| Diagnostic Procedures Diagnosing a digestive disorder:
Reaching a diagnosis for a digestive disorder requires a thorough and accurate medical
history and physical examination. Some patients may need to undergo more extensive
diagnostic evaluations, including laboratory tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging
techniques, including any/all of the following:
Colonoscopy is 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.
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a procedure that allows the physician to diagnose and treat
problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray
and the use of an endoscope -- a long, flexible, lighted tube. The scope is swallowed by
the patient, and the physician then guides it through the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum. A tube is then passed through the scope, and a dye is injected, which will cause
the internal organs to appear on x-ray.
A fecal occult blood test is a procedure to check for hidden (occult) blood in the
stool. It involves placing a small amount of stool on a plastic slide or special paper,
which is tested in the physician's office or sent to a laboratory.
- lower GI (gastrointestinal) series
A lower GI series is a diagnostic procedure in which x-ray images of the
colon and rectum are made. It involves having a liquid called barium put into the colon,
which will cause the organs to appear on x-rays, as well as air to expand the colon. A
lower GI series is often helpful in identifying abnormal growths, ulcers, polyps, and
diverticula. Also called barium enema, double contrast barium enema, or barium enema with
air contrast.
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to
look at the inside of a portion of the large intestine, and is helpful in identifying the
causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short,
flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope is inserted into the intestine through the
rectum. The scope blows air into the intestine to inflate it and make viewing the inside
easier.
Upper 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).
- upper GI (gastrointestinal) series
An upper GI series is a diagnostic procedure in which a series of x-rays
of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are made. It involves swallowing a liquid called
barium, which will make this area of the body appear on the x-rays.
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