Diagnostic Procedures

While external images such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans can reveal much about health issues, sometimes the best screening is accomplished by getting a small camera inside the body. This can be done by using a long, flexible tube called an endoscope. Depending on the area of the body being imaged, the scope may be placed in the patient’s mouth and carefully pushed through the esophagus and stomach, or the scope may be entered in the patient’s body through the rectum and directed into the colon.

In addition to providing images, scope procedures are also used to collect tissue samples or to place a monitoring sensor to record information to assist with your diagnosis.

Spencer Hospital has two endoscopy suites, which accommodate over 1,200 endoscopic procedures on an annual basis.  To assist with your comfort related to your procedure, Spencer Hospital is the only facility in the area that offers carbon dioxide for your procedure, which leads to less gas pain following your procedure because your body is able to naturally absorb this gas.

New Technology

Bravo pH Reflux Testing: Spencer Hospital is the only hospital in the region where this minimally invasive procedure is offered. Bravo pH Reflux testing is performed along with an EGD, (Gastroscopy) and provides your physician with information that can help treat their patients who are suffering from gastric reflux.  To gather information about your reflux patterns, a tiny sensor is placed in your esophagus during the procedure that will transmit information for 48 hours.  This sensor will automatically slough with normal eating and drinking and will simply pass through your body.

The sensor that is placed will communicate with a monitor that you wear during the 48 hour period.  Instructions on how to use this monitor, and other details about your procedure will be provided to you in your physician’s office when the procedure is scheduled, and will be reinforced for you again on the day of the procedure.