Given Imaging
BravoTM pH Test
The Bravo pH capsule (about the size of a gelcap) is used to measure the pH levels in the esophagus over a 48 hour period, which helps in diagnosing gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD). The capsule is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus where it can take pH measurements and send the readings to a receiver worn on the patients belt. Read more..The Bravo pH capsule (about the size of a gelcap) is used ot measure the pH levels in the esophagus over a 48 hour period, which helps in diagnosing gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD). The capsule is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus where it can take pH measurements and send the readings to a receiver worn on the patients belt.
For more information on the Bravo pH system, please visit our Medical Library or go to Given Imaging