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Physician PORTAL
September 27, 2011
Submitted by Jackie Kernan, RN, Director of Surgical Services, Kewanee Hospital
Most everyone has experienced heartburn or abdominal pain at some time in their life. But if the pain becomes chronic, or large amounts of antacids are being taken to ease the discomfort, the problem may be greater than you think. You don’t have to suffer. In as little as 30-40 minutes, you could have a procedure, diagnosis, and treatment.
Kewanee Hospital Surgical Services offer Endoscopy and Colonoscopy procedures that aid in the diagnosis of a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. In most cases, the symptoms you are experiencing can be treated with medication and you can resume a more comfortable lifestyle in a short amount of time.
“Most people think endoscopies and colonoscopies are procedures only used to diagnose cancer,” stated Jackie Kernan, RN, Director of Surgical Services at Kewanee Hospital. “In actuality, these screenings can diagnose a number of different problems that are relatively easy to treat, sometimes with a simple medication.”
During a colonoscopy or endoscopy, a flexible fiberoptic tube with a tiny camera at the end (also known as a colonscope or endoscope) is run through the patient’s body. The camera is connected to a video screen that displays images on a color TV screen for the physician to evaluate.
“If you are over the age of 50, or have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, you should be scheduling a colonoscopy,” stated Dr. Dan Congreve, General Surgeon, Chief of Staff, and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Kewanee Hospital. “Signs and symptoms are not always present, especially at first. That’s why screenings are so important.”
If you have questions regarding endoscopies or colonoscopies, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Congreve, call Kewanee Hospital’s Family Health Clinic at 309-852-7500.
