TRINITY MEDICAL CENTER FIRST AND ONLY IN STATE TO BE RECOGNIZED BY LEADING GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICAL SOCIETY FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY - Learn More >>

Board-certified gastroenterologists perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, using the latest technology in digital endoscopy.. This allows physicians to see into parts of the body not easily accessible by other means. 

Common endoscopic procedures include:

Colonoscopy - This is the examination of the large intestine and the gold standard for the early detection of colon cancer and/or cancerous lesions. Most insurance companies cover the cost of regular colonscopy screenings for adults over a certain age. 

Sigmoidoscopy - This is limited to the lower portion of the colon, and is useful in diagnosing cancer, polyps, hemorrhoids and possible sources of rectal bleeding.

Gastroscopy - This procedure allows physicians to see abnormalities in the upper G.I. tract (esophagus, stomach and small intestines).

Our goal is to make the procedure as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our staff is highly trained, including our nurses who are certified in gastrointestinal nursing. Our state-of-the-art equipment uses the most effective and efficient technology available.

Once patients are admitted, a nurse will go over the procedure with the patient and family and answer any questions. Before the procedure, patients are given a moderate sedative so that they are relaxed and more comfortable. Depending on what is being done, the actual procedure can last anywhere from one minute to one hour. Patients then relax in the recovery unit for about one hour before returning home.

Barrett's Esophagus

For those who suffer from heartburn and chest discomfort known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), there is increased risk of developing a form of esophageal cancer that is the fastest growing cancer in the United States.  It is also one of the most deadly, with a five-year survival rate of just 17 percent.

A new technology known as HALO radiofrequency ablation can now safely remove the abnormal Barrett’s cells before they progress to life-threatening cells.  Birmingham gastroenterologist Dr. Mark Janich, who has introduced this technology to Birmingham, likens the HALO procedure to the colonoscopic removal of colon polyps to prevent colon cancer.  “We now have a safe, well tolerated outpatient endoscopic procedure that should allow us to eliminate Barrett’s tissue in almost every case and prevent this often fatal cancer.  A recently published study showed that 98 percent of Barrett’s patients treated with HALO ablation were completely free of disease two and a half years after treatment.”

The procedure, being performed at Trinity Medical Center, involves a gastroenterologist inserting either a balloon based electrode, or a smaller electrode device on the tip of the endoscope, down the esophagus of the sedated patient.  While viewing the Barrett’s segment directly with the camera of the endoscope, short pulses of energy are delivered to destroy the Barrett’s tissue that lines the inner surface of the esophagus. 

“HALO ablation removes the Barrett’s cells but limits damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.  The HALO technology allows for a superficial ablation and thus results in a very low complication rate,” says Dr. Janich.  “The procedure time is typically 30 minutes or less and the patients go home that same day.”

It is estimated that one in 10 individuals with chronic GERD will develop a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s Esophagus.   Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus are 30-125 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population.  Other precancerous disease states such as colon polyps, cervical dysplasia, and skin lesions have been removed prior to the need for major surgery.  Barrett’s patients instead have undergone repeat surveillance endoscopies to search for cancer or high-grade dysplasia, which historically has then lead to surgical removal of the esophagus when found.

This deadly cancer associated with Barrett’s Esophagus has risen in incidence 500 percent over the past three decades.  “We believe that the HALO procedure will halt the rise in esophageal cancers, just as colonoscopies and polyp removal have reduced the number of new colon cancers we are seeing,” explains Dr. Janich.  “By proactively eliminating the precursor to this cancer we believe that the esophageal cancer that Barrett’s patients live in fear of should become a thing of the past.”

DOUBLE BALLOON ENDOSCOPY
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR NON-SURGICAL INTERVENTION OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Trinity Medical Center is one of nine medical facilities in the United States utilizing the most advanced technology for minimally invasive diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of the small intestine. The Double Balloon Endoscopy allows physicians to endoscopically evaluate and treat disorders of the small intestine previously inaccessible without invasive surgery.  This is a significant advancement in patient care.

The small intestine is the most difficult organ of the gastrointestinal tract to access by way of endoscopy.  This is due to its extraordinary length and distance from a convenient bodily orifice.  “This is the first time, since the advent of endoscopy some 40 year ago, that we can examine the entire small bowel and use a range of therapeutic tools for tissue acquisition and therapy,” said Dr. Leonard Ou-Tim, gastroenterologist at Montclair.  “Basically, this technology allows us to forgo a cumbersome and lengthy abdominal surgery and laparotomy which was the only option for many patients previously.”

EGD Endoscopes, commonly known as gastroscopes, can reach the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum.  Longer enteroscopes were developed to facilitate the visualization of the upper portion of the small bowel, but have proved to be difficult to use by physicians and difficult for the patient.  These scope procedures allow physicians to perform biopsies and other therapeutic maneuvers.  Recently introduced capsule, or wireless endoscopy, allows for complete examination of the small bowel although it is unable to confirm observations, sample by biopsy, or allow for therapeutic intervention or treatment of any type during the examination.  Double Balloon Endoscopy technology changes this paradigm by allowing for both examination and intervention throughout the entire small bowel via endoscopy.

“I believe this technology represents the last frontier in gastroenterology,” explained Dr. Ou-Tim.  “The advent of wireless endoscopy has allowed physicians to diagnose unexplained bleeding, Crohn’s disease, multi-generating polyps, arteriovenous malformations (AVM’s) and other disorders of the small intestine.  However, not until the development of the Double Balloon Endoscopy system, have physicians been able to endoscopically intervene and treat clinical pathology without open surgical intervention.  No longer is the small bowel ‘the dark continent’ of the GI tract.”

The vast majority of endoscopic procedures are done on an outpatient basis.  G.I. Services is conveniently located on the first floor of the medical center.