Gastrointestinal Laboratory
The gastrointestinal laboratory (GI Lab) at Saint Francis Medical Center offers various procedures to diagnose diseases and conditions related to the stomach and intestines. Working in conjunction with gastroenterology physician specialists, the GI Lab offers the following tests and procedures:
An upper endoscopy allows a physician to examine the lining of the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) by passing a lighted, flexible fiber-optic tube through the mouth. It is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
Upper endoscopy and peg tube placment is a procedure used to place a feeding tube through the wall of the stomach for liquid feedings. In most cases, it is used for long-term feeding in patients who cannot eat or drink by mouth.
Bronchoscopy is an exam providing a direct view of the lungs to help diagnose breathing problems. A thin, flexible tube with an attached camera and light is inserted through the nose into the lungs.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a lighted, flexible fiber-optic or video endoscope to visually examine the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is used to diagnose and detect problems related to rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, rectal pain and colon polyps.
Colonoscopy utilizes a lighted, flexible fiber-optic or video endoscope to visually examine the large intestine (colon). It is used to diagnose and detect colon cancer, polyps, colitis, diverticulosis/diverticulitis, bleeding lesions, abdominal discomfort or chronic diarrhea/constipation.
For more information on Saint Francis' GI Lab, please call 573-331-5270 or e-mail sfmc@sfmc.net.