Special Procedures: Endoscopy & Pain
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At Crestwood Medical Center, the Special Procedures Department provides fast, accurate, diagnostic information for your physician. Most Special Procedures are performed through our Outpatient Center, which means once your procedure is performed you are able to go home within a few hours.
By educating you about your options, Crestwood makes you an integral part of your own health care. For more information, we encourage you to discuss your health care needs with your physician.
The Special Procedures Department at Crestwood Medical Center performs a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat lung and gastrointestinal diseases. By utilizing a tool called an endoscope, your physician is able to examine your abdomen, esophagus, stomach, and colon without a surgical incision. Endoscopy also allows your physician to remove polyps or take tissue samples during your exam. After your exam, the physician may explain the results. If the effects of the sedative are prolonged then the physician may schedule a later appointment to discuss the results.
The following is an overview of special procedures performed at Crestwood.
- Bronchoscopy is an examination of the major air passages of the lungs. This test allows a physician to look at your lungs and obtain fluid and tissue samples.
- Colonoscopy allows a physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, growths, ulcers or bleeding.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy lets the physician look at the lower part of your large intestine from the rectum to the sigmoid colon. It is also used to look for early signs of cancer, inflamed tissue, growths, ulcers and bleeding.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) allows the physician look at the lining of your esophagus (food tube), stomach and duodenom (first portion of your small intestine). This procedure is helpful in determining the causes of abdominal pain, swallowing problems or the presence of ulcers and inflamed tissue.
- Small Bowel PillCam enables your doctor to examine the three portions of your small intestine. PillCam endoscopy helps your doctor to determine the cause for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia. The PillCam video capsule is a vitamin-sized pill that patients swallow and it passes naturally with a bowel movement, usually within 24 hours. Patients where a sensor belt and data is recorded from the PillCam.
- Esophageal Manometry is an outpatient test used to identify swallowing problems. It measures the strength and muscle coordination of your esophagus when you swallow. During the manometry test, a tube is passed through the nose, along the back of the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. This test may be given to people who have conditions such as swallowing problems, heartburn or reflux and chest pain.
- Bravo pH Monitoring is a catheter-free method of measuring esophageal pH (acidity) levels in patients who have or are suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). pH testing is the gold standard for diagnosing GERD.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- You’ll be asked to sign a consent form authorizing your physician to perform any procedure.
- Due to medication, you may feel drowsy and need to sleep after the procedure. Bring a responsible adult to drive you home.
- You’ll be asked to remove your eyeglasses, dentures and contact lenses before a procedure begins.
- Notify your physician if you’re allergic to medication, or if you’re pregnant, before the procedure.
- A biopsy specimen may be taken during a procedure. You won’t feel any discomfort when this is performed.
- After the procedure, your physician will discuss the findings with you and your family. You’ll receive written instructions to follow at home.
Pain Procedures:
- Radiofrequency Neurolysis
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
To schedule a Special Procedure please contact your physician or call 256.429.4986.
Click here to view a PDF version of our Special Procedures Brochure.