Colonoscopy with Upper Endoscopy

Rely on RMG For Colonoscopy Procedures in Colorado

With more than two decades’ worth of experience in the Denver Metro Area, Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates is proud to be a top choice for patients who need procedures such as a colonoscopy with upper endoscopy. We have 15 offices throughout the region, as well as six state-of-the-art endoscopy centers and a pathology laboratory. Our team of specialists is uniquely qualified to evaluate your condition and perform an array of gastroenterology operations to improve or maintain your health. Our dedicated staff will help coordinate your care by understanding your digestive problems and suggesting services that can help remedy them. We may use a colonoscopy with upper endoscopy to fully comprehend your issues. Call us today to learn more about the procedures.

What Is A Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure that aims to view a patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract by inserting a lighted, flexible tube with a camera through his or her rectum. This practice allows the physicians at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates to inspect an individual’s large intestine, colon, rectum, and more for abnormalities. During the colonoscopy procedure, our team can also collect small samples of tissue cells for testing. Additionally, we can perform an upper endoscopy to view the other end of patients’ GI tracts. By inserting a thin, flexible tube through one’s mouth, we can evaluate the small intestines, stomach, and esophagus. During these procedures, doctors will attempt to identify any causes for concern while also screening for cancer. We may suggest them if we fear patients have intestinal problems causing pain, bleeding, constipation, or diarrhea.

We Will Prepare You for A Colonoscopy with Upper Endoscopy

There are several measures to take before undergoing a colonoscopy with upper endoscopy. Our team of specialists at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates will relay everything you need to know about colonoscopy prep. As part of your colonoscopy preparation, you must abstain from eating or drinking for several hours. In addition to that, you will likely be placed on a special liquid diet for the day prior to your procedure. You may also need to take various medications or laxatives, but your physician will clearly outline your colonoscopy preparation requirements well in advance.

Understanding What the Colonoscopy Procedure Entails

We typically sedate patients undergoing a colonoscopy procedure, so it rarely causes any pain. For a colonoscopy, a patient will lie on his or her side or back as a doctor advances tubing through the GI tract, examining the large intestine’s lining and more. The colonoscope allows the doctor to pump air into the colon, thus inflating it and providing a better view. This procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.

An Upper Endoscopy Investigates Digestive Problems

An endoscopy is similar in practice to a colonoscopy but involves inserting a tube with an endoscope through one’s mouth and down the esophagus, transmitting images to a video monitor in the exam room. During the process, the doctor may inflate the esophagus for a better view and could also use special surgical tools to collect a tissue sample. This procedure typically takes about half the time of a colonoscopy.

Recognizing the Risks of a Colonoscopy with Upper Endoscopy

The team of experts at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates has been performing colonoscopies with upper endoscopies for more than 20 years, so you can rest assured all risks are minimized. But, as with any medical procedure, they are present. Following the procedure, you may suffer slight bleeding at the biopsy site or a tear in your colon or rectum. Neither should cause much concern, but your doctor will provide additional care if necessary. Rare complications of upper endoscopies include bleeding, tearing of the GI tract, and a low risk of infection. Our team will monitor you during every step of the process to ensure everything goes smoothly.

What to Expect Following Your Procedure

After your colonoscopy with upper endoscopy, you may experience mild cramping, gas, and bloating. Additionally, it might take an hour or more to completely recover from being sedated. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange for transportation following your procedure. Based on your results, which may be ready immediately or could take a couple of days to get back, your doctor will go over your diagnosis and highlight any red flags. Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates specializes in GI tract issues, so we can immediately recommend treatment plans based on the results of your procedure and biopsies. If you have a clean test, we will suggest a period within which you should undergo another colonoscopy with upper endoscopy. If your results are concerning, we will devise a course of action.

Contact Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates Today

Your health is not something to take lightly, so if you experience signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, be proactive. Seek medical assistance at the first hint of abnormal abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or chronic diarrhea. The problem could be relatively minor, but it could also be indicative of cancer. Early detection and treatment significantly improve your prognosis. The team at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates has been providing diagnoses and treatment for patients in the Denver Metro Area for nearly a quarter-century. You can count on us for reliable test results and a welcoming, comfortable environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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