Endoscopy / Gastroenterology
Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that allows a physician to examine the digestive system. The most common endoscopy procedures are colonoscopy and upper endoscopy — also known as upper GI.
Endoscopy procedures are performed in modern endoscopy suites at Maury Regional Medical Group Mid-South Gastroenterology, Marshall Medical Center and Wayne Medical Center, as well as Maury Regional Mid-South Endoscopy Center in Columbia. Gastroenterologists — physicians who specialize in disorders of the digestive system — are joined by a team of experienced anesthesia professionals, registered nurses and technicians to perform these exams, most often while the patient is sedated.
For 2022, Maury Regional Medical Center is ranked in the top 10% in the state, region and nation in medical excellence for gastrointestinal care by CareChex®, an information service of Quantros, Inc.
When is endoscopy needed?
Your health care provider may recommend endoscopy due to:
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Nausea or vomiting
- Biopsy to confirm a diagnosis
- Screening for colon cancer
Endoscopy may also help to diagnose conditions such as cancer, ulcers, reflux, celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for adults ages 45 and older as well as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and a history of polyps. Learn more about colorectal cancer screening options at MauryRegional.com/ColorectalCancer.
About the procedure
A flexible tube with a light and camera attached is used to view your digestive tract on a monitor.
During an upper endoscopy, the endoscope is passed through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus, allowing the doctor to view the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Upper endoscopy can be used to stretch the esophagus or stop bleeding in an ulcer.
During a colonoscopy, an endoscope is passed into the colon—or large intestine—through the rectum to examine this part of the intestine. If necessary, the physician can use the endoscope to take a tissue sample for a biopsy or remove pre-cancerous polyps to prevent colon cancer from developing.
Following your procedure, you will recover in one of our same day surgery rooms until you are ready for discharge. Be sure to follow discharge instructions and have someone available to transport you back home.