Comprehensive Gastroenterology Services
At Conejo Gastroenterology, we prioritize your digestive health with a wide range of advanced services. Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you feel better from the inside out, providing unparalleled care. Whether you need an upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or treatment for liver and pancreas issues, we're here to ensure you receive the best care possible. Let us guide you through your journey to better health with our modern, patient-centered approach.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Desai utilizes this procedure to take biopsies from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, helping to identify abnormalities that can guide your treatment. It can detect inflammation, esophageal cancer, ulcers, infections, and conditions like celiac disease, as well as evaluate acid levels and address swallowing difficulties. In some cases, small tumors can also be removed during the procedure.
Preparation for Your EGD
To ensure the procedure goes smoothly, you’ll need to fast for about six hours before your EGD. Dr. Desai will provide specific instructions on when to stop eating or drinking and let you know if you should take your regular medications as usual.
Risks Associated with EGD
While the risks of an EGD are generally low, potential complications may include infection, bleeding, aspiration, perforation, sore throat, coughing, or anesthesia-related issues. Dr. Desai will discuss these risks with you prior to the procedure to ensure you're fully informed.
Post-Procedure Expectations
After the procedure, most patients feel back to normal once the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some temporary symptoms such as bloating, sore throat, jaw discomfort, or mild abdominal soreness. These are common and usually resolve on their own within a short period.
Colonoscopy
Dr. Desai is committed to reducing colon cancer-related complications and fatalities in Ventura County by offering expert care and timely screenings. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, affecting both men and women. The good news is that it’s highly preventable with early detection through a colonoscopy. This procedure can identify precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving lives.
When to Begin Screening
Routine screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 45, with regular follow-up exams as recommended by Dr. Desai. However, if you have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps, cancer, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), you may need to begin screening earlier or more frequently.
Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
A clean colon is essential for accurately detecting precancerous lesions and abnormalities. You’ll receive specific instructions to prepare for the procedure, and our team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have during this preparation process.
Risks of a Colonoscopy
While the risk of complications is low, as colonoscopies are the global standard for colorectal cancer screening, possible risks include infection, bleeding, bowel perforation, and anesthesia-related complications. Dr. Desai will thoroughly explain these risks to ensure you are fully informed.
After Your Colonoscopy
If biopsies are taken, Dr. Desai will review the results and plan any necessary follow-up care based on your personal and family medical history. You can expect to hear from our office within 5–7 days with your results or an appointment to discuss the next steps in person.
Advanced Endoscopy (Endoscopic Ultrasound)
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a cutting-edge procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to provide detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs.
How EUS Works
Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube through the mouth or rectum to visualize the digestive system. Traditional ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs. EUS takes this a step further by placing a small ultrasound transducer at the tip of the endoscope, allowing it to get closer to the organs for more accurate, high-quality images.
Benefits of EUS
Unlike traditional ultrasound, which can sometimes provide lower-quality images, EUS offers superior detail. It can capture images of the digestive tract, nearby organs, and structures like lymph nodes and blood vessels, providing invaluable insights for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Uses of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a versatile tool that provides detailed images of the digestive system and surrounding structures. It also offers additional capabilities such as:
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Blood Flow Evaluation: Using Doppler ultrasound to study blood flow in vessels.
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Tissue Sampling: Performing fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to collect tissue from suspicious growths or enlarged lymph nodes for biopsy and further examination.
When EUS is Needed
EUS is increasingly being used for various diagnostic purposes, including:
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Cancer Staging: Particularly for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, rectum, and lung.
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Pancreatic Conditions: Assessing chronic pancreatitis, cysts, and other pancreatic masses.
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Bile Duct & Gallbladder Issues: Identifying abnormalities like stones or tumors in the bile duct, gallbladder, or liver.
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Fecal Incontinence: Evaluating the muscles of the rectum and anal canal.
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Submucosal Lesions: Detecting hidden nodules or bumps in the intestinal wall that may not be visible on other imaging.
EUS plays a critical role in cancer staging, helping doctors assess the extent of cancer and determine whether it has spread to other organs or lymph nodes. This helps guide treatment decisions, especially in early-stage cancers where surgical removal can be more successful.
Why EUS is Used for Cancer Patients
EUS provides vital information about the spread and depth of cancers affecting the digestive and respiratory systems. It also enables doctors to take tissue samples for biopsy, aiding in precise treatment planning.
Preparation for EUS
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Upper GI EUS: Fast for at least six hours before the procedure. Follow any specific instructions from your doctor regarding medications.
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Rectal/Colon EUS: You may need to follow a clear liquid diet, take laxatives, or consume a colonic cleansing solution to ensure a clean colon for the procedure.
Risks Involved
While EUS is generally safe, risks exist, particularly when fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is performed. These include:
Bleeding: Rare but can occur if the needle punctures blood vessels.
Infection: Can result from sampling fluid from cysts or tissues.
Pancreatitis: Rare inflammation of the pancreas, especially during FNA of the pancreas.
What Happens After EUS
Post-procedure, you'll be monitored as the sedatives wear off. Common side effects include bloating, sore throat, and mild abdominal discomfort due to air introduced during the procedure.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a specialized procedure used to examine the bile ducts, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder for abnormalities.
How ERCP Works
During ERCP, your doctor passes an endoscope through your mouth and into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). A catheter is inserted into the ducts, and contrast dye is injected to create X-ray images.
Preparation for ERCP
Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking for at least six hours before the procedure.
Medications: Discuss any medications you're taking with your doctor, especially blood thinners or insulin.
Expectations During ERCP
You will be sedated for comfort, and the procedure will be performed while you lie on your abdomen. Mild bloating may occur due to air introduced during the procedure.
Possible Complications of ERCP
Although rare, complications may include:
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
Infections: Especially after tissue sampling.
Bowel Perforation or Bleeding: Rare but possible during the procedure.
What Happens After ERCP
Post-procedure, you'll be monitored until the sedative effects wear off. You may feel bloated or pass gas. You can usually resume a normal diet unless advised otherwise.
Capsule Endoscopy Overview
Capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves swallowing a small camera in the form of a pill. The camera travels through the small intestine, capturing thousands of images to help detect abnormalities. These images are sent wirelessly to a recorder and later reviewed by your doctor.
Capsule endoscopy is primarily used to examine the small intestine, an area not accessible through traditional endoscopic methods like upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. It is commonly performed to:
- Investigate Bleeding: Identify causes of unexplained bleeding in the small intestine.
- Detect Conditions: Identify polyps, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and tumors.
Capsule endoscopy may not be covered by insurance unless previous tests, like upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, have been negative. Some insurance plans may require a small bowel series before approval. Our office will assist in obtaining the necessary approvals for your care.
You will receive detailed instructions from the office to ensure the best possible visualization during the procedure. Following these instructions carefully will help optimize the results.
Although rare, one potential risk is that the capsule may become stuck in a narrowed area of the digestive tract, causing bowel obstruction. This is more likely in patients with a stricture (narrowing) due to inflammation, previous surgery, or tumors. Symptoms of obstruction include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Hemorrhoid Banding Overview
Hemorrhoid banding is a simple and effective solution for treating hemorrhoids. This procedure, also known as rubber band ligation, involves using a small rubber band to address hemorrhoidal issues without the need for surgery.
How the Procedure Works
During the procedure, a gentle suction is applied to place a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid in an area that lacks nerve endings, making it pain-free. This process typically takes only about 60 seconds. Over the next few days, the hemorrhoid will shrink and eventually fall off, often without the patient noticing.
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