Whether you are ready for routine colon cancer screening, have gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn) or some other intestinal disease, endoscopy is useful for looking at the lining of the intestines and making the correct diagnosis. Treatments can then be tailored to the patient and the disease process.

Procedure:

Endoscopies are done as outpatient procedures under sedation. The procedure requires the passage of a flexible fiberoptic scope inside the intestines (either down the throat into the stomach or through the rectum into the colon). The lining of the intestine is then examined. If a disease process is found it can be biopsied or even removed. If undergoing a colonoscopy you will need to take a "bowel prep" the day before to empty the colon of its contents. These procedures are extremely safe and well tolerated. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure and you should not return to work that day.