Gastrointestinal diagnostic capabilities

Specialized endoscopic procedures - including colonoscopy, gastroscopy, sigmiodoscopy, duodenoscopy and others such as small bowel enteroscopy - give hospital physicians the ability to accurately diagnose patient abnormalities, without the added risk of exploratory surgery. These intricate scopes are used for certain surgical procedures, too.

Our gastrointestinal program also offers some of the latest diagnostic procedures not offered at most hospitals including small bowel capsule endoscopy, in which a pill-like device with a small camera is used to photograph the small intestine. This innovative procedure helps diagnose previously undetectable abnormalities that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Saint Joseph's also uses endoscopic ultrasonography, a state-of-the-art procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system cancer/tumors and disorders of the pancreas, gall bladder, esophogus, stomach and colon/rectum.

Specialized tests also are performed to discover causes of chest pain (unrelated to the heart) and swallowing difficulties.

For more information, please call 404-851-7159.