GI Procedures

Understand what an upper GI endoscopy is, why one may be performed and what your doctor will look for during this procedure.

Understand how to properly prepare for your upper GI endoscopy and what you can expect the day of your procedure. Learn what your doctor can do if any abnormalities are noticed.

Understand what to expect following your upper GI endoscopy including any restrictions you may have, minor side effects, and possible but rare complications.

This is an exam of your digestive tract. It's done with a tiny camera capsule you swallow. This exam is often used to see inside the small intestine, because that's hard to reach with other types of scopes.

This is an x-ray exam. It can help your doctor identify problems with your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. You may benefit from this exam if you have a problem such as heartburn, indigestion or unexplained pain in your chest or abdomen.

During this procedure, a feeding tube is placed in your stomach. This tube will be used to give you food, liquids and medicines (if needed). A PEG tube is very helpful for patients who have trouble swallowing.

ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. ERCP is used to diagnose and treat problems in your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. All of these organs help with digestion.

This procedure lets a doctor see and fix some problems of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. It's done with a special camera we call an "endoscope."

This surgery removes part or all of your stomach. It's used to treat stomach problems that can't be helped in other ways. You may need this surgery if you have stomach bleeding or inflammation. You may need it if you have growths we call "polyps." It's also used to treat cancer.

This surgery removes your spleen. That's an organ in your abdomen. It filters your blood and helps your body fight infection. You may need this surgery if your spleen has ruptured. The surgery may also treat some medical conditions.

Watch this to learn answers to common colonoscopy concerns.

Learn general guidelines for properly preparing for your colonoscopy on the days leading up to the procedure. This will allow your doctor to see the lining of the colon clearly and will help make your colonoscopy go as smoothly as possible.

Understand what to expect on the day of your colonoscopy, how the procedure will be performed and possible risks that are involved. If any abnormalities are seen, learn what your doctor may do to treat them.

Understand what to expect during your recovery following your colonoscopy including how you may feel, restrictions you may have, minor side effects, and possible complications to be aware of.

Learn how colorectal cancer can develop, who should undergo screening as well as options available for screening. Understand treatment is most effective when through regular screenings, pre-cancerous polyps, or cancer, is detected in the earliest stages.

Learn about home screening tests used to check for colorectal cancer. You will be introduced to the two types of fecal occult blood tests; the guaiac fecal occult blood test and the fecal immunochemical test, as well as a stool DNA test.

Learn about several screening procedures your doctor may recommend to check for colorectal cancer.

Learn common preparation instructions you may be asked to follow prior to your colorectal screening procedure, and recognize the importance of following them.

Get regular screenings for colorectal cancer. It's the best way to protect yourself from the disease.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a common procedure. It is used to check the health of the lower part of the colon. It can show your doctor what's causing problems with your bowel movements, or causing bloody stool, belly pain, or weight loss. This video will show you how it's done.

These are small, fleshy growths that stick out from the walls of your large intestine. In most cases, they are harmless. But over time, some polyps can become cancerous.

This procedure removes abnormal growths, called "polyps", from the inner wall of your large intestine. The procedure usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour.

This surgery removes part of your small intestine. It's used for disease or damage that can't be treated with other methods.