Why Choose Wudassie Diagnostic Center for GI service? Ease of Use: One Location: Reduced Cross-Infection: Focus on the Patient: Reduced Cost:

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Edwin Newman
5 years ago
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1 Why Choose Wudassie Diagnostic Center for GI service? In our center, patients find that the process much more convenient, as well as more personal. Our center offers a relaxed environment with medical staff focused on offering individualized patient care. Our specialized staff helps each patient's visit go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Other benefits of using Wudassie Diagnostic Center GI service include: Ease of Use: Since our center focuses on a limited number of procedures, most patients find that we are much easier to navigate than any other places. One Location: Our center offers patient registration, waiting rooms, procedure suites and recovery rooms all in one convenient location. Churchill Road, Pass Tedros Square, MK Building, 4 th Floor, Room No. 410 Reduced Cross-Infection: We use a automated disinfectant and washer machine. Therefore, there is a much lowered opportunity for someone else's illness to become yours in our diagnostic center. Focus on the Patient: We know exactly how many patients we will serve each day and can, therefore, staff appropriately to ensure very personal care. Our priority in the center is you and your procedure. We strive to make your diagnostic procedure as comfortable as possible. Reduced Cost: Wudassie Diagnostic Center GI unit is typically able to perform your procedure at the same high level of care with the same specialized attention but at a lower cost, an especially nice advantage if you have a copay. Reliable procedure At Wudassie Procedure is performed by reputable and competent gastroenterologists with the emphasis on reliable results of your diagnostic procedure. Best Equipment Our center has the state of the art endoscopic equipment available in the country. With superior image resolution and unparalled features, our Endoscopes ensure that you get the service that you deserve. Mission Statement Our ultimate goal at the Wudasseie Diagnostic Center - GastrointestinalUnit is to help people achieve a state of physical and mental wellness. By practicing our philosophy of caring about our patients and by utilizing cost containment strategies, we feel that we can provide equal access to preventative health care, and education. We can deliver quality health care for gastrointestinal disorders, and perform efficient diagnostic, therapeutic and endoscopy procedures. We believe this goal can be obtained without compromised to the patient s physical and mental well-being, dignity or safety. Each member of our health care team must believe in and be prepared to practice this philosophy and consistently work toward a common goal of patient wellness.

2 Services: We are specially trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the digestive tract including: Abdominal pain Stomach discomfort Heartburn Nausea Vomiting - with or without bleeding Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids Ulcers Constipation Diarrhea Diverticulosis and diverticulitis Colon polyps Colitis Rectal bleeding Hemorrhoids Hepatitis Gallbladder disease Diseases of the liver and pancreas History Form When you come to Wudsasie Diagnostic Center, you will be asked information about your past medical history, past surgeries, your family history, and about symptoms you are having. A plan of treatment will be outlined for you which may include blood work, x-rays, and/or a procedure to determine the cause of your symptoms.

3 Upper Endoscopy Thank you for your interest in learning more about your upper endoscopy. In the sections that follow, we will provide you with detailed information on the procedure, how it s performed and why it s important. We realize that our patients are responsible for more of the cost of their own health care. We are a Valued-Certified provider powered by Healthcare Bluebook, providing area pricing information to help you spend your money wisely. While this pricing information does not represent an offer of a specific price, it can help you make a better, value-based, health care decision. Procedures

4 EGD (upper GI Endoscopy) What is an EGD? EGD is a procedure that enable our doctors to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract. Our Doctor will examine your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). The test is performed using a thin flexible tube with its own lens and light source. A variety of instruments can be passed through the tube to allow the doctor to treat many abnormalities directly with little or no discomfort. For example, if you have been experiencing difficulty swallowing foods or liquids and a narrowed or strictured area is found in your esophagus, Our Doctor will stretch this area. If polyps (usually benign growths) are found, these can be removed during your procedure. If areas of bleeding are noted, these can safely and effectively be controlled. Swallowed objects can also be removed during an EGD. Why is an EGD done? Upper endoscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Upper endoscopy is more accurate than x-rays for detecting inflammation, ulcers, polyps, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Upper endoscopy with biopsy can detect early cancer and distinguish between benign and malignant conditions. Biopsies are taken for many reasons including diagnosing Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria that causes peptic ulcer disease and malignancy). What preparation is needed? For the best possible examination, the stomach must be completely empty, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for at least 4 hours before you are scheduled to arrive for your test. If you take blood pressure or heart medications, you can take those when you wake up the morning of the test with a small sip of water. Someone must come with you to drive you home, because you will be given medication to help you relax. It will make you drowsy, so you will not be allowed to drive after the test. Even though you may not feel tired, your judgment and reflexes may not be normal. What should you expect during the procedure? You will be given medication through a vein to make you relaxed and sleepy. While you are in a comfortable position on your side, the scope will be passed through the mouth and then through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. The scope will not interfere with your breathing during the test. What are the possible complications? Endoscopy is safe and is associated with very low risk when performed by a doctor who has been specially trained and is experienced in the procedure. Complications can occur but are rare. One possible complication is perforation in which a tear through the wall of the esophagus or stomach may allow leakage of digestive fluids. This complication may be managed simply by aspirating the fluids until the opening seals or may require surgery. Bleeding may occur from the site of the biopsy or polyp removal. It is usually minimal but rarely may require transfusions or surgery. Other risks include drug reactio ns and complications from unrelated diseases such as heart attack or stroke. Endoscopic Biopsy Endoscopic biopsy is done when an abnormal looking thing is found during EGD procedure. It is done by inserting a small wire with metal throuth the endoscope and biting a small sample from

