Gastroenterology Services & Patient Preparation

We offer a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and services right in the office. Choose the procedure for your preparation instructions. You can also download the instructions brochure.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” of screening. A specially trained physician passes a thin scope (thin tube with a light and camera at the end of the tube) into the rectum. The scope is advanced through the entire colon, which is about 5 feet long. The physician can then look for polyps in the colon, which can be removed during the exam by tools that are passed through the scope. The patient receives sedative and pain medications during the exam for discomfort. The advantages of colonoscopy include examination of the entire colon, removal of polyps during the exam, and patient comfort. However, the exam is more expensive than other screening tests, requires patients to miss a day of work, and is associated with a very small risk of complications.

Preparations

Please select the preparation you will be taking from below. If you are unsure of the procedure you will be having, please contact the Gastroenterology Department at 630.717.2600

Visicol Tablet Preparation Download preparation brochure	Fleets Phospha Soda Prep Download preparation brochure	Golytely or Nulytely Prep Download preparation brochure

Fecal Occult Blood Testing

Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) involves checking the stool for hidden amounts of blood, which can be an indication of polyps or cancer. Patients who have blood in the stool (a positive hemoccult test) should undergo colonoscopy. FOBT should be performed on a yearly basis. The test is easy to do in the privacy on one’s home but does have disadvantages. Not all colon polyps or cancer will be detected because not all polyps or cancers bleed.

Air Contrast Barium Enema

The air contrast barium enema (also called a lower GI x-ray) is an exam of the entire colon done by a radiologist (an x-ray specialist). The patient is given an enema of barium, a liquid x-ray dye that is passed through the entire colon. The colon is then filled with air, after which x-rays are taken. Polyps and cancer can be missed on x-rays. If polyps are seen, colonoscopy must be performed to remove them.

Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is a CT or MRI exam of the colon that is performed after the bowel is cleaned out at home the day before. The colon is filled with air before the exam. A computer then generates pictures of the inside of the colon. Virtual colonoscopy is not yet a recognized screening modality. The American Cancer Society states that the exam “should still be considered experimental and at this time we do not have solid evidence that it is as effective, or more effective…compared with currently recommended screening tests.” The major limitation of virtual colonoscopy is its inability to reliably detect polyps, particularly polyps less than 1 cm in size. The recently released GI panel recommendations state that “virtual colonoscopy is not yet ready for widespread screening outside the research setting pending improvements in the technology, clinical studies of performance in average-risk patients and a better understanding of its costs.”

EGD/Gastroscopy

You will be having a gastroscopy (also referred as an Upper GI Endoscopy or EGD). This is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum with a flexible tube called an endoscope. To prepare yourself, please follow these instructions.

Preparation

Download preparation brochure

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy on a smaller scale. A shorter scope is passed into the rectum, allowing evaluation of the lower third of the colon. The exam takes 5-10 minutes to perform and is usually done without sedation. Any polyps seen should be removed with colonoscopy. The disadvantage to sigmoidoscopy is its limited examination of the colon (the beginning two-thirds not being seen).

You will be having a test called a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Flex-Sig for short. During the test, the physician will be examining your colon with an endoscope. This instrument is a short, flexible tube which lets the physician clearly see the inside of your rectum and lower colon. If necessary, a tissue sample (biopsy) will be taken but you will not feel this. To prepare yourself, please follow these instructions.

Preparation

Download preparation brochure

Liver Biopsy

Coming Soon ...