Endoscopy Specialist

What is an endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose problems inside the digestive tract. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure can give you answers about persistent symptoms or screen for health problems. 

A standard endoscopy uses a thin tube with a light and tiny camera to show your digestive tract on a large monitor. In this way, Dr. Memon can examine the lining of your digestive tract organs in great detail. 

What are the different types of endoscopy?

There are many types of endoscopy. Some of the most common gastroenterological applications include:  

Upper endoscopy

An upper endoscopy examines the top part of your digestive tract, including the food tube (esophagus), stomach, and the beginning part of your small intestine. 

Capsule endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy is a pill-sized camera that you swallow. It records your upper digestive tract and sends the information to a recorder you wear for eight hours. Then, Dr. Memon examines the footage in detail. 

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy examines the bottom part of your digestive system, including the entire large intestine. 

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an alternative to a colonoscopy for some people. It covers the lower part of your large intestine but not the upper part. 

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP examines your gallbladder, pancreatic duct, and bile ducts. 

With most types of endoscopy, Dr. Memon can make a diagnosis and also perform treatments based on what he discovers during the procedure. 

For example, during an upper endoscopy, Dr. Memon can remove blockages or widen a narrowed esophagus. Or during a colonoscopy, he can remove precancerous polyps. 

What conditions can endoscopy help to diagnose?

Dr. Memon might recommend an endoscopy if you’re due for a routine health screening, such as a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. Or you might need some type of endoscopy if you’re having symptoms of a digestive disease. Some of the conditions it can help to diagnose include: 

• Esophageal narrowing
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Peptic ulcers
• Precancerous polyps
• Digestive tract cancers

In many cases, Dr. Memon collects a sample of tissue during an endoscopy, which he can then analyze in the lab to check for cancerous cells or other problems. 

An endoscopy is a simple outpatient procedure that can yield a lot of important information, and it can sometimes treat digestive issues too. Schedule your endoscopy by calling Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, or click on the provided link now.