Digestive Health Other Procedures | UnityPoint - Cedar Rapids
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Other Procedures

Our highly experienced staff works hard to ensure patient comfort and privacy during the many procedures we perform at the Digestive Health Center. The most common procedures carried out at the center are colonoscopies and gastroscopies.

  • Gastroscopy procedure shows the inside of the esophagus (food tube), stomach and the first section of the intestine.
  • Bronchoscopy procedure allows the physician to look directly at the passageways of the lung for evaluation.

Cool tools

We strive to obtain the most advanced technology for finding and treating digestive problems. Here are just a few examples:

Motility and pH studies

Measures the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, searches for the cause of acid reflux or heartburn. St. Luke's performs the most studies in Cedar Rapids.

Bravo pH testing

The first catheter-free pH monitoring system for those with chronic heartburn. Patients maintain their regular diet and activities without the embarrassment and discomfort associated with the traditional catheter system, which is inserted through the nose.

Swallow a camera?

St. Luke's is the first in Cedar Rapids to offer capsule endoscopy. The patient swallows a tiny camera encased in a capsule that travels through the digestive tract. This remarkable little camera records color images to a small device, worn at the waist. The patient continues with daily activities throughout the exam.

After several hours, the images are downloaded to a computer for evaluation by the doctor. The capsule is naturally excreted and not recovered. This technology enables the doctor to view areas where X-rays often give inadequate results.

Sorry, it doesn't replace colonoscopy. But it does go where no other scope can reach to find ulcers, small vessel bleeds and help doctors diagnose Crohn's disease and other diseases of the small intestine.

Stretta

A less invasive alternative to anti-reflux surgery that is performed under conscious sedation, without hospital admission, in an hour or less. Patients typically return to normal activities the following day.