Digestive System

A non-invasive diagnostic technique involving the use of a small video camera, swallowed like a pill, to capture images of the small intestine.

A comfortable and straightforward test that analyzes the air we exhale to detect the ‘Helicobacter pylori’ bacteria in the stomach, responsible for various gastric and duodenal ailments.

Measures pressure and muscle contraction patterns in the esophagus. Abnormalities in these parameters can lead to pain, acidity, and swallowing difficulties. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube into the esophagus through the nose.

Lactose intolerance can be due to a reduced production of the enzyme lactase in the intestine, resulting in symptoms such as gas, abdominal bloating, and occasional diarrhea. This test involves exhaling air, in which we measure the amount of hydrogen, which is related to the deficiency of the enzyme.

An essential exploration for studying gastroesophageal reflux disease, characterized by heartburn and acid regurgitation. pH monitoring, performed using a small tube inserted through the nose, identifies over 95% of patients with reflux and assesses its severity.

A harmless technique using ultrasound to visualize internal organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, prostate, and peritoneal and retroperitoneal spaces. Blood vessels (inferior vena cava, aorta, etc.) can also be examined.

These explorations involve flexible tubes inserted through the mouth or anus, equipped with a camera to visualize the interior of the digestive tract. Upper endoscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while lower endoscopy allows examination of the entire colon and even the last centimeters of the small intestine. Both procedures allow for biopsies and certain therapeutic interventions and are performed under sedation.

A set of techniques guided by endoscopes that allow the cure of certain lesions or palliation of others to improve the patient’s quality of life and prognosis (removal of polyps, tumors, or placement of prostheses). Most of these techniques are performed on an outpatient basis and under sedation.

An exploration that allows for the direct visualization of the inside of the upper intestine, rectum, and sigmoid, as well as the surrounding structures (mediastinum, pancreatic region, biliary tract, pelvic cavity). The ecoendoscope, a tubular endoscope with an incorporated ultrasound probe, provides both endoscopic and ultrasound views of the entire environment and is performed under sedation.

Using an ecoendoscope and a special needle, this technique allows for the collection of material to be studied under a microscope, helping diagnose tumors and other lesions accurately.

A technique performed with a probe similar to an ultrasound, used to study liver diseases. It is non-invasive, simple, and quick, improving the diagnosis and monitoring of liver fibrosis without the need for a biopsy. It has no side effects or risks for the patient.

Ultrasound offers significant advantages as a guide for procedures, as it is mobile, does not use ionizing radiation, and requires less time than other techniques. The procedures involve inserting a needle or catheter through the ultrasound’s imaging plane. The advancement is controlled in real-time, allowing precise targeting of the area for diagnosis or treatment. Common procedures include biopsies, drainage, and percutaneous injections.

A type of ultrasound used to study the flow of blood through arteries and veins, providing information about their quantity and velocity. It is very useful for studying portal hypertension, abdominal tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease, among other pathologies.

Used to enhance ultrasound images by increasing the vascular signal in arteries and veins. It is particularly employed in characterizing abdominal tumors and diagnosing Crohn’s disease. Contrast is injected through a vein in the arm, and within seconds, it reaches the abdominal vessels, which can then be visualized with ultrasound. The contrast is eliminated through breathing.