Procedures
At Gulf Coast gastroenterology we offer the following procedures:
Endoscopy:
An endoscopy is a medical procedure used to view the digestive tract,and other internal organs, non surgically. Through the use of an endoscope (a flexible tube with a lighted camera attached, the internal body structures are seen on a color monitor by the physician. The endoscope can be inserted through the mouth, down the throat, or through the rectum. More...
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:
Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for benign and malignant polyps, as well as early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. More...
Colonoscopy:
A Colonoscopy allows a doctor to look inside the entire large intestine. The procedure enables the physician to see things such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. It is most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. More...
EDG's/Upper Endoscopies
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that visualises the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure since it does not require an incision into one of the major body cavities and does not require any significant recovery after the procedure (unless sedation or anesthesia has been used). More.
ERCP's
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used primarily to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures (scars), leaks (from trauma and surgery), and cancer. ERCP combines the use of x rays and an endoscope, which is a long, flexible, lighted tube. Through the endoscope, the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum, and inject dyes into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on x rays. More.
PillCam
PillCam is a study of the Esophagus and Small Bowel by swallowing a capsule about the size of a vitamin that takes 2,600 color pictures. This allows doctors to quickly assess the presence of esophageal diseases such as erosive esophagitis, Barretts esophagus and esophageal varices. It is also utilized to diagnose diseases of the small intestine including Crohn’s Disease, benign and malignant tumors of the small intestine, vascular disorders and medication related small bowel injury. More information on the PillCam can be found HERE or you can download the brochure HERE.
