Our advanced endoscopy services are available for both pediatric and adult patients, giving families access to specialized digestive care close to home.

What Is Advanced Endoscopy?

Advanced endoscopy includes procedures that go beyond a standard upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures use specially designed scopes, cameras, and other tools to look closely at the digestive tract and nearby organs.

Advanced endoscopy may be used to:

• Find the cause of unexplained digestive symptoms
• Take tissue samples for testing
• Remove certain growths or abnormal tissue
• Treat problems with the bile ducts or pancreas
• Treat certain digestive tract conditions
• Help diagnose complex gastrointestinal diseases
• Provide treatment that may prevent the need for more invasive surgery

Your doctor will determine which procedure is right for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and test results.

Advanced Endoscopy for Children

Children are not simply small adults. Their digestive systems, anatomy, and medical needs are different, which is why specialized pediatric experience is important.

Dr. Judy provides advanced endoscopy for children who need specialized evaluation or treatment for complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Advanced pediatric endoscopy may be helpful for children with conditions such as:

• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Swallowing or feeding problems
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Narrowing or blockage of the digestive tract
• Pancreatic or biliary disorders
• Abnormal growths or lesions
• Complex digestive disorders that require additional evaluation or treatment

Advanced Endoscopy for Adults

Advanced endoscopy can also provide important diagnostic and treatment options for adults with complex gastrointestinal conditions.

These procedures may be recommended when a standard endoscopy or colonoscopy does not provide enough information or when a more specialized procedure is needed.

Depending on the condition, advanced endoscopy may help doctors diagnose or treat problems involving the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Pancreas
• Liver and bile ducts

Common Advanced Endoscopy Procedures

Advanced endoscopy includes a number of specialized procedures. Your physician will discuss the procedure recommended for you and explain what to expect.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

ERCP is a specialized procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. These small tubes carry bile from the liver and gallbladder and digestive enzymes from the pancreas into the small intestine. 

While the patient is asleep under anesthesia, the doctor passes a flexible camera through the mouth and stomach into the first part of the small intestine. A catheter is then placed into the opening of the bile duct or pancreatic duct. X-ray imaging and contrast dye help identify a blockage, narrowing, stone, leak, or other problem(s). 

ERCP is a versatile treatment procedure. It can be used to:

• remove impacted stones
• widen narrowed ducts
• improve drainage
• treat leaks
• place temporary stents to keep a duct open while it heals

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, combines a camera with ultrasound technology to create highly detailed images of organs and tissues near the digestive tract. It is especially useful for evaluating:

• the pancreas
• bile ducts
• gallbladder
• liver
• nearby lymph nodes
• walls of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.

While the patient is asleep under anesthesia, the doctor passes a flexible scope through the mouth or rectum to the area of interest. The ultrasound probe at the tip of the scope provides images from inside the digestive tract, close to the area being examined. This close-up view can provide more detail than standard ultrasound. It may help clarify findings seen on other imaging studies. 

EUS is a versatile procedure that can help evaluate:

• unexplained abdominal pain
• pancreatitis
• pancreatic cysts
• lesions/masses
• enlarged lymph nodes
• other abnormalities near the digestive tract

When needed, it can also safely obtain a small tissue or fluid sample to help make an accurate diagnosis and guide the best treatment plan.

Why Choose Advanced Endoscopy?

Advanced endoscopy can offer several important benefits:

• Less invasive care
  Many procedures can be performed through the digestive tract without external incisions.
• Advanced diagnosis
  Specialized technology can provide detailed images and information that may not be available through standard testing.
• Treatment during the same procedure
  When appropriate, certain problems can be treated during the endoscopy.
• Specialized pediatric care
  Children can receive advanced endoscopy from physicians with specialized training and an understanding of pediatric anatomy and care.
• Care close to home
  Access to advanced endoscopy in our region means patients and families may not have to travel long distances to receive specialized gastrointestinal care.

What Should I Expect?

Before your procedure, Dr. Judy will explain why the procedure is recommended, how to prepare, and what to expect.

Advanced endoscopy procedures are performed with anesthesia or sedation so that patients are comfortable. You will be monitored throughout the procedure and provided instructions for recovery.

Because every patient is different, Dr. Judy will discuss the specific risks, benefits, and alternatives of your procedure before treatment.

Need Advanced Endoscopy?

If you or your child has been referred for an advanced endoscopy procedure, our team is here to help.

Contact our office to learn more about advanced endoscopy or to schedule an appointment.