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Endoscopy Services

Inside View

To diagnose many digestive health issues, gastroenterologists and surgeons use a special flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope to examine the tissue along the digestive tract.

Types of Endoscopic Procedures

In addition to providing live images, endoscopy gives your digestive health team the ability to take tissue samples for further evaluation, incorporate other medical imaging technology and perform minimally invasive procedures.

Upper GI covers the esophagus, stomach & part of the small intestines.
Lower GI includes the colon & rectum.
Typically performed as outpatient tests with IV sedation or anesthesia.
These tests may require special preparation, so the team has a clear view.

Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy, also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with ultrasound of X-rays fluoroscopy. EGD can be used to take tissue for biopsy or remove small growths. It can be used to place a PEG tube to provide supplemental nutrition. EGD is available at the Center for Digestive Health in Tupelo and NMHS hospitals in Tupelo, Amory, and West Point, Mississippi, and Hamilton, Alabama. Additionally, EGD with endoscopic ultrasound is offered at the Center for Digestive Health. Conditions evaluated with upper GI endoscopy include:

Heartburn/GERD

Difficulties swallowing

Ulcers & other conditions that cause bleeding

Polyps or growths

Explore unexplained symptoms, like vomiting

Celiac disease

Cancer & pre-cancerous conditions

Lower GI Endoscopy

Lower GI endoscopy includes colonoscopy, which examines the entire colon, and flexible sigmoidoscopy that examines only the lower portion of the colon. The lower GI endoscopes can be used to take tissue for biopsy or remove small growths like polyps. They can both be used for colon cancer screening; colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening as it covers the entire colon. Lower GI endoscopy is available at the Center for Digestive Health in Tupelo and NMHS hospitals in Tupelo, Amory and West Point, Mississippi, and Hamilton, Alabama. Conditions evaluated with lower GI endoscopy include:

Bleeding from the anus

Pain in the abdomen

Changes in bowel movements

Unexplained weight loss

Colon cancer

Celiac disease

Cancer and pre-cancerous conditions

Examining Bile & Pancreatic Ducts

Using upper GI endoscopy and X-rays with fluoroscopy, your medical team can evaluate issues with bile and pancreatic ducts. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is offered at the Center for Digestive Health in Tupelo. ERCP is used to investigate conditions including:

Gallstones

Infection

Acute pancreatitis

Tumors or cancers of the bile ducts or pancreas

Monitoring Studies

In addition to upper and lower endoscopy, the Center for Digestive Health in Tupelo offers monitoring studies to track acid reflux in the esophagus. These tests track acid levels while you eat, drink, sleep and engage in daily life.

24-hour pH Impedance Testing uses a thin tube inserted through the nose into the esophagus that stays in place for 24 hours.
96-hour Bravo pH test uses a special capsule placed at the bottom of the esophagus using endoscopy to monitor acid levels over four days.