For more than a decade, our experienced providers at Cascade Medical have offered safe, comfortable endoscopic services close to home. To ensure patient safety and quality care, our staff closely follows guidelines set by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA).
Colonoscopy
Early detection and intervention help prevent colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends men and women begin colonoscopy screenings at age 50 and a follow-up screening every 10 years. Your doctor may recommend you start colonoscopy screenings earlier if colon cancer runs in the family.
A colonoscopy is performed under monitored conscious sedation. The physician inserts a flexible rubber tube containing a tiny camera that will allow direct visual examination of the entire large intestine. Through the camera lens, the physician will check the bowel wall for abnormalities such as polyps, inflammations or tumors. The procedure also allows for biopsies or excision of polyps (polypectomy). Most colonoscopies take less than 45 minutes.
A colonoscopy screening is one of the most important things you can do to assure life without colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about when to begin screenings. Visit the "Patient Forms" page for instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy allows the physician to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). This procedure uses a smaller flexible tube with a camera at the end, inserted while the patient is under sedation. Doctors recommend this diagnostic procedure for patients with disorders of the digestive system, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, swallowing disorders and obscure bleeding.