Many diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can be done using endoscopy. Being able to combine both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in one procedure gives endoscopy a big advantage over procedures that provide images only, such as X-ray contrast studies, CT scans or MRI.

Common endoscopic procedures

We offer a number of endoscopic procedures in our outpatient care center at Clovis Community. The most common include:
 

Colonoscopy provides a view of the interior lining of the large intestine (colon) using a colonoscope, a flexible fiber-optic tube. This procedure provides a view of the large bowel. A biopsy may also be performed to evaluate tissue. A colonoscopy may be used to evaluate hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, polyps, determine the extent of inflammatory bowel disease, and also help diagnose colon cancer.

Screening colonoscopy is recommended for patients at high risk of colon cancer and for everyone 50 years or older. For patients with no risk factors and with a normal initial colonoscopy this procedure should be done every 10 years.
 

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) provides a view from the mouth to the beginning of the small bowel. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have difficulty swallowing or who may have ulcers, heartburn, upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding, or to find the cause of abdominal pain. It's also used to investigate tumors or abnormalities in the upper GI tract.
 

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that provides a view of the tracheobronchial tree (bronchi), or large passageways of the lungs. This procedure is typically performed to investigate abnormal chest X-rays or to biopsy or collect bronchial or lung secretions to help diagnose and evaluate upper respiratory issues.
 

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) examines the pancreatic, gallbladder and biliary ducts. It can identify and remove stones, diagnose tumors in the ducts or identify a narrowing of the ducts.

If you'd like to have your procedure done at Clovis Community ask your physician about scheduling your endoscopy procedure at our endoscopy center.