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Patient Forms Frequently Asked Questions News & Information
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Services Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, liver). We evaluate problems including heartburn, abdominal pain, weight loss, colitis, swallowing difficulties, constipation, diarrhea, gallstones, ulcers, jaundice, bleeding, colon polyps and cancer of the digestive tract. We perform a wide range of procedures including ERCP, Colon Cancer Screening, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy and Video Capsule Endoscopy to assist in the evaluation and management of GI disorders. Dr. Ruffolo is available for consultation services to patients in eastern NC requiring GI evaluation. Office consultations are available to inpatients at Beaufort6 County Hospital. During a consultation Dr Ruffolo and his staff will perform a detailed history and physical exam as appropriate to assess your symptoms. Treatment and evaluation recommendations (including possible endoscopic studies, lab work or imaging studies) will be discussed and decided upon. Our goal at Coastal GI to provide individualized attention to each patient so that we can determine the most effective and efficient approach to your symptoms or GI problems.
These procedures are routine, safe and effective ways for healthcare providers to visually examine the digestive tract. They are often the best way for a healthcare provider to locate and diagnose unexplained gastrointestinal problems. Both of these procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort.
ERCP, or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, is used primarily to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts. These include gallstones, inflammatory strictures (scars), leaks from trauma or surgery and cancer. ERCP is minimally invasive and combines the use of x-rays and an endoscope. Through the endoscope, the physician injects dye into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on x-rays. This procedure allows the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
Video Capsule Endoscopy is now being offered at Beaufort County Hospital. It allows direct visualization of the small bowel previously only seen by surgical techniques. The vitamin sized capsule is a small camera that emits a light and takes two (2) pictures per second as it traverses the gastrointestinal tract. The pill is easily swallowed and transmits the images to a recording device. These images are then downloaded to a computer where they are reviewed by a physician. The capsule provides the unique ability to film the lining of the small intestine well beyond the reach of the standard endoscope. The capsule may also be able to locate suspected small bowel tumors, suspected Crohn’s Disease, bleeding sites as well as other diseases of the small intestine. Although colorectal cancer is preventable, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It affects both men and women and is most common in people 50 and older. Regular screening detects colon polyps which can be removed before they become cancer. People 50 and older and people with a family history of bowel disease should see their doctor for regular screening.
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