Common Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures

Endoscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system such as colorectal cancer and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.

• Colonoscopy

  Colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to look at the large intestine, also called the large bowel or colon. A colonoscope is a flexible tube with a small camera and a light on the end that allows the doctor to see inside the colon. Pictures are transferred from the colonoscope to a TV screen that the doctor watches to find abnormalities.
  
  While colonoscopy is most commonly used to look for colorectal (colon) cancer or, more ideally, polyps, which are small growths in the colon that can eventually turn into cancer, colonoscopy can also be used to evaluate and treat many other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids and other disorders of the large intestine. To watch a video from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy about what patients can expect before, during and after a colonoscopy, click here.
  
  For more information on colorectal cancer screening and prevention, log on to the ASGE's colorectal cancer awareness Web site.

• Upper Endoscopy

  Upper endoscopy allows the doctor to look at the lining of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract or GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). During an upper endoscopy, the doctor uses an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a small camera and a light on the end that allows the doctor to see inside the gastrointestinal tract. Pictures are transferred from the endoscope to a TV screen that the doctor watches to find abnormalities. This procedure is referred to as upper GI endoscopy, or EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
  
  Upper endoscopy provides a safe, effective, minimally invasive way to see inside the upper GI tract. Upper endoscopy has been used for decades. New innovations in technology have allowed upper endoscopy to do more than just look at the GI tract. Endoscopy can also be used to treat conditions that in the past would have required surgery. To watch a video from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy about what patients can expect before, during and after an upper endoscopy, click here.

• Ten questions to ask your GI Endoscopist

  If you are looking for a qualified gastrointestinal health specialist, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy offers a "Find A Doctor" feature on their Web site, click here to find a doctor in your area.
  
  Before undergoing an endoscopic procedure, here are ten important questions to ask your gastrointestinal endoscopist before the procedure:
  
  Ten questions to ask your GI Endoscopist...
  
  Print this out and take it with you to your appointment. The answers to all of these should be yes and should re-assure you that you are seeing a trained endoscopist who will safely and effectively perform your colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure.
  
  1. Are you a licensed medical doctor?
  2. Have you had formal training in GI endoscopy? Not learned during a short 2-3 day course or self instruction without supervised experience
  3. Is your rate of cecal (total colon) intubation greater than 90%?
  4. Do you perform more than 100 colonoscopies annually?
  5. Do you have endoscopic privileges at a licensed health care facility or hospital?
  6. Is polypectomy (polyp removal) routinely performed during elective colonoscopy?
  7. Does your endoscopic facility have dedicated reprocessing (disinfection) personnel and equipment?
  8. Do you offer intravenous sedation for colonoscopy?
  9. Do you monitor blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen levels during sedation?
  10. Do you employ a trained endoscopic assistant or nurse?
  

ASGE - The Source for Colonoscopy and Endoscopy

IMPORTANT REMINDER: This information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

For more information on these digestive diseases and to find a doctor in your area, visit www.asge.org.

Copyright © 2010 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy