What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is typically used as a nonsurgical procedure to evaluate a patient’s digestive system, by using endoscopic tools to view pictures through the digestive tract.  An upper endoscopy, which utilizes an endoscope tool, allows the physician to move through the mouth and throat and view important areas of the stomach, esophagus and other areas of the small intestine.  This can typically be done through a fairly quick outpatient procedure.

Additionally an endoscope can be used to view the large intestine (the colon) through the rectum area to view critical areas of the intestine.  If your physician recommends an endoscopy it is typically for one of the following reasons:

  • To evaluate Stomach related problems or pains
  • Bowel pains or diarrhea
  • Digestive tract problems
  • Ulcers or other related issues
  • Polyps, growths or colon related treatments

In some cases, your physician may use an endoscope to take a biopsy (removal of tissue) to look for the presence of disease.  Always ask your doctor to give you as much detail as possible before an endoscopic procedure to ensure that you are prepared for the examination.

For more questions related to an endoscopy or related procedure, please contact our office staff.

Cologuard Technology

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3.2.15

Testing for colon cancer just got easier. If you don’t already know, Cologuard is a new competing technology for colon cancer screening that is simple and ease of use. It involves no prep, no sedation, and most importantly, its effective. What exactly is Cologuard? Cologuard is a cancer detection test. Specifically, it tests for genetic Read More…

Vernon Receives Recognition – North Carolina Gastroenterologist

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9.12.14

The practice of Kurt Vernon, MD, The GI Guy, is proud to announce that we have received a ‘Tier 1 Designation”, a high quality recognition from one of the nation’s largest health insurers – Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.  BCBSNC Tiered Network utilizes administrative claims data to identify high quality, low cost providers and Read More…