Walk from Obesity
Home
Contact Us
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopy involves examining the interior lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the intestines using a flexible instrument called an endoscope. It is very important to find the right surgeon to perform your endoscopy. Being a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), Dr. Morris Washington completed highly specialized training in endoscopic procedures of the digestive tract, including upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). ASGE members undergo a rigorous application and screening process and are recognized by the medical community as knowledgeable, experienced experts in gastroenterology and GI surgery who, in addition, have advanced training in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.
There are a variety of endoscopic procedures used in the diagonsis and treatment of many problems and diseases of the digestive tract. Endoscopic procedures Dr. Washington performs include:
- Colonoscopy - Colonoscopy enables Dr. Washington to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube as thick as your finger into your anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and colon.
- Colon polyps
- Rectal bleeding
- GI bleeding
- GERD - This is a more serious problem that associates with frequent or chronic heartburn (more than twice per week). The heartburn may be so severe that it interferes with your daily routine. Damaged caused by GERD can lead to more serious medical problems such as difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), narrowing of the esophagus (strictures) or Barrett's Esophagus. You can use a more patient-friendly pH test for diagnosing heartburn and GERD, called Bravo (see more information below), in place of the traditional way of placing a catheter, which is connected to a monitoring device on the patient's belt, down the nose and into the esophagus.
- EsophyX TIF Procedure - No pills, no pain. This procedure offers a giant leap in the evolution of treatment of GERD and focuses on restoring the natural anatomy of the antireflux barrier. EsophyX is a transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure. It is introduced into the body through the mouth, not through an incision. Benefits of EsophyX: No external skin incisions, no scarring, no internal cutting or dissecting of the natural anatomy, fewer adverse effects and complications. For more information on the EsophyX procedure click here: www.EsophyX.com
- Common bile duct stones
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Abdominal pain
- Colorectal cancer screening - Colorectal cancer screening involves several tests or exams used to check for cancer of the rectum and colon (large intestine). Four ways to screen for colorectal cancer are: digital rectal exam, lab test of a sample of bowel movement (stool) for traces of blood, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. It is important to screen for colorectal cancer because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. By having the screening tests, you can detect this cancer in its early stages before it causes symptoms.
- Polypectomy
- Small bowel endoscopy
- ERCP sphincterotomy stenting - It is a specialized technique used to study the ducts of the gallbaldder, pancreas and liver. During ERCP, Dr. Washington will pass an endoscope through your mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). After he sees the common opening ducts from the liver and pancreas, Dr. Washington will pass a narrow plastic tube called a catheter through the endoscope and into the ducts. He will then inject a contrast material (dye) into the pancreatic or biliary ducts and will take X-rays. (For more information, visit www.asge.org)
- Colonic stenting
- Bravo (ph Monitoring) - This test allows Dr. Washington to evaluate your heartburn symptoms to determine the frequency and amount of acid refluxing into your esophagus. Bravo is the world's first catheter-free pH monitoring system that allows patients to maintain their regular diet and activities without the embarrassment and discomfort associated with traditional pH catheter systems. (For more information, visit www.medtronic.com)
- Esophageal Manometry - It is an outpatient test used to identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus. The esophagus is the "food pipe" leading from the mouth to the stomach. Manometry measures the strength and muscle coordination of your esophagus when you swallow. During the manometry test, a tube is passed through the nose, along the back of the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. (For more information, visit www.webmd.com)
Find out More information on the related topics.
