Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a medical procedure used to visually examine the interior lining of the digestive tract. This is achieved using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to its end, which allows the doctor to view images of the digestive tract on a video monitor.
Endoscopies are valuable diagnostic tools that can also be used for therapeutic purposes, such
as removing polyps, taking biopsies, stretching narrowed areas, or stopping bleeding. They are generally safe, with risks depending on the type of procedure and the individual's overall health. There are several types of gastrointestinal endoscopies, each focusing on different parts of the digestive system. Below are the endoscopy procedures we offer:
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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, commonly referred to as EGD, is a pivotal diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in gastrointestinal healthcare. This procedure involves the use of a specialized scope, known as an endoscope, to visually examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract. This includes your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). It's often used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions like stomach ulcers, gastritis, celiac disease, and Barrett's esophagus.
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This involves examining the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel. A colonoscopy is primarily used for screening and prevention of colorectal cancer by identifying and removing polyps. It can also diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The significance of a colonoscopy lies in its power for early detection and prevention. By identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer, colonoscopies significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. This procedure is recommended for individuals over the age of 50, or earlier for those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors. Our clinic ensures a thorough examination and takes the time to discuss each patient's history and risk factors, providing a personalized approach to each colonoscopy.
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This diagnostic procedure is used to examine the inside of the rectum and the lower part of the colon, and it can be performed in the office without the need for sedatives. This procedure is primarily utilized to investigate symptoms like rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or abnormal bowel movements. It can also aid in diagnosing conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectal tumors.
Though this is a less common procedure, sigmoidoscopy is used to examine the sigmoid colon and the rectum. This involves the use of a flexible tube with a light and camera, known as a sigmoidoscope, which is inserted through the anus. The procedure is particularly useful for detecting abnormalities in the lower part of the colon. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, requires minimal preparation compared to a full colonoscopy, and offers valuable insights into the health of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Please choose the appropriate set of instructions for your procedure type and procedure time. Because colonoscopy prep for diabetics requires a different set of instructions, it's best for patients with diabetes to use the diabetes-specific instruction sets.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Dr. Castro and his services.
Our office, which is where we perform consultations and diagnostic procedures, is in Arvada. However, our endoscopic procedures are done at two locations: Wheat Ridge and Golden. For patients living closer to Denver or east of the city, our Wheat Ridge location is ideal. Patients who live near the west side of Denver in locations such as Lakewood and Littleton can visit our Golden location. The Golden-based surgical facility is also conveniently located for patients living further away from the Denver metro, including places like Idaho Springs, Evergreen, and Conifer.
Endoscopies, which encompass colonoscopies and EGD procedures, have a wider range of between 30 minutes to 2 hours. An EGD procedure can be over in as little as 30 minutes. The actual length of time will depend on the procedure. though this can vary depending on the patient.
A colonoscopy can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, though it depends on the patient and the doctor performing the procedure.
No, Dr. Castro understands the anxiety associated with undergoing a medical procedure, which is why your comfort is a top priority in our facility. When undergoing any kind of endoscopy procedure, patients are sedated so they don't feel pain. The level of sedation varies by procedure, with some procedures requiring only moderate sedation and other procedures requiring a deeper level of sedation.
Generally, patients sleep right through their procedure due to the sedatives employed for their comfort. Dr. Castro has the ability to tailor the sedation to your specific requests. Some patients opt for a lighter sedation, while others prefer deeper sedation. Since this is a critical part of your procedure, feel free to ask us about your sedation options.
Yes, all patients go home on the same day as the procedure. However, because patients may feel disoriented from the anesthesia, a friend or family member is required to take the patient home.
Dr. Castro, a Denver colonoscopy specialist who serves patients all around the Denver metro from Arvada and Westminster to Lakewood and Littleton. Dr. Castro has practiced gastrointestinal endoscopy for 16 years. He spent 14 years functioning as one of the primary gastrointestinal endoscopists for a large medical group (New West Physicians), before opening an independent practice. Dr. Castro is passionate about gastrointestinal health and colon cancer prevention and is skilled in both screening and diagnostic colonoscopy. He has performed several thousand colonoscopies in his career. He utilizes advanced polypectomy techniques and has an exemplary safety record. He maintains an adenoma detection rate greater than the national average and has a >99% cecal intubation rate.
Whether you need a routine screening, such as a colonoscopy, or a more specific diagnostic procedure, like an EGD, our clinic is here to support you every step of the way. From your initial consultation to post-procedure care, we are committed to delivering a patient-centered experience, prioritizing your comfort and health.
Don't wait to take charge of your gastrointestinal health. If you're looking for a colonoscopy near you in Arvada or elsewhere in the Denver metro, contact us to schedule your consultation or endoscopy appointment. Our friendly staff is ready to guide you through the preparation process and answer any questions you may have. Let us be your partner in achieving and maintaining optimal digestive wellness.
