"We believe in patient centered care, and strive for long-term relationships based on personal communications."
Patient Education
At GANV we pride ourselves on the depth and breadth of procedures we are able to offer our patients. Our expertise and state of the art facilities make diagnosis and treatment accurate and efficient.
Direct Access Colonoscopy
Our Direct Access Program is designed for patients that need a screening colonoscopy and who are generally in good health. No referral is required. Patients with significant gastrointestinal symptoms will require an office consultation.
Please call our Fair Oaks office at (703) 698-8960 ext. 338 to have the necessary paperwork mailed to you, or download the Patient Health History and Patient Registration PDF forms and fill them out.. We will also need a copy of your insurance card (front and back) and driver's license.
Please fax to (703) 716-8703 or mail to 3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., #308, Farifax, VA 22033.
Once we have received your completed information, it will be reviewed by a member of our clinical staff and forwarded to be scheduled. If there is any concern with the information reviewed, you will receive a telephone call from our Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to determine if an office visit is recommended.
Should you have any questions regarding this process or if you do not receive a phone call within 2 weeks of submitting your information, please contact us as (703) 698-8960, ext.338.
Procedure Prep Forms |
Procedures
Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System
WATCH VIDEO
Adjustable Gastric Banding - Laparoscopic
WATCH VIDEO
Bowel Diversion Surgeries:
Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy
Bowel diversion surgery allows stool to safely leave the body when - because of disease or injury - the large intestine is removed or needs time to heal. Bowel is a general term for any part of the small or large intestine. Learn more. (PDF)
Capsule Endoscopy for Small Intestine Screening WATCH VIDEO
Colon Polypectomy WATCH VIDEO
Colonoscopy WATCH VIDEO Colonoscopy FAQ (See prep forms above)
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss. Learn more. (PDF)
EGD (Upper Endoscopy) WATCH VIDEO
Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum - the first part of the small intestine. Learn more. (PDF)
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram) WATCH VIDEO
ERCP is used primarily to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures (scars), leaks (from trauma and surgery), and cancer. ERCP combines the use of x rays and an endoscope, which is a long, flexible, lighted tube. Through the endoscope, the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum, and inject dyes into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on x rays. Learn more. (PDF)
Enteral stenting
Enteral stents are stents deployed within the stomach, small bowel and colon. Enteral stents are designed to treat malignant luminal obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Although their use is primarily for palliation of malignant obstruction, they can also be used within the colon as a pre-operative modality.
Gastrointestinal SEMS (self-expandable metal stents) may be placed under endoscopic guidance with the aid of fluoroscopy by gastroenterologists or by interventional radiologists using only fluoroscopic guidance. Endoscopic placement allows more remote locations (distal for the upper tract, proximal for colon) to be accessed. SEMS are composed of a variety of metal alloys with varying shapes and sizes depending on the individual manufacturer and organ of placement. The stent incorporates deep into the wall of the organ. This reaction allows anchoring of the stent and helps to prevent stent migration. With the use of covered stents, this integration does not always occur and a higher rate of stent migration is seen .
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasonography)
EUS allows your doctor to examine the lining and the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. EUS is also used to study internal organs that lie next to the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gall bladder and pancreas. Your endoscopist will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. Your doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth or anus to the area to be examined. Your doctor then will turn on the ultrasound component to produce sound waves that create visual images of the digestive tract. Learn more. (PDF)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss. Learn more. (PDF)
Hernia Surgery - Laparoscopic WATCH VIDEO
Infrared Coagulation (IRC) for hemorrhoids
Infrared coagulation is a non-invasive, non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment. A small probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a quick pulse of infrared light. This coagulates the vein above the hemorrhoid causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and recede. The patient may feel a slight sensation of heat but our Infrared Coagulation hemorrhoid treatment is generally not painful. Treatment with IRC is painless, safe, and effective. Before treatment, your physician will conduct a routine external and internal examination to chart your hemorrhoid disease and ensure that there is no other disease responsible for your symptoms. This examination takes only a few minutes.
