Interventional Endoscopy: Unveiling the Procedure in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Endoscopy, a groundbreaking medical procedure, has transformed the way we diagnose and treat various internal conditions. This minimally invasive technique enables physicians to directly examine and address issues within the body, including the esophagus, stomach, and colon. In this article, we delve into the world of interventional endoscopy, focusing on the comprehensive services provided by the Bariatric Surgical Center
Understanding Endoscopy
Endoscopy involves the utilization of a specialized instrument called an endoscope. This flexible tube is equipped with a camera and a light source, allowing doctors to navigate and visualize internal structures in real-time. This procedure is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, as it offers precision and minimal discomfort to patients during diagnosis and treatment.
The Tuscaloosa Bariatric Surgical Center’s Endoscopy Department
Nestled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, The Bariatric Surgical Center
is committed to delivering top-tier, compassionate care to all patients. Boasting state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by experienced endoscopists and critical care nurses proficient in administering moderate sedation, this department ensures the successful completion of numerous procedures each day.
Procedures
The Bariatric Surgical Center offers an array of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures. Some of the key procedures include:
- Upper Endoscopy: Also known as EGD, this procedure entails a comprehensive examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, and tumors..
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is employed to meticulously inspect the colon and rectum, facilitating the detection of issues such as polyps, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Focusing on the lower part of the colon, this procedure allows for the identification of abnormalities and conditions in this region.
- Esophageal Motility Testing: This test assesses the functionality of the esophagus, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy: This therapeutic procedure is employed to treat conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition of the esophagus..
- The department also provides various interventions when necessary, including biopsies, polypectomies, hemostasis (to stop bleeding), sclerotherapy, stent insertion, dilation, PEG placement (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy), and foreign body removal.
Preparing for Your Procedure
On the day of your endoscopy procedure at the Bariatric Surgical Center’s Endoscopy Department, it is imperative to arrive an hour before your scheduled time. This allows the medical team to adequately prepare you for the procedure. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your convenience.
Post-Procedure Care
Following your endoscopy, it is crucial to have a family member or designated driver present to remain with you for 2-3 hours. You may experience temporary side effects, including drowsiness, soreness, or forgetfulness, necessitating the presence of a responsible individual to drive you home safely.
Upon returning home, meticulously adhere to your doctor’s instructions, particularly concerning medication and rest. You will be provided with a comprehensive instruction sheet outlining what to watch for and any specific post-procedure guidelines. If you encounter any issues or have inquiries, do not hesitate to reach out to your physician for guidance.
FAQs
Most all BCBS of Alabama policies require them, some do not. You’ll need to call the number on the back of your card and ask a customer service representative or we can tell you when you call for the first consultation.
Each state is different. Check with the insurance company by phone, online or wait until the consult.
You need to call your Insurance Company or check online before starting the process. Check to see if you have an “exclusion” for Bariatric surgery.
There are complications and risks for any procedure and weight loss surgery is no exception. These risks although rare need to be considered when making a choice in regards to weight loss procedures and different procedures have different risks. The risks of the procedures will be fully explained during seminars and pre-operative counseling with your surgeon.
The mortality rate, or risk of death, various depending on the procedure a patient chooses. For example, gastric bypass carries a mortality rate less than 1/2 of a percent (0.5%) and some newer studies place that risk as low as 1/4 of a percent (0.25%). The mortality rate for banding type procedures is even far less that 0.025%. Our practice is well within the lowest mortality risk percentage but patients should understand this risk is rare but real. Any surgeon or group of surgeons who perform this type of procedure will have to face this issue with their patients and their patients’ families. One should weigh the risks and benefits of any procedure one chooses and discuss these risks with your surgeon.
Lap-Band – Overnight, subject to change
Gastric Sleeve – 2 days, subject to change
Gastric Bypass – 3 days, subject to change
There is no lifting greater than 5# for the first 6 weeks, so your return to work will be according to these guidelines. Many patients that have less physical jobs return in 2-3 weeks or sooner.
Feel free to call the office and ask to speak to Annette. She will give you “out of pocket” expenses. Patients interested in paying for their surgery will be given an all inclusive fee that covers the surgeon, the anesthesiology team as well as the hospital stay. Patients should understand however if they choose to pay for their surgery then any complications of surgery will NOT be covered by their insurance in most cases. Because of this issue we are involved with BLIS (a provider of insurance for this specific purpose). Feel free to ask about these insurance plans. You can learn more about BLIS on their website.
This is done on an individual basis. Some medications will need to be broken or crushed but that will be determined closer to time for surgery. There are certain medications which we recommend not taking after gastric bypass. A list will be provided that you can also share with your primary physician. For patients choosing banding procedures are sleeve procedures usually no medication changes are needed except for having to crush or decrease the size of some medications as the band is tightened.
This will be set up by our office and completed on the day of your class prior to surgery. Beverly, your nurse will give you details when closer to surgery.
Yes, and we encourage it. The support group schedule is listed on the website. You will be required to attend two meetings prior to surgery.
Depending on your insurance requirements, medical history, and surgeon requirements, the process will vary. We would need to know your policy requirements before giving an estimate. Some patients can have surgery within a few weeks; others may take up to a year.
Yes, if you have medical problems requiring treatment (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc). If you don’t have one ask your friends who they use, or we may be able to help you.
You’ll be on full liquids for the 1st 2 weeks following surgery and advance from this point. The dietitian will give you all the information you’ll need to help you for the 1st 6 weeks and thereafter at your pre-op class. We’ll provide you with menus, shopping lists, and booklets to help you with your diet.
Yes, other WLS patient’s are more than happy to share their experiences with upcoming patients. They are always available at the support group.
There will be approximately 6-8 visits during the first year for the gastric bypass and then annually if all goes well. Patients who choose a banding procedures will need to come in more frequently (about every 6 weeks) until the band is working well for them (“the Green Zone”). Afterwards, the patient can make appointments based on their individual needs. For patients that choose the sleeve, appointments will be similar to that of the gastric bypass. Follow-up is extremely important and a key to your success. We will be gathering labs, bands will be getting fill-ins if needed, and this is an opportunity to make sure that if a problem arises we find it early.
We encourage walking immediately, but we want you to wait until you’re released at 6 weeks to start strenuous exercise such as weight lifting or other resistance training as well as more intense workouts such as aerobics or other routines. At 6 weeks, you’re free to do normal activities.
You can resume normal activities at 6 weeks. If the port comes loose, and occasionally it does, it will have to be repaired, but you can do everything after your band that you did prior to your surgery.
Some insurance policies require 6 months of Primary Care supervised visits prior to submitting for approval. This will be explained in detail at your first meeting.
The patient makes the decision as to which surgery he/she prefers, although, in the event of certain medical conditions, your surgeon may discuss a better option for you. This will be discussed in a separate appointment.
The lap band and Gastric Bypass guidelines are the same, with the exception of insurance policy guidelines. Please call the office and we will assist you with this.
Typically, the band can take from 60 minutes to 2 hours. The sleeve and bypass ranges from 2 to 4 hours.
Yes, and we will let you know at your pre-op class and at the support group which vitamins are important for you.
This depends on your insurance guidelines, medical history, current medical issues, and the surgeon’s requirements. This will be determined after you attend the first meeting.
This depends on the type of work you do. If you are not performing strenuous labor or heavy lifting then you may return to work as soon as you feel you are ready. Some patients return to work within days. Otherwise in the case of more strenuous jobs, one may have to wait the full 6 weeks.
