State-Of-The-Art Digestive Gastroenterology Procedures in Knox County
Endoscopy is a visual inspection of a body cavity. This is done with the
use of scopes – small, lighted and flexible tubes that have cameras
on the end. The tube is inserted into a body opening (mouth or anus) and
the camera sends the image to a screen. The doctor and staff can look
for and repair/remove what might be causing problems. Endoscopy is often
used for swallowing difficulties, stomach ulcers, colon polyps, and to
locate sources of bleeding. This department focuses on the digestive (gastrointestinal)
and respiratory (lungs) systems.
The most common procedures include:
Colonoscopy – a visual inspection of the large intestine (colon).
Screenings for colonoscopies typically begin at age 45.
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) – a visual inspection of the esophagus
(swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small bowel).
PEG (feeding tube) – same as an EGD but includes the placement of
a feeding tube for somebody unable to chew or swallow, or for people who
have poor appetites or are otherwise unable to maintain healthy nutrition.
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) – with the
use of a scope and X-ray, the doctor can see the ducts of the gallbladder
and pancreas.
Bronchoscopy – a visual inspection of the airways.
Other services include:
Hepatitis C Clinic – Your primary care physician will refer you to
one of our gastroenterologists for treatment. An endoscopy RN assists
in tracking your treatment and frequent lab work.
Capsule Endoscopy – This is a camera in a capsule and is used to
view the small intestine. The camera takes over 60,000 photos and sends
them to a receiver, which a patient wears for eight hours after swallowing
the capsule. The photos are turned into a video that is reviewed by staff
to look for any abnormality that could be causing symptoms.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – This procedure allows the doctor to
view your stomach, intestines as well as study other internal organs that
are nearby, such as the gallbladder and pancreas.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) – This procedure allows the doctor
to view your airways and lungs.
Radio-Frequency Ablation – A method of treatment for Barrett’s
esophagus.
Manometry (esophageal and anorectal) – These studies show how well
muscles contract by measuring the pressure during muscle movement.
Most procedures require moderate sedation. Medication is administered through
an IV by an anesthesia provider to provide relaxation and comfort. Before
your procedure is scheduled, it is very important to talk to your doctor
about all medications you are taking. Use of some medication for chronic
pain, anxiety, depression, etc., may require stronger medication for your
procedure.
Before Your Procedure
Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor to help you have
the best exam possible. Call the office if you have any questions.
Diabetics: Ask your doctor about insulin medication. An endoscopy nurse
will call you the working day before your procedure to review information
and answer any questions you may have.
The Day of Your Procedure
You may take heart and blood pressure medicines with a sip of water. Leave
valuables at home. Bring your insurance card(s) and an updated list of
your medications including dosage and frequency.
Please arrive 90 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. We recommend
you use the free Health Pavilion valet parking service offered by Good
Samaritan. This will give you enough time to go through patient access
(registration) and have any lab work performed that may be needed. You
will need a driver. You will be given sedation medicines that can stay
in your system for several hours. You will be instructed not to drive,
operate machinery or make any legal decisions the entire day of your procedure.
The Procedure
Duration varies from person to person, generally 15 to 60 minutes, depending
on procedures performed. Recovery time is an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
Your goal is to have a safe and comfortable experience.
After the Procedure
The doctor will speak with you and your companion after the procedure.
Since you will have received sedation, you will be awake but might not
remember everything you hear. You are encouraged to ask questions at any
time; the endoscopy team is happy to share any information they can.
