Paracentesis
What is Paracentesis? Paracentesis is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid, called ascites, from the abdominal cavity. Ascites often develops in people with advanced liver disease, heart failure, or certain cancers. During the procedure, a thin needle or catheter is inserted into the abdomen, usually under ultrasound guidance, to safely drain the fluid. […]
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the rectum and the lower portion of the colon (sigmoid colon). It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the rectum. This test is often performed to screen for colorectal cancer, evaluate rectal bleeding, or diagnose conditions such as […]
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
What is EGD? Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also called upper endoscopy, is a diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and down the throat. It allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. EGD is commonly performed to investigate symptoms such as persistent heartburn, […]
Esophageal Manometry
What is Esophageal Manometry? Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how well the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach, is working. During the test, a thin, flexible catheter with sensors is gently passed through the nose, down the throat, and into the esophagus. […]
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
What is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)? Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a diagnostic technique that uses a flexible endoscope with a built-in ultrasound probe. The device is inserted through the mouth into the digestive tract, where it generates detailed images of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, and nearby lymph nodes. EUS is highly valued for evaluating […]
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
What is ERCP? Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a complex procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) to examine the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. A flexible scope is inserted through the mouth, reaching the small intestine where dye is injected into the ducts to visualize them on X-ray. ERCP not only diagnoses […]
Colonoscopy
What is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which a long, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through the rectum to inspect the entire colon. It enables doctors to detect abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, tumors, or ulcers. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon […]
Capsule Endoscopy
What is Capsule Endoscopy? Capsule endoscopy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that uses a pill-sized capsule equipped with a tiny wireless camera. After swallowing the capsule, it travels naturally through the digestive system, capturing thousands of images that are transmitted to a recorder worn by the patient. This allows doctors to examine areas of the […]
Barium Enema
What is a Barium Enema? A barium enema, also called a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the colon and rectum for abnormalities. During the procedure, liquid barium sulfate (a contrast dye) is introduced into the colon through the rectum. The barium coats the lining of the intestine, allowing it […]
Anorectal Manometry
What is Anorectal Manometry? Anorectal manometry is a specialized diagnostic procedure that evaluates the strength and coordination of the muscles in the rectum and anus. A small, flexible catheter with sensors is inserted into the rectum to record pressure changes as the patient relaxes, squeezes, or pushes. The test provides essential information about how these […]
