In some situations, the gastroenterologist will recommend that a procedure be performed to assist with treatment or diagnosis of your child's gastrointestinal problem.   If your child requires such a procedure, our gastroenterologists and nursing staff will explain the need for the test, any potential risks associated with that procedure, and possible outcomes. All the physicians of PGASC want to ensure that you and your child feel as comfortable as possible before you come to your procedure appointment. 

Often, learning more about what it is that is being done and why a procedure has been recommended can help alleviate any fear or apprehension you may have.  For further research, we recommend you review our Resources page.  All the websites listed on the Resources page are physician approved sites. If after reading these tools you still have questions, please feel free to bring them to your next appointment at PGASC.

Some of the diagnostic tests PGASC performs are:

• Anorectal Manometry: This test measures pressures in the rectum (last part of colon) and anus. It is indicated in chronic constipation or fecal incontenence, to evaluate injured nerves or muscles, confirm suspected Hirschprung's disease, or to evaluate appropriateness for biofeedback.

• Biofeedback: Biofeedback assists a child in managing health problems such as constipation and encopresis (fecal soiling) through muscle awareness and re-education. A computer, sensors and games are used to identify physiological changes in the body.

• Breath Hydrogen Testing: Hydrogen in exhaled breath is measured to evaluate for lactose intolerance, intolerance of other sugars, or bacterial overgrowth.

• Endoscopy - Upper (also known as EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): A flexible tube is inserted into the mouth to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and first part of small intestine. Upper endoscopy is indicated for evaluating vomiting, trouble swallowing, poor growth, diarrhea, stomach pain or foreign body impactions.

• Endoscopy (Lower) (also known as colonoscopy): A flexible tube is advanced through the colon and into the last part of the small intestine. A colonoscopy is indicated to evaluate lower abdominal pain, blood in stool, iron deficiency anemia, bowel inflammation, or to test and/or treat some polyps or small lesions of the colon.

• Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the pressures and motility in the esophagus. It is indicated for children with difficulty swallowing, chest pain, food impactions, or to evaluate if medicines or surgery for reflux are working.

• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy provides a very small sample of liver tissue for diagnostic tests. The procedure is performed with sedation and involves insertion of a needle through the skin and into the liver to obtain a tissue sample.

 Below is some further information on some of the procedures we routinely perform.

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