5 the abnormal site. The main reason for doing a biopsy is to exclude cancer but many other conditions are diagnosed using biosy too. The collected sample is sent to a pathologist who will see the tissue under a microscope and finaly makes a conclusion. Biopsy is not a painful procedure and is very much well tolerated. Electrocoagulation Electrocoagulation is performed during EGD usually in bleeding conditions. It is using an electric current to stop a bleeding site usually an ulcer. It is an advanced endoscopy procedure but is very much life saving. Hemoclipping Hemocliping is also used in the setting of bleeding conditions. It is the application of a small metallic gadget called a hemoclip over an area which is bleeding in the stomach or the intestine. The clip will hold the tissues together so that no further bleeding occurs. This is also one advanced procedure and a life saving one. Injection therapy Injection therapy involves the insertion a small tube with a needle through the scope and injecting various chemicals as needed. Commonly drugs used to stop bleeding can be delivered through this method. Other medications which are used to decrease inflammation can also be injected through the same method. Dilation Dilation is done when there is a narrowing along the tract of food passage. A common site of narrowing is in the esophagus after drinking irritants like bleach. Through an endoscope a inflatable balloon can be inserted and dilate a narrowed segment of the food tract. This needs to be done carefuly to avoid perforation of the esophagus. Patietns having a swallowing problem will benefit greatly ftom the procedure.

6 Lower GI Endoscopy Colonoscopy Thank you for your interest in learning more about your colonoscopy. In the sections that follow, we will provide you with detailed information on the procedure, how it s performed and why it s important. We realize that our patients are responsible for more of the cost of their own health care. We are a Valued-Certified provider powered by Healthcare Bluebook, providing area pricing information to help you spend your money wisely. While this pricing information does not represent an offer of a specific price, it can help you make a better, value-based, health care decision. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy A sigmoidoscopy is an internal exam of the lower part of the large intestine (colon) using a short, thin, flexible lighted tube. The tube, called a flexible sigmoidoscope, has a tiny camera at the tip allowing the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and the sigmoid colon about the last two feet of the large intestine. A small biopsy instrument to remove tissue samples to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease can be performed during the examination. A flexible sigmoidoscopy can help your doctor determine the cause of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of diarrhea, bowel obstruction, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures and hemorrhoids, as well as find colon polyps that might be in this lower part of the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy does not allow the doctor to see the entire colon. Therefore, any cancers or polyps farther into the colon cannot be detected with flexible sigmoidoscopy. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the entire colon. Preparing for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy The lower colon and rectum must be completely empty for a flexible sigmoidoscopy to be thorough and safe. Some doctors recommend a combination of a laxative and a small enema before the test. Some doctors may advise the patient to drink only clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours before the procedure is scheduled. A liquid diet means clear; fat-free bouillon or broth; gelatin; strained fruit juice (no grape juice or any liquid with red color); water; plain, unsweetened coffee or tea; or diet soda. The night before, or even immediately before the flexible sigmoidoscopy, the patient may be given an enema, which is a liquid solution that washes out the lower intestine. What Happens During a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? During the test the patient is positioned on the left side with knees drawn up toward the chest. First, the doctor will do a digital rectal exam by gently inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities. Next, the sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum, and the patient will feel some pressure. Air is introduced through the scope to expand the colon and help the doctor see adequately. As the scope is slowly removed, the lining of the bowel is carefully examined. A hollow channel in the center of the scope allows for the passage of an instrument called a forceps for obtaining a

