Endoscopy for GI Conditions

Gastroenterologists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health evaluate the esophagus, stomach and intestine with modern endoscopic procedures. We use the thinnest and least invasive equipment with your rapid recovery in mind.

Endoscopy explores the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. Endoscopic procedures make it possible for doctors to recommend treatment for upper and lower digestive system disorders.

This minimally invasive technique uses a light and a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. The placement of the endoscope depends on the location of your condition in the GI tract.

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 7 by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas every year since the award began and one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.

Patient-Centric Surgical Procedures

Endoscopy is the vehicle for minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic surgery). Our Underwood Center surgeons use laparoscopic techniques across many surgical specialties, including cancer and digestive surgeries.

Minimally invasive surgery creates smaller incisions, which leads to smaller scars. We use the most precise instruments available, leading to a faster recovery.

Types of GI Endoscopy We Perform

With access to state-of-the-art equipment, our center specialists perform multiple types of diagnostic procedures, including tens of thousands of colorectal screenings every year.

• Upper endoscopy (or EGD) – assesses interior surfaces of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine) by inserting an endoscope into the body. The instrument provides images for visual inspection, can take biopsies (tissue samples) and retrieve foreign objects.  It is also referred to as an EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
• Capsule endoscopy – places a camera inside a pill-sized capsule that you swallow. The camera takes pictures of your small intestine, which is harder to reach and assess with an upper endoscopy. The instrument transmits to a belt you wear equipped with a recorder.
• Lower endoscopy (or colonoscopy) – uses an endoscope to view the colon and rectum (colonoscope). If found, polyps or other irritated tissue can be removed using the colonoscope.

GI Conditions We Diagnose

Our gastroenterologists use an endoscopy to help diagnose and treat the following conditions:

• Barrett’s esophagus
• Crohn’s disease
• Diverticulitis
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hiatal hernia
• Heartburn
• Lactose intolerance
• Pancreatitis
• Ulcer
• Ulcerative colitis