Gastroenterology
Shining a light on internal organs
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center offers a full range of endoscopic procedures including colonoscopies, upper endoscopy and bronchoscopy. The Endoscopy Unit has board-certified gastroenterologists, colo-rectal surgeons, pulmonologists, and certified gastroenterology nurses whose specialized training ensures that you always receive the best possible treatment.
The Endoscopy Unit's staff members provide efficient and timely patient care. In fact, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center performed nearly 6,000 endoscopic procedures last year.
The endoscope
To properly diagnose various disorders, physicians often use a device called an “endoscope.” An endoscope allows physicians to look inside the body, take tissue samples and, in some cases, remove diseased tissue.
There are several types of endoscopes tailored to different procedures. They typically are equipped with a lens attached to a fiber-optic cable and a light source. Endoscopes are often equipped to remove small amounts of tissue as part of a treatment program or to retrieve a biopsy sample. A few endoscopes have rigid bodies, but the majority have flexible necks that allow them to be “snaked” through curves and turns such as those found in the intestines.
Endoscopic exams are usually out-patient procedures where patients are released as soon as the effect of anesthesia has worn off. It is essential to have someone available to drive you home after the procedure.
Endoscopic procedures at Chesapeake Regional
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine. This is an important procedure that everyone should have by age 50, sooner if you have certain risk factors.
Upper endoscopy
Upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a specialized technique used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
This diagnostic procedure allows the physician to examine the inside of the lower portion of the large intestine.
Endoscopic ultrasound
This combines images produced using ultrasounds with endoscopy.
Endobronchial ultrasound
For endobronchial ultrasound, a bronchoscope is fitted with an ultrasound transducer at its tip and is passed down into the windpipe.
Esophageal manometry
Also called esophageal motility studies and esophageal function studies, this test helps determine the strength of the muscles in the esophagus and measure the pressure inside the lower part of the esophagus.
Paracentesis
Also called abdominal tap, this procedure removes fluid in the abdomen either as a diagnostic procedure or as a means of controlling excess fluid buildup.
Rectal manometry
Anal manometry, or anal-rectal manometry, is used to determine the cause of fecal incontinence or constipation.
Bravo and 24 Hour pH monitoring
Also called esophageal acidity test, pH monitoring measures how often and for how long stomach acid enters the esophagus.
The Bravo system is a patented pH monitoring system that eliminates the catheter, causes less discomfort and allows greater freedom of movement than traditional pH monitoring procedures.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease.
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