When is Gastroenterology Surgery Needed?
Most of the time, conditions like acid reflux don’t require surgical treatment, but if you are experiencing more persistent or severe symptoms, surgery may be required.
Conditions such as GERD, ulcers, gallstones, persistent indigestion, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome may require surgery in order for you to return to a normal, daily life.
If your physician decides that surgery is required to help treat or diagnose a gastrointestinal issue, the specialists at New Port Richey surgery center are expertly trained to help treat the problem.
Procedures
Our surgery center offers a wide range of surgical and diagnostic procedures for patients who require treatment from some of the most common gastroenterology conditions.
Colonoscopy
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy if they need to get a better look at the inner lining of your large intestine.
A colonoscopy is performed to help diagnose certain conditions, and is also a method of removing abnormal growths in the colon and rectum, known as polyps.
Before the procedure, you will need to prep, which is known as "cleaning out your colon". Your physician or surgeon will require you to take the prep in order to make sure your bowels are completely empty. Often, this part of the process is more uncomfortable than the actual procedure.
Endoscopy Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
An ERCP is a test that checks the tubes that drain the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. The test uses a thin scope inserted through the mouth down into the throat to take pictures of these drainage tubes.
An ERCP is a minor procedure done for many reasons and is often a way for your surgeon or physician to diagnose issues within the ducts of your pancreas or bladder. An ERCP will also be done if there appears to be blockages in these ducts, which can be a result of gallstones, pancreatitis or tumors.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure done to examine the lower parts of your rectum and lower colon, which is known as your sigmoid.
In order to prepare for your procedure, your bowels will need to be completely empty.
If your doctor finds something abnormal, such as a precancerous polyp or an abnormal growth, further diagnosis may be needed through additional procedures.
Usually, this will involve a colonoscopy, which is considered to be a longer version of a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation is a procedure your doctor will recommend to reduce pain and inflammation in your joints, due to arthritis or other conditions.
Patients who suffer from chronic pain due to arthritis and other orthopedic conditions will usually experience pain relief.
RFA is a relatively minor procedure and the risk for complications is extremely low. After the procedure, you should be able to return to normal activities within a few days.
Remicade (IV) Infusion
Remicade IV Infusion is a treatment used to treat certain types of arthritis and bowel diseases.
Remicade is a medication given intravenously through an IV. The treatment requires supervision in a medical care facility, like our surgery center.
The full treatment usually takes a few hours to complete, and you are able to go home the same day. Usually, your doctor will recommend a new dose every 8 weeks and the dosing amount depends on your weight and size.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is a procedure done so your surgeon can get a better look at the lining of your esophagus, the first portion of your small intestine, and your stomach.
If you suffer from GERD or from other gastrointestinal issues, such as persistent abdominal pain, an endoscopy can be used to help diagnose and determine if any detected abnormalities are cancerous or non-cancerous.
If any abnormalities are detected, your surgeon or physician can use a variety of instruments to remove them. A breast biopsy may be needed if your surgeon thinks further diagnosis is needed.