Our
board-certified gastroenterologists and advanced practice providers have extensive training in diagnosing
and treating conditions affecting the stomach, small intestine, large
intestine, esophagus, gallbladder, and pancreas. We use some of the best
imaging and treatment technology available in the region to perform state-of-the-art
GI procedures for patients in South Georgia and North Florida.
GI Tests and Procedures at Archbold
Archbold’s gastroenterologists perform the following diagnostic and
advanced, minimally invasive GI procedures:
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy exam detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine
(colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube is inserted
into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the
doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
An upper EGD may be recommended if you’re having trouble swallowing,
painful heartburn, feeling full quickly, or coughing up or vomiting blood.
Using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and a small video
camera on the end), your gastroenterologist will insert the tube down
your throat to examine the inner lining of the upper GI tract–your
esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
The Bravo pH test involves attaching a capsule to your esophagus to measure
acid reflux from your stomach. Your doctor may recommend a Bravo pH test
if it's suspected that you have gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD),
Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer.
Often referred to as capsule endoscopy, the non-invasive procedure involves
a patient swallowing a pill-like capsule that takes clear images of the
esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon as it moves through the GI
tract. The PillCam™ allows physicians to detect GI abnormalities,
monitor disease activity, and assess treatment efficacy. This test is
performed in the office, and no sedation is necessary.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) allows your doctor to examine your esophageal
and stomach linings and the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal
tract. EUS is used to evaluate known abnormalities, including lumps or
lesions and can also diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct, and
gallbladder. EUS is also commonly used to assess cancer's depth and to
determine if it has spread to other areas of the body.
Most patients are under sedation as the gastroenterologist passes an ultrasound
endoscope through your mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum.
ERCP is a procedure commonly used to diagnose and treat liver, gallbladder,
bile ducts, and pancreas problems. It combines X-ray and the use of an
endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube. Patients are typically
under sedation when a physician inserts the endoscope into their mouth
and throat to examine the small intestine. Once the endoscope is in place,
a tube is passed through the scope to inject a dye to highlight the organs
on an X-ray.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (or PEG for short) is a procedure during
which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and
into the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids, and medications to be
put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. Your
physician may recommend a PEG placement if you’re experiencing problems
with swallowing, lack of appetite, or if the inability to eat, drink,
or swallow is impacting your nutrition. The PEG is placed during an upper
endoscopy in the procedural area under sedation.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam can help your doctor explore possible causes
of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea,
and other intestinal problems. It can also be used to screen for colon
cancer. During the procedure, your physician will use a tiny video camera
at the tip of a thin tube to view the inside of the rectum, the sigmoid
colon, and most of the descending colon—just under the last 2 feet
(about 50 centimeters) of the large intestine. If necessary, tissue samples
(biopsies) can be taken through the scope during the exam.
Lactose Intolerance Tests
If you are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating,
gas, and nausea within a half hour to two hours of eating or drinking
any dairy products, your doctor may recommend a lactose tolerance test.
Lactose tolerance tests measure your body's ability to break down lactose
and are used to help diagnose lactose intolerance. This test is performed
in the office, and no sedation is necessary.
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