7 biopsy if needed. What Happens After a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? This procedure takes about 15 minutes. After the exam, you may have mild abdominal discomfort. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours as you clear the air from your colon. You will be able to return to your normal diet and routine after the procedure. You may have a small amount of blood in your stool with your first bowel movement after the procedure. This is normal. Call your doctor if this continues or you have persistent abdominal pain or a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. What Are the Possible Outcomes of a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? The result of your exam will be reported on a paper and will be given to you so you will discuss it with your referring doctor about the results of your flexible sigmoidoscopy. The exam is considered negative if the doctor does not find any abnormalities. A positive exam might identify polyps or abnormal issue in the colon. Depending on the findings, you may need additional testing, such as a colonoscopy, so that the entire colon can be examined. Procedures Colonoscopy What is colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables our doctors to examine the lining of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a tube about the thickness of your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and colon. What preparation is required? The colon must be completely empty of waste material for the procedure to be accurate and complete. Follow the prep instructions you are given carefully. If you do not, the procedure may have to be cancelled and repeated later. You may have some nausea and/or vomiting with the prep. If you are not passing clear (or clear yellow) liquid with your last bowel movement, please call our office the morning of your procedure for further instructions. What about my medications? Most medications can be continued as usual; however, drugs such as aspirin or blood thinners are examples of medications which you may need to stop before the date of your test. You will be given instructions on which medications we will need you to stop. It is also essential you alert us if you require antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures since you may need antibiotics prior to colonoscopy as well. What can be expected during colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. You will be given a medication through a vein to help you relax. You will be lying on your side while the colonoscope is advanced through the large intestine. As the instrument is withdrawn, the lining of the intestine is carefully examined. What if the exam shows something abnormal? If our doctor sees an area that needs evaluation, a biopsy (sample of the colon lining) may be obtained and submitted to a laboratory for analysis. If areas of bleeding are noted, these areas may be controlled through the colonoscope by injecting certain medications or by sealing off the bleeding with heat treatment (coagulation). If

8 polyps are found, they are generally removed. If you have been experiencing rectal bleeding and internal hemorrhoids are found, laser treatment may be performed on these areas. What happens after colonoscopy? After the procedure, you may have some mild cramping or a bloating sensation because of the air that has been passed into the colon during the examination. This will disappear with the passage of gas. You should be able to eat after having the procedure, but your diet and activities may be restricted for a few days, especially if polyps are removed. What are the possible complications? Colonoscopy and polypectomy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures. Possible complications include a perforation (tear through the bowel wall) and bleeding from the site of the biopsy or polypectomy. Although complications after colonoscopy are rare, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Contact our office if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. It is important to note that rectal bleeding can occur even several days after the removal of a polyp. Polypectomy What is a colon polypectomy? The colon is another name for your large intestine, the final part of your digestive system. Most colon cancers start out as small growths (polyps) which form on the lining of the large intestine. During a colonoscopy (one type of colorectal cancer screening test) a doctor can find and remove any polyps in the large intestine. This is called a polypectomy. The removal of polyps causes no pain, and keeps cancer from developing. Why would a doctor recommend a polypectomy? About 30 percent of people who are screened for colorectal cancer are found to have polyps. In five to ten years, some of these polyps may become cancer. If colorectal cancer is found at an early stage, a person may have a 95% chance of living longer than five years. If colorectal cancer is found at a late stage, a person may have only a 10% chance of living for five years. If cancer is present, the earlier it is found, the better the outcome. Because most polyps have no symptoms, it's very important to have a colorectal cancer screening to find and remove polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer. What does a colon polypectomy involve? You will be given medication to make you relaxed and drowsy (some patients even fall asleep during the procedure). Your doctor will slowly guide the colonoscope through the entire length of the large intestine, which will take about a half-hour. He or she will view the inside of your large intestine on the television monitor, and use a tiny forceps to take a biopsy, or tissue sample, of anything that

9 looks out of the ordinary. Because there is no way to tell if a polyp will or won't develop into cancer, a doctor removes any polyps he or she finds during a colonoscopy. This removal causes no pain. On occasion, the doctor can remove small early cancerous (malignant) growths in the same manner. The removed polyp will be sent to a pathologist to see it under the microscope so that a cancer can be ruled out. Then you can have a follow up to prevent recurrence of such condition.

What is a Colonoscopy?

What is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a test to look inside your colon. A colonoscopy is done by a gastroenterologist, a doctor trained in looking at the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The main tool used