ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
An endoscopic and fluoroscopic technique to diagnose and treat biliary and pancreatic duct disorders. Why it’s done • Jaundice from bile-duct stones or strictures • Cholangitis, pancreatic duct leaks or strictures Preparation • Fast 8 hours • Review and adjust blood thinners per protocol Procedure • Sedation or anesthesia; endoscope reaches duodenum • Contrast injected […]
Pediatric Colonoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the colon in children under sedation or anesthesia. Why it’s done • Chronic diarrhea or bleeding • Suspected pediatric IBD or polyps Preparation • Age-appropriate bowel prep regimen • Clear liquids day before Procedure • Under sedation, a pediatric colonoscope examines the colon and terminal ileum • Biopsies or polypectomy as needed […]
Pediatric Gastroscopy
Upper GI endoscopy performed under sedation or anesthesia in infants, children, or adolescents. Why it’s done • Persistent vomiting, failure to thrive • Suspected celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis • Unexplained anemia or upper-GI bleeding Preparation • NPO for 6–8 hours (clear fluids up to 2 hours before) • Pre-procedure anesthesia evaluation Procedure • Under general […]
Pediatric Gut Diseases
Common conditions in children • Infectious diarrhea (rotavirus, norovirus, bacterial enteritis) • Cow’s milk protein allergy • Lactose intolerance • Celiac disease • Functional constipation, infantile colic • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) • Hirschsprung’s disease • Eosinophilic esophagitis
GI Bleeding Management
Identification and control of bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract via endoscopic, medical, or surgical means. Upper GI bleeding causes • Peptic ulcers • Esophageal or gastric varices • Mallory-Weiss tears • Gastritis, erosions Lower GI bleeding causes • Hemorrhoids, anal fissures • Diverticular bleeding • Angiodysplasia • Colonic polyps or cancer • Inflammatory bowel disease […]
Abdominal Pain
Pain perceived anywhere between the chest and groin. Common causes • Functional (IBS, functional dyspepsia) • Inflammatory (appendicitis, IBD) • Obstructive (gallstones, bowel obstruction) • Ulcer disease (PUD) • Vascular (mesenteric ischemia) Evaluation • Thorough history (onset, location, character) • Physical exam and baseline blood tests • Imaging (US, CT) or endoscopy as needed Management […]
Chronic Diarrhea
Loose or frequent stools lasting more than 4 weeks. Common causes • Functional (IBS-D) • Inflammatory (IBD: Crohn’s, UC) • Infectious (Giardia, C. difficile) • Malabsorption (celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency) • Medication side effects Evaluation • Stool studies (culture, O&P, calprotectin) • Blood tests (CBC, electrolytes, inflammatory markers) • Endoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsies if […]
Hemorrhoidal Band Ligation
A minimally invasive office procedure placing elastic bands on internal hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply. Why you need it • Persistent bleeding or prolapse of internal hemorrhoids • Failure of medical (cream, sitz bath) therapies Preparation • Light diet prior to procedure • An optional enema or laxative may be recommended • No […]
Esophageal Variceal Band Ligation
An endoscopic treatment placing rubber bands on dilated veins (varices) in the esophagus to prevent or stop bleeding. Why you need it • Diagnosed esophageal varices from portal hypertension • History of variceal hemorrhage • High-risk varices as prophylaxis Preparation • Fast 6 hours before the procedure • Continue non-selective β-blockers if prescribed • Arrange […]
Polypectomy
Endoscopic removal of abnormal growths (polyps) from the GI tract lining, most often during a colonoscopy or upper-GI endoscopy. Why you need it • Prevent progression of adenomatous polyps to cancer • Treat bleeding or obstruction caused by polyps Preparation • Bowel prep for colon polypectomy; fasting 6 hours for upper-GI • Discuss blood-thinner management […]
