Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a valuable tool for examining the inside lining of the entire colon. A colonoscopy may be ordered for several reasons, but it is most frequently used as a screening tool for colon polyps or colon cancer. A colonoscopy may also be used to identify digestive or inflammatory bowel disease, as well as for determining the cause of bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel habits. Additionally, a colonoscopy is used for taking photographs, obtaining tissue samples, surgically removing polyps, or specialized laser surgery.
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that is performed by Dr. Oberhelman. After completing home preparation for the procedure, the colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis. Following IV sedation, a clinical rectal exam is performed before the scope, a thin tube, is gently inserted for the procedure. Your results and pathology will be discussed with Dr. Oberhelman at a follow-up appointment.
If you are 50 years of age or older, you can qualify for an “open access” screening colonscopy. Your procedure can be scheduled and you will meet Dr. Oberhelman at your procedure’s location the day of your screen colonoscopy. Many patient prefer open access procedures as a convenience for missing less time from work.
Other diagnostic tests offered by Kansas Surgical Arts include:
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a very important tool for the early identification and treatment of cancer. Endoscopy is a medical procedure that is used to screen for cancers or provide more information about suspicious tissues found on imaging scans. The procedure uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a viewing instrument and a light that transmits pictures of internal structures to a monitor for viewing. During endoscopy, thin surgical instruments can be used to obtain tissue samples for biopsy or remove abnormal growths. There are many types of endoscopies, depending on the part of the body being assessed. Kansas Surgical Arts offers upper endoscopy, lower endoscopy, and laparoscopic endoscopy.
EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a type of upper (GI) endoscopy that is used to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. An EGD allows Dr. Oberhelman to examine the inside of a patient’s upper gastrointestinal tract for bleeding, ulcers or erosion, tumors, and other abnormal conditions. A tissue sample or biopsy can be taken with the endoscope, and it is also used to treat bleeding. EGD is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients receive IV sedation to relax during the test.
To schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy, endoscopy or EGD in Wichita, Kansas, call us at (316) 927-4087 or request an appointment online.