Home About Us Our Physicians Procedures Patient Education Contact Us COVID19 People at average risk The American Cancer Society believes that preventing colorectal cancer (and not just finding it early) should be a major reason for getting tested. Having polyps found and removed keeps some people from getting colorectal cancer. You are encouraged to have tests that have the best chance of finding both polyps and cancer if these tests are available to you and you are willing to have them. Family Health Tree Family Health Tree (Spanish) Download Download Instructions To view forms please click on the document icon or if you prefer to download the form please click on the “download” button to open a new window and print form. Design by Ascending Technologies Inc. | Copyright Laredo Digestive Health Center LLC.

Home About Us Our Physicians Procedures Patient Education Contact Us COVID19 What is Endoscopy? Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. What is the procedure like? A thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope, which transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of those organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes easier for the physician to examine the stomach. The physician can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding, through the endoscope that do not show up well on x-rays. the physician can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests. possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining. however, such complications are rare. most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure. the procedure takes 20 – 30 minutes. Preparations Your stomach and duodenum must be empty for the procedure to be thorough and safe, so you will not be able to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours beforehand. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home, you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions. Design by Ascending Technologies Inc. | Copyright Laredo Digestive Health Center LLC.