Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to examine the inner lining of the gastro-intestinal tract closer with a camera mounted on the end of a tube-like device. With this close visualization, the doctor can diagnose disease conditions as well as perform procedures like a biopsy (taking a tissue sample) or removal of a polyp.

• Upper Endoscopy – For patients requiring upper endoscopy, no significant preparation is required to clean the upper gastrointestinal tract apart from fasting the night before.   During this procedure, the patient is kept comfortable under moderate sedation anesthesia.  The surgeon then advances the endoscope device through the mouth and examines the inner lining all the way to the first portion of the small intestines.
• Colonoscopy – Colonoscopy involves examining the inner lining of the intestinal tract in a retrograde fashion from the anus, rectum, colon and all the way to the last portion of the small bowel. This procedure is also performed under moderate sedation anesthesia.  For an adequate exam, a bowel prep (cleansing agent) is usually preferred.  Various formularies are commercially available which patients can use the day prior to their procedure to cleanse this portion of the gastrointestinal tract.  Dr. Ambe will provide specific instructions to help guide his patients before and after their colonoscopy.