Diagnosis and Testing

Benefis digestive health experts are experienced in performing routine and complex testing for digestive and gastrointestinal conditions. We use leading-edge technology and the latest approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Our team meets the highest quality and safety standards to ensure you receive the very best care.

What Is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure to examine the inside lining of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract or the airway passages in your lungs. It can reveal problems that aren’t visible on other imaging tests. It’s performed using an endoscope – a flexible, lighted tube with a camera – that’s inserted into your mouth and guided gently down your throat.

We use endoscopy to look for ulcers, polyps, tumors, infection, or bleeding. Your provider may also take a tissue sample (biopsy) during the exam.

In some instances, endoscopy can diagnose and treat some conditions in a single procedure, such as removing polyps (precancerous growths) or treating bleeding. It can eliminate the need for surgery.

Endoscopic Procedures

We offer a variety of endoscopic procedures, which don’t require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Colonoscopy

This procedure examines the colon and rectum (large bowel). A colonoscopy can identify precancerous polyps and remove them to prevent colorectal cancer. It’s also used to diagnose other digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Upper Endoscopy

Also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), this procedure examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (part of the small intestine).

Upper endoscopy is used to diagnose many digestive diseases, including:

Cancer
Celiac disease
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Stomach ulcers

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

This procedure examines your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. ERCP uses X-rays and a special dye to look for blockages or other abnormalities. Your provider may take a biopsy or treat some conditions, such as gallstones, duct problems, obstructions, or other problems.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

EUS examines your digestive tract and surrounding structures, including your lungs. Endoscopic ultrasound generates sound waves from inside your body to create images. Because sound waves don’t have to travel from outside your body, as with traditional ultrasound, it provides clearer, more detailed pictures. It's used to find tumors, stones, cysts, and blockages, as well as guide biopsies.

What To Expect

Your care team will give you instructions on how to prepare for your test. If you have any questions, please call us.

Before You Arrive

Before you come in for your endoscopic procedure, call us at (406) 455-5188 to pre-register and take care of the paperwork. This will make the day of your appointment go more smoothly.

For most endoscopic exams, you can expect to be at Benefis for two or three hours. To prepare for endoscopy:

Don’t eat or drink for six to eight hours before the test. When your stomach is empty, it’s easier to see your digestive tract more clearly.
Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You receive medicine to relax you and make you more comfortable during the exam, so you won’t be able to drive yourself home.
Talk to your provider about whether you should take your vitamins, insulin, diabetic medicines, blood thinners, or aspirin products before the test. You may need to stop taking some medicines beforehand.
When you come to Benefis for your procedure, wear comfortable clothes and remove all pierced body jewelry.

Once You’re Here

Your care team will explain each step in the process. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We make you as comfortable as possible during your procedure:

For most endoscopic exams, you receive an injection in your vein where we inject medications (an IV). We monitor your heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs during and after your test.
Your provider will discuss the results of your procedure afterward. However, if you have a biopsy or polyps removed, your provider’s office will call you with results in seven to 10 days.
You will get written instructions about your recovery at home before you leave.
Your primary care or referring provider will receive the final results of your procedure.