Endoscopy Procedures

Comprehensive Diagnostic & Therapeutic Endoscopy Procedures

If you're experiencing unexplained digestive symptoms, endoscopy services can provide the answers you need. At Northeast Digestive Health Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists offer comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures at our trusted medical centers in Concord and Salisbury, NC.

Using advanced imaging technology, our experienced gastrointestinal specialists perform a variety of endoscopic tests to investigate conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, and bile ducts.

What Is an Endoscopy?

It's a minimally invasive diagnostic test that uses a long, flexible tube called an endoscope, equipped with a tiny camera and light, to view the inside of the digestive tract. The camera sends real-time images to a screen, allowing our gastrointestinal specialists to assess the health of your GI system without the need for surgery.

In addition to diagnostic purposes, an endoscopy procedure can also be used to take biopsies, remove polyps, treat bleeding, or open narrowed passages.

When Is an Endoscopy Needed?

Our gastroenterologists in Concord and Salisbury often recommend endoscopy services when symptoms indicate potential problems inside the GI tract. Common reasons include:

• Chronic or severe stomach pain
• Persistent acid reflux or heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Nausea, vomiting, or GI bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss or anemia
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Positive results on imaging tests that need further evaluation

Endoscopy services can also be used to take a biopsy or to aid in the treatment of certain digestive conditions. In the colon, polyps can be removed through the endoscope to help prevent colon cancer.

Gastroenterology Conditions an Endoscopy Can Detect

A well-performed endoscopy procedure allows our gastrointestinal specialists to detect a wide range of digestive health issues. These include:

• Peptic ulcers and gastritis
• Esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus
• Celiac disease
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Colorectal polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• GI cancers (esophageal, stomach, colon)
• Bile duct stones or tumors
• Pancreatitis or pancreatic cysts
• Unexplained GI bleeding

At our endoscopy centers in Salisbury and Concord, NC, early detection helps prevent complications and supports effective, timely treatment.

What To Expect During an Endoscopy

Before the endoscopy procedure, our care team will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. You'll check in at our Concord or Salisbury facility, complete any paperwork, and change into a hospital gown.

You'll receive anesthesia or conscious sedation to ensure you're relaxed and comfortable during the exam. The endoscope is gently inserted through the appropriate orifice, depending on the type of procedure, the mouth for an upper endoscopy, or the rectum for a colonoscopy.

Your gastroenterologist will guide the scope while viewing images in real-time, noting any abnormalities and taking tissue samples (biopsies) if needed. The entire process usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes.

Afterward, you'll spend some time in a recovery area as the sedation wears off. Mild discomfort, such as bloating or a sore throat, is common but typically fades within a few hours. Your gastrointestinal specialist will go over any immediate findings, and biopsy results (if applicable) will be shared when available.

How to Prepare For an Endoscopy

Preparing for your endoscopy services appointment in Salisbury or Concord is important for both your safety and the accuracy of the results. Preparation steps may vary depending on the specific procedure, but generally include:

• Fasting: No food or drink 6–8 hours before the procedure
• Bowel Prep (if needed): Laxatives or cleansing solution for colon procedures
• Medication Review: Inform your provider about medications, especially blood thinners
• Transportation: You will need someone to drive you home due to sedation

Our team will provide pre-preparation instructions tailored to your specific procedure.