Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Procedures Offered at HFM

Based on your specific diagnosis and needs, we’re experienced in a variety of gastrointestinal procedures, including:

  • BRAVO pH testing/24-hour pH probe
  • Capsule endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • EGD (upper endoscopy)
  • ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
  • Esophageal dilation
  • Esophageal manometry
  • Esophageal varices screening and banding
  • Hemorrhoid banding

BRAVO pH Testing/24-hour pH Probe

This innovative procedure measures and records the pH in your esophagus to determine if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The test works by temporarily attaching a small capsule to the wall of your esophagus to measure your pH levels, so the device inside the capsule can transmit readings to a recorder you wear for the duration of the procedure.

Capsule Endoscopy

This procedure aids in the diagnosis of small bowel disorders such as anemia, chronic abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding. You simply swallow a vitamin-sized capsule that contains a highly advanced camera, which takes pictures of your small intestine as it moves through your system. The images are captured in a recorder box, which creates a video for our team to evaluate.

Capsule Endoscopy

This procedure aids in the diagnosis of small bowel disorders such as anemia, chronic abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding. You simply swallow a vitamin-sized capsule that contains a highly advanced camera, which takes pictures of your small intestine as it moves through your system. The images are captured in a recorder box, which creates a video for our team to evaluate.

Colonoscopy

If you’re age 50 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, it’s time to have a colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the nation. It’s also one of the most preventable. Colon cancer often starts as a precancerous growth. During a colonoscopy, these growths can be detected and removed before they have a chance to grow into cancer. And despite what you may have heard, the procedure is simple, quick and painless.

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EGD (Upper Endoscopy)

During an EGD, your gastroenterologist passes a small scope through your mouth and into your upper digestive tract, allowing us to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Through this procedure, we can detect abnormalities, and take biopsies if needed. The EGD also helps diagnose inflammation in the upper GI tract, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and early cancer.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

An ERCP utilizes a combination of a scope and x-rays to help diagnose and treat bile duct and pancreatic disorders. This procedure can be used to detect gallstones, blockage of the bile duct, cancer of the bile duct or pancreas and pancreatitis.

Esophageal Dilation

Done in combination with an EGD, this procedure dilates (stretches) a narrowed area known as a “stricture” in your esophagus. Strictures can be caused by reflux of stomach acid, as well as other less common causes.

Esophageal Manometry

This procedure shows whether or not your esophagus is working properly. A thin, flexible tube that contains sensors is passed down your esophagus and into your stomach. During the procedure, we measure muscle contractions that occur in your esophagus when you swallow, along with how well your muscles are working.

Esophageal Varices Screening and Banding

This procedure utilizes elastic bands to tie off bleeding veins in your esophagus in order to prevent bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Internal hemorrhoids often cause pain, bleeding and itching, but surgery isn’t always a necessary solution. This procedure is performed in our office as a nonsurgical option for hemorrhoid removal. As the name suggests, tight bands are placed around the swollen veins to remove the internal hemorrhoids.

Our Gastroenterology Team