Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

Colon Cancer

Who is at Greater Risk?

According to the American Cancer Society, certain people are at greater risk for developing colon cancer. These include people with:

• • • A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
    • A family history of colorectal cancer
    • A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
    • A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
    • A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Who Should Get Screened?

According to the American Cancer Society:

• • • People at average risk of colorectal cancer should start regular screening at age 45
    • People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75
    • For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history
    • People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening

A colonoscopy procedure is easier than you might think. Talk with your provider about your risks and the right time to schedule your colonoscopy. If you are 45 or older and have not been screened, the time is now. Do not delay the care you need.

TAKE A COLON HEALTH ASSESSMENT

With advances in technology come less invasive methods of surgery that speed patient recovery. One of the most important advances in recent years is endoscopic surgery. Willamette Valley Medical Center has two state-of-the-art endoscopic towers to aid diagnosis. This equipment offers benefits to both patients and staff. Diagnosis and treatment can be faster and extremely accurate because of the high-resolution cameras. Physicians have more control of the light source and can take high-quality digital photos. 

As technology continues to advance, Willamette Valley Medical Center is committed to providing physicians and surgeons the tools they need to provide you and your loved ones the very best care.

Procedures offered include:

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine. Prior to the test the colon will need to be cleaned out by taking bowel prep as instructed by your physician. A long, flexible tube with a camera is used to look at the large intestine. This procedure is done under sedation with specialty trained staff. A colonoscopy should be completed beginning at age 50 for routine screenings unless you have a family history of colon cancer. If you have a family history please contact you physician on the recommended starting age. These procedures can detect precancerous growths or polyps, ulcers, diverticulosis, areas of inflammation, or bleeding sources.

Upper Endoscopy

Upper Endoscopy is also known as EGD or Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This procedure is done under sedation with specialty trained staff. The physician uses a short, flexible tube with a camera to visualize the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is often used to diagnose symptoms such as persistent heartburn, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and unexplained weight loss.

Capsule Endoscopy

This is a patient friendly way to visualize your small bowel. The capsule is about the size of a multi-vitamin, which contains its own camera and light source. After the capsule is swallowed it will capture images of the small bowel as it travels through the small intestine. These images are transmitted to a recording device that is to be worn across the body for 8-12 hrs. There is no need for sedation and normal activities can be resumed during the procedure. After the test is complete the recording device is returned, a physician will interpret the results.

pH Monitoring

This is a minimally invasive test for the evaluation of heartburn or related symptoms. Our state-of-the-art testing system involves a miniature pH capsule, approximately the size of a gelcap that is attached to the esophagus. This procedure is done under sedation with specialty trained staff. During the testing period, information will be transmitted to a small receiver worn on the waistband. The testing period will last for 48hrs and then the receiver will be returned and a physician will interpret the results.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry is a test used to assess pressure and motor function of the esophagus. The test will help aid in the evaluation of how well the muscles in the esophagus work to transport liquid or food from the mouth to the stomach. This procedure can test for causes of gastric reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing and undiagnosed chest pain. The procedure is performed by a nurse and does not require sedation. During the procedure a small catheter will be placed through the nose and into the esophagus. After the data is collected the catheter is removed and a physician will interpret the results.

Hemorrhoidectomy

This is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes simple, gentle and effective technology treatment for low grade hemorrhoids. This short procedure uses low treatment temperature which minimizes tissue damage and has minimal pain.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the airway through a thin tube called a bronchoscope. The physician will be able to examine the throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airway. This procedure is done under sedation with specialty trained staff.

Is it time to get screened? Find a Doctor online or call us at 503.922.6991.