Quality Measures for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Evidence indicates that medical centers that do more of a specific procedure tend to have better outcomes for the patient.

Endoscopy and colonoscopy both use thin, flexible instruments to allow a doctor to see inside the esophagus, the stomach and the intestines -- the gastrointestinal system.

The types and volumes of gastronintestinal endoscopic procedures performed at Cedars-Sinai are summarized in the chart below:

Performance Measures for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Procedure Volumes/Year: 2006 Cedars-Sinai 2006 Cedars-Sinai 2007
Colonoscopy: is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine), using an instrument called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is a small camera attached to a flexible tube. Unlike sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower third of the colon, colonoscopy examines the entire length of the colon. 6,237 6,309
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera (flexible endoscope) which is inserted down the throat 4,880 4,971
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an procedure used to identify stones, tumors, or narrowing in the bile ducts. The procedure is done through an endoscope 755 804
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This procedure uses sound waves to create an image of the pancreas or gastrointestinal tract. 591 667
Double Balloon Study: This is a new technique to evaluate the small bowel in people who have gastrointestinal lesions. Lesions found on Wireless Capsule can be biopsied and treated with Double Balloon Study. 161 200
Remicade Infusions: is a drug that suppresses the immune system. It assists in reducing the inflammation that causes the symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 521 839
Wireless Capsule Procedure: This is a procedure in which the patient swallows a capsule that is about the size of multi-vitamin pill that has a camera attached to it. As the capsule moves through the intestines, it takes pictures that are transmitted to a data recorder the patient wears on a belt. These pictures are used by the doctor to diagnose intestinal bleeding and other disorders. 401 311

To learn more about how patients receiving gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures at Cedars-Sinai rated their experience, click here.