Gastroenterology Services at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital

Our Approach

We have internal and external contracted doctors that will perform your procedure. Here is what you will need to know regarding your upcoming Gastroenterology procedure.

Understanding your procedure:

Please keep in mind when scheduling your procedure

• You will need to have a driver. You will not be able to drive, return to work, or have any other appointments for the remainder of the day.
• You will receive some written information in the mail to your home address regarding your procedure.
• You will receive a phone call from one of our nurses to review your health history.
• You will receive a phone call from Central Scheduling to schedule a COVID-19 test. This test needs to be completed 72 hours prior to your procedure.

These procedures are done at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville. You will check in at our Emergency Room Entrance and be taken to our department from there.

You can expect to be at your appointment for 1.5 to 2 hours total.

List of Different Procedures available at Ridges Hospital:

• Colonoscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• Upper Endoscopy

Colonoscopy:

A colonoscopy is the most accurate test to detect colon polyps and colon cancer, and the only test where polys can be removed. During this procedure, a doctor examines the lining of your large intestine and rectum through a flexible tube called a colonoscope.

To produce the best and most accurate results, your colon must be completely clean. You will drink a special bowel cleansing preparation to help clean out your colon. You will also need to follow a special diet several days prior to your scheduled colonoscopy.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon for abnormal growths or tissue. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a flexible, hollow tube (called a sigmoidoscope) into the anus and advances it slowly into the rectum and lower colon. If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove a sample for further examination or biopsy. Pain medication and/or sedatives are not generally needed for this exam.

Upper Endoscopy:

An upper endoscopy (also referred to as an EGD [Esophagogastroduodenoscopy]) is a test performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. During the procedure, a doctor examines the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine through a thin, flexible tube called and endoscope.

If growths or other abnormalities are found during the procedure, the doctor may remove the abnormal tissue for further examination, or biopsy. An upper endoscopy may also be used to treat various conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as narrowing, abnormal growths, or bleeding.