What We Provide
Advanced Gastroenterology Procdures and Screening
We understand that Gastrointestinal issues are not typically the most comfortable topic to discuss, which is the primary reason so many Americans suffer from GI related issues for years without seeking help.
Gastrointestinal problems are quite common and as many as 1 in 4 Americans today are living with symptoms from IBS, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
Additionally, Ironwood GI specializes in preventative care. Our state of the art technology and decades of expertise has been helping Tucsonans diagnose a treat major health issues such as colorectal cancer early for a full recovery and long life. Most forms of colon cancer are very treatable if caught early and we implore everyone to responsibly get regular advanced screenings.
Issues that we help our patients overcome
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Structural disorders of the bowel
- Diverticular disease
- Colon polyps and cancer
- Colitis including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Diseases of the liver and pancreas
Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer has become the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States today, and unfortunately has become more and more common. While colonoscopy procedures have been recommended for those over the age of 50 in the past, it’s becoming much more common for younger people to schedule a colonoscopy as a preventative measure. Anyone with no history or common risk factors should consider getting a colonoscopy screening by age 45. and those that have any family or personal history of colon cancer, IBS, adenomatous polyps, or other abnormalities should consider earlier frequent screenings.
Utilizing modern tools, a colonoscopy screening is used to evaluate any abnormalities in the colon, diagnose possible issues, and is a powerful preventative tool to ensure long lasting health. Early detection is essential to prevent colon cancer, enabling our phyisicians to detect and remove cancerous or precancerous polyps. Additionally we can gain an understanding of any underlying issues related to various gastrointestinal conditions, including hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Treatment
Hemorrhoids are an incredibly common health condition that affects more than half the population, but if often not discussed and goes unaddressed for many people. Most patients affected by hemorroids just wait until the symptoms go away and never treat the underlying issue.
You don’t need to live this way – you can get lasting relief! Ironwood Gastroenterology has helped thousands of Tucson patients just like you with both surgical and non-surgical methods. This includes options such as band ligation procedures that enable us to remove hemorrhoids with a 99% efficiency. It’s a simple, pain-free, and out-patient procedure that commonly requires no preparation or anesthesia. For more complicated issues, we have decades of experience if any surgery is required with surgery options conveniently in Tucson and Green Valley.
Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)
An Upper GI Endoscopy, also calld an EGD or an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a procedure that allows our physicians to examine the upper part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract in great detail. During the procedure, a thin tubular camera called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat. The high-resolution camera allows us to
- Check for abnormal areas, such as inflammation, bleeding, ulcers, or tumors
- Diagnose conditions like cancer, Barrett esophagus, ulcers, GERD, or celiac disease
- Remove polyps or other growths
- Examine abnormal bleeding
- Remove foreign objects
- And much more
Upper GI endoscopy procedures are relatively quick and require no major recovery time. Post-procedure symptoms might include bloating, sore throat, mild nausea, or difficult swallowing and will typically resolve between 24-48 hours.
Video Capsule Endoscopy
Video capsule endoscopies, also called a capsule endoscopy or PillCam, is a minimally invasive procedure developed so that physicians can get a high resolution view of the inside of your digestive tract.
Patients swallow a tiny, pill-sized capsule that contains a camera, transmitter, and a lighting array. The capsule then takes thousands of pictures as it moves through your digestive tract and sends them to a recorder you wear on your waist. Our specialists then review the images to create a video and help diagnose problems such as bleeding, ulcers, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure designed to provide long-term nutritional support for patients who are unable to eat or drink orally. These are typically are utilized in patients that suffer from stroke, brain injury, head trauma, neck trama, or esophageal problems.
During this procedure, a PEG tube is inserted using an endoscope, and the procedure is relatively safe with a success rate of over 95%. Patients are usually sedated and receive local anesthetic. The procedure typically takes 15 and 20 minutes.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that uses an endoscope and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts. This procedure examines and treats the bile and pancreatic ducts, which are small tubes that drain fluids from the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
ERCP is used by our physicians to identify and diagnose conditions related to your ducts, such as gallstones, tumors and strictures. Through the use of an endoscope, we are able to diagnose and treat these issues during the procedure.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are struggling with digestive issues, you are not alone. Schedule an appointment today and we can start down the pathway to a better quality of life!