Procedures

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure employed to thoroughly examine the entire length of the large intestine. This procedure serves the crucial purpose of identifying various issues within the colon, including early indications of cancer, inflamed tissue, ulcers, haemorrhoids (commonly known as piles), and instances of bleeding. Furthermore, colonoscopy is utilised as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.

The procedure involves the insertion of an endoscope, a lengthy, flexible, illuminated tube (also referred to as a colonoscope), through the rectum and into the colon. Besides providing a visual assessment of the internal colon, the colonoscope allows the physician to carry out actions such as irrigation, suction, air injection, and access to the bowel using surgical instruments. During a colonoscopy, our physician may extract tissue for further examination and potentially address any issues that are detected.

The gastric balloon procedure, also referred to as the endoscopic intragastric balloon, entails the insertion of an inflated silicone balloon into the stomach for a duration of 6 months. This effectively reduces the available space for food intake. As a result, patients experience several beneficial outcomes:

– They find themselves feeling full more quickly during meals, leading to reduced food consumption.
– Over the course of 6 months, they typically achieve a weight loss of approximately 30% of their excess weight.
– This weight loss often leads to improvements in health conditions such as diabetes, joint and bone diseases, as well as heart-related issues.

It is crucial to underscore that losing weight remains a challenging and determined effort. The gastric balloon serves as a valuable tool in the weight loss journey; however, its effectiveness hinges on adhering to a sensible diet and exercise regimen. Our approach to weight loss is collaborative, involving close cooperation with our nutritionist and subsequently, our fitness expert.

Regular group sessions provide a platform for discussing challenges, successes, and any difficulties encountered. Before considering the procedure, a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary. If emotional issues are identified as contributors to overeating, consultation with a psychologist may be recommended as part of the overall plan for weight management.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is employed in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions that can impact the digestive system.

The term “endoscopic” pertains to the utilization of an endoscope, a slender tube equipped with a small video camera, enabling your physician to explore the inner workings of your digestive system. “Retrograde” indicates the injection of a dye to enhance the visibility of your bile and pancreatic ducts during X-Ray imaging. Lastly, “cholangiopancreatography” signifies the process of capturing X-Ray images.

Why might you require an ERCP? If you are experiencing abdominal pain, jaundice, or if abnormalities are detected in blood tests, your doctor may recommend an ERCP. This procedure is employed to diagnose and address obstructions in the bile or pancreatic duct, which may result from:

• Gallstones obstructing the bile duct.
• Tumours exerting pressure on the pancreatic or bile ducts, or constricting them.
• Formation of scars or narrowing of the duct due to another underlying condition.
• Sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia.

Equivalent Weight Loss Benefits Without Surgery or Scarring. A Safer, Lower-Risk Procedure.

At MGBEC, we are among the first clinics in South Africa to offer the new non-surgical alternative, known as the endoscopic sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). The ESG procedure is less invasive, leading to faster recovery times. Available studies demonstrate significant weight loss, which is broadly comparable to that achieved with gastric banding.