TotalMED Endoscopy Center

Feeling good day in and day out is not easy. Today’s lifestyles are stressful. Waiting for months to see a specialist or sitting in a waiting room for hours just isn’t practical—especially if you are one of the millions suffering from a Gastrointestinal disorder or need colorectal screening. That is why the TotalMED Endoscopy Center has invested in building a new, state-of-the-art ambulatory

Endoscopy Center. We want to detect/prevent cancers and provide the most accurate and thorough diagnosis that today’s advanced equipment allows. Now our patients have immediate access to the sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options they need most to feel good everyday.

Endoscopy allows a physician to see and inspect the actual interior of a patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This procedure is often used on patients who are bleeding in the GI tract, have abdominal pain or excessive diarrhea.

Endoscopic exams are performed using a long, thin, flexible tube inserted in a patient’s mouth and guided through the GI tract. From a tiny camera on the end, it transmits an image of the inside of the intestinal tract to a large, TV monitor. In addition to serving as a diagnostic tool, endoscopy also provides for control of bleeding, relief of obstruction and other therapies. A channel in the tube allows the physician to insert a small instrument to obtain small amounts of tissue samples, remove polyps and perform other procedures.

Endoscopic procedures performed by the TotalMED Gastroenterology Team include:
• Colonoscopy - examination of the colon
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy - examination of rectum and adjacent colon
• Esophago Gastro Duodenoscopy (EGD) - examination of esophagus, stomach and small intestine to upper intestine
• Paracentesis – removal of excess fluid
• ERCP – Endoscopic evaluation of bile ducts and pancreas
• Esophageal Motility – evaluation of muscles of the esophagus
• PH testing – Evaluating acid levels in the esophagus and stomach

Gastrointestinal Disorders
Almost all of us have had a stomach problem from time to time. For many, it goes beyond an upset stomach. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders cause millions of people every year to suffer. Common symptoms include severe or persistent stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting. Left undiagnosed and untreated, GI disorders can affect the entire body and your overall health. If you are experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, your primary care giver and the doctors at the TotalMED Endoscopy Center can help you. We are using the latest endoscopic technology to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcers, tumors, polyps, diverticulosis, colitis and esophageal reflux diseases in patients of all ages.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country and is the second-leading cause of death from cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 104,950 new cases of colon cancer and 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer in 2005 in the United States.*

Endoscopic screening tests such as the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Colonscopy are vital in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

During a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy exam and a Colonoscopy, a slender, lighted tube is placed into the lower part of the colon through the rectum. This allows the doctor to view inside of the rectum and the colon for cancer, polyps or other problems. A colonoscope, used for a Colonoscopy exam, is a longer version of a sigmoidoscope. Polyps may be removed or a biopsy of suspicious tissues may be obtained during the procedure. These common, minimally invasive procedures can help detect and prevent colorectal cancer. It is recommended that starting at the age of 50, all men and women should have colorectal screenings. Different circumstances, however, may require earlier screening, such as a family history of colorectal cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that African Americans have an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

TotalMED Endoscopy Centers offer an environment focused on privacy and comfort, including:
• A private entrance and waiting area
• Patient-focused, specialized staff
• Four private endoscopy rooms
• Private pre-/post-op recovery areas with individual stations
• State-of-the-art equipment and furnishings
• Sterilization and equipment preparation room
• Easy, convenient access for patients

The professional and caring staffs at the TotalMED Endoscopy Centers are focused on providing you with the latest technology and information available today regarding endoscopic procedures. We understand how personal these situations are and how important it is that you are comfortable with your care and surroundings.

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