We offer a range of procedures to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions, including:
These procedures are likely to be performed in our OR, which contains cardiac catheterizations, endoscopy and interventional radiology, patient pre- and post-operative recovery and a waiting reception area.
ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Preparation
In general after midnight, patients must not eat or drink anything, even water. Your stomach must be completely empty.
Inform your physician about allergies & medications being taken. Always come with an attendant as the procedure requires sedation after which you cannot drive yourself.
Treatments may include:
Colonoscopy
Preparation
For the accuracy of the test, your colon must be completely clean. Therefore, the physician will suggest some dietary restrictions and use of oral laxatives.
Let your physician know about any allergies & also medications that you are taking, including aspirin, anti-coagulants, arthritis medications or iron products.
Arrive at the hospital 2 - 3 hours in advance for preparation, the procedure and recovery.
Treatment
The physician inserts a thin flexible tube into your anus, while you’re lying on your back and slowly advances it into your rectum / colon. The tube will enable your physician to view the inside of your digestive tract in color on a television monitor.
During the procedure, your physician will look for polyps, internal bleeding or other abnormalities. Using specific instruments attached to the scope, he/she can remove polyps, take tissue samples for a biopsy or stop internal bleeding.
Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is one way to look for colorectal cancer or other growths. This includes small growths called polyps. Polyps are not cancer, but they can turn into cancer. You might also have this test to look for the cause of bowel problems.
Preparation
The doctor may ask you not to eat the day before the exam. Drinks may be limited to clear liquids — plain water, broth, carbonated beverages, and tea and coffee without milk or cream. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam; you may be advised to take a laxative the night before the exam.
PEG placement
You will require a PEG if you are unable to safely take enough nutrition and fluid by mouth to maintain a healthy body. This could be because you have had a Stroke, suffer with a neurological illness such as Multiple Sclerosis or Motor Neurone Disease, or are receiving treatments such as radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
Preparation
Bronchoscopy
This procedure utilizes a specialized bronchoscope that incorporates an ultrasound probe allowing the surgeon to visualize lymph nodes in the chest. A critical step in formulating a treatment plan for the patient is determining that whether these lymph nodes contain cancer cells. The scope has a transbronchial needle that is passed through the wall of the airway observed by the ultrasound image to obtain tissues samples of the target lymph nodes.