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Gastroenterology Services
Gastroenterology services at Delnor offer two key services to people looking to ensure the long term health of their digestive systems.
Colonoscopy - Checks the Colon for many conditions, including Polyps which may eventually cause cancer.
Endoscopy - Checks the Stomach and Esophagus for many potentially hazardous conditions.
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Our Facility
Endoscopy Services at Delnor offer colonoscopy and other common outpatient screenings for gastrointestinal disorders. On the second floor of the hospital, gastroenterological services houses three endoscopy suites. These suites include private preparation and recovery bays equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The center's specialized staff include fifteen gastroenterologists; all of whom are dedicated to making your visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. All services are performed on an outpatient basis. A streamlined admissions and discharge process allows patients to return home after just a few hours.
Your Preparations
Patients who are scheduled for an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy are required to follow certain medical and dietary guidelines several days prior to the procedure. Please discuss your specific preparation needs and requirements with your physician.
Our Trained Professionals
Colonoscopy
The Procedure
This procedure uses a colonoscope, a flexible tube-like device outfitted with a miniaturized camera, to take pictures of the colon. The colonoscope allows a physician to obtain a small tissue sample, apply medications or heat treatment directly to the lining of the colon, or remove polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths in the lining of the colon, which can become cancerous.
We have two types of specialists at Delnor who will help to see you through these procedures. Our Nurses are involved in the Professional Organization of Gastroenterology Nurses. They are highly trained in accommodating your needs before, during, and after the procedure. Also highly trained are the endoscopy technicians here at Delnor. They will be administering the screening procedure and obtaining vital internal information. Delnor staff will do everything in their power to accommodate your needs during your screening.
Removing polyps is an important way to prevent colon cancer. A colonoscopy takes from 10 to 30 minutes. During the procedure, patients may feel some discomfort but rarely any pain. Patients receive medication intravenously to make them relaxed and drowsy. The span of service in the Endoscopy Center may last two to three hours, from admission through discharge.
The Big Scare
There are over 140,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the U.S. annually, causing about 55,000 deaths a year. colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in American men and women (American Cancer Society). Many forms of colorectal cancer stem from polyps which are easily removed during our colonoscopy screenings.
The Quick Assurance
| Colonoscopy is a safe, simple and effective way to check for cancer, and to treat suspicious colon polyps. Screening is important because in the early stages of many colorectal diseases symptoms are not present. Cancer growth can go on for years and even decades within the colon, and is far more difficult to treat when symptoms do become present. The American Cancer Society recommends all men and women age 50 and older have a screening colonoscopy to check for signs of colon cancer, even if no symptoms are present. People with a family history of colon cancer should begin screening at an earlier age. |
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The Results
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Identify and Remove any potentially cancerous polyps within the lower intestines
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Detect inflammation, diseases and conditions of the colon
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Find the cause of bleeding or pain from the lower gastrointestinal tract
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Assess changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhea
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Reassure your personal intestinal health or begin critical treatment
Who's at risk?
While the exact causes of colorectal cancer are not yet known, these factors are associated with higher incidence:
You are at a higher risk of Colorectal Cancer if:
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You are Over 50 years old
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You Eat a Diet high in animal fat
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You smoke or drink alcohol regularly
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You have a family history of colorectal cancer
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You are overweight
For more information on Colorectal Cancer visit the American Cancer Society website.
Endoscopy
The Procedure
This procedure checks the health of the upper part of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). During an endoscopy, the flexible, lighted endoscope is inserted into the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach and/or duodenum. Patients may receive medication beforehand to keep the throat more relaxed as the instrument is gently positioned into place. The procedure does not interfere with breathing and there should not be any associated pain.
During the procedure, the physician will look closely for any problems that require evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Sometimes, the doctor may take a sample of tissue, called a biopsy, which will later be examined under a microscope. The entire procedure is relatively quick, usually taking about 10 to 20 minutes to perform.
The Results
| Endoscopic screening tests provide important information to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and illnesses, including:
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| Endoscopic Screenings can also aid in diagnosing the following conditions:
Gastrointestinal reflux
Barrett's syndrome and other chronic conditions
The cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract
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Why Would I Get an Endoscopic Screening?
If you're experiencing any of the digestive symptoms listed above, your doctor may recommend you for an endoscopic screening.Unlike colonoscopies, endoscopies are usually recommended when symptoms are present.
Endoscopy Services Offers:
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Bronchoscopy, which visualizes the bronchial tree and aides in diagnosis.
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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP), which allows for the intensive study of the gall bladder, pancreas and bile ducts.
Location/Hours/Scheduling
Endoscopy Services are located on the second floor of Delnor, adjacent to the surgery area. Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Emergency coverage is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
A physician order is required to schedule either a colonoscopy or an endoscopy. Your physician's office will call surgical scheduling at Delnor to schedule your appointment.
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300 Randall Road