Local endoscopy program recognized

The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head has been recognized by a leading gastrointestinal medical society for quality and safety.

The recognition comes from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as part of its new program to promote quality in endoscopy, according to a news release from the society.

The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head at 109 Pembroke Drive is one of 124 endoscopy units in the United States, and one of only three in South Carolina to have earned the recognition.

Endoscopy involves the use of flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes to access the digestive tract without incisions. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.

The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the society's guidelines on credentialing, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and infection control guidelines and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy.

"We are truly honored to be

recognized by ASGE," said Richard E. Thomas, CEO of The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head. "Patient comfort and safety can be dramatically enhanced by the rigorous and thorough maintenance and scope cleaning procedures advocated by the

ASGE."

The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head is led by two board-certified gastroenterologists, Drs. Michael Gilbreath and Glenn Gwozdz, and a certified gastroenterology registered nurse, Connie Poland, as well as a specialized endoscopy technician, Tobye Markowitz, and a staff of endoscopy-trained registered nurses.