Are you searching “Katy Texas endoscopy near me?” Dr. James Maher has more than 30 years of experience with endoscopies and similar procedures. Dr. Maher is a board-certified gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions associated with the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The GI tract is composed of numerous organs that work together to perform three jobs: break down food, absorbed nutrients, and remove waste from the body. The mouth esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, and anus are a few examples of what is included in this system. Dr. Maher is capable of diagnosing and treating conditions associated with this area of the body.
With so many years of experience. Dr. Maher has an extensive educational background. He started his medical education at the University of Michigan. Then, he moved to Virginia to attend the Medical College of Virginia for an accelerated program. Once he was complete with the program, he moved to the west coast.
Having already spent time in California, Dr. Maher had felt like home. He attended the University of California-Irvine for his Internal Medicine residency. After the residency, he went to the University of Southern California for a fellowship in hepatology. Finally, he completed his education back at the University of California-Irvine with his two-year fellowship in gastroenterology.
Soon after his education was over, Dr. Maher became a board-certified gastroenterologist. Since then, he has provided the highest level of care for patients. He believes patient education is one of the most important aspects of his job. Moreover, he considers all treatment options to ensure a high level of care.
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is when a small, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and sent down the throat. A small camera and light are attached to the end of the tube so the doctor can see inside of your upper digestive tract. Endoscopies are used to examine the upper GI tract, which includes your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.
Endoscopies are designed to assist in diagnosing or even treating certain diseases. Dr. Maher may perform an endoscopy to examine potential polyps or tumors. They can use the camera to diagnose patients with specific diseases related to the GI tract. Doctors can even collect samples of tissue with an endoscopy. This is a biopsy.
Another action that can be performed with endoscopy is the treatment of a condition. Certain tools may be used at the end of the endoscopy tube. For example, Dr. Maher may use endoscopy to widen the esophagus due to the condition achalasia. This procedure is extremely safe and rarely causes complications. Dr. Maher can speak to you about possible complications and will outline symptoms of a complication.
Symptoms of complications include the following:
- fever
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- bloody or very dark-colored stool
Report your symptoms to your gastroenterologist as soon as possible as you may have a complication related to the endoscopy.
Before and After the Endoscopy
In order to prepare for an endoscopy, you need to avoid eating and drinking up to eight hours before the procedure. This ensures your stomach is empty when the procedure is performed. Dr. Maher also needs to know all the medications you are currently on. He may ask you to stop taking certain medications in order to prepare for the procedure.
After the endoscopy, you should consider having someone take you home and care for you 24 hours after the procedure. You may need a sedative for your procedure, but it varies. The sedative is to help reduce your movement during the procedure. Patients will feel mentally alert, but reactions will be delayed or impaired.
When the endoscopy is complete, you can expect to rest at Dr. Maher’s office for about an hour. He and his team will watch over you for any potential complications. Once you are home, you can expect some minor uncomfortable signs such as bloating, gas, cramping, or sore throat. These signs are normal and should improve with time.
If there is ever a point where you are uncomfortable, or the symptoms worsen, then contact Dr. Maher’s clinic right away.
Endoscopy versus Colonoscopy
An endoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but the two are different in one major way; a colonoscopy starts from the anus and rectum rather than the mouth and throat. When it comes to colonoscopy, a similar tube is inserted into the rectum. Colonoscopies are used to look at the rectum and colon.
Colonoscopies are used to investigate symptoms related to intestinal disease or even colon cancer. Polyps can occur, and a biopsy may be performed to detect cancer cells. Those who are over the age of 50 or are at average risk of colon cancer, it is best to receive annual screenings for it.
Preparing for a colonoscopy is similar to endoscopy, but requires more work. Firstly, you need to clean out your colon. Dr. Maher will have you follow a special diet before the exam. Secondly, you can take a laxative or an enema kit to clear out your colonoscopies. Enemas can be found at a drug store and are only effective with the lower colon. Finally, adjusting your medications is the last step. Dr. Maher will ask if you are taking any meds and will adjust your regimen accordingly.
Katy Texas Endoscopy Near Me
If you are searching “Katy Texas endoscopy near me,” then contact the team at Dr. James Maher’s clinic. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Maher is capable of performing an endoscopy, colonoscopy, colon cancer screening, and more. These procedures and minimally invasive and are able to detect various GI tract conditions.
You can reach Dr. James Maher’s office by calling (281) 945-5190. You may also use the contact us page on his website. Regardless, you’ll get the same level of care with all of his services. His office is conveniently located in Katy, Texas. So, Stop searching “Katy Texas endoscopy near me” and start calling.
Fun Facts about Katy
- You can take a walking or driving tour of over a dozen historical homes and buildings downtown.
- The Name Katy comes from the “K-T Railroad” that runs through the city.
- Katy has ten parks, including Heritage Park, best known for its restored buildings.
- Find more facts about Katy here.