More Patients Benefit From Endoscopies

Endoscopy procedures more than doubled in the last three years at the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital. In 1998, 444 colonoscopies were performed and last year, 1053 were done.

In the past, these procedures could be somewhat uncomfortable. However, now with the continual presence of an anesthetist, clients report greater comfort during the procedure and are pleased with the ease of the examination. Colonoscopies and gastroscopies are medical examinations performed by the Operating Room Team to save lives by helping to diagnose and to screen some illnesses.

A gastroscopy is an examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small bowel) with a special instrument called a gastroscope. The gastroscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light, suction and camera. The tube is introduced though the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum and an image is transmitted back to a television screen.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside surface of the colon (part of the intestine) with a tube similar to the gastroscope. Biopsies can be taken through both endoscopes and polyps can be removed.

Colonoscopy is an important diagnostic procedure for early detection of colorectal cancer. Screening for colorectal cancer often begins around age 50 depending on the personal and family history.

By adopting a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fats, by exercising regularly and drinking moderately, people can decrease their risk of developing colorectal cancer.

In Hawkesbury, the endoscopies are now done 4 days a week with a referral from the family doctor, or on an emergency basis.