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.

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.

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.

The Results

• Identify and Remove any potentially cancerous polyps within the lower intestines
• Detect inflammation, diseases and conditions of the colon
• Find the cause of bleeding or pain from the lower gastrointestinal tract
• Assess changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhea
• 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: 

• You are Over 50 years old
• You Eat a Diet high in animal fat
• You smoke or drink alcohol regularly
• You have a family history of colorectal cancer
• 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: Ulcers Inflammation or polyps Persistent upper       abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Difficulty swallowing

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

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:

• Bronchoscopy, which visualizes the bronchial tree and aides in diagnosis.
  
• 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.