Colorectal Surgery

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Colonoscopy

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Diagnostic Procedures

• Barium enema (barium x-ray)  - A barium enema involves filling the large intestine with diluted barium liquid while x-ray images are being taken. Barium enemas are used to diagnose disorders of the large intestine, colon, and rectum, such as colonic tumors, polyps, and diverticula.

• Colonoscopy  - a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, as well as treat some problems that are discovered, and remove tissue for further examination. Patients need a thorough clean out of the intestine prior to this procedure. In the procedure suite, patients are highly sedated for the procedure. Colonoscopy Prep.

• Endoscopy - endoscopy (also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) is a procedure that allows the physician to look at the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It involves swallowing a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary).

• Intrarectal ultrasound -- Intrarectal ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that creates a picture of the rectum using sound waves delivered internally by the use of an ultrasound wand. It is used to diagnose structural abnormalities that exist in the rectum.

• Polypectomy – procedure for the removal of polyps, which are abnormal growths that protrude into the lining of the bowel. Small polyps can be removed by an instrument called a biopsy forceps, which snips off small pieces of tissue. Larger polyps are usually removed by putting a noose, or snare, around the polyp base and burning through the tissue with electric cautery. Neither of these procedures is painful, and you will usually not be aware that they are being done. Rarely will a polyp be too large to remove by colonoscopy and require surgery for removal.