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Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The average age of diagnosis is 67. Since almost all cases arise from small polyps that grow slowly in their initial phases, the disease can be prevented by routine colonoscopy and removal of polyps.

Family history (parent, sibling, child) who has had colon cancer or polyps increases your risk for the disease. Age also increases your risk. If you are 45 years or older, your physician will recommend a screening test.

GERD

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common and growing condition in the US. This condition is commonly referred to as “heartburn”. There are numerous causes for GERD, some of which can be corrected by lifestyle modification. Long-term damage to the lower esophagus can result in a number of serious medical conditions including esophageal cancer. Fortunately there are a number of effective treatment options available for this condition.

Colitis

Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon. There are many forms including infections and autoimmune disorders. Infections are usually self-limited and can be caused by a number of bacterial species. Clostridium difficile is a particularly common hospital acquired colon infection that can be difficult to eradicate. Other forms of colitis include Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and Ischemic Colitis. Current recommendations are for screening colonoscopies starting at age 45.

Gastric Ulcer Disease

Ulcers in the stomach are a common cause of intestinal bleeding and anemia. Acute active bleeding can be life threatening and may require emergent endoscopic intervention to treat the bleeding lesion. Ulcers may also cause abdominal pain. The two most common causes of stomach ulcers are use of aspirin products and a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and can be due to many causes including chronic viral infections, medication side effects, alcohol abuse, or even fat deposition in the liver. Over time, chronic hepatitis can cause severe scarring of the liver tissue and result in cirrhosis.

Gallstones

Gallstones are common and occur in up to 20% of the population. Only a small percentage of people with gallstones develop problems, but these problems can be severe and require emergent medical attention. Most gallstones are made of cholesterol deposits. Current recommendations are for screening colonoscopies starting at age 45.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional problem with the intestinal tract in which the person has increased sensation of bowel activity along with abnormal motility, typically spasm, which results in cramping pain and discomfort.

There is no lab test or x-ray that can diagnose IBS, therefore a careful history and the exclusion of other clinically similar conditions is required for the workup of this syndrome. A number of medications and treatments are available for IBS.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD) (Done at Montefiore Nyack Hospital)

Upper Endoscopy, also referred to as Esophago Gastro Duodenoscopy (EGD), is a procedure where a thin flexible television scope is placed through the mouth and advanced into the stomach to observe the esophagus, gastric, and small intestinal lining. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes. Patients are sedated so that they are comfortable during the procedure.

Colonoscopy (Done at Montefiore Nyack Hospital)

Colonoscopy involves investigating the entire colon lining with a thin flexible tube with a camera. Patients are sedated so that they are comfortable for the procedure. The day before the procedure requires a colon cleansing preparation. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon polyp detection and colon cancer prevention.

Hemorrhoid Banding (Done in office)

With our unique banding system, you won’t feel pain or need to take valuable time off work. Hemorrhoid treatment with the CRH system is covered by most insurance plans and is considered more than 99% effective in treating hemorrhoids. Come visit us in the office to find out more.

ERCP (Done at Montefiore Nyack Hospital)

ERCP stands for “endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography”. This is a procedure done in the hospital setting in which a special scope placed through the mouth is advanced to the site in the small intestine where the bile duct and pancreatic duct enter the bowel. A special probe is then sent up into the duct system to remove gallstones and alleviate blockages.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Done at Montefiore Nyack Hospital)

A limited colonoscopy that may not require sedation and can be done after an enema prep.

Capsule Endoscopy (Done in office)

Uses a video pill to exam the small intestine. This allows for evaluation of areas of the small bowel not reached with the scope. No biopsies can be taken with this exam. It does not evaluate the colon. Data from the capsule is recorded by radio transmission to a special belt worn by the patient. After swallowing the pill at 8:30 am, patients may leave and go about their normal daily business, returning the data belt to the office in the late afternoon.