Digestive (Gastroenterology)
Endoscopy Service
Gastroenterology (GI) is a premier service of Beverly and
Addison Gilbert hospitals offering consultation and comprehensive
care for individuals with diseases of the esophagus, bowel, liver
and pancreas, as well as gastrointestinal infections, gallstones,
nutritional disorders, and other disorders of the digestive system.
Our staff of gastrointestinal specialists is comparable in
expertise and experience to those found in Boston, and are
committed to bringing the latest advances in GI care to the North
Shore. This affords residents of the North Shore the opportunity to
have all their GI needs met locally. There is no need to travel to
Boston for this level of expertise.
Endoscopy Suite
Most GI studies and procedures are performed on an outpatient
basis in Beverly Hospital's state-of-the-art Endoscopy Suite. The
Endoscopy Suite offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for
patients and supports our GI providers with the latest technology
for a variety of procedures. The following are a few of the
procedures.
| Capsule
Endoscopy | Endoscopic ultrasound | Transeophageal echocardiogram |
| Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Manomety | pH Study |
| Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography
(ERCP) |
Endoscopy procedures are performed for patients suffering from
stomach or intestinal problems. During an endoscopy, a doctor
inserts a lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope into a natural
body opening. A camera in the endoscope allows the doctor to
examine inside the patient's body without invasive surgery. Many
people know about colonoscopy, an examination of the entire colon
and gastroscopy, a visual examination of the stomach.
- Capsule endoscopy is a
painless diagnostic procedure largely used to detect disorders of
the small bowel such as bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, and
cancer. The procedure involves swallowing a vitamin-sized video
capsule equipped with its own camera and light source. As the
capsule is ingested and travels through the small bowel, digital
images are taken at a rate of two-per-second in order to detect any
abnormalities. Up to 60,000 images are taken during the course of
the study. The images are transmitted to a data recorder, which
individuals wear on a belt for approximately eight hours.
Gastroenterologists then view the images looking for and marking
abnormalities requiring further study or treatment. Capsule
endoscopy requires little patient prep and virtually no side
effects. The capsule passes out of the body naturally.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) offers
the opportunity to diagnose and stage abnormalities in the
esophagus, stomach, and pancreas by obtaining specimens via fine
needle aspiration. It is one of the most accurate tests to
determine the stage of cancers of the gastrointestinal system. A
slender, tube-like endoscope is inserted either through the
esophagus or rectum. An ultrasound transducer at the end of the
scope produces sound waves that create digital, high-resolution
images. In addition to the ability to see the cancerous area in
detail, EUS allows the gastroenterologist to collect cell or fluid
samples using a needle at the end of the scope. EUS is also used to
diagnose and monitor non-cancerous conditions such as pancreatitis
and gallstones.
- Transeophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
is performed by a cardiologist using a flexible scope inserted into
the esophagus to detect blood clots in heart chambers and to assess
defects in blood flow.
- Gastroscopy is a
test that involves examining the lining of the esophagus, stomach,
and upper small intestine with a small camera which is inserted
down the throat. This test is helpful in determining the cause of
internal bleeding, swallowing difficulties or abdominal pain. The
condition of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine after an
operation may be determined via gastroscopy, as well as the
presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the stomach, small
intestine or esophagus.
- Colonoscopy is used to
look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also
used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits.
If anything abnormal is seen in the colon, such as a polyp or
inflamed tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using
tiny instruments passed through the scope. If there is bleeding in
the colon, the physician can pass a laser, heater probe or
electrical probe, or inject special medications through the scope
to stop the bleeding.
- Endoscopic retrograde
cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is done in the Radiology
Department, assisted by the endoscopy staff. It allows removal of
gallstones and placement of stents in bile and pancreatic ducts to
relieve obstruction. Instruments are threaded through the channels
of the scopes and into the ducts. ERCP is one of the most
challenging but rewarding procedures because a patient's condition
improves rapidly with this intervention.
- Manometry is a study performed by nursing staff to
assess abnormalities in contractions of the esophagus and lower
esophageal sphincter pressures. The procedure is useful in
diagnosing conditions in patients complaining of chest pain or
difficulty swallowing.
- In pH
studies, a catheter is placed into the esophagus to determine
if the esophagus has been exposed to acid and for how long.
The endoscopy staff are highly trained and dedicated to patient
care. Nurses are required to become experts in moderate sedation
medications and develop the technical skills to care for a variety
of patients with many different disease processes.
Endoscopy procedures are performed at Addison Gilbert and
Beverly hospitals. For any of these procedures, patients need to be
referred by their physician.
