Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy services offered in Denton, TX

When your symptoms suggest a problem in your gastrointestinal tract, you may need a minimally invasive endoscopy or colonoscopy to diagnose and treat the underlying condition. At Denton Digestive Institute PLLC, board-certified gastroenterologist Abhinandan Raj, MD, specializes in several types of endoscopy, as well as diagnostic and screening colonoscopies to restore GI health and prevent colon cancer. To learn more about either procedure, or to schedule an appointment, call the office in Denton, Texas, or book online today.

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Q & A

What are endoscopy and colonoscopy?

Endoscopy and colonoscopy are minimally invasive procedures to examine the inside of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The difference between the two is that an endoscopy evaluates your upper GI tract, while a colonoscopy examines your lower GI tract.

Both procedures use a scope (endoscope and colonoscope) that consists of a long, thin, flexible tube. The scopes have lighting and a video camera that sends magnified images to a monitor.

The images allow Dr. Raj to examine the GI tract and diagnose problems. Then he can insert specialized instruments through the scopes to repair problems and take biopsies.

When would I need an endoscopy?

Dr. Raj does an upper GI endoscopy to examine your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). He may recommend an endoscopy to identify the cause of symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty swallowing.

The conditions often diagnosed during an upper GI endoscopy include:

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Gastric or duodenal ulcers
Esophageal varices (enlarged veins)
Barrett’s esophagus
Esophageal cancer
Infections
Ulcers
Tumors
Gastritis
Hiatal hernia
Crohn’s disease

Endoscopies also go by different names when they target specific organs. For example, a gastroscopy is an endoscopy to examine your stomach. Another type called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) targets problems in your bile ducts, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Dr. Raj performs this type of upper GI endoscopy by having you swallow a small capsule containing a light, camera, and transmitter. As the capsule travels through your GI tract, it automatically sends images to a receiver. Dr. Raj downloads the images to a computer and examines them for signs of GI problems.

When might I need a colonoscopy?

Dr. Raj does a colonoscopy to diagnose and treat problems in your large intestine (colon). He also recommends colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer.

Diagnostic colonoscopy

You may need a diagnostic colonoscopy to determine the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and rectal bleeding. During a colonoscopy, Dr. Raj may diagnose GI disorders such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and intestinal blockages.

Screening colonoscopy

Dr. Raj does a screening colonoscopy to prevent colon cancer. Though Dr. Raj can find any type of problem during a screening colonoscopy, the main goal is to find and remove the polyps that cause colon cancer.

To learn more about endoscopies and colonoscopies, or to schedule an appointment, call Denton Digestive Institute PLLC, or book online today.