Gastroscopy

Gastroenterologists use gastroscopies to prevent, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal conditions, to help improve patients’ quality of life.

During a gastroscopy, the gastroenterologist inserts a thin, flexible tube-like device (endoscope) through the patient’s mouth into the gastrointestinal tract. With the device’s illuminated camera, the gastroenterologist assesses the lining of the esophagus, the stomach, and the thyroid gland.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy helps the gastroenterologist examine the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon).

During this exam, the gastroenterologist inserts a flexible tube with a tiny video camera at its end through the patient’s anus to view the inner wall of the colon, appendix, and small intestine. During the procedure, the gastroenterologist takes a tissue sample (biopsy) from the intestinal wall and sends it for laboratory evaluation. The gastroenterologist may remove polyps (growths) from the intestines or diagnose diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.