What is an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera to look inside part of the digestive tract. Depending on the procedure, it may help diagnose symptoms, collect tissue samples or treat certain conditions.

Is endoscopy the same as surgery?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, but it is not the same as traditional surgery. It often allows doctors to evaluate or treat problems without large incisions.

What symptoms might lead to an endoscopy?

Your doctor may recommend an endoscopic procedure for symptoms such as reflux, trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, indigestion, changes in bowel habits or concerns found during screening.

What’s the difference between endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery?

Both endoscopic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are minimally invasive procedures. Endoscopic surgery is often used for diagnosis, while laparoscopic surgery is used for treatment (mostly in the abdomen).

Is endoscopic surgery painful?

Because endoscopic surgery uses natural openings in the body or tiny incisions, it is usually much less painful than traditional surgery.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery depends on the type of endoscopic surgery you have, but most procedures are outpatient and you should feel recovered within 24 hours.

Can I eat normally after the procedure?

Your care team will go over post-procedure care, including when and what you should eat afterwards.

Endoscopic surgery | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Minimally invasive care for digestive conditions

Endoscopic procedures can help your doctor evaluate symptoms, confirm a diagnosis and treat certain digestive conditions without more invasive surgery. Our gastroenterology team uses advanced endoscopy techniques to provide precise, efficient care for people across the greater Charleston area.

Endoscopic surgery offers many benefits compared to traditional surgery, including:

Less pain and scarring
Lower risk of infection
Outpatient or same-day procedure
Shorter recovery time
Smaller or no external incisions

And because procedures are performed through natural openings or small incisions, recovery is typically faster and more comfortable.

Conditions we treat with endoscopic surgery

Your provider may recommend an endoscopic procedure to evaluate or treat digestive symptoms and conditions such as:

Acid reflux and GERD
Abdominal pain and indigestion
Colorectal cancer screening and evaluation
Dysphagia and other swallowing disorders
Gallstones and other bile duct diseases
Gastritis and stomach ulcers
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Irritable bowel syndrome and other motility disorders
Pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases
Liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease

Types of endoscopic procedures we offer

Endoscopic procedures can be diagnostic (to identify a condition) or therapeutic (to treat it during the same visit). Our skilled team performs a variety of endoscopic procedures tailored to each patient's needs. These minimally invasive techniques allow us to examine the digestive tract, identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Patients are cared for by board-certified gastroenterologists, as well as by nurses and techs certified by their professional organizations. Many of our doctors have advanced specialized training in therapeutic services and will work with your primary doctor to evaluate and treat your gastrointestinal or pulmonary problems.

Our digestive endoscopic services include:

Gastrointestinal motility and hydrogen breath testing
GI endoscopy
Pediatric gastroenterology
Small bowel wireless capsule endoscopy

Your endoscopic surgery team

You’ll be cared for by experienced gastroenterology specialists who are committed to helping you feel informed and at ease. From your initial evaluation through follow-up, our team works closely with you to create a care plan tailored to your needs.

Accepting New Patients
Robert Moran, MD

Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pancreatobiliary Diseases
Accepting New Patients
Jonathan Reichstein, MD

Gastroenterology

5 of 5 stars
Accepting New Patients
Andrew Wolf, MD

Gastroenterology

4.8 of 5 stars
Accepting New Patients
Gregory Goodear, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Lisa Burgess, FNP

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
R. Sidney Smith, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Kristen Forrest Miller, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Eddie Irions Jr., MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Lori Robbins, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Joshua Watson, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Theodore Gourdin, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
John Litchfield, DO

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Judd Adelman, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Nathan Shores, MD

Transplant Hepatology, Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Neven Hadzijahic, MD

Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary Diseases
Accepting New Patients
Alejandro Suarez, MD

Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary Diseases
Accepting New Patients
James Schnell, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
William Marsteller IV, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Todd Snyder, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Michael Sagatelian, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Christopher Lawrence, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
David Florez, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Derek Feussner, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Lee Royall, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Jeffrey Basile, MD

Gastroenterology
Accepting New Patients
Marc Noble, MD

Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary Diseases
Accepting New Patients
Haily Vora, MD

Gastroenterology

Endoscopic surgery locations

With office locations in Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville, we make it easier to access expert gastroenterology care close to home.

Related services & specialties

Colorectal surgery

For conditions affecting the colon and rectum, to relieve symptoms, restore function and support long-term health.
Digestive health

Find answers, manage symptoms and feel like yourself again with our expert digestive health care.

Schedule an appointment

If you need answers about digestive symptoms or have been referred for an endoscopic procedure, our team is here to help.

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Endoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive care for digestive conditions

Conditions we treat with endoscopic surgery

Types of endoscopic procedures we offer

Your endoscopic surgery team

Robert Moran, MD

Jonathan Reichstein, MD

Andrew Wolf, MD

Gregory Goodear, MD

Lisa Burgess, FNP

R. Sidney Smith, MD

Kristen Forrest Miller, MD

Eddie Irions Jr., MD

Lori Robbins, MD

Joshua Watson, MD

Theodore Gourdin, MD

John Litchfield, DO

Judd Adelman, MD

Nathan Shores, MD

Neven Hadzijahic, MD

Alejandro Suarez, MD

James Schnell, MD

William Marsteller IV, MD

Todd Snyder, MD

Michael Sagatelian, MD

Christopher Lawrence, MD

David Florez, MD

Derek Feussner, MD

Lee Royall, MD

Jeffrey Basile, MD

Marc Noble, MD

Haily Vora, MD

Endoscopic surgery locations

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Related services & specialties

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