Gastroenterology

A barium enema assesses the function of the colon and identifies abnormalities, such as ulcers, polyps or cancer. During this fluoroscopic procedure, the colon is filled with a contrast material called barium. The test helps identify the underlying reason for conditions such as:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Blood in stools
• Constipation
• Unexplained weight loss
• A change in bowel habits

A barium swallow, or esophagram, identifies abnormalities in the esophagus, such as inflammation, stenosis (narrowing) or gastroesophageal reflux. It can help identify the cause of swallowing difficulty, chest pain or heartburn.

Biliary drainage and stent placement procedures drain an obstructed biliary system through a catheter.

These procedures are frequently performed when you have symptoms of obstructive jaundice, which is most often the result of a malignant process (such as pancreatic, biliary or liver cancer) or a benign process (such has gallstones, common bile duct stones or narrowing of the biliary tract).

A defecography is the fluoroscopic evaluation of the rectum and rectal motility after it is filled with a contrast material called barium. A defecography assesses the motility of the rectum and identifies any structural abnormalities, such as a rectocele.

A liver hemangioma scan is a diagnostic exam used to evaluate the liver for hemangioma. A small radioactive dose will be tagged to your blood during the scan. This test is performed if there is an abnormal lesion seen under a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound.

A biliary scan, also known as a HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid), is a diagnostic exam used to evaluate the biliary tract and gall bladder function. It determines the cause of upper abdomen pain, nausea, jaundice or bile leakage after surgery or trauma.

A liver/spleen scan is a diagnostic exam to evaluate liver function and detect cancer or cirrhosis. It may be performed if you have abnormal liver enzymes, a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, jaundice or hepatitis are present.

An MRCP uses radio waves and magnetism to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems. An MRCP assesses pancreatic neoplasms and common bile duct or pancreatic duct obstructions caused by gallstones or other abnormalities.

A small bowel series, also called a small bowel follow-through, is the fluoroscopic evaluation of the small intestine after it has been filled with a contrast called barium. A small bowel series identifies abnormalities, such as inflammation, obstructions or dilation of bowel loops. This exam helps diagnose inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease.

We also offer a wide range of gastrointestinal procedures in our endoscopy lab. The gastrointestinal specialists at Medical City Dallas perform procedures, such as:

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Bronchoscopy
• Halos
• pH testing
• Resection
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Esophageal manometry
• Rectal biopsy
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement

The endoscopy lab is located in Building A, Suite 242, at Medical City Dallas. Before you come to the lab, please go to the main lobby in Building A and check in at the front desk. We suggest parking in Garage A. Please note, we provide you with a voucher to cover the cost of parking.

If your child is coming in for a gastrointestinal procedure, please check in at the pediatric day surgery department located on the second floor of the Medical City Children's Hospital tower.