Blog

What is an Esophageal Dilation?

An esophageal dilation is performed to assist a patient who has difficulty swallowing due to an abnormal narrowing within the esophagus. The narrowing itself is called a stricture. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Why Would You Need It? Narrowing of the esophagus may make it difficult for you to eat […]

Aug.

How to Determine When You Need an Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is a common procedure that’s used to identify – and in some cases, treat – problems in your upper digestive system. What Is An Upper Endoscopy? An upper endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that allows a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system) to examine your upper […]

Jul.

Why Is Variceal Banding Performed?

Having variceal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt care and treatment. Variceal banding is commonly used to stop this bleeding and reduce the risk of serious complications. What Is Variceal Bleeding? It is the bleeding that occurs when you have enlarged veins or varices in your digestive tract – it can happen […]

Jun.

Why Is A Colonoscopy Performed?

When you reach a certain age, your doctor might recommend having a colonoscopy. This procedure helps detect colon cancer early, but it has other uses as well. Uses for a Colonoscopy If you are at least 50 years old and have an average risk of getting colon cancer, your doctor will recommend that you have […]

May.

What Is Involved In a Small Bowel Endoscopy

What Is a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy? A small bowel capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the three parts of the small intestine, which forms the middle segment of the human gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the most effective and least invasive ways to get diagnostic images of the small intestine. During […]

Apr.

What Is Barret’s Esophagus?

When you have chronic or frequent acid reflux, the tissue in your esophagus can end up changing. These changes – known as Barrett’s esophagus – are associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, so it’s important to have the condition diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus Barrett’s esophagus […]

Mar.

When Is pH Monitoring Recommended?

A fluid’s pH level is its balance of acidic to alkaline content. Virtually any type of fluid can be checked for pH. For example, water is frequently analyzed for its pH balance before being used for growing certain types of plants. Human blood also has a pH level. For people, pH balance is largely determined […]

Feb.

When Is An EGD Performed?

Everyone gets a stomach ache from time to time. Sometimes the answer is as simple as overindulging in food or getting hit by a stomach bug. However, if you have persistent stomach aches accompanied by other troubling symptoms, your gastroenterologist may suggest pinpointing the cause by performing an upper GI endoscopy. What Is an Upper […]

Dec.

What is Done for a Liver Biopsy?

If your doctor suspects that you may have liver disease, he or she may recommend a liver biopsy to gather more information to help determine a diagnosis and to guide treatment. In this blog, the gastroenterologists at Gramercy Park Digestive Disease Center (GPDDC) in NYC explain how and why a liver biopsy is performed. […]

Nov.

patient talking with doctor about treatment

When is a Band Ligation Performed?

Hemorrhoids are very common, with about three out of four adults having them on occasion. They usually don’t cause much trouble, but you should see your doctor to make sure they’re not an indication of a more serious condition. The same is true if they don’t clear up or are causing pain. In some cases, […]