Descriptions of Services offered at Blake Gastroenterology Associates, LLC
Colonoscopy:
The most definitive procedure that is done to evaluate the colon for the presence of “polyps”, which are not cancer, but have the potential to progress to colon cancer if they are not removed, is the COLONOSCOPY. Cancer is/can also be detected in the colon by the “colonoscopy”.
The procedure requires the individual to thoroughly clean the colon (remove all of the waste) the day before the procedure. Details of the prep are shared with you by the physician during your consultation visit. Instructions for the prep given by a Blake Gastroenterology Associates physician are the only instructions that should be followed. Not those of the pharmacist, family members, or friends (whether or not they’ve had a colonoscopy or not). One of the most important things involving the prepping is “not eating solid food” the “entire day before the procedure”. EATING is the number one thing that results in needing to repeat the colonoscopy.
The procedure is actually very short in duration. It is very rare for it to require more than thirty minutes to complete. The duration is directly associated with how thorough the cleaning (prepping) is done. Not following the instructions can potentially contribute to requiring a “repeat of the colonoscopy”. If the colon is not clean, small polyps and/or cancer can potentially not be seen.
Fear of having the colonoscopy is the number one reason a significant number of people never having their FIRST SCREENING COLONOSCOPY. Never having a “screening colonoscopy” is the number one reason such a significant number of people die from “colon cancer” annually. Often times these deaths could have been prevented if timely “screening colonoscopies” had been done.
Who should have a colonoscopy (not intended to be absolute):
- All people (male and female) once the age 50 is achieved.
- All people 40 years old that had a first degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, or child to die as a result of colon cancer or diagnosed with colon; if a relative is diagnosed with colon cancer before the age of 50, all first degree relatives should receive their first colonoscopy at an age “10 years” earlier (example – Mother diagnosed at age 45, all her children and/or siblings should receive their first colonoscopy at age 35);
- Anyone that has seen blood while having a bowel movement or seeing blood on tissue paper with wiping;
- Unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, and unexplained abdominal (stomach) pains;
If you have questions about symptoms not listed above but have concerns or desires to have a colonoscopy should call and make an appointment to be seen for further discussion;
EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy):
The EGD is the most definitive procedure done to evaluate the esophagus (food pipe), the stomach, and the duodenum (the most proximal part of the small intestine). It is procedure that is very short in duration. It requires sedating the patient, in a similar manner as the colonoscopy.
CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY (CE):
This is the newest type of technology available to evaluate the “entire small intestine”. CE uses a capsule that houses a video device. A video of the small intestine is taken and transmitted to a computer data pack. The data pack video is downloaded into our computer, which in turn is reviewed by the physician to determine if pathology is present. Based on results, intervention is done accordingly.