Procedures
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light (an endoscope) is inserted through the rectum and guided through the colon. The camera on the endoscope sends images of the inside of the colon to a monitor, allowing the doctor to look for any abnormalities such as inflammation, polyps, or signs of colorectal cancer.
gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a medical procedure in which a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light (an endoscope) is used to examine the inside of the upper digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The procedure is performed by a physician and allows for a close-up examination of the lining of these organs and the detection of any abnormalities, such as ulcers, inflammation, or abnormal growth. Gastroscopy is often used to diagnose and treat certain digestive conditions or to monitor the progress of existing ones. The procedure is typically performed under conscious sedation, which means the patient is awake but relaxed and does not feel pain during the examination.
ercp
ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, a medical procedure used to examine the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts. During an ERCP, an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light) is passed through the mouth, throat, stomach, and small intestine. A special dye is then injected through the endoscope into the bile ducts, and X-rays are taken to show the ducts and any potential blockages or other abnormalities.
ERCP can be used to diagnose and treat various liver, gallbladder, and pancreas conditions, such as gallstones, biliary strictures, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancer. During the procedure, the doctor can also perform specific treatments, such as removing gallstones, taking tissue samples for biopsy, or inserting a stent to keep a narrowed bile duct open.
Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS)
EUS stands for Endoscopic Ultrasound, a medical procedure that uses a special endoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe to create detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs. During an EUS, the endoscope is passed through the mouth and down into the stomach or small intestine, where the ultrasound probe can create images of the surrounding organs and tissues, including the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and lymph nodes.
EUS can diagnose and stage certain digestive conditions, such as pancreatic cancer, bile duct obstruction, or submucosal tumors. It can also guide specific procedures, such as biopsy or fine needle aspiration, by allowing the doctor to visualize and target the exact location of the abnormal tissue.
A FibroScan is a non-invasive medical test used to measure the degree of scarring and stiffness in the liver. It uses a small, hand-held device that sends high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) through the liver, and measures the speed of the waves as they travel through the liver tissue. The speed of the waves is directly related to the stiffness of the liver, and can provide an estimate of the degree of liver fibrosis or scarring.
FibroScan is often used as a screening tool for liver disease, and can be particularly useful in detecting liver fibrosis in people with chronic hepatitis B or C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and other liver conditions. It is a quick and painless procedure that can be done in a doctor's office, and does not require any anesthesia or incisions.
The results of a FibroScan are usually reported as a numerical score, known as the liver stiffness measurement (LSM), which can be used to grade the degree of liver fibrosis from mild to severe. Depending on the results, further tests or medical treatments may be recommended to manage liver disease and prevent further liver damage.
Fibroscan
Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a medical imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the small intestine and other parts of the digestive system. During an IUS, a small handheld device called a transducer is passed over the abdomen, emitting sound waves that bounce off the internal organs and tissues and create images on a computer monitor.
IUS can be used to evaluate a range of gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, small bowel obstruction, and tumors or other masses in the intestine. It can also be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease.
IUS is a non-invasive, painless procedure that does not use ionizing radiation, and is generally safe and well-tolerated. It can be performed quickly and easily in a doctor's office or radiology clinic and does not require any special preparation or recovery time. The results of an IUS can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning, and may help avoid the need for more invasive procedures.