Colonoscopy is a procedure which enables a physician (usually a gastroenterologist) to directly image and examine the entire colon. It is effective in the diagnosis and/or evaluation of various GI disorders (e.g. colon polyps, colon cancer, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, obstruction and abnormal x-rays or CT scans) as well as in providing therapy (for example, removal of polyps or control of bleeding). It is also used for screening for colon cancer. A key advantage of this technique is that it allows both imaging of abnormal findings and also therapy or removal of these lesions during the same examination. This procedure is particularly helpful for identification and removal of precancerous polyps.

A colonoscope is a flexible and steerable instrument to evaluate the entire colon (large intestine). The large intestine is approximately 3 – 4 feet long. A colonoscope is engineered such that biopsies of suspicious areas can be obtained, and polyps (which may turn into cancer) can be removed.

At gastro 360, advanced endoscopy equipment is used which utilizes technology like BLI or NBI to detect small growths like polyps in stomach and also LCI to detect inflammation and infection. These findings may be missed in routine endoscopy equipment. Colonoscopy procedure is done by the best and experienced gastroenterologist with well trained staff and monitoring. Our endoscopy unit follows universal infection control protocol to avoid cross infections and is well maintained with good hygienic environment.

Yes. Colonoscopy accomplishes this by detecting and removing polyps, and detecting early cancers. Recent data show that both the number of new cases of colon cancer (incidence) and deaths from the disease are decreased when colonoscopy is performed according to established guidelines

The most common reason patients cite for not getting a colonoscopy is that their doctor did not discuss it with them. The next most common reason is fear or avoidance of the preparation (“prep”), which involves taking a laxative which causes temporary diarrhea for several hours. In addition, many people are simply unaware that they need colon cancer screening.

No, colonoscopy is usually not painful. Colonoscopy can also be done under conscious sedation or twilight sedation based on patient’s requirements and condition. If you have a colonoscopy, you may experience some cramping, gas or a sore rectum. Warm liquids and moving around will help the cramps and gas to pass

Yes, but potential complications are associated with virtually every form of testing done in medicine. Clearly, colonoscopy has been found to be extremely safe when performed by a well trained physician such as a gastroenterologist. Very rarely complications may occur which are related to sedation administration (cardiac and respiratory problems); the colon may also become partially torn (perforated) and this may require surgery. Rarely, bleeding from polyp removal or from the procedure itself may require additional treatment such as hospitalization and/or blood transfusions.

1. Patients with no bowel symptoms can have their first exam at age 50 whether you are a man or a woman as a part of colon cancer screening since colon cancer affects both EQUALLY. 2. If one or more first degree relative (parent, sibling or child) has had a precancerous polyp or colon cancer, the general guideline is to begin colon cancer screening 10 years younger than the youngest age of the family member with colon cancer, or age 40, whichever is younger. 3. For patients with ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon and patients with Crohn’s disease, screening for colon cancer should begin 8 – 10 years after the initial diagnosis is made.

An upper endoscopy, also called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a procedure used to visually examine your upper digestive system. This is done by well experienced gastroenterologist with the help of a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. A specialist in diseases of the digestive system (gastroenterologist) uses an endoscopy to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system.

At gastro 360, advanced endoscopy equipment is used which utilizes technology like BLI or NBI to detect small growths in stomach and also LCI to detect inflammation and infection. These findings may be missed in routine endoscopy equipment. Endoscopy procedure is done by the best and experienced gastroenterologist with well trained staff and monitoring. Our endoscopy unit follows universal infection control protocol to avoid cross infections and is well maintained with good hygienic environment.

An endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Rare complications include: Bleeding.

You should have little or no pain following your procedure. If you have an upper endoscopy, you may have a slight sore throat that can be relieved with warm liquids, throat lozenges. Endoscopy is also done under conscious sedation if patient requires or demands it.

An upper endoscopy is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system. The upper digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). An upper endoscopy is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system. The upper digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Your gastroenterologist may recommend an endoscopy procedure to: Investigate symptoms: An endoscopy can help determine what's causing digestive signs and symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnose: An endoscopy offers an opportunity to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to test for diseases and conditions that may be causing anemia, bleeding, inflammation or diarrhea. It can also detect some cancers of the upper digestive system. Treat : Special tools can be passed through the endoscope to treat problems in your digestive system. For example, an endoscopy can be used to burn a bleeding vessel to stop bleeding, widen a narrow esophagus, clip off a polyp or remove a foreign object

Endoscopy is not costly. It costs around 2800 – 4000 rs. Cost may vary based on biopsy and sedation.

Endoscopy once done can be waited till 3 years. An ulcer or cancer detected may require frequent endoscopy.

Endoscopy procedure takes around 5-10 mins.

Yes endoscopy is operator dependant and is best done by doctor who is treating the patient and is one who is specialised in doing endoscopy to avoid complications and unnecessary cost burden.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux) is a condition in which acid-containing contents in your stomach persistently leak back up into your esophagus, the tube from your throat to your stomach. Acid reflux happens because a valve at the end of your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn’t close properly when food arrives at your stomach. Acid backwash then flows back up through your esophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you a sour taste.

Acid reflux happens to nearly everyone at some point in life. Having acid reflux and heartburn now and then is totally normal. But, if you have acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week over a period of several weeks, constantly take heartburn medications and antacids yet your symptoms keep returning, you may have developed GERD. GERD is seen in around 15 % of Indian population.

The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, or like you are choking or your throat is tight. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath. What are the risk factors of GERD ? The risk factors were overweight, recent weight gain, spicy and citrus diet, tea/coffee intake, tobacco, alcohol consumption, stress, hiatus hernia, sedentary life style and pregnancy.

With GERD — when reflux and heartburn happen more than once in a while — the tissue lining your esophagus is getting battered regularly with stomach acid. Eventually the tissue becomes damaged. If you have this chronic acid reflux and heartburn you can see it’s affecting your daily eating and sleeping habits. When GERD makes your daily life uncomfortable in this way, visit gastroenterologist. Although GERD isn’t life-threatening in itself, its chronic inflammation of the esophagus can lead to something more serious. You can visit Gastro 360 to meet Dr. Suraj Uppalapati who will guide you further.

Chest pain caused by heartburn may make you afraid you’re having a heart attack. Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but since the discomfort is in your chest it may be hard to know the difference while it’s going on. But symptoms of a heart attack are different than heartburn. Visit Gastro 360 if you have serious concern.

GERD isn’t life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: 1. Severe esophagitis 2. Barrett’s esophagus 3. Esophageal cancer 4. Strictures

GERD is diagnosed by Upper G.I. Endoscopy

Other tests include Ph Impedance monitoring and Esophageal manometry

Gastro 360 has more than 2000 satisfied patients who had their esophageal and extra esophageal symptoms improved by workup , treatment and counselling by our gastroenterologist.