Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a test that looks at the interior lining the large intestine (rectum and colon) through a thin viewing instrument called a colonoscope. A colonoscopy, inserted through the rectum, helps detect ulcers, polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.

During a colonoscopy, a biopsy can be performed and abnormal growths can be removed. Colonoscopy also can be used as a screening test to identify and remove pre-cancerous and cancerous growths in the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer). Click here to get detailed preparation instructions for a colonoscopy exam.

Upper endoscopy

An upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is a procedure used to look at the interior lining of the esophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine through an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and then gently fed down the throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper gastrointestinal tract).

Both services are available at NSMC Salem and NSMC Union Hospitals.

  Learn more about colonoscopies in the Health Library

 Learn about upper endoscopies in the Health Library