Endoscopy Center

Quality & Safety Recognition

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has recognized our Endoscopy Center team for their commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program’s rigorous criteria.

Screenings

Screenings can help detect problems earlier, which allows treatment to start sooner.

Colonoscopy

The American College of Physicians recommends a screening colonoscopy for all men and women beginning at age 50. African-Americans should begin screening at age 45. A family history of colon polyps or colon cancer increases risk, so screening should begin even earlier.

A colonoscopy can screen for a variety of conditions besides colorectal cancer and could save your life. During a colonoscopy, a tool called a colonoscope is inserted through the rectum to view the large intestine and rectum. If polyps are found, they will likely be removed during the procedure.

Schedule a Colonoscopy Online

Endoscopy

During an endoscopy, a tool called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.

Digestive Disorders

There are many digestive disorders that afflict men and women today. Following is a brief description of some of the most common disorders. If you suffer from a digestive disorder, ask your provider to refer you to Columbus Regional Health’s Endoscopy Center for further testing and treatment.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Stomach acid feels as if it is backing up toward your mouth. Heartburn is a classic symptom of GERD, but you may also experience frequent burping or belching, difficult or painful swallowing, and a frequent need for antacids.

Fill out our online Acid Reflux Assessment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS causes abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea and is an abnormal reaction to certain substances or to stress.

Learn more about IBS

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett’s Esophagus causes the lining of the esophagus near the stomach to change. This change is caused by the acid reflux that occurs with GERD. The changed lining is not cancer, but can lead to cancer in the future.

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Gastritis

Gastritis is painful inflammation of the stomach lining. You may notice a burning feeling in your upper abdomen or pain that occurs after eating certain foods, gas, belching and nausea.

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

If you have difficulty swallowing foods or liquids or feel like food gets stuck, you may have dysphagia. Other symptoms include chest pressure or pain when swallowing, choking or coughing when swallowing, vomiting after eating or drinking, as well as fatigue and weight loss. Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of a more serious disease.

Procedures/Treatments

Following is a list of procedures and treatments that may be performed to treat or diagnose a GI disorder.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy provides an inside view of the colon through a flexible lighted scope, allowing your provider to see any abnormal areas, including precancerous growths called polyps.

Upper GI Endoscopy

An Upper GI Endoscopy helps a gastroenterologist see if there is an irritation of the esophagus or to determine the cause of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, swallowing difficulties, gastric reflux, unexplained weight loss, anemia, or bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Esophageal Manometry

An esophageal manometry measures the strength and function of the esophagus. Results can help identify causes of heartburn, swallowing problems, or chest pain, as well as determine the success of previous surgery.

48-hour pH monitoring (BRAVO)

BRAVO is a procedure where a small pH monitor is placed in the esophagus to record the presence of esophageal acid exposure.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is a procedure used to view the common bile duct to help locate and treat blockages in the duct. It may also be used to locate pancreas problems.