The Endoscopy Department at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial provides state-of-the-art convenient, economical, outpatient and inpatient Endoscopy procedures in a safe and warm environment. Our department is designed for those who need complete endoscopy and recovery services. Family and friends who will be responsible for assisting you in your post-procedural care at home are encouraged to remain in the waiting room until your procedure is completed.
Endoscopy Services Include:
UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL (G.I.) ENDOSCOPY
The term “endoscopy” refers to a special technique for looking inside a part of the body. “Upper GI” is the portion of the gastrointestinal tract, the digestive system that includes the esophagus, the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, which is connected to the duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine.
The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube attached to a camera with a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the endoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.
Upper GI endoscopy can be helpful in the evaluation or diagnosis of various problems, including difficult or painful swallowing, pain in the stomach or abdomen and bleeding, ulcers and tumors.
COLONOSCOPY
The term colonoscopy means looking inside the colon. It is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist, a well-trained specialist.
The main instrument that is used to look inside the colon is the colonoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube attached to a camera with a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor, and gives a clear, detailed view.
Colonoscopy is more precise than an x-ray. This procedure also allows other instruments to be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to take a biopsy – a small piece for further analysis. In this way, colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery or to better define what type of surgery may need to be done.
Colonoscopy is also an important way to check for colon cancer and to treat colon polyps – abnormal growths on the inside lining of the intestine. Polyps vary in size and shape and, while most are not cancerous, some may turn into cancer. However, it is not possible to tell just by looking at a polyp if it is malignant or potentially malignant. This is why colonoscopy is often used to remove polyps, a technique called a polypectomy.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for colonoscopy. Be sure to read and follow these instructions. One very critical step is to thoroughly clean out the colon, which, for many patients, can be the most trying part of the entire exam. It is essential that you complete this step carefully, because how well the bowel is emptied determines the success of the procedure.
Various methods can be used to help cleanse the bowel. Often, a liquid preparation designed to stimulate bowel movements is given by mouth, which may cause bloating. Other laxative preparations, such as castor oil, may also be used. Additional approaches include special diets or the use of enemas. Whatever method or combination of methods is recommended for you, be sure to follow instructions as directed.
BRONCHOSCOPY
A bronchoscopy is the direct endoscopic visualization and examination of the trachea and the tracheobronchial tree using a flexible bronchoscope.
THORACENTESIS
Local Sedation
In thoracentesis a needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space to remove pleural fluid (fluid collected in the exterior of the lung).
ERCP (ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY)
ERCP is an endoscopic technique for radiologic visualization of the biliary and/or pancreatic ducts. This procedure usually requires intravenous sedation.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
- Leave all valuables at home, including money, credit cards and jewelry.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to be present for post-procedural
instructions, to take you home and to remain with you after discharge.
For your safety, the procedure may be canceled if these arrangements
are not made. - Wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes.
- If you are under 18 years of age and not married, you must have a
consent form signed by a legal parent or guardian. Receive a copy of reasonably clear and understandable
AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
Discharge instructions will be given to each patient.
For more information about Endoscopy, please call (386) 917-5076.