Valerie Heron MD

507-284-2468

200 1st St Sw
 Rochester, MN 55905-0001

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists are trained to provide diagnostics procedures and related care for a wide range of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the most prevalent conditions of the digestive system are:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Indigestion
  • Appendicitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Diverticulosis
    Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Cancers
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRD)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Stomach Flu
  • Ulcers
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Intestinal Polyps

Colonoscopy 

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the inner lining of the colon, or large intestine, and the rectum. The colonoscopy procedure is performed routinely in patients over the age of 50 as a means detecting colorectal cancer in its early stages. It is also employed diagnostically to help determine the cause of abnormal bowel activity, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples may be collected for a biopsy, and polyps or other abnormal growths may be removed.

Upper Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

An upper endoscopic ultrasound, also known as an echo-endoscopy, is a cutting-edge technology used to look at the surrounding organs and structures of the upper gastrointestinal tract. By inserting the probe into the esophagus and stomach, we can look for diseases like esophageal cancer as well as non-cancerous tumors. If anything abnormal or suspicious is detected, we will sample material for biopsy. During the procedure, the patient is under sedation to keep them comfortable and relaxed.

Rectal Endoscopic Ultrasound (RUS)

Much like an upper GI ultrasound, a rectal ultrasound combines endoscopy with sonography. An RUS procedure, however, aims to look at the colon and rectum. Though somewhat less common, rectal endoscopic ultrasound technology can be used to examine cases of colon or rectal cancer and determine their level of progression. Using the same biopsy techniques, we can collect samples of anything suspicious or concerning.

Clipping After Polyp Removal

When a polyp is discovered, often the best solution is to have it removed. Since polyp removal, also known as a polypectomy, requires surgical excision, some bleeding is bound to occur. This is especially serious for those with a higher risk of bleeding, such as patients on a blood thinner. For those patients and patients with larger polyps, a small device known as an endoclip or staunch clip is applied to the base of the polyp to control episodes of bleeding. This allows for the closing of the wound and preventing bleeding without the need for sutures. Following the polyp removal, the clip is inserted into the endoscope and applied to the base of the polyp. Clipping can be performed in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Additional Resources