Southwest Endoscopy Center
| Southwest Endoscopy Center Southwestern Colorado’s Accredited and Quality-Recognized Endoscopy Center Celebrating our 22th year of service as Southwest Colorado’s leading provider of outpatient endoscopy services Since our facility opened in 2001 we have performed nearly 60,000 endoscopic procedures in a convenient, safe, private, comfortable and cost-effective atmosphere. Your time is very important to us. Even though we have a lot to do during your short stay to complete your procedure in a safe and effective manner, one of our key goals is to get you home as quickly as possible. In most cases, patients seen at our facility for an endoscopic procedure are ready to be discharged home less than 2 hours after check-in. Procedures Commonly Performed at our Center Colonoscopy click for additional information from the ASGE Colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine (colon) which is frequently performed for routine colon cancer screening, detection and removal of potentially precancerous growths (polyps), evaluation of symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding or constipation, and the monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Colonoscopy FAQs at Digestive Health | High-Quality Colonoscopy Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy click for additional information from the ASGE Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is an examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum often performed for the evaluation of symptoms such as heartburn, trouble swallowing, abdominal pain or indigestion, vomiting or weight loss, or a sensation of filling up too fast. Endoscopy is also often performed in individuals who have reflux symptoms such as heartburn to screen for complications such as the potentially precancerous problem known as Barrett’s esophagus. Upper Endoscopy FAQs at Digestive Health Esophageal dilation click for additional information from the ASGE Esophageal dilation is the treatment of narrowing in the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, allergic disease of the esophagus (eosinophilic esophagitis) or other disease processes. Dilation is performed with a variety of instruments, including tapered plastic or rubber-like tubes and balloon catheters. Dilation is generally performed during an upper endoscopy. Minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments We offer hemorrhoidal band ligation (placement of temporary internal rubber (or latex-free, when needed) bands at the base of hemorrhoids) using the CRH O’Regan system or other (endoscopic or anoscopic) ligators. We also offer infrared coagulation (infrared light-based coagulation probe) treatment. These treatments can all be initiated at the time of colonoscopy. Follow-up procedures, often needed to complete a course of effective care, can be scheduled in our clinic. Important processes of care at our facility: Sedation In most cases procedures at the Center are performed under IV procedural sedation/anesthesia. Unlike a general anesthetic for which an artificial breathing tube must be inserted, during procedural sedation/anesthesia patients are asleep enough not to feel or remember painful aspects of the procedure, but awake enough to maintain breathing and other essential body functions. Sedatives in our facility are usually administered by a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Our patients are closely monitored by their CRNA, who has no other tasks during the procedure. Our monitoring procedures additionally include ECG (heart electrical tracing), oximetry (blood oxygen level) and capnography (exhaled breath carbon dioxide level). All patients receive supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula or mask. Pathology examinations Tissue is commonly removed during endoscopic procedures. Any biopsies, polyps or other specimens obtained or removed during a procedure at our facility are referred for examination by a pathologist with expert training in the evaluation of gastrointestinal endoscopic specimens . Your Digestive Health doctor will communicate your pathology findings directly to you, typically by telemedicine or office follow-up appointment. Frequently Asked Questions How are flexible endoscopes cleaned between patients? What are the differences between our endoscopy center and Mercy Regional Medical Center’s endoscopy facility? Additional information Please visit the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s patient education site for additional general information about gastrointestinal endoscopy. Facility Administration Jennifer Noonan, RN, CGRN | Director of Nursing, Center Manager and Facility Administrator Stuart Saslow, MD | Medical Director The Southwest Endoscopy Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. |