Digestive Care Near Port Charlotte

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera called a colonoscope. The doctor uses a video monitor to look for abnormalities such as ulcers, polyps, tumors or areas of inflammation or bleeding. If any irregularities are found, they can be biopsied or removed.

This outpatient exam is often used to screen for colon cancer or to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, change in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss, among other symptoms. It can be completed in less than an hour and is performed under mild sedation to relieve any discomfort.

A colonoscopy can also treat certain diseases, including removing polyps, widening narrowed areas or blockages or addressing bleeding from diverticula or lesions. Specialized procedures, such as laser surgery or cauterizing techniques, may also be performed during a colonoscopy.

Defecography

Using X-ray, defecography tests the motion of the pelvic floor (the muscles that control bowel movements and of the anus and rectum during evacuation). This test is used to evaluate for disorders of the lower bowel that are not evident by tests such as colonoscopy.

High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)

We now offer a screening procedure option for rectal cancer known as high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). HRA treats and surveils anal dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition, and the prevention of anal cancer by visualization under magnification.

HRA is different from a colonoscopy since a colonoscopy cannot adequately examine the anal canal for the problems HRA can detect. This outpatient procedure generally lasts about 15 minutes. According to the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, only a small percentage of suspicious lesions would be identified without HRA.

To learn more about treatment options for these colorectal conditions, please contact our gastrointestinal nurse navigator at Call941-766-4564.

We are accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Colorectal Surgery.

Our surgeons offer colon and rectal surgery, including using minimally invasive techniques, to treat colorectal conditions. They work closely with our expert gastroenterologists and other specialists to provide supportive care for colorectal conditions.

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum and is also referred to as colon or rectal cancer, depending on the location of the tumor(s). Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum called polyps. Not all polyps become cancer, but some can change into cancer over time.

There are two main types of polyps:

• Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps are the most common and are generally non-cancerous
• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas) are a pre-cancerous condition since they sometimes develop into cancer

Factors that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps include:

• If a polyp measures larger than one centimeter
• If more than two polyps are found
• If there is an area in a polyp or in the lining of either the colon or rectum where the cells look abnormal but don't necessarily resemble characteristics of cancer

To learn more about treatment options for these colorectal conditions, please contact the GI nurse navigator at Call941-766-4564.

Endoscopy allows your doctor to visualize various areas inside your body using a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera.

Endoscopic procedures are used to examine various parts of the body or treat certain conditions, including:

• Arthroscopy visualizes inside the joints
• Bronchoscopy examines the airways and lungs
• Colonoscopy looks at the large intestine and rectum
• Cystoscopy views the inside of the bladder
• Enteroscopy studies the small intestine (small bowel)
• Laparoscopy explores the abdomen or pelvis
• Sigmoidoscopy assesses the lower part of the colon
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy investigates the esophagus and stomach

During the exam, an endoscope is passed through a natural opening in the body (such as the mouth or anus), or your doctor may make a small incision, such as in the pelvic or abdominal area, for a laparoscopic exam.

Endoscopy can also be used to perform a biopsy or remove tissue, and the endoscope can be fitted with various devices such as lasers, ultrasound devices or tiny surgical instruments. A mild sedative is used during most endoscopic procedures.