Millions of Americans suffer from some kind of gastrointestinal disorder. These disorders range from gastritis and diarrhea to rectal bleeding and colitis. These are all disorders which can be treated with relatively simple procedure provided in an outpatient setting. Some of the procedures we perform here at LAKE TAHOE SURGERY CENTER are listed below, along with some possible causes.

Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy (or EGD) is an examination of the upper intestinal tract using a flexible endoscope. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis where the throat is numbed, and a sedative is given to the patients in order to deaden the gag reflex. The endoscope is then inserted into the upper esophagus where it can be viewed on a video screen. If necessary, a biopsy can be taken by inserting an instrument through the scope to collect a specimen which will then be sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Also, if polyps are present, they can then be removed. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes and recovery time is approximately one hour.

Some of the reasons for this exam are related to the environment, diet, and genetics. Some of the disorders which can develop in the upper GI tract are ulcers, intestinal bleeding, esophagitis and heartburn, and gastritis.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the large intestine using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope. Lake Tahoe Surgery Center uses the latter. Like the Upper GI, colonoscopy is also usually performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is mildly sedated, while the endoscope is inserted through the anus and moved around the colon. This procedure is used to explore the colon and remove polyps if they are found. Biopsies can also be obtained through the colonoscope if needed.

A Colonoscopy is performed to identify or correct any problems which may arise from the colon. Some of these problems may be rectal bleeding and/ or diarrhea. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Recovery time is approximately one hour.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy is a simple outpatient procedure where a visual examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon is done via a flexible endoscope. It is used to diagnose the cause of certain symptoms and as a preventative measure to detect problems at an early stage. Some of these problems are rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and pain which can be caused from hemorrhoids and fissures.

Through sigmoidoscopy, the problems described above can be diagnosed appropriately and treated. Conditions such as Diverticulosis and colitis can be monitored throughout treatment, and polyps and tumors can be discovered and removed.

These are only a few of the gastrointestinal related procedures our physicians perform. If you think you may be suffering from some sort of gastroenterological disorder, please feel free to contact us, and we will put you in touch with one of specialists as soon as possible.