An endoscopy is a procedure that involves a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) introducing an instrument (endoscope) into the throat (for upper endoscopy) or anus (for lower endoscopy). The purpose is to confirm— and, in some cases, treat – the underlying cause of persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Since endoscopy is
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Things to Expect When Seeing a Gastroenterologist
If you need to see a gastroenterologist, you might not know what to expect if you’ve never seen one before. Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive system, including the liver, colon, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum, small intestine, stomach, and esophagus, and are experts in their function and diseases. If you’ve been referred to a gastroenterologist,
Read MoreTips for Recovering from an Enteroscopic Procedure
An enteroscopy is a type of endoscopic procedure your GI doctor may recommend if you’re experiencing unexplained anemia, persistent abdominal pain, dizziness and/or weakness, bloody stools, and other signs indicative of intestinal bleeding or other problems in your upper or lower GI tract. Your care team will take necessary measures to keep you comfortable and
Read MoreWhy Should You Undergo a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a GI specialist uses a colonoscope– a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached at its tip to examine the colon and rectum in real time for abnormalities (e.g., polyps) indicative of disease, such as cancer. A colonoscopy is deemed the gold standard for colon cancer detection,
Read MoreWhat Are the Risks of a Colonoscopy Procedure
A colonoscopy procedure can be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes. A colonoscopy can allow your doctor to see inside the colon to diagnose problems and treat them right away. Many times, colon cancer causes no symptoms until it progresses significantly. As a result, the survival rate is less than many other forms of cancer.
Read MoreHow a GI Specialist Treats Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, also referred to as sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that is precipitated by the ingestion of gluten, a protein commonly found in barley, rye, and wheat. The inflammatory response launched by the small intestine causes damage to its lining and malabsorption of many key nutrients. If
Read MoreThings to Know About Fecal Occult Blood Tests
While a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer detection, the procedure has earned some level of notoriety due to its invasive nature and the extensive preparation it entails. Thus, people are searching for noninvasive and convenient alternatives, among which is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Here’s the information you need to get
Read MoreThings to Ask a Colonoscopy Doctor
If your gastroenterologist told you that you need to get a colonoscopy, it is natural to want to learn more about the procedure, such as its risks and what to expect during and after it. Here are some of the questions you might want to consider asking your doctor about colonoscopy. What Is a Colonoscopy?
Read MoreWhat is Post-ERCP Pancreatitis?
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) uses to examine your biliary system (liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas) for any abnormalities. Your GI doctor may order an ERCP when they suspect problems based on your laboratory test results and/or symptoms, such as abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin
Read MoreWhat Is Capsule Endoscopy?
For an easy, high-tech inspection of your small intestine, your GI specialist may order a capsule endoscopy. Also called small bowel endoscopy, this easily tolerated test produces high-resolution images useful in understanding symptoms and diagnosing diseases. Here are some details about capsule endoscopy. Swallowing a Pill Camera Essentially, that’s what capsule endoscopy involves. More easily
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