Gastrointestinal Laboratory
(G.I. Lab)

Our state-of-the-art G.I. Lab provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for digestive disorders, including ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis).

United Hospital System now offers capsule endoscopy which is a non-invasive means of viewing the small intestines. This procedure involves swallowing a capsule the size of a large vitamin. Diseases of the small intestine are difficult to diagnose due to limitations of current diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and small bowel endoscopy. Inside the capsule is a camera device that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine for a period of 6 to 8 hours. The patient wears a belt with a data recorder attached which acquires the photo images. After swallowing the capsule, the patient returns home. Eight hours later, the patient returns to the hospital to have the sensors collected. The capsule passes naturally from the body and is a painless solution without exposure to x-rays, sedation or risk of perforation.