Endoscopy services have debuted at Austin Medical Center.

Monday, May 07, 2001

Endoscopy services have debuted at Austin Medical Center.

It is expected to aid doctors and nurses in screening for colorectal cancer, but its applications are many.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy, lower GI series and other tests will allow more detailed information to be available faster. If a polyp or other abnormal growth is found, they can be removed by a sigmoidscope or colonscope.

Pathologists also will have more information in a detailed form readily available to check for cancer cells.

The endoscopy services are out-patient procedures. Because of the new and enhanced information, patients will learn more about their health and will be able to see the same things doctors and nurses see when making a diagnosis.

Dr. James Burke is credited with bringing the new detection enhancement to the attention of Austin Medical Center.

Deanna Mullenbach and Judy Bruggeman, both registered nurses, assist Burke in the examinations.

"It speeds things up," Mullenbach said, "and because of the additional information, it will help in the patient’s education."

Burke agreed: "Not only will it be helpful to doctors and nurses, but it will also be of benefit to the patient. They will be able to see what doctors and nurses are discussing and be educated about their health problem more than ever before."

"It’s definitely an enhancement to our work," the physician said.

The new endoscopy services were implemented six weeks ago at Austin Medical Center.

A new software program comes with picture capabilities. The information dictated by the physician is available almost instantly rather than days after the examination when a medical transcriptionist has finished.

Because referring physicians also get the data complete with graphic pictures so quickly, the risk factors related to delaying any treatment or surgery are greatly reduced.

Burke first learned of the enhancement at an annual medical conference he attended more than a year ago. He returned to AMC, pitched the idea to the medical staff and researched it further. When he was satisfied it was needed, he made a presentation and it was approved.

"We use the endoscopy services every day," Bruggeman said. "We probably have an average of 150 examinations each month."

Three examination rooms so that an equal number of patients can be screened simultaneously

Only a very few hospitals have the second generation endoscopy services that AMC now offers.

Dr. Burke said the results are continually impressing doctors and nurses as well as patients.

Bleeding, bowel disorders and precancerous polyps are being detected soon rather than later.

More than 160,000 cases of colorectal cancer occur every year in the United States and about 45 people in Mower County will develop the disease this year.

There’s only one reason, and it is reason enough, to understand why Dr. Burke and nurses Mullenbach and Bruggeman are excited to be able to offer the new enhanced endoscopy services. Speed still kills on the highway. Speed in detecting precancerous polyps saves lives when preventive services can be implemented sooner rather than later.

Call Lee Bonorden at 434-2232 or e-mail him at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com.