Procedures Performed
Biliary Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Biliary RFA is done during an ERCP and uses the introduction of a small catheter into the bile duct to burn cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancers) in order to delay disease progression and avoid biliary obstruction.
Biliary and Pancreatic Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy (EHL)
EHL is used to treat gallstones in the bile duct or pancreatic duct stones which are blocking the pancreatic duct and are difficult to remove with other methods. This is performed during an ERCP and a small catheter is used to make a small spark through water to break these stones up.
Cholangioscopy
Is done with an ercp and introduces a small camera through the duodenoscope and is advanced into the bile duct to see inside the bile duct. It can also be used to perform several maneuvers such as intraductal biopsies, removal of stones with baskets, and EHL.
Colonoscopy (Screening and Therapeutic)
Exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. This is traditionally done to screen for colon cancer, survey for colon polyps, but also can be a therapeutic procedure for removing large colon polyps amongst other uses.
Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection
Endoscopic removal of a polyp or cancer by using a suction cap device at the end of an endoscope to remove an area of the GI tract completely and endoscopically.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Large Polypectomy
Gastrointestinal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure to remove precancerous, early-stage cancer or other abnormal tissues (lesions) from the digestive tract.
Endoscopic mucosal resection is performed with a long, narrow tube equipped with a light, video camera and other instruments. During EMR of the upper digestive tract, the tube (endoscope) is passed down your throat to reach an abnormality in your esophagus, stomach or upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). To remove lesions from the colon, the tube is guided up through the anus. Primarily a treatment procedure, EMR is also used to collect tissues for diagnosis. If cancer is present, EMR can help determine if the cancer has invaded tissues beneath the digestive tract lining.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. It is performed by our highly skilled and specialty trained team of advanced gastroenterologists.
Endoscopic Suturing
A technique used for several reasons. It can be used for closure of perforations, leaks, or fistulas. It