The practice is solely dedicated to patients with Gastroenterology/Hepatology problems. Gastroenterology is the medical specialty of the function and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, and associated organs. Hepatology is the branch of medicine concerned with structure, functions, diseases, and abnormalities of the liver.
Our philosophy is to treat each patient as if they were members of our family and to provide high quality and cost-effective medical care, in a patient-friendly environment. By working closely with the patient’s primary care physician, we strive to provide excellent gastroenterology care and to provide a familiar, safe and comfortable environment.
GASTROENTEROLOGY
A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroenterologist have additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that effect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) and biliary system (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts). Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine.
Some of the conditions and symptoms that are treated by a gastroenterologist are the following:
|
Abdominal pain and discomfort Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) Difficulty swallowing Barrett’s Esophagus Ulcers Bleeding in the digestive tract Malabsorption disorders (celiac disease, lactose intolerance) Constipation and diarrhea Hemorrhoids Inflammation in the digestive tract (i.e. Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) Diverticular diseases: polyps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Cancers (colorectal, stomach (gastric) pancreatic, liver …) |
Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, ascites) Gallbladder diseases Pancreatitis disease Unexplained weight loss Procedures that Dr. Shafii Performs Colonoscopy Polypectomy Flex Sigmoidoscopy Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD) Dilation Capsule Endoscopy ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasonography) PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) |
What is Colonoscopy: Overview
According to the American Cancer Society colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related death in the United State. Colorectal cancer may be prevented by removing pre-cancerous colon polyps; and when detected in the earliest stage, it is up to 90% curable. The goal of a screening colonoscopy is to find and remove any abnormal growths or polyps. In addition to screening, a colonoscopy may be indicated for other reason, such as unexplained abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, weight loss or iron deficient anemia; and follow up on inflammatory bowel disease.
What preparation is required?
Your physician will give you detailed instruction about diet and the necessary bowel prep. The preparation consists of consuming a large volume of a special cleansing solution, which will be prescribed by your physician. The colon must be completely clean to help the procedure to be accurate and complete. You will be on clear liquids the entire day before your procedure. Acceptable liquids include fat-free bouillon or broth, strained clear fruit juice, water, sports drink such as Gatorade™, Crystal Light™, or white or green tea. It is very important to follow the instructions given to you by your physician. Certain medications need to be stopped 4-5 days prior to your procedure such as aspirin products, arthritis medications, iron supplements, anticoagulants such as Coumadin™, warfarin, Plavix™ and antiplatelet such as Aggrenox™, Ticlid™ or as instructed by your physician.
What to expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie down on your left side on the examination table. Once the sedation takes effect, the doctor inserts a thin long flexible lighted tube into the rectum and advances it through the entire colon. As the colonoscope make its way through the colon, the physician can see the lining of the colon on a TV screen. If polyps are found, your doctor may perform polypectomy (removal of the polyp) or biopsy, which is then sent for a further pathology examination and it will normally takes 3-5 days to get the result.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Once you recover from the effect of the sedation, you can be discharged; however, a responsible adult must be there to take you home. Our policy recommends patients should not drive for 24 hours after receiving sedation. Some cramping, bloating or abdominal pain can occur during the first few hours after the procedure. Full recovery is expected by the next day. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed. Please call our office if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills or heavy rectal bleeding.
What is upper endoscopy (EGD)?
Upper endoscopy allows your doctor to exam the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine called duodenum. Upper endoscopy is performed to evaluate symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and celiac disease. Your doctor may also obtain biopsy to roll out any abnormalities for ulcer or malignancy.
What preparation is required?
You should not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your upper endoscopy. An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination. You should avoid aspirin products, arthritis medications, iron supplements, anti-coagulants and anti-platelet medications 4-5 days prior to your procedure or as directed.
What to expect during procedure?
Your doctor will start by spraying your throat with a local anesthetic and follows by giving you a sedative to help you relax. Then you will lie on your side, and the doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Most patients fall asleep during the procedure. Your doctor will biopsy any abnormal areas and these will be sent for further pathology examination.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You will be monitored closely until the effects of the sedation have worn off. You might experience a sore throat and bloating after the procedure. Once you recover from the effect of the sedation, you will be released. However, a responsible adult driver needs to take you home. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.
What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables the physician to exam the inner lining of the lower large intestine. Sigmoidoscopy is used for evaluation of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits.
What preparation is required?
The lower part of your colon should be clean prior to your procedure. This is usually done by using enemas and laxatives. Your physician will give you detailed instructions about diet and medications. Be sure to follow the instruction carefully. Please avoid aspirin products, arthritis medications, iron supplements, anti-coagulants and anti-platelet medication 4-5 days prior to the procedure or as instructed by your physician.
What to expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie down on your left side with your knee drawn up on the examination table. No sedation is required for this procedure. Your doctor will insert a thin long flexible lighted tube into the rectum and advance through the lower part of the large intestine (sigmoid). Your doctor may surgically remove a polyp or obtain a biopsy specimen if the scope shows abnormal findings such as growths, or polyps.
