Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical instruments—flexible tubing fitted with a miniature video camera (an endoscope), a video monitor, and more. This technology allows specially trained physicians to examine and treat the inside of the body without performing major surgery.

At Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, our specialists use advanced endoscopy technology to screen for colon cancer as well as to diagnose and treat a variety of health problems, including Barrett’s esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcer disease.

Services

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an effective way to access the large intestine (colon) to prevent, diagnose, and treat patients. During these minimally invasive procedures, a flexible tube with a tiny video camera at the tip is inserted into the body and guided to the colon. This gives the physician a view of the interior of the large intestine.

Colonoscopies are used to:

• Screen for colon cancer
• Perform biopsies
• Remove polyps and other abnormal tissue
• Look for signs of many types of intestinal conditions
• Place stents

 

Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy (EBUS)

EBUS is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that plays a crucial role in evaluating lung conditions. Using a slender, flexible tube equipped with both a miniature video camera and an ultrasound probe, EBUS enables physicians to explore the pathways of the windpipe and lungs. This technology helps identify the underlying causes of lung inflammation and infections. It is also an important tool in the detection of lung cancer.

 

Endoscopic Banding

Endoscopic banding provides effective treatment for people who suffer from chronic hemorrhoids. During the procedure, a physician uses a small tube with a video camera at the tip to place elastic bands around the hemorrhoids. The bands cut off the blood supply to the swollen tissues, which causes them to gradually shrink. Endoscopic banding relieves bleeding, itching, and other symptoms associated with hemorrhoids.

 

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)

Patients who are unable to eat or drink may undergo PEG, a procedure that enables them to receive nutrition directly through the stomach. During PEG, a flexible tube with a small camera is guided into the patient’s stomach. Once there, the physician makes a small incision in the skin of the abdomen and then secures the feeding tube over the stomach. PEG is often recommended for patients who need feeding tubes for four months or longer.

 

Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy

Diagnosing and treating conditions of the upper GI – the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) – often involves an upper GI endoscopy. The procedure includes a flexible tube with a miniature video camera, which is guided into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The physician may also insert small tools into the endoscope to perform a biopsy, stop bleeding, inject fluid, and more.