Endoscopy procedures and inpatient and outpatient surgeries are performed in Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s new North Patient Tower. The tower’s endoscopy unit contains six state-of-the-art suites fitted with the latest equipment and technology, such as high definition endoscopes, which offer physicians the clearest view for optimal diagnosis.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Endoscopy department is staffed by physicians expertly trained in endoscopic procedures.
We offer a variety of treatment options for digestive tract problems.
Digestive conditions we treat
- Ulcers
- Polyps
- Tumors
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Bleeding
Digestive treatment options
- Routine screening and diagnostic colonoscopy
- Routine screening and diagnostic sigmoidoscopy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
We also offer services to assess and treat conditions in the lungs.
Lung conditions we treat
- Tumors
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Abnormalities
Lung treatment options
- Bronchoscopy
- Endoscopic bronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
Other services include:
Esophageal Manomety Testing: A test used to measure the function of the esophagus.
48 Hour BRAVO Testing: A small capsule, about the size of a gel cap, is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus during an upperendoscopy. The capsule measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits readings by radio telecommunications to a receiver (about the size of a pager) worn on your belt or waistband.
24 Hour Esophageal Testing: Measures and records the pH in your esophagus to determine if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The test can also be done to determine the effectiveness of medications or surgical treatment for GERD.
BARRX Procedure: A treatment option for Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition that can often result from chronic heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Celiac Plexus Blocks: for severe chronic abdominal pain associated with Chronic Pancreatitis and cancer.
For your safety, an adult who will wait during the procedure, drive you home and stay with you the day of your procedure MUST accompany you. Patients who arrive without an adult caregiver for the day will be rescheduled.
PLEASE CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO COMPLETE YOUR PREP. For questions, call 770-219-3564.
DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure (unless otherwise directed by the doctor). This includes water, coffee, cola, tea, gum and mints.
DO NOT smoke for at least 12 hours before your procedure.
Remove all jewelry, including body piercings, the day of your procedure.
Do not wear contact lenses the morning of your procedure. If you must wear lenses, bring a case and solution with you.
Take only medicines as instructed by your doctor. You may take them with a SIP of water – not coffee, milk or juice.
Take a bath or shower the night before your procedure and leave all your valuables at home.
If you are to be admitted to the hospital instead of going home after your procedure, your family will receive information on room accommodations and may be asked to move their vehicle.
For 24 hours after your procedure, DO NOT:
- make any legal or important decisions
- drive a vehicle
- drink alcohol
NOTE: You MUST have an adult with you who can drive you home after the procedure and, preferably, stay with you for 24 hours.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows:
- better visualization of the digestive tract and pancreas to help determine size and location of tumors in the pancreas and whether the tumor has spread to nearby blood vessels and organs
- passage of a needle into the tumor to obtain samples for a quicker and more accurate diagnosis
At Northeast Georgia Medical Center, EUS is performed by Neeraj Sharma, MD, of Gastroenterology Associates of Gainesville.