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Surgeries & Procedures

GI Center of Excellence

If your physician has recommended a gastrointestinal (GI) or bronchoscopy (lung) exam, you will be visiting the Saint Alphonsus Endoscopy Department. A flexible tube called an endoscope is used to give physicians a visual image of your upper and/or lower intestinal tract, as well as your lungs.

The department has three endoscopy rooms, four admit/recovery rooms and immediate access to a fluoroscopy suite in Radiology. We have furnished these rooms with the latest procedure and monitoring equipment for maximum accuracy, quality and safety.

What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is the visual examination of the upper intestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), the lower intestinal tract (colon, sigmoid, rectum) and the lungs. Endoscopy exams include:

• Upper Endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Bronchoscopy (lungs)
• ERCP—an exam designed to diagnose/treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. These exams are performed by using a flexible tube called an endoscope to transmit the image to a TV monitor. An open channel in the scope allows other instruments to be placed through in order to take samples and perform other exams.

Our Staff
Our nursing and technical staff is highly trained and attends annual courses focusing on the latest trends and changes in Endoscopy procedures. We work closely with gastroenterologists, surgeons and pulmonologists to provide our patients with the best care possible.

Our team approach provides a safe environment to deliver excellent care, advocacy, confidentiality and education to our patients and their families. We are unable to give any medical advice or answer medical questions over the telephone or by e-mail. If you have medical questions, please contact your physician.

Your Permission
If you have questions or concerns about your procedure do not hesitate to ask your physician about them. To signify that you do understand what the procedure involves and that you are giving permission for the physician to perform the procedure, you will be asked to sign a written consent for us before we begin.

Transportation
Because of the effects of the sedation, you will be receiving, you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours after your procedure. If possible, your driver should be someone with whom your physician can discuss the results of your procedure, as you may be a little forgetful afterward. You should plan to spend from one to two hours in the Saint Alphonsus Endoscopy Department.

Location
The Saint Alphonsus Endoscopy Department is located on the south side of the main hospital. Use Door S6. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, please call 208-367-3290.

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