Gastroenterology

An angiogram is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your blood vessels. An abdominal angiogram looks at the blood vessels in your belly (abdomen). Read on to learn why it's done, and what to expect before, during, and after this test.

An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.

An abdominal X-ray may be done to check the area for causes of belly pain. It can also be done to find an object that has been swallowed or to look for a blockage or a hole in the intestine. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this imaging test.

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix when it is infected. This condition is called appendicitis. Appendectomy is a common emergency surgery.

A barium enema is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your lower GI tract includes the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

A barium swallow is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your upper GI tract includes the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus.

Cecostomy is surgery to clear a child's bowels of feces when other treatment has not worked. It is used for children with fecal incontinence caused by major health problems.

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.

Colonoscopy is a procedure that lets your healthcare provider check the inside of your entire large intestine or colon.

A colostomy is an operation that creates an opening for the colon, or large intestine, through the abdomen. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent. It is usually done after bowel surgery or injury.

CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.

A CT scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.

A CT scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. The images are more detailed than regular X-rays.

Learn details about ERCP, a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Read on to learn more about the procedure, including why you might need it, how to get ready for it, and what happens during and after.

A gallbladder scan is an imaging test to look at your gallbladder and see how well it is working. This test may also be called a liver-biliary scan because the healthcare provider often looks at the liver at the same time. The liver is near the gallbladder and works closely with it.

Laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera. The tube is called a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut or incision in your belly. The video camera images can be seen on a computer screen.

A liver biopsy is a test used to diagnose liver conditions. Tissue samples are removed from your liver and checked under a microscope for signs of damage or disease.

A liver scan is an imaging test to look at your liver and see how well it is working. This test may also be called a liver-spleen scan because the healthcare provider often looks at the spleen at the same time.

A liver transplant is surgery to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver from another person. A whole liver may be transplanted, or just part of one.

A pancreas scan uses nuclear radiology to search for, and sometime treat, tumors in the pancreas.

An appendectomy is surgery to remove a child’s appendix. An appendectomy may be done as an open surgery or as laparoscopic surgery. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.

A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test to check the lower part of your colon or large intestine (the sigmoid colon). This part of your colon is close to your rectum and anus.

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series is an imaging test of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). It is done with X-rays. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this test.

Virtual colonoscopy (also known as CT colonography) is a procedure that is done to look for small polyps or other growths inside your colon. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.

A colectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat colon diseases. These include cancer, inflammatory disease, or diverticulitis. The surgery involves removing a portion of the colon, which is part of the large intestine.

Proctectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the rectum. It is often needed to treat rectal cancer.

CT enterography is an imaging test that uses CT imagery and a contrast material to view the small intestine. The procedure allows your healthcare provider to determine what is causing your condition. He or she can also tell how well you're responding to treatment for a health issue, such as Crohn's disease.

Magnetic resonance enterography is an imaging test that lets your healthcare provider see detailed pictures of your small intestine. It can pinpoint inflammation, bleeding, and other problems. It is also called MR enterography.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a type of weight-loss surgery. This type is done as laparoscopic surgery, with small incisions in the upper abdomen. The surgeon puts an adjustable band around the top part of your stomach.

BPD/DS is a complex weight-loss surgery that may be recommended for people who are extremely obese and have failed to lose weight through other treatments.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a type of weight-loss surgery. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.

Gastric restrictive surgery is a type of bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery. It limits the amount of food you can eat. This surgery may be used to treat severe obesity when diet, exercise, and medicine have failed.

A Meckel’s scan is an imaging test used to find a Meckel’s diverticulum. This is a small, abnormal pocket that forms in the wall of your child’s large intestine.

Gastric banding is a form of weight-loss (bariatric) surgery. It's used to treat people with severe obesity who haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. It's most often done in adults. But, in some cases, it may be a treatment choice for a teen.

Many health problems can partly block part of your esophagus. In an esophageal stent procedure, a tube is placed in your esophagus to keep open a blocked area. The tube helps you swallow solids and liquids. Read on to learn more.

Medical nutrition therapy is a type of treatment for people who are overweight. It's also for people with certain health conditions. During treatment, you will work with a registered dietitian to make a nutrition plan just for you.

Intensive behavioral therapy is a treatment for obesity. Through this treatment, you learn how to change your eating and exercise habits. This helps you lose weight.

Body contouring is a type of surgery that improves how you look. It's done after you lose a large amount of weight. This type of surgery gets rid of extra skin folds and other surrounding tissue. This gives your body smoother contours. Read on for details about this procedure, and what to expect.

A belt lipectomy is a type of surgery. It's done to remove the loose skin and fat around your waist or belt line. This is also called an abdominal lipectomy, tummy tuck, and panniculectomy. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

A hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach pushes up into an opening (hiatus) in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle between your stomach and your chest. You may not need surgery. But if your case is serious, you will need a hiatal hernia repair. This is often a laparoscopy, but, in some cases, you may need open (traditional) surgery.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special kind of MRI test. Your healthcare provider uses it to look at the pancreatic system. This includes the pancreas, the bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver. The procedure uses a combination of magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images. A contrast dye may be used for even better images.

ESD is a type of treatment for cancer in the stomach or esophagus. The procedure is done to remove a tumor that has grown into the second layer of the wall of the stomach or esophagus.