Treatments & Procedures

Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Oftentimes, diagnosis and treatment can be conducted during the same procedure. For example, during any endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera and light is guided through the digestive tract to look for abnormalities – instruments can also be passed through the endoscope to perform treatments on the spot to:

• stop bleeding
• remove abnormal tissue for biopsy
• expand a narrowed GI passageway (“lumen”), such as with the placement of stents

The procedures we offer to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases and disorders include:

• Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) – an endoscopy that allows for high-quality ultrasound imaging of organs near the GI tract, which may be used to identify the extent or spread of certain cancers and obtain a fine-needle biopsy of any abnormal areas.

• Therapeutic ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) – an endoscopy to evaluate and treat problems affecting the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, pancreatic duct, and bile ducts.

• Colonoscopy – an endoscopy to evaluate the lining of the lower GI tract – the large intestine (colon) and rectum – for any abnormal growths called polyps. The endoscope enters the GI tract via the anus in this procedure.

• Upper Endoscopy – an endoscopy to evaluate the lining of the upper GI tract – the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) – to look for any abnormalities that may be the cause of a patient’s symptoms. The endoscope enters the GI tract via the mouth in this procedure.

• Bravo pH Testing – a capsule placed in the esophagus measures acidity (pH) levels over a 48 - 96 hour period. It stores the data in a recorder worn outside the body and then passes naturally with a bowel movement. This procedure allows a gastroenterologist to gauge the severity of a patient’s acid reflux symptoms and diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Capsule Endoscopy – a capsule is swallowed and collects data as it passes through the GI tract, which are stored in a recorder worn outside the body. The pill-sized capsule is naturally excreted with a bowel movement 8 - 72 hours later. This procedure allows analysis of all of the small intestine – duodenum, jejunum, ileum – which otherwise cannot be seen via a traditional colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. It is used to diagnose and treat ulcers, bleeding, polyps, and more.

At Oceana Gastroenterology, we have a variety of approaches to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders. Make sure you’re getting the help you need to find relief from your GI symptoms. Call us today at (951) 934-0505 or use our appointment request form to schedule your consultation with one of our providers.