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Inside the offices of GI Specialists, PC at 80 Humphreys is our outpatient, endoscopic facility. We specialize in colorectal cancer screening and the treatment of various digestive diseases. When patients choose to use an outpatient surgery center, also called an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), most find that the process is much more convenient, as well as more personal. Our center offers a relaxed environment with medical staff focused on offering individualized patient care. Our specialized staff helps each patient’s visit go as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Ease of Use
Since our center focuses on a limited number of procedures, most patients find that we are much easier to navigate than a typical hospital environment.

One Location
Our center offers patient registration, waiting rooms, surgical suites and recovery rooms all in one convenient location.

Scheduling Options
To meet a patient’s specific scheduling needs, we offer a number of scheduling options. Plus, since all surgeries at an ASC are scheduled, your procedure is never bumped or delayed by an emergency case.

Endoscopy Center offers a range of procedures to assist you and your physician in identifying an illness or treating a condition.Your body’s digestive system (also called your gastrointestinal system or GI tract) plays a key role in your overall health and well-being. Click on each procedure to find out more information, including an overview of each procedure, what to expect and how to prepare.

Upper Endoscopy    Click here for overview    Click here for preparation guide

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy    Click here for overview    Click here for preparation guide

Colonoscopy    Click here for overview    Click here for preparation guide

Hemorrhoid Procedures

Hemorrhoid Banding    Click here for overview

Also called an EGD or gastroscopy, an upper endoscopy uses a thin scope with a light and camera at its tip, called an endoscope, to look inside the upper digestive system of the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. The endoscope is passed through the mouth and down the throat to the esophagus. It may also have a small biopsy instrument to remove tissue that is then checked under a microscope for abnormalities.

What to Expect During the Screening
You will be given a sedative, and a local anesthetic may be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the gag reflex when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth as well as the endoscope.

In most cases, an intravenous line will be inserted into the arm to administer the sedation and any medications that might be needed. You will lie on your left side, and, after the sedative has taken effect, the endoscope will be gently guided through the esophagus to the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. Air will be introduced through the endoscope to enhance viewing. The lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine is examined, and biopsies can be performed at the same time. After the test is complete, food and liquids will be restricted to prevent choking until the anesthetic wears off and the gag reflex returns.

The actual test lasts about 10 to 20 minutes. There may be a sensation of gas after the procedure. Biopsies cannot be felt. Because of the intravenous sedation, you likely will not feel any discomfort and may have no memory of the test.

What Can Be Found?
An upper endoscopy can help determine causes for heartburn, the presence of hiatal hernias, the cause of abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, and the cause of swallowing difficulties, upper GI bleeding, and the presence of tumors or ulcers.

A sigmoidoscopy is an internal exam of the lower part of the large colon using a short, thin, flexible lighted tube (“scope”). It is inserted into the rectum and slowly guided into the colon. The tube, called a flexible sigmoidoscope, has a lens for viewing. It may also have a small biopsy instrument to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

What to Expect During the Screening
During the test the patient is positioned on the left side with knees drawn up toward the chest. First, the doctor will do a digital rectal exam by gently inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities.

Next, the sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum, and the patient will feel some pressure. Air is gently introduced through the scope to expand the colon and help the doctor see well. The doctor then moves the scope as far as needed to examine the lower colon. As the scope is slowly removed, the lining of the bowel is carefully examined. A hollow channel in the center of the scope allows for the passage of forceps for taking a biopsy if needed.

What Can Be Found?
The doctor can help the patient determine the cause of abnormal results and diagnose the cause of diarrhea, bowel obstruction, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures, hemorrhoids as well as find colon polyps that might be in this lower part of the colon.

A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the entire large intestine (colon) using a lighted, flexible colonoscope. To be certain you are comfortable and relaxed, you will be sedated through an I.V. In fact, most patients are asleep during the entire process and remember little to nothing about it. Please click here for more detailed information.

Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, can cause pain, itching, bleeding, blood clots and infection. To treat persistent hemorrhoids, your doctor may perform hemorrhoid banding. During this procedure, the doctor will place a rubber band around the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply, causing it to wither.
Please click here for more detailed information.

Medical Center Endoscopy Group has a proven track record of excellence that you and your family can count on. Since 1991, Medical Center Endoscopy Group has performed thousands of procedures each year for the Memphis community. Our mission is to provide excellence in gastrointestinal care while serving our patients with dedication, respect and genuine concern for your well being.

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