Tests & Procedures

Overview

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. If necessary, abnormal growths called polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.

Why it's done

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to:

• Investigate certain worrisome signs and symptoms
  A colonoscopy can help your doctor explore possible causes of rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, iron deficiency anemia , etc.
• Colon cancer screening
  If you're age 45 or older and at average risk of colon cancer, you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age or your last colonoscopy was normal 10 years ago, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years to screen for colon cancer.
• Colon cancer and polyp surveillance
  If you have had polyps before, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to look for and remove any new polyps. This is done to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Watch a short video on how a colonoscopy is performed:

Overview

Also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or gastroscopy, this procedure uses a small, flexible instrument to examine the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine.

Why it's done

An EGD is done to look for causes of abdominal pain, difficult or painful swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, heartburn and weight loss. During an EGD, your physician can dilate or stretch narrowed areas of the esophagus and stomach; take tissue samples (biopsies) to check for inflammation, infection and cancer; remove growths; remove foreign bodies or food that are stuck in the GI tract; and find and treat actively bleeding lesions using medications, cautery or clipping devices.