Endoscopy

Morehouse General Hospital is the regional center for health care in Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas. Our experienced staff, convenient hours, and state-of-the-art technology continue to give Morehouse General Hospital the cutting edge over other health care facilities when considering an endoscopic procedure. When looking at what sets us apart from the rest, we routinely use technology that other hospitals in the area aren’t offering.

Advanced Technology

Morehouse General Hospital is one of the first hospitals in our area to use high-definition equipment and carbon dioxide insufflation for endoscopy. Compared with conventional equipment, high-definition endoscopy provides doctors with sharper images and better contrast to more accurately diagnose diseases of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Actual clinical studies have shown higher polypectomy detection rates for smaller polyps with high definition colonoscopy. Polyps are precursors for colon cancer; therefore removing more polyps saves more lives from colorectal cancer.

Studies have also shown that the use of carbon dioxide in these procedures is absorbed by the body 150 times faster than regular air and decreases the discomfort that patients feel during and after the procedure. Use of carbon dioxide improves recovery time and lessens some of the risks associated with surgery, such as perforation.

In addition, at Morehouse General Hospital we routinely use moderate sedation for endoscopy. Patients who receive this type of sedation see reduced surgical costs, improved recovery times, and decreased nausea. The majority of patients, who are otherwise healthy, will qualify for moderate sedation. At Morehouse General Hospital moderate sedation is administered by a board certified gastroenterologist who is trained in moderate sedation; rather than a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) or an anesthesiologist which are routinely used in most hospitals for this procedure. Moderate sedation administered by a certified gastroenterologist can result in substantial cost savings to the patient over traditional sedation.

As a result of these advances in technology being provided at Morehouse General Hospital our patients can expect to see improved accuracy in diagnoses, experience shorter procedure times, and incur significant cost savings.

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