Endoscopy (EGD)
Looking in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (small intestine) allows evaluation and biopsy of:
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
Duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum)
Infection of the stomach with H. Pylori
Ulcers
Polyps
Hiatal Hernia
Cancer
This is done under a light anesthetic and back to normal activity the next day.
Colonoscopy
Looking in the colon is recommended for everyone 50 years old or older. It can also done if there is:
Rectal bleeding
Constipation or Diarrhea
Family history of cancer
Personal history of polyps or cancer
Abdominal pain
The day before the procedure you must “clean yourself out.”
A liquid diet the day before and half to whole gallon of something that makes you move your bowels a lot. (This is the worst part).
The procedure is done under anesthesia so there is little to no pain.
Polyps may be removed at the same time.
Normal activity the next day.
www.ChicagoColonAndRectal.com