With five dedicated procedural suites, Springfield Memorial Hospital and Decatur Memorial Hospital inpatient and outpatient Special Procedures include diagnostic and therapeutic treatments: bronchoscopy, pain procedures, gastrointestinal endoscopy, motility and pH studies, breath hydrogen, transesophageal echocardiogram, liver biopsy and blood tests for gastrinoma and dilatation.
Memorial Health Special Procedures include advanced options for patient digestive issues, including upper endoscopy EGD, which involves a tiny camera to help diagnose issues with the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine.
SMH Special Procedures has received three consecutive recertifications for safe, high-quality endoscopy from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Common Procedures for Digestive Issues
Lower Endoscopy
Uses a flexible sigmoidoscope or colonoscope (a flexible tube-like device fitted with a miniature camera) to examine the rectum and the descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, up to 65 centimeters (about 25 inches).
Colonoscopy
Uses a colonoscope to take pictures of the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to obtain a small tissue sample and to apply medications or heat treatment directly to the lining of the colon. The procedure takes from 10 to 45 minutes.
Upper Endoscopy – Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Uses an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera that displays images on a viewing monitor – to examine the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the duodenum. This procedure allows the physician to diagnose, treat and document abnormalities of the upper GI tract.
ECRP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Uses an endoscope and X-rays to view and treat disorders of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas, such as an obstruction, an infection or other medical conditions.
Learn About digestive care