Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Help for Your Gastrointestinal Issues

We know that gastrointestinal, or GI, issues can actually control your desire to participate in life. Pain or discomfort can be a factor with many GI conditions - and cause you to limit the activities you love. GI specialists at Northside Hospital can help identify what is affecting your gastrointestinal health - and find solutions that let you get back to loving life. 

GI Endoscopy Procedures

Digestive health specialists at Northside evaluate and treat all types of GI disorders, utilizing these available services: 

• Capsule endoscopy – This procedure involves swallowing a pill-sized capsule that contains a tiny wireless video camera. It lets doctors check for problems by allowing them to see a part of the small intestine that cannot be reached by colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). 
  
• Colonoscopy – In this procedure, doctors use a small tube and camera to look for possible cancer inside your colon (also called your large intestine) and your rectum. If doctors see any polyps or areas of concern, they can remove them or take tissue samples.  
  
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) – Using a small tube equipped with a camera, doctors perform an EGD when they want to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine. This procedure is also called and upper GI endoscopy.
  
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube – A PEG tube is a feeding tube that doctors place through the skin of the abdomen and directly into the stomach. People who have trouble swallowing and getting enough nutrition may need a PEG tube so they can get special liquid nutrition and fluids. 
  
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – During an ERCP, doctors use a special dye and X-rays to help reveal stones, tumors or other problems with the gallbladder, pancreas or bile ducts. 

Prior to Your Procedure

You have the option of completing some of your admission documents before you arrive for your GI/Pulmonary Endoscopy Lab procedure.

Patient Pre-Registration Information – Here you will find additional links, instructions, and answers to frequent questions and contact information should you need assistance from a hospital representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver? Yes, for endoscopic procedures you will need a driver as you will be receiving some type of anesthesia and are required to have a driver. Public transportation services such as Uber, Lyft, or taxis are not allowed to transport you home unaccompanied. Please contact your scheduled location for further information on driver policies.

Do I need to be fasting? Yes. At the minimum, you will be required to be fasting from midnight the day of the procedure.  Medications need to be discussed with physician/staff prior to procedure.

How do I find out about colonoscopy preparations? The doctor performing the procedure will have detailed instructions for any preparation that should be performed prior to your arrival for the procedure.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides additional patient information, including educational videos about your procedures.