Colquitt Regional Medical Center employs the latest technology to diagnose disorders of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. These include:
- Swallowing disorders
- Acid reflux disease
- Ulcers
- Cancer of the esophogus
- Hiatal hernias
- Colorectal cancer
- Polyps
The most commonly performed procedures are EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and FLC (full length colonoscopy). EGD is an examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine), while FLC involves inspecting the colon or large intestine. Both procedures are performed using fiber optic endoscopes equipped with channels through which biopsies may be taken for diagnostic purposes or polyps may be removed.
Most endoscopies and colonoscopies are performed on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort, as a mild anesthetic and sedation is given. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour.
