The Kroh Center for Digestive Disorders
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon with the use of a small flexible lighted scope. Used for screening purposes of abnormalities of the rectum and sigmoid colon.
Proctosigmoidoscopy
Examination of the rectum and distal sigmoid colon with the use of a rigid lighted scope. Used for screening purposes of abnormalities of the rectum and distal sigmoid colon.
Hemorrhoid banding
Examination of the rectum with the use of an anoscope. Bleeding hemorrhoids can be seen and ligated (placing an elastic band over an internal hemorrhoid)
Rectal Motility Study
A small tube like device with or without inflatable balloons is passed into the rectum. Anal sphincter muscle strength and sensation is measured. Used to determine cause of constipation and rectal incontinence.
Esophageal Motility Study
Calibrated catheter containing a small pressure transducer along its length is swallowed. Measures upper and lower esophageal sphincter muscle pressure. Baseline measurements are taken and recorded before, during and after swallowing. Used to evaluate achalasia, diffuse spasm of the esophagus and scleroderma.
Bernstein Test
Test designed to evaluate esophageal mucosa. Patients with gastric reflux often have symptoms of epigastric or retrosternal pain that radiates to the back or arms. Test used to distinguish between chest pain of the esophagus and chest pain of cardiac origin.
24 Hour pH Probe
Catheter placed in the esophagus to determine the presence of acid in the esophagus. Will document gastric reflux over 24 hours during normal activity of the patient.
Duodenal Drainage
Diagnostic procedure to determine the presence of cholesterol crystals in patients with suspected gallbaldder disease, to diagnose giardiasis and bacterial overgrowth.
Gastric Analysis
Retrieval of gastric secretions through a nasogastric tube to determine hydrochloric acid levels in both baseline and stimulated conditions. Used to determine hypersecretory state (gastrinoma, Zollinger-Ellison Sydrome)
Secretin Test
Serum blood test to determine the blood gastrin levels after gastric acid stimulating drug is given. Used for severe or unusual gastric or duodenal ulceration or suspected hypersecretion of gastric acid.
Colonoscopy
Examination of the colon from rectum to the ileocecal valve using a lighted fiberoptic scope to observe for abnormalities such as bleeding sites, polyps, inflammations or tumors. Biopsies may be taken to determine the presence of Colitis/Crohn's disease.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach and proximal duodenum. This procedure allows the physician to diagnose, treat and document abnormalities such as ulcers, inflammation and polyps.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic examination used to determine the presence of gall stones in the common bile duct. Also used to document pancreatitis and therapies to assist with biliary drainage.
Endoscopic Ultrasound
The combination of ultrasonography and endoscopy to image the gastrointestinal wall and adjacent structures. Used for the evaluation and/or staging of tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Placement of a small bore tube into the stomach for the purpose of nutritional support.
Paracentesis
Withdrawal of peritoneal fluid for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes using a large-bore needle. Used to evaluate ascites.
Small Bowel Enteroscopy
Direct visual inspection of the small bowel using an enteroscope passed through the stomach and pylorus. Used to determine and treat bleeding of the small bowel and detect small bowel abnormalities.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
Direct visualization of the small bowel using miniature camera technology in a capsule
- Diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopic procedures
- Biliary tract disorders/endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery
- Feeding gastrostomies
- Esophageal and rectal manometrics with operant conditioning
- 24-hour pH probe for evaluation of atypical chest pain and reflux
- Diagnosis of lactose intolerance
- Stoma services
- Liver biopsy, ascites taps, central lines for TPN
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