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Endoscopy Specialist

Gastro90210

Jonathan S Pourmorady, MD

Gastroenterology & Hepatology located in Los Angeles, CA & Garden Grove, CA

An endoscopy may be recommended if you have symptoms of digestive tract irregularities or disease. At Gastro90210 in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles and Garden Grove, California, Jonathan Pourmorady, MD, uses this procedure to view your esophagus, stomach, and intestines. To find out if you need an endoscopy, call the closest office or use the online tool to schedule.

Endoscopy Q & A

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic exam for your digestive tract. During the procedure, Dr. Pourmorady uses a small camera and light to view your digestive organs.

You may undergo one of two types of endoscopy:

Capsule endoscopy

Dr. Pourmorady uses a capsule endoscopy to view the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract, including the three portions of your small intestine.

You swallow a pill-sized camera that takes pictures as it passes through your small intestine, which are then sent to a recording device that you wear.

Upper endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is used to evaluate your esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. Dr. Pourmorady slides a flexible tube affixed with a camera and light (endoscope) through your mouth and throat into your esophagus.

When would I need a capsule endoscopy?

Dr. Pourmorady recommends a capsule endoscopy when you have symptoms that suggest a problem with the small intestine. This part of your anatomy can’t be evaluated using an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. 

Conditions that may call for a capsule endoscopy include:

  • Bleeding from the small intestine
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ulcers
  • Polyps or tumors of the small intestine

Capsule endoscopy is well-tolerated by most patients and gives Dr. Pourmorady valuable information to help inform diagnosis and treatment.

What conditions call for an upper endoscopy?

If you have any of the following symptoms, Dr. Pourmorady may recommend an upper endoscopy:

  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Nausea and vomiting

An upper endoscopy provides a more comprehensive view of your esophagus and stomach than an X-ray. It can detect inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. 

If Dr. Pourmorady finds irregular tissue, he may take a biopsy during your endoscopy for further analysis. This biopsy can be used to detect cancer or conditions like H. pylori, a common bacterial infection of the stomach.

Dr. Pourmorady can also remove polyps, treat bleeding, or stretch a narrowed area of your digestive tract during an upper endoscopy.

If you want to learn more about diagnostic screening using endoscopy, call Gastro90210 for an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.