Endoscopy
The Endoscopy Department provides gastroenterology and pulmonology services including diagnosis and treatment for digestive diseases, liver, esophagus and lung conditions.
Professional Care
The specially trained staff treats more than 30 patients each week in a patient friendly environment. Our staff includes:
- Board-certified gastroenterologists and pulmonologists
- Registered nurses with specialized training in gastroenterology and Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Endoscopy techs with specialized training
Invasive and Non-invasive Procedures
A variety of procedures, both diagnostic and therapeutic are available to patients. Depending on the procedure, sedation may be used. Procedures include:
 Biliary Endoscopy ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography): Used to diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, liver and gall bladder
- Bronchoscopy: Used to diagnose pulmonary (lung) diseases
- Colonoscopy: Enables the physician to examine the lining of the colon to screen for cancer
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Enables the physician to examine the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) using a thin, flexible scope
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Enables the physician to examine the lining of the rectum and portion of the colon by inserting a flexible scope into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and lower portion of the colon
- Esophageal Dilatation: A procedure performed to dilate or stretch the esophagus when a patient is having difficulty swallowing
- Esophageal Manometry/pH: A procedure to study the muscle activity of the esophagus and the muscular sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach. The purpose of the pH study is to evaluate the amount of acid that refluxes into the esophagus from the stomach.
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): This procedure places a feeding tube inside the stomach.
- IV Infusion Therapy: This is a way to administer drugs or nutrients that cannot be taken by mouth.
If any pre-cancerous polyps are found during a procedure, the physician can remove the tissue and send it to the Lab during the procedure. This minimizes the inconvenience of a patient scheduling another appointment.
State-of-the-Art Technology
FMC's state-of-the-art equipment enables physicians to diagnose gastrointestinal and pulmonary problems in a timely and accurate manner. Equipment includes:
- Olympus computer chip scopes
- Olympus image manager with memory-providing hard copy
- Computerized Medtronic esophageal motility system
- Computerized Medtronic Bravo wirelesss ambulatory pH monitoring system
(monitors level of stomach acid)
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