Endoscopy is a procedure that allows direct visualization of the inside of the gastrointestinal system. This procedure is done using an endoscope, which has a light source on the end of the scope. Using the endoscope, the physician may take samples of the tissue of the gastrointestinal system and/or remove polyps that may be present. It is also possible to treat bleeding that may occur within the GI system.
Conditions that may be diagnosed include:
- stomach or small intestine ulcers
- inflammatory bowel disease
- cancer of the gastrointestinal system
A screening procedure such as colonoscopy is one of the best ways to diagnose something early and may lead to full resolution of the condition. Endoscopy procedures can take as little as 10 minutes for an upper endoscopy or as long as 30 minutes for a colonoscopy. You receive medicine referred to as conscious sedation to relax you for these procedures. After the procedure is complete you will spend a short time in the recovery area before being able to go home.
Mercy Gastrology at Casco Bay offers physician specialists who perform the endoscopy procedures, assisted by nurses and technologists who have special training in endoscopy and conditions of the gastrointestinal system. We encourage you to speak to your physician about scheduling your colonoscopy or other endoscopy procedures here at Mercy in our friendly, patient-centered Endoscopy Unit.
Other local physician practices that provide endoscopy services at Mercy include:
Portland Surgical Associates
195 Fore River Parkway, Suite 420
Portland, Maine 04102
(207) 878-3177
PrimeCare Gastroenterology
Igor Prokopew, MD
9 Healthcare Drive, Suite 202
Biddefore, Maine 04005
(207) 283-1427
Maine Gastroenterology
Gilbert Wilcox, MD
Curtis Winchenbach, MD
131 Chadwick Street, 2nd floor
Portland, Maine 04102



