CFVH adds new screening technology

Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains is one of the first hospitals in Montana to have a state of the art Olympus diagnostic screening machine. This machine is used for endoscopies in upper gastrointestinal (GI) screenings and colonoscopies. The colon can be seen from a camera on the tube that can turn nearly 360 degrees. This is more viewing range than older models, according to Lisa Eberhardt, Chief Nursing Officer at CFVH..

“The doctor can see light source variations in different tissues and catch abnormalities such as polyps or cancer,” Eberhardt said of the new machine. “Polyps are growths that resemble skin tags, and are found inside the colon or GI tract. The scope can detect bleeding and signs of diverticulitis.” That is caused by an infection of diverticula which are small bulges in the digestive tract.

“People used to think diverticulitis was caused by eating nuts and seeds,” explained Dr. Donald Damschen, CFVH’s general surgeon. A poor diet lacking in fiber and full of processed foods such as deli meats and hot dogs are more likely to be the cause. “Seeds and nuts can get stuck in the diverticular bulges and create a blockage that can cause irritation. But they do not cause diverticulitis,” he added.

“The hospital conducts 80 to 100 colonoscopies on a monthly basis,” Eberhardt said. She added that the recommended age to start screening is now 45, due to the increase of people developing colon issues. “The Olympus is special because it comes with six different sized hoses: three for upper GI endoscopies and three for colonoscopies,” Eberhardt added.

Dr. Damschen said “the resolution is 4k and is the best you can get for these procedures. It is one of the more expensive diagnostic machines at $220,000.” He can detect changes in the lining of the bowel and see signs of Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, and colon cancer. He said one of the best forms of preventive medicine in the county is regular screenings and a proper diet to stay healthy. “Stay away from highly processed meats,” he reiterated.

Eberhardt said the procedure has improved greatly. Patients are given propofol as an anesthesia, with few side effects, that does not cause groggy hangovers when they wake up. “Some people say it's the best night's sleep they’ve had in a long time.” It is an out-patient procedure, Eberhardt said. When patients wake up they feel wide awake and think they can drive home. But they need to have someone drive them and she recommends patients do not drive for 24 hours.

Dr Damschen said the machine uses CO2, carbon dioxide, to inflate the bowel. It is absorbed into the system which alleviates abdominal pain. “The patient does not wake up with painful side effects like they would with other machines.” Damschen added that people need not feel embarrassed to have a colonoscopy. They are covered with a blanket and the procedure is very private.

“Colon cancer is one of the main causes of death in our country,” Dr. Damschen said. He is from Plains and has been a trauma surgeon at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula and in Plains. He said he was quoted in an article in the Sanders County Ledger when he began his residency in 1996, “Don’t let yourself die of embarrassment.” He was referring to the fear of having a colonoscopy.

“This equipment upgrade reflects our ongoing efforts to offer high quality healthcare in Sanders County. We remain committed to making preventative care readily available, and this equipment will allow us to continue to offer the gold standard for colon cancer screening,” said Doctor Gregory Hanson, CFVH President and CEO.