Endoscopy

Looking inside your body for diagnosis.

Your doctor may recommend that you have an endoscopy for the diagnosis of medical problems. During this outpatient procedure, a very small, flexible tube with its own camera and light source are used to look inside your body for the source of your symptoms.

Upper Endoscopy

This examination of your upper digestive tract is often done if you experience pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or to find the source for bleeding. A variety of instruments can be passed through the scope to stretch narrowed spaces, remove swallowed objects, or to control bleeding. You will be given medication to relax, and may fall asleep during the procedure. You may experience throat soreness or feel slightly bloated afterward.

Lower Endoscopy

This procedure, also known as a colonoscopy, allows for examination of the entire length of your colon. Sigmoidoscopy is another procedure that examines the lower third of your colon. Tissue samples may be taken, with tiny forceps inserted through the scope. Polyps may also be removed.

Lesion Bleeding Treatment

Memorial Hospital also has technology for treatment to control bleeding from lesions, or to remove tumors for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgical procedures. Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) is used to treat conditions including colonic polyps, esophageal cancer, vascular malformations in the gastrointestinal system, inflammation and damage to the lower colon after radiation therapy, and a vascular condition of the stomach known as gastric antral vascular ectasia.