Endoscopy
If you have a problem with your digestive tract, a gastroenterologist may want to perform a nonsurgical, outpatient procedure utilizing an endoscope to examine it. This can help your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms, and the best way to treat them.
Most endoscopy is done on an outpatient basis and only takes a short time. Typically, patients receive mild sedation and recover quickly, although they are asked to have someone drive them home.
The most common types of gastrointestinal endoscopies are:
Upper GI Endoscopy
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract — esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum — can be evaluated by your gastroenterologist with an endoscope.
An endoscope is a thin, flexible, tube with a camera. It is inserted through the mouth and transmits live, high-resolution imaging of GI tract to a screen in the procedure room so the physician can identify many different conditions including, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), swallowing problems, celiac disease, ulcers, and more.
Colonoscopy
The lower GI tract — large intestine and rectum — can be evaluated by your gastroenterologist with a colonscope. It is inserted through the rectum and transmits live, high-resolution imaging to a screen in the procedure room so the physician can identify many different conditions including, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, cancer, and more.
Additional Endoscopy Services
We offer the following endoscopy services in Albany and Troy:
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Spyglass™
- Endoscopic suturing
- Endoscopic stenting
- Capsule endoscopy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Ambulatory and wireless pH monitoring
- Esophageal manometry
- Anorectal manometry
- Enteroscopy
- Feeding tube placement
- Liver biopsy
- Paracentesis
- Thoracentesis
- Bronchoscopy
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Since 1978, St. Peter's Hospital has been a leader in advanced endoscopy offering cutting-edge techniques and utilizing the latest technology and minimally invasive approaches.
Leading-Edge Therapeutic Treatments
- HALO™ radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
- Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR)
- Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
Common Conditions Treated
- Cancers of the digestive system
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Swallowing and esophageal disorders (achalasia)
- Biliary stones, stricture and leaks
- Pancreatitis
- Intestinal obstruction
- Complex polyps
- Submucosal lesions