Stomach, Digestive and Colon Services
Gastrointestinal (G.I.) Services at Mary Greeley Medical Center provide endoscopy procedures of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts.
Watch Our Gastrointestinal (G.I.) Services Video to Learn More
Video
Our goal is to make the procedures as comfortable and efficient as possible. Common endoscopic procedures include:
- Colonoscopy. An examination of the large intestine, this is the best method for early detection of colon cancer. Most insurance companies cover the cost of regular colonoscopy screenings for adults over a certain age.
- Sigmoidoscopy. Limited to the lower portion of the colon, this procedure is useful in diagnosing cancer, polyps, hemorrhoids and possible sources of rectal bleeding.
- Gastroscopy. This procedure allows physicians to see abnormalities in the upper G.I. tract.
Staff and Equipment
The highly trained staff includes board-certified gastroenterologists and nurses certified in gastrointestinal nursing. Our state-of-the-art equipment uses the most effective and efficient technology available. Our gastroenterologists, for example, perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using flexible fiber-optic instruments tipped with tiny cameras. This allows physicians to see into parts of the body not easily accessible by other means.
Symptoms and Diseases Treated
Symptoms the frequently prompt someone to see a gastroenterologist include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heart burn
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Yellow jaundice
Diseases and disorders treated include:
- Cancer of the esophagus
- Stomach and colon
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Inflammatory bowel
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic ulcer
- Viral hepatitis or other liver diseases
The Appointment
When a patient is admitted, a nurse reviews the procedure with them and answers any questions. Before the procedure, the patient is given a moderate sedative so that they are relaxed and more comfortable. Depending on test, the procedure can take from one minute to one hour. The patient then relaxes in recovery at the unit for up to three hours before returning home.
Approximately 25 patients a day visit G.I. Services, which is located on the first floor of the medical center. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis.
For more information, contact your physicians office, or visit our Surgical Services webpage
