Phone: (604) 688-6332
Phone: (604) 688-6332
The Gastroenterology Clinic sees patients with a broad range of gastrointestinal diseases. The team provide care for patients with diseases and conditions of the digestive tract and liver. Along with consultations and follow-up ambulatory visits, the GI team provide endoscopic procedures at St. Paul’s on an outpatient, inpatient and emergency basis.
The following is a list of conditions the clinic treats:
Colonoscopy is an effective procedure to diagnose abnormalities of the large intestine (rectum and colon) and to screen for colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps.
A colonoscope is a long, thin flexible instrument that provides magnified views of the colon and rectum. Because colonoscopy allows doctors to identify and remove certain types of colon polyps that may develop into cancer, colonoscopy can be a therapeutic and even life-saving procedure. Colonoscopy requires cleansing of the bowel with a laxative drink and modified diet. Optional light sedation is offered during colonoscopy.
Capsule Endoscopy is used to evaluate the middle portion of the GI tract and is useful in determining source of bleeding, diagnosing ulcers or detecting tumors.
Capsule Endoscopy is achieved by swallowing a pill-sized camera which takes pictures along the digestive tract as the body passes the capsule. A modified diet and a laxative drink is required before capsule endoscopy. No sedation is required.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the large intestine (rectum and colon). During a sigmoidoscopy exam, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum the sigmoid colon. If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken through the scope. Flexible sigmoidoscopy requires cleansing of the lower bowel, usually with an enema and does not require IV sedation.
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end. A tiny ultrasound probe is also attached to the end of the scope allowing visualization of structures adjacent to the GI tract, like the pancreas. It is used to stage some types of cancer and biopsy lesions adjacent to the GI tract.
EUS requires an empty stomach and sedation is given.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an exam used to evaluate your bile ducts, pancreatic duct and gallbladder. ERCP is used to diagnose certain conditions, such as pancreatitis, and is useful in removing stones from the bile duct causing blockages.
ERCP requires an empty stomach and sedation is given.