If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.

The Role of Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Health

Gastrointestinal issues are not only uncomfortable but may also indicate more serious underlying conditions. One of the key diagnostic tools in the field of gastroenterology is endoscopy. This procedure allows healthcare providers to visualize inside the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. But what exactly is endoscopy, and how does it contribute to gastrointestinal health?

 

What Is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure using a specialized instrument known as an endoscope. This device is a flexible, lighted tube with a miniature camera that allows doctors to view the interior lining of the digestive tract. An endoscope can be inserted through either the mouth or the anus, depending on which part of the gastrointestinal tract needs to be examined.

 

Types of Endoscopy

Three types of endoscopic procedures we use at Granite Peaks are:

Upper Endoscopy

This procedure examines the upper part of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It is commonly performed to diagnose conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, and certain types of tumors.

Colonoscopy

A specialized form of endoscopy, colonoscopy is designed to examine the rectum, colon and cecum, where the small and large intestines meet. It is particularly useful for early detection of colorectal cancer and immediate removal of colon polyps. It also is used to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, and to investigate the cause of diarrhea, bleeding, anemia and many other conditions.

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is most helpful for diagnosing conditions in the small intestine. This long, winding organ cannot be visualized with an ordinary endoscope. The patient swallows a small capsule with a camera inside. As the capsule travels through the digestive system, it records pictures of the inside of the intestine, providing valuable information for the gastroenterologist.

 

Benefits of Endoscopy

Accurate Diagnosis

The direct visualization of the gastrointestinal tract allows for a more accurate diagnosis than other imaging tests like X-rays and allows for biopsies to be taken to test for disease cells.

Minimally Invasive

Being less invasive compared to surgery, an endoscopy procedure poses fewer risks, and recovery is quick – just a few hours to recover from anesthesia.

Therapeutic Applications

Beyond diagnosis, endoscopy can also be used for treatment purposes. For instance, doctors can remove polyps during a colonoscopy or stop bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Risks and Considerations

Although endoscopy is generally considered safe, there are risks as with any medical procedure, such as infection, bleeding, or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Always discuss with your gastroenterologist whether endoscopy is the most appropriate diagnostic tool for your specific condition.

 

When Should You Consider an Endoscopy?

If you are experiencing symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing, your healthcare provider may recommend an endoscopic examination. Likewise, routine screenings like colonoscopies are recommended for individuals over the age of 45 as a preventative measure against colorectal cancer.

Endoscopy procedures play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal issues. The minimally invasive nature, coupled with the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, makes endoscopy an invaluable tool in modern gastroenterology. If you are facing persistent gastrointestinal issues, consult your gastroenterology specialist to determine if endoscopy could be an appropriate step toward effectively managing your condition.

 

If you’re experiencing persistent gastrointestinal issues or are due for a routine screening, take control of your health today. Contact our specialized team to schedule an office visit or an endoscopy procedure and get the comprehensive care you deserve.

Your Health and Safety is Our Greatest Concern.

As we have all weathered the last few months, we hope to find our patients safe and healthy. If you need gastrointestinal care and have put it off or delayed your screening tests, we are here for you and ready to provide care. Granite Peaks GI Clinic and Endoscopy Center are keeping precautions in place to make it safe and easy for you to get the digestive healthcare you need!

We offer Telehealth virtual visits for a convenient, safe way to see your provider from the privacy of your home. We are seeing patients inside our clinic and performing endoscopy procedures, as well.

If you visit our clinic, expect a few changes. You will find these processes in place to prevent infection of our patients and staff. These precautions are in place for the benefit of everyone – patients, visitors and staff – and their family at home.

  • We practice good hand hygiene before, during and after your visit and urge you to do the same.
  • All staff members wear a facemask at all times while inside the facilities.
  • Every staff member is pre-screened daily for fever and risk factors.
  • All surfaces are stringently cleaned after each patient and each use.
  • All patients are required to wear a facemask at all times while in our facilities.
  • All patients are pre-screened for fever and risk factors before entering our facilities.
  • Extra visitors (drivers, children, family) are not allowed in the building, unless necessary.
  • Telehealth appointments available to decrease the number of patients inside the facilities.

Your providers at Granite Peaks want you to feel safe when visiting us, and to know that we will do everything possible to keep you safe while you are receiving the healthcare you need to live well and feel your best.

Call our office today to schedule your next appointment with us.

Understanding and Treating Dysphagia

By Dr. Steven G. Desautels

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia can be subdivided into: oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is characterized by difficulty initiating a swallow, transferring the food bolus or liquid into the esophagus, and/or the association of coughing and choking during attempted meal consumption.

Many disorders cause oropharyngeal dysphagia (see below from UpToDate 2017). Generally, these include neuromuscular diseases, systemic diseases, and mechanical obstruction. Common symptoms in oropharyngeal swallowing disorders include recurrent bouts of aspiration pneumonia from inadequate airway protection, hoarseness, and nasal regurgitation.

Representation of oropharyngeal dysphagia
The primary treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia is swallowing rehabilitation by a swallowing professional, a speech pathologist. Patients who have oropharyngeal dysphagia due to an anatomical abnormality, such as a Zenker diverticulum usually require endoscopic or surgical intervention.

Esophageal dysphagia is characterized by the onset of symptoms after the initiation of a swallow. The normal function of the esophagus is to transfer food and liquid. Esophageal dysphagia can be caused by several diseases (see below from UpToDate 2017) but is most often related to a mechanical obstruction. Esophageal dysphagia caused by a motility disorder is commonly characterized by dysphagia with both solids and liquids. Dysphagia associated with only solid foods is more likely due to a mechanical obstruction, although a mechanical obstruction may progress to the extent that dysphagia is associated with both solids and liquids.

Causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia
Esophageal dysphagia is an alarm symptom and warrants consultation with a Gastroenterologist and subsequent investigation with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and possible esophageal manometry (motility test). The goal of testing is to identify structural or mucosal abnormalities that require intervention, to detect underlying systemic disease, and to define functional disorders. The association of liquid dysphagia merits manometry evaluation.

Broadly speaking, esophageal motility disorders are classified into achalasia and related disorders (eg, diffuse esophageal spasm) and nonspecific disorders (eg, jackhammer esophagus). Achalasia is the loss of peristalsis of the esophageal body and failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Achalasia is the best established of the motility disorders, with defined and effective treatments. Most other esophageal motility disorders have questionable associations with clinical symptoms and few effective treatment options.

If you experience frequent choking or have difficulty swallowing, contact our office for evaluation of your symptoms by any of our board-certified gastroenterologists.

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