Patient Services
South Bay Gastroenterology Medical Group's physicians physicians are all board-certified in gastroenterology and are highly trained professional specialists, each of which has had extensive experience and expertise in the care and treatment of a wide variety of gastroenterological problems. As such, they perform a number of related procedures mostly, but not always, on an out-patient basis.
The most common procedures performed by South Bay GI’s physicians include Upper GI Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, ERCP, and Endoscopic Ultrasound, all of which utilize video endoscopic devices. In general, “Endoscopy” refers to the use of an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera at its end which transmits its images to a video screen, allowing the gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Upper GI Endoscopy: “Upper GI Endoscopy” is the visual exploration of the gastrointestinal tract which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Colonoscopy: The term “colonoscopy” means looking inside a patient’s colon with an endoscope. It is a procedure performed by specially trained gastroenterologists. The doctor directly observes the inside of a patient’s colon to determine if there are any potential or actual problems and to determine what action, if any, is required. Cancer surveillance and the identification of colon polyps are the most frequently performed colonoscopies.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP): “ERCP” is very special endoscopic procedure done in the hospital and which should only be performed by highly trained, experienced gastroenterologists. It involves exploration of the pancreatic duct and bile ducts of the liver in order to allow the physician to diagnose and treat for pancreatic and certain liver disorders.
Endoscopic Ultrasound: “Endoscopic Ultrasound” is the newest and most highly technical procedure in gastroenterology. It represents the future in the diagnoses and treatment of most gastrointestinal disorders.