What to expect after the procedure?
Some cramping, bloating or abdominal pain can occur during the first few hours after the procedure. You may resume your normal diet and activities the next day. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed. Please call our office if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills or heavy rectal bleeding.
What is ERCP?
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure done at the hospital under general anesthesia or sedation. ERCP is a combination of endoscopy and X-ray to study the ducts of liver, gallbladder and pancreas for diagnoses and treatment. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas share common opening or drainage routes into the small intestine.
What preparation is required?
You should not eat or drink anything for six hours prior your procedure. You should inform your physician if you have an allergy to iodine. You should avoid aspirin products, arthritis medications, iron supplements, anti-coagulants and anti-platelets medication 4-5 days prior to your procedure or as instructed by your physician.
What to expect during procedure?
After receiving sedation, a flexible, lighted tube is passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach into the small intestine. After reaching the small intestine, the doctor will find the opening to the ducts and will pass a narrow plastic tube, or catheter, through the endoscope and into the ducts. Contrast material will then be injected into the ducts to obtain images and other maneuvers may also be performed to diagnose or treat your disorder.
What can I expect after ERCP?
Once you recover from the effect of the sedation, you can be released; however a responsible adult must be there to take you home. Our policy recommends patients should not drive for 24 hours after receiving sedation. Some cramping, bloating or abdominal pain can occur during the first few hours after the procedure. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.
What is Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)?
The peg tube is used for those patients who are unable to swallow adequate oral nutrition and are high risk for aspiration pneumonia. This procedure enables the physician to create a small opening through the skin of the abdominal wall and into the stomach. This procedure allows the patient to obtain adequate nutrition, fluids and medication directly to the stomach.
What preparation is required?
You should not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your upper endoscopy. An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination. You should avoid aspirin products, arthritis medications, iron supplements, anti-coagulants and anti-platelet medications 4-5 days prior to your procedure or as directed.
What can I expect during my upper endoscopy PEG Tube insertion?
Your doctor will use a lighted flexible tube to direct him to make a surgical opening through the skin of the abdomen and directly into the stomach. This opening will allow your doctor to place and secure a feeding tube into the stomach. Patient will normally receive sedation and anesthesia depending on an individual. A dressing will be placed on the Peg Site following the procedure.
What happens after the upper endoscopy PEG Tube insertion?
You will be monitored closely until the effects of the sedation have worn off. Once you recover from the effect of the sedation, you will be released. However, a responsible adult driver needs to take you home. Our policy recommends patients should not drive for 24 hours after receiving sedation. Discharge instructions regarding feeding, cleansing the peg site should be carefully read and followed.
The Optum Digestive Disease Clinic & Endoscopy Center team looks forward to your visit to our office. We will make every effort to schedule your appointment during a time that fits your schedule.
We DO NOT accept walk-in appointments.
To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 719-473-6115 anytime during our regular office hours. Please have your schedule and insurance information available to expedite the scheduling process.
*Keep in mind a referral from your primary care provider may be required.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHAT TO BRING
Completed Paperwork
Photo ID
Insurance Card(s)
Co-Pay
Medication List
In order to provide our patients with the best care possible and to expedite your visit with us, the below links have been provided for the paperwork you may need for your appointment. You can simply download, print and complete the necessary forms for your scheduled appointment.
In addition to your paperwork, we do require you bring the following items at your scheduled appointment and/or procedure:
Photo ID
Insurance Card(s)
Co-Pay, Deductible, Co-Insurance
*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment
Patient Appointment Paperwork
Patient Procedure & Prep Instructions
The below links provide procedure and prep instructions for our patients having a Colonoscopy or EGD procedure.
Please refer to the link(s) for the procedure you have been scheduled for.
*When reviewing prep instructions, please ensure you are reviewing the instructions for the prep you have been given and the time of your scheduled appointment (AM or PM).
It is extremely important you read and thoroughly follow the Important Patient Instructions and your specific Prep Instructions.
If you have any questions regarding your procedure paperwork or prep instructions, please contact our office at 719-473-6115.
COLONOSCOPY
Miralax 2-Day Prep Instructions
EGD
Need a Refill?
Please contact your pharmacy to request a refill, even if you do not have any refills available on the prescription. Your pharmacy will contact us if they have any questions or need any information regarding your prescription refill request.
Remember to contact your pharmacy several business days PRIOR to your prescription running out.
Should you need to contact our office regarding your prescription, you may call 719-473-6115, extension 140. Please allow two business days for non-urgent prescription refill requests. Prescription refills are reviewed and then approved/declined only during office hours.
For new mail-order pharmacies, we will give you a written prescription that you can mail to your pharmacy and for mail order refills you should call or fax your mail order pharmacy directly.
Remember some medications require preauthorization from your insurance company which may take one to two business days.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
