Capsule Endoscopy is used to examine the small intestine which is the middle section of the GI tract. It involves swallowing a multivitamin size pill with a camera in it. As the pill passes through the GI tract it takes pictures which are recorded on a device that the patient is wearing Capsule endoscopy is done because the small intestines are not typically viewed endoscopically. Capsule endoscopy can be used to search for bleeding, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease), ulcers, and tumors in the small bowel.
Colonoscopy is a common and safe procedure that examines the lining of the lower intestinal tract called the large intestine or colon. Colonoscopy allows the physician to find precancerous growths and remove them before they turn into cancer, thus preventing colon cancer. Colonoscopies are done to look for cancer/polyps, diverticular disease (small pockets in the colon), colitis (inflammation of the Colon), and to assess unexplained diarrhea, bleeding, anemia, and abnormal imaging studies like CT scans and Barium scans.
EMR is an endoscopic technique developed for the removal of sessile or flat neoplasms confirmed to the superficial layers (mucosa and submucosa) of the GI tract. EMR is typically used for removal of lesions smaller than 2 cm or piecemeal removal of larger lesions, EMR can be considered a variation of standard polypectomy with specialized devices.
Patients with BMI between 30-40 who do not wish to have surgery or do not qualify for surgery can undergo this procedure. During this procedure the stomach volume is reduced similar to surgery by endoscopic (non surgical) suturing technique. The studies show patients lose 30 to 50 pounds in the first year of procedure. Weight loss is the single most important thing in bettering your overall health (Diabetes, Hypertension, Fatty liver and Cardiovascular disease).
Patients who have trouble reaching their weight loss goal or gain some of their weight back following bypass surgery can udergo this procedure and start losing weight again. During this procedure the gastric outlet is reduced so that the patients will feel full with much smaller meals, therby reducing the caloric intake. This procedure has been covered by majority of insurance companies.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography) is a procedure to examine the pancreas biliary system, ERCP is done to asses jaundice (yellowish discoloration of skin and whites of the eyes), find gallstones, remove gallstones as they can cause a blockage, inflammation, or infection of the common bile duct (cholangitis) and pancreatitis, open a narrowed bile duct or insert a drain, get tissue sample for runner testing (biopsy), and measure the pressure inside the bile ducts (manometry). ERCP is done by passing an endoscope through the mouth. No open surgery is involved.
ESD has been developed for en bloc removal of large (usually more than 2 cm), flat GI tract lesions and is usually done in several steps ESD typically is performed by endoscopists with experience in advanced procedures and familiarity with mucosal dissection techniques.
Esophageal Manometry is a test to measure how effective the esophagus is working. The esophagus is the long muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal manometry measures the pressures and pattern of muscle contractions in the esophagus during swallowing. Esophageal manometry is used to diagnose conditions that can cause lower esophageal pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing.
Esophageal pH monitoring is used to measure the severity of acid reflux. The test measures much acid enters the esophagus from the stomach and now long it stays there. Patients wear a monitor and strap for 24 hours to measure the acid activity for an extended period. 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring can be used to diagnose reflux and effectiveness or reflux medications and to determine if episodes or acid reflux are causing episodes of chest pain. It can also be used to determine if acid is reaching the throat and causing cough, hoarseness, and sore throat.
Brought into upstate South Carolina around 2000 by Dr. MP Veerabagu MD, AGAF, EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and surrounding tissues. In EUS a small ultrasound transducer is installed on the tip or endoscope which is inserted in the upper and lower digestive tract to obtain high duality ultrasound images of the organs inside the body. The physician can also use the ultrasound as a guide to get fine needle biopsy of lymph nodes and masses to help diagnose and stage any malignancy.
EDGE ( EUS Directed transGastric ERCP) In patients with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery who need ERCP, EDGE is non-surgical endoscopic procedure. This avoids unnecessary surgery and it is performed as an outpatient procedure with no overnight stay. Currently EDGE is being done only in teaching hospitals.
Endoscopy is used to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. It is used to assess upper abdominal pain, anemia, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing. Esophageal stretching can be done during an endoscopy for difficulty swallowing. Endoscopy can also be used for getting tissue samples or biopsy for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.
Brought into Anmed Health systems by Dr. MP Veerabagu MD, AGAF, Barrett‘s Esophagus is a precancerous condition of the lining of the esophagus caused by chronic gastro esophageal reflux. If left untreated, it can transform into esophageal cancer, HALO ablation is done as endoscopy and neat energy is delivered in a precise and highly controlled manner to the Barrett’s esophagus. The HALO Ablation can completely remove the diseased tissue without damaging the normal underlying structures. Normal lining regenerates where the Barrett’s esophagus is treated, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.
Hemorrhoid Banding also called hemorrhoid ligation is a simple procedure that is performed in our office. It takes just few minutes and it is painless. Since it is painless and does not include any sedation one can go back to work the same day. This in-office procedure entails a gentle suction device to pull in the afflicted tissue and then place a small rubber band around the base or the internal hemorrhoid such that it does not contact pain-sensitive nerve endings. This treatment is used for treatment of internal hemorrhoids.
The medical providers have full privileges at the local hospital and are part or gastroenterology on call group During on call services they make rounds at the local hospital ie Anmed Health systems.
For patients with severe inflammatory Bowel Disease (ie. Crohns; Ulcerative Colitis) we do give intravenous medications (Remicade/Entyvio) when oral medicines alone are not effective.
In this procedure a balloon is placed inside the stomach by endoscopy (non-surgical) which resutls in significant weight reduction (equivalent of surgical lap band).
We treat a wide variety or liver diseases including, but not limited to, fatty liver, NASH (Nonalcoholic Steam Hepatitis), Autoimmune Hepatitis, Viral Hepatitis including Hepatitis B and C, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, and Liver Cirrhosis.
Brought by Dr. MP Veerabagu MD, AGAF into Anmed Health Systems, Pancreatic pseudo cyst is an organized collection of fluid formed around the pancreas as a complication or pancreatitis. We treat pancreatic pseudo cyst by endoscopic procedure which is non-surgical and minimally invasive in nature. It can also be performed even as an outpatient procedure.
PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) is a procedure in which a flexible tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. PEG tube allows for nutrition, fluids, and medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. Patients with difficulty swallowing, poor appetite or inability to take adequate nutrition through the mouth can benefit from this procedure.
Smart Pill Monitoring System is a standardized motility test utilizing sensor technology in an ingestible capsule to measure the transit times of the stomach, small bowel and large bowel essentially the whole gut transit time. This is a huge improvement from the old tests that are needed to get the same information. Smart pill study replaces several studies namely nuclear scan for gastric emptying, colon transit time using several radio opaque markers and small bowel follow through. It helps in patients with Gastroparesis and constipation. This in office test is completed without radiology and allows the patient to go about their normal daily activities.
Dr. Veerabagu is the first Gastroenterologist in Anderson to offer the TIF Procedure. TIF is a less invasive restoration of the anti-reflux barrier that does not require internal incisions or dissection. Most patients are able to return home the next day and can return to work and most normal activities within a few days. During the procedure, with the patient under general anesthesia, a device equipped with a small camera in inserted through the patient’s mouth and into the stomach. The device is used to make and fasten several folds of tissue and create a new anti-reflux valve at the connection of the stomach and esophagus. Most TIF patients are able to return to eating foods that they could not previously tolerate and are able to stop taking medication.
| Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 noon |
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| Monday - Thursday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| CLOSED | Friday after 12 noon |
