Enteroscopy

A FibroScan is a non-invasive medical device used to assess the level of fibrosis (scarring) and fat accumulation in the liver. It's commonly used to evaluate the health and condition of the liver in individuals with various liver diseases, particularly those with chronic liver conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. The device uses a technology called transient elastography to measure the stiffness of the liver tissue, which can provide valuable information about the degree of liver damage. Here's how a FibroScan typically works: 1. Preparation: Generally, no special preparation is needed for a FibroScan. Patients can usually eat, drink, and take their medications as usual on the day of the test. 2. Procedure: The patient lies down on a bed, and a technician applies a water-based gel to the skin over the right upper abdomen. The technician then places the FibroScan probe on the gel-coated area. 3. Measurement: The FibroScan probe emits a mechanical pulse, which creates a vibration in the liver tissue. This vibration generates shear waves that travel through the liver. The device measures the speed at which these shear waves travel through the liver, providing information about the tissue's stiffness. 4. Stiffness Calculation: The FibroScan calculates the liver stiffness based on the speed of the shear waves. Liver stiffness is closely related to the amount of fibrosis or scarring present in the liver. 5. Results: The FibroScan provides a numerical value for liver stiffness. This value is often expressed in kilopascals (kPa). A higher kPa value indicates more advanced fibrosis or liver damage. The results obtained from a FibroScan can help healthcare providers determine the extent of liver damage and tailor appropriate treatment plans. It's a useful tool for tracking the progression of liver diseases and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. PEG tube placement is typically performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light on its tip, which allows healthcare providers to guide the tube into the stomach while visualizing the process on a monitor. PEG tube placement is commonly used for individuals who are unable to eat or drink adequately due to various conditions, such as neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, or other medical issues that hinder the ability to swallow or take in nutrition orally. PEG tubes provide a means of delivering nutrition, fluids, and medications directly into the stomach. After the procedure, patients are given instructions on how to care for the PEG tube, avoid infections, and administer feeds. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is necessary to ensure the tube remains in good condition and to monitor the patient's nutritional status. The PEG tube can be used for short-term or long-term feeding, depending on the patient's medical needs.

It is a specific type of abdominal ultrasound that focuses on imaging and assessing the small intestine. Small bowel ultrasonography is used for several purposes: • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Monitoring: It can help monitor the progression and activity of conditions like Crohn's disease by evaluating inflammation, narrowing, and other changes in the small intestine. • Small Intestine Tumors: Small bowel ultrasonography can help identify tumors, growths, or masses within the small intestine. • Bowel Obstructions: It can assist in diagnosing bowel obstructions or blockages within the small intestine. • Malabsorption Syndromes: Small bowel ultrasonography can be used to evaluate malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, by assessing the intestinal lining's appearance and thickness. • Crohn's Disease: It's particularly useful for assessing the extent of inflammation, ulcerations, and other features characteristic of Crohn's disease. It's safe, non-invasive, and free from ionizing radiation. It offers valuable insights into the condition of the small intestine and can help guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.