McFarland Clinic

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the medical science that studies the digestive system. Symptoms that frequently send a patient to a gastroenterologist include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, passing blood in the stool, yellow jaundice, and liver conditions.

Locations & Hours

1215 Duff Avenue Office

1215 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

515-239-4450

Location Details on 1215 Duff Avenue Office

Hours

DayTime
Monday8am-5pm
Tuesday8am-5pm
Wednesday8am-5pm
Thursday8am-5pm
Friday8am-5pm



*Please note that a referral from your regular provider is required to schedule a consult with this department

Services

Services Offered

  • Capsule endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy to evaluate large intestine and remove polyps
  • Emergency therapy of gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones (ERCP)
  • Endoscopy ultrasound
  • Evaluation and therapy of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic diseases
  • Esophageal and anal manometry
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • PH studies (48-hour Bravo)

Diseases / Disorders Treated

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abnormal liver tests
  • Celiac disease
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Cirrhosis
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Gallbladder disorders
  • Heartburn (peptic ulcer disease)
  • Hepatitis
  • Intestinal bleeding
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
  • Ulcerative colitis

Infusion Services

Patients needing infusions can contact our Infusion Services department.

Patient Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube is advanced through the anus and rectum into the large intestine (colon). This procedure allows the doctor to examine the inner surface of the large intestine and identify any diseases or abnormalities that may exist. It is frequently done to look for and remove polyps, look for sources of bleeding, look for causes of abdominal pain, or as a screening test for colon cancer.

Who should have a colonoscopy?

According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, ALL adults (men and women) should start colonoscopy screenings for colon cancer at age 50. If you are over age 50 and have never had a colonoscopy, start now. African Americans may run an increased risk at an earlier age and should begin screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer in a parent, sibling or child you may need to have a colonoscopy at an earlier age. There are also certain hereditary conditions that may require screenings at an earlier age. Always discuss your history with your doctor. If you have inflammatory bowel disease this procedure may be necessary at an earlier age.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Upon arriving at the Gastroenterology (GI) department at the hospital, you will be taken to a room and asked to change into a gown.  The nurse will review your health history and ask if you have any allergies.  An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your hand or arm vein before the procedure. Medicine will be given through this IV line to make you sleepy and relaxed during the test.

In the procedure room, you will be asked to lie on your left side. The doctor will examine your anus and rectum with his finger and he/she will then pass the colonoscope into the rectum and into the large intestine. The doctor will put air into the colon through the colonoscope to help look at the inside surface. This will make you feel like you have to move your bowels or have gas. After the procedure, you will be asked to pass out the extra air (gas) while you rest.  At the end of the procedure, you will return to a room to rest and wake up from the medications. 

How long does a colonoscopy take?

The length of time varies for a colonoscopy. The average time is approximately 30 minutes. This exam could take one hour or longer in some people. Please feel comfortable in knowing that although some exams may take longer and set back your procedure time, your doctor will give you a thorough exam.

Plan to spend three to four hours in the Gastroenterology (GI) department, although it usually does not take this long.

What is the preparation for a colonoscopy?

All colonoscopies require that your colon be clear of all stool and fecal matter. To accomplish this, you will be asked to take a laxative preparation. There are different preparations available. Some require a prescription from your doctor. You will be asked to have only clear liquids the day prior to your exam. At some time in the afternoon or early evening you will start to take your pill and /or liquid preparation. It is important that you follow the instructions. If your colon is not clear, the doctor may miss polyps or other lesions. If you have any questions or difficulties with your preparation, call and discuss with your doctor. 

What is a polyp?

Polyps are lumps of tissue in the lining of the rectum and colon. In early stages polyps produce no symptoms. You cannot feel them and they do not cause bleeding or pain when they are small. Some polyps can stay in your colon for a lifetime and never cause a problem. Other polyps can be ‘pre-cancerous," they may turn into a cancer (tumor) if left in your colon. Your doctor is not able to determine which polyps may turn into a cancer. For this reason, all polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. There are different methods for removing a polyp. It is important that you inform your nurse or doctor if you have been taking a blood thinner (coumadin, warfarin).  

When will I get the results of my colonoscopy?

Your doctor will, in most cases, talk with you after the exam. Because of the sedation effect of the medication you receive, you may not remember everything your doctor tells you. It is recommended that you have someone with you to also hear what they say. Your nurse will write the findings on your discharge papers. Most doctors will call you or send a report to you if a polyp was removed or biopsy was taken. These results can take up to three weeks.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

With capsule endoscopy, the patient swallows a small capsule, which passes painlessly through the digestive tract. On its way, the capsule takes approximately 50,000 color images transmitted to small recording device the patient wears on a belt. After approximately eight hours, the patient returns the data recorder to the nurse who downloads the images to a computer where they are viewed by a gastroenterolgist. This is performed at the doctor’s office.

This technology enables doctors to discover many conditions such as Crohn’s disease, polyps, cancer and causes of bleeding that may have previously escaped detection.
 

Patient Education

Important Links
See details for American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

See details for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is committed to providing healthcare professionals with the latest information and knowledge on the investigation and diagnosis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

See details for Celiac Disease Foundation
Celiac Disease Foundation

Celiac Disease Foundation informs, assists, and supports people with information about Celiac Disease (CD) and Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH).

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