What is an endoscopy? In the most simple terms, an endoscopy is a test that helps your doctor learn more about what’s going on inside your body.

An upper endoscopy specifically is a highly-accurate, nonsurgical procedure used to investigate problems related to your digestive health that is used to identify the presence of polyps, cancerous tumors, ulcers, inflammation, and other damage to your stomach or digestive tract.

In some instances, the procedure is more effective for detecting abnormalities and problems in the upper digestive system than X-rays and other types of imaging.

Keep reading to learn more about what happens during an upper endoscopy and what the procedure can detect.

Having to have surgery, a medical procedure, or even diagnostic testing can be terrifying at any age, but it can be especially unnerving for children.

While it is entirely normal and reasonable for your child to get nervous, your presence, love, and support before and after the medical procedure will help them through their surgery and ensure they have a stronger recovery.

In addition to your support, the right type of anesthesia will prevent your child from feeling pain during the procedure and may also help make your child more comfortable and less anxious after surgery.

Keep reading to learn more about what to expect when your child gets pediatric anesthesia before a medical procedure.

Regular screenings, like colonoscopies, are key in preventing many colorectal cancers. Screenings can find diseases in people who show no symptoms, and may not even think they are sick at all. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and having a colonoscopy is your best form of prevention.

Most of the time no one wants to go to the hospital, and nobody especially wants to have to return after they have been discharged.

Sometimes, though, it does happen because not all readmission and emergency room visits are avoidable.

Being overweight is a health issue can affect your day-to-day general health, but it's a condition that can make surgery significantly more challenging. Additionally, carrying extra pounds will also increase your chance of surgical complications, including forming dangerous blood clots and developing postoperative infections.

For an easier surgery and recovery, Logansport Memorial Hospital offers a weight-loss program—called Health Management Resources (HMR)—that can help you get prepared. 

Keep reading to learn how being overweight may cause problems during your operation and potentially slow your recovery.