In-Office Gastroenterology Services in Columbus, GA

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screens for trace amounts of blood in the stool or evidence of blood that is not visible to the naked eye. Don’t let the name throw you; it doesn’t have anything to do with the supernatural. Instead, it comes from the Latin term “occultus,” which means “secret” or “hidden,” since it reveals any blood in the stool that cannot be seen.

What does fecal occult blood testing entail?

You will be given a kit with instructions for properly collecting your stool sample and shipping it to the proper location. We’ll receive your results a few days after you ship your sample.

Patients with feeding tubes, sometimes referred to as gastrostomy tubes or G-tubes, may require tube replacement if they have been in place for six months or longer. Replacement is needed for various reasons, including maintenance, malfunction, dislodgement, obstruction, or damage.

What does a feeding tube exchange entail?

Patients with feeding tubes can expect their GI specialist to evaluate the tube and established system before removing the existing tube and replacing it with a new one. Proper removal and replacement require a few steps, all of which are performed within 20 to 30 minutes in our office.

In most cases, if it’s time to remove a G-tube, J-tube, GJ-tube, PEG tube, or PEJ tube, our providers can complete the removal process right here at our office. (For endoscopic feeding tube removal, please visit our in-hospital services page.

What does feeding tube removal entail?

It depends on what kind of feeding tube the patient has, but generally speaking, feeding tube removal involves a small incision at the sight of insertion, usually somewhere on the abdomen. Local sedation may be used for comfort but is often not applied. After removal, the stoma site, or opening, is dressed. The patient will receive care instructions for protecting the site until it heals.

A FibroScan is effective at evaluating the health of the liver. Specifically, it reveals any scarring (fibrosis) or determines if the liver has developed steatosis (become fatty).

How does a FibroScan work?

A FibroScan relies on ultrasound technology to examine the liver. The speed of the soundwaves released through the ultrasound’s transducer can reveal if the liver has developed fibrosis or steatosis. If the soundwaves bounce at a faster pace, it indicates the liver has a more rigid surface due to issues like fibrosis or steatosis. If the soundwaves bounce back at a slower pace, it suggests that the liver is softer, a sign of a healthy liver.

FibroScans are helpful in diagnosing issues like cirrhosis, non-alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, and more.

Some conditions require a rectal exam before diagnosis. When patients complain of rectal bleeding, bowel changes, or other abnormalities, our GI specialists may perform a rectal exam to assess the rectum, anus, and, for men, the prostate to better identify the cause of the issue or issues.

What does a rectal exam entail?

During a rectal exam, patients can expect to lie on top of the exam table on their side with their knees to their chest. Their provider will gently insert a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum and will feel around for any lumps or abnormalities in the rectum, lower colon, or possibly the prostate.

A rectal exam is typically a quick process that may feel uncomfortable but should not be painful. While difficult, it’s essential to try to relax during the exam, as tension can make it harder for the provider to detect issues.

Whenever you have an appointment at Southeastern Gastroenterology, you can expect to walk through our doors and into a welcoming, comfortable environment where you will receive thorough, compassionate care. Regardless of what you are here for, we work to ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible, your questions are answered, and your GI tract is well cared for.