PEG (Placement of feeding tube)
Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett's Esophagus (HALO Procedure)
Radiofrequency ablation delivers radiofrequency energy to remove unwanted diseased tissue from the esophagus, yet minimizing injury to normal tissue. Learn more. (PDF)
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB) - Laparoscopic WATCH VIDEO
GI Disorders
Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus - the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach - is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia. Learn more. (PDF)
Bacteria and Foodborne Illness
Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food during harvesting or processing. Foodborne illnesses can cause symptoms that range from an upset stomach to more serious symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Learn more. (PDF)
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract
Bleeding in the digestive tract is a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself. Bleeding can occur as the result of a number of different conditions, some of which are life threatening. Most causes of bleeding are related to conditions that can be cured or controlled, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids. The cause of bleeding may not be serious, but locating the source of bleeding is important. Learn more. (PDF)
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms. Learn more. (PDF)
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, partially blocking the flow of blood through the liver. Learn more. (PDF)
Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease is the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines, most often referring to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two other types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are not related to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which are more severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Learn more. (PDF)
Colon Cancer WATCH VIDEO
Colon Polyps
A colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the colon, also called the large intestine. Sometimes, a person can have more than one colon polyp. Colon polyps can be raised or flat. Learn more. (PDF)
Constipation
Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel. Learn more. (PDF)
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. Learn more. (PDF)
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea, persisting for more than 2 days, may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhea may be a feature of a chronic disease. Learn more. (PDF)
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Many people have small pouches in the lining of the colon, or large intestine, that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. Learn more. (PDF)
Esophageal Cancer WATCH VIDEO
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowels. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, you may not be able to hold it until you get to a toilet. Or stool may leak from the rectum unexpectedly, sometimes while passing gas. More than 5.5 million Americans have fecal incontinence. It affects people of all ages - children and adults. Fecal incontinence is more common in women and older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Learn more. (PDF)
Gallstones
Gallstones are small, pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac located below your liver in the right upper abdomen. Gallstones form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. Learn more. (PDF)
Gas in the Digestive Tract
Everyone has gas and eliminates it by burping or passing it through the rectum. However,
many people think they have too much gas when they really have normal amounts. Most
people produce about 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day. Learn more. (PDF)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) WATCH VIDEO
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal
reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach
contents rise up into the esophagus. Learn more. (PDF)
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Normally, the stomach contracts to move food down into the small intestine for digestion. The vagus nerve controls the movement of food from the stomach through the digestive tract. Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged and the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally. Food then moves slowly or stops moving through the digestive tract. Learn more.
Hemorrhoids
The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus - internal - or under the skin around the anus -
external. Learn more. (PDF)
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is the most common form of iron overload disease. Primary hemochromatosis, also called hereditary hemochromatosis, is an inherited disease. Secondary hemochromatosis is caused by anemia, alcoholism, and other disorders. Learn more. (PDF)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks liver cells. This immune response causes inflammation of the liver, also called hepatitis. The disease is usually quite serious and, if not treated, gets worse over time. Autoimmune hepatitis is typically chronic, meaning it can last for years, and can lead to cirrhosis - scarring and hardening - of the liver. Eventually, liver failure can result. Learn more. (PDF)
Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease in the United States. It accounts for about 15 percent of acute viral hepatitis, 60 to 70 percent of chronic hepatitis, and up to 50 percent of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer. Of the U.S. population, 1.6 percent, or an estimated 4.1 million Americans, have antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), indicating ongoing or previous infection with the virus. Learn more. (PDF)
Hiatal Hernia WATCH VIDEO
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis) WATCH VIDEO
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances. Learn more. (PDF)
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Learn more. (PDF)
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH is a common, often "silent" liver disease. It resembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and damage. Most people with NASH feel well and are not aware that they have a liver problem. Nevertheless, NASH can be severe and can lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is permanently damaged and scarred and no longer able to work properly. Learn more. (PDF)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. When the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes inside it attack and damage the tissues that produce them. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Either form is serious and can lead to complications. Learn more. (PDF)
Peptic Ulcers WATCH VIDEO
A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the beginning
of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are common: One in 10 Americans develops an ulcer
at some time in his or her life. One cause of peptic ulcer is bacterial infection, but some
ulcers are caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs),
like aspirin and ibuprofen. In a few cases, cancerous tumors in the stomach or pancreas
can cause ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food, but these can
make ulcers worse. Learn more. (PDF)
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic disease that causes the bile ducts in the liver to
become inflamed and damaged and, ultimately, disappear. Learn more. (PDF)
Smoking and Your Digestive System
Smoking can harm all parts of the digestive system, contributing to such common disorders as heartburn and peptic ulcers. Smoking increases the risk of Crohn's disease, and possibly gallstones, which form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. Smoking also damages the liver. Learn more. (PDF)
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Learn more. (PDF)
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
ZES is a rare disorder characterized by one or more tumors in the pancreas,
duodenum, or both. The tumors cause the stomach to make too much acid,
leading to peptic ulcers in the duodenum. The tumors are sometimes cancerous
and spread to other areas of the body. Learn more. (PDF)
Support Resources
This PDF file contains information on the following organizations:
Alagille Syndrome Alliance
American Celiac Disease Alliance
American Celiac Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Dietetic Association
American Gastroenterological Association
American Hemochromatosis Society
American Liver Foundation
American Porphyria Foundation
ARPKD/CHF Alliance (Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease & Congenital Hepatic
Fibrosis Alliance)
Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, Inc.
Celiac Disease Foundation
Celiac Sprue Association/USA Inc.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association
Digestive Disease National Coalition
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG)
Hepatitis B Coalition
Hepatitis B Foundation
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Iron Disorders Institute
Iron Overload Diseases Association Inc.
National Association For Continence
National Diabetes Education Program
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
National Organization for Rare Disorders
Oley Foundation for Home Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association
Pull-thru Network
Reach Out for Youth with Ileitis and Colitis
The Simon Foundation for Continence
TEF-VATER International
United Ostomy Associations of America
Weight-control Information Network
Wilson's Disease Association International
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse