Diagnostic Procedures

At Mercy Gilbert, we use the latest diagnostic equipment for colonoscopy and endoscopy to diagnose and treat a variety of digestive health problems such as colon cancer, ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

About Colonoscopy
We are proud to be the second medical center in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico to utilize the Third Eye® Retroscope® during a colonoscopy. Third Eye® Retroscope® is a new device that allows doctors to see more of the colon through a reverse view as well as the traditional forward-looking view while performing a colonoscopy.

Recent research shows some polyps and cancers can be missed during a colonoscopy, especially if they are hidden from the forward view of the colonoscope. The colon has many folds in its inner lining and the areas behind those folds are difficult to see with the colonoscope. The same problem occurs with fixtures, or sharp turns, in the colon. The Third Eye® Retroscope® is able to provide a way to visualize these hidden areas during colonoscopy.

About Endoscopy
An endoscopy test is done to diagnose ulcers, acid reflux and celiac disease. It also helps doctors determine the cause of upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting or gastrointestinal bleeding.

During an endoscopic procedure, you will lay on your side on an examination table. An endoscope is carefully fed down the esophagus and into the stomach. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits a video image to a video monitor, allowing close examination of the intestinal lining. Air is pumped through the endoscope to inflate the stomach making it easier to see.

Special tools that slide through the endoscope allow the doctor to perform biopsies, stop bleeding, and remove abnormal growths. Before an upper endoscopy, you may receive a local, liquid anesthetic which you will gargle or your doctor will spray on the back of the throat. The anesthetic numbs your throat and calms the gag reflex. An intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in your arm if you will receive a sedative. Sedatives help you remain relaxed and comfortable.

Learn more about Gastroenterology at Mercy Gilbert

For more information about colonoscopy or endoscopy test or to find a gastroenterologist, please call ResoureceLink at (480) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.