The Endoscopy Center of Lake County

The Endoscopy Center of Lake County

The Endoscopy Center of Lake County offers state-of- the-art technology and quality patient care along with experienced staff.  Our center is a community leader in endoscopies and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, we are recognized for our substantial compliance rating for high standards and our commitment to our patients.

Expert Staff

Our Medical Director Dr. Keith Friedenberg works with patients in order to tailor treatment with their lifestyle. Well-regarded in the industry by patients and colleagues alike, Dr. Friedenberg has helped build the Endoscopy Center of Lake County into a thriving practice.

Highly compassionate caregivers are led by our Nurse Manager with specialized gastrointestinal (GI) certification and over 25 years of GI nursing experience. Our highly trained Nurse anesthetists provide special sedation to keep you comfortable during your procedures. Our goal is to balance safety and comfort with a personal, caring approach to ensure that you receive the best digestive care possible.

Endoscopy Information for Patients

What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure doctors use in order to look inside a patient’s digestive system without major surgery. A small flexible tube is carefully guided into a patient to see inside the digestive system. The tube uses thin strands of glass known as fiber optics to navigate through the system. There is also a small channel inside the tube allowing doctors to do minor procedures. The physician can perform biopsies, remove polyps, and take care of any problems right away.

Endoscopic services include:

• Colonoscopies
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs)
• Hemorrhoid treatments
• Other minor surgical procedures

What is an EGD?

An EGD is a procedure where the endoscope passes through the upper digestive tract. Common reasons for this procedure are indigestion, abdominal pain, swallowing problems, and unexplained anemia.

Who should have a colonoscopy?

The most common reason to have a colonoscopy is for the prevention of colon cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that all adults age 50 and older have a colonoscopy every ten years. If someone has a family history of colon cancer or polyps, exams are recommend at age 40 and every five years. Follow –ups are done sooner when polyps are found. By finding and removing polyps, which are small precancerous growths of the colon, the risk of developing colon cancer is greatly reduced. Colonoscopies are also done at any age when problems are suspected.

Are there side effects from the procedure?

While no procedure is without risks, serious problems are uncommon. This is why endoscopies are usually done on an outpatient basis. Some individuals may have mild bloating after the procedure. This normally goes away in a very short time. Uncommon risks include bleeding or a perforation of the intestinal lining. These infrequently could require hospitalization or surgery.

How do I prepare for a procedure?

If you are having a colonoscopy, it is very important that your intestines are clean prior to your procedure so that the doctor can see clearly. You will receive instructions on how to take a laxative preparation prior to the procedure. If you are only having an upper examination, or EGD, you simply need to arrive on an empty stomach. It is important to follow all instructions carefully, so that the procedure is conducted properly and does not need to be repeated.

You will not be able to drive or operate machinery after the procedure, so please make arrangements for a caregiver to drive you home from the center.

Insurance Information:

Most Insurance carriers including Medicare often cover Endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures. If you have questions about your coverage please contact our office. On the day of your appointment please bring a valid form of identification and your insurance card.

“The nursing staff are top notch. Thank you for providing excellent care during my brief stay.”

– Patient, Endoscopy Center of Lake County