Our board-certified gastroenterologists and advanced practice providers have extensive training in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, esophagus, gallbladder, and pancreas. We use some of the best imaging and treatment technology available in the region to perform state-of-the-art GI procedures for patients in South Georgia and North Florida.
Archbold’s gastroenterologists perform the following diagnostic and advanced, minimally invasive GI procedures:
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy exam detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
Upper Endoscopy (Upper EGD)
An upper EGD may be recommended if you’re having trouble swallowing, painful heartburn, feeling full quickly, or coughing up or vomiting blood. Using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and a small video camera on the end), your gastroenterologist will insert the tube down your throat to examine the inner lining of the upper GI tract–your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Capsule Endoscopy (The PillCam™)
Often referred to as capsule endoscopy, the non-invasive procedure involves a patient swallowing a pill-like capsule that takes clear images of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon as it moves through the GI tract. The PillCam™ allows physicians to detect GI abnormalities, monitor disease activity, and assess treatment efficacy.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) allows your doctor to examine your esophageal and stomach linings and the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. EUS is used to evaluate known abnormalities, including lumps or lesions and can also diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct, and gallbladder. EUS is also commonly used to assess cancer's depth and to determine if it has spread to other areas of the body.
Most patients are under sedation as the gastroenterologist passes an ultrasound endoscope through your mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a procedure commonly used to diagnose and treat liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas problems. It combines X-ray and the use of an endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube. Patients are typically under sedation when a physician inserts the endoscope into their mouth and throat to examine the small intestine. Once the endoscope is in place, a tube is passed through the scope to inject a dye to highlight the organs on an X-ray.
48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH Monitor
The Bravo pH test involves attaching a capsule to your esophagus to measure acid reflux from your stomach. Your doctor may recommend a Bravo pH test if it's suspected that you have gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer.
Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE)
A double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a minimally invasive medical procedure that allows doctors to evaluate the small intestine (or small bowel). If you’re experiencing symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, or bowel obstructions, your doctor may recommend a DBE procedure to help diagnose and treat these conditions.
Percutaneous Gastrostomy (PEG)
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (or PEG for short) is a procedure during which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids, and medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. Your physician may recommend a PEG placement if you’re experiencing problems with swallowing, lack of appetite, or if the inability to eat, drink, or swallow is impacting your nutrition.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea, and other intestinal problems. It can also be used to screen for colon cancer. During the procedure, your physician will use a tiny video camera at the tip of a thin tube to view the inside of the rectum, the sigmoid colon, and most of the descending colon—just under the last 2 feet (about 50 centimeters) of the large intestine. If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken through the scope during the exam.
Lactose Intolerance Tests
If you are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and nausea within a half hour to two hours of eating or drinking any dairy products, your doctor may recommend a lactose tolerance test. Lactose tolerance tests measure your body's ability to break down lactose and are used to help diagnose lactose intolerance.
Archbold Gastroenterology
112 Mimosa Drive
Thomasville, GA, 31792
229.584.5590
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