Endoscopy

What is an endoscopy?

Endoscopy includes a wide array of innovative procedures that allow Dr. Bearelly and his team to examine the inner part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Doing so helps him screen for colon cancer, other types of GI cancers, internal hemorrhoids, and possible causes of rectal bleeding, swallowing problems, or other unusual symptoms.

What are the different types of endoscopies?

Different types of endoscopies available at Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC include:

Upper endoscopy

Upper endoscopy is a procedure in which Dr. Bearelly examines the upper part of your digestive tract using a tiny camera attached to a long, flexible tube. He can diagnose problems associated with your esophagus, stomach, or the first part of your small intestine.

Sigmoidoscopy

Dr. Bearelly uses a small flexible tube with a camera to view the lower part of your colon during a sigmoidoscopy.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are similar to sigmoidoscopies but allow Dr. Bearelly to examine the inside of your entire colon. You must first cleanse your bowel using a bowel prep to eliminate stool in your GI tract.

Capsule endoscopy

During capsule endoscopy, you swallow a tiny (pill-sized) camera that takes a video of the inside of your intestines.

What should I expect during an endoscopy?

Follow all pre-procedure instructions before undergoing an endoscopy at Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC. Avoid eating or drinking anything the morning of your scheduled procedure, and use a bowel prep to empty stool if requested by Dr. Bearelly.

You can receive a sedative to relax during the procedure. Dr. Bearelly places a scope down your throat into your GI tract during an upper endoscopy or through your rectum during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Doing so allows him to view the inside of your GI tract. 

In the case of capsule endoscopy, you simply swallow a pill-like device.

What happens after an endoscopy?

After the procedure, you can go home the same day but plan to have a friend or family member drive you there. After your endoscopy, Dr. Bearelly offers expert evaluation and treatments for upper and lower GI tract conditions. Your results will be available on MyChart and the practice will also call you when your results are ready.

He personalizes each treatment to give you the best outcome. You might make diet and other lifestyle changes, take dietary supplements or medications, or undergo a minimally invasive procedure.

If you’re at risk of a GI problem or experience new or unusual symptoms, schedule an appointment with Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC to decide if endoscopy is right for you. Call the office or request an appointment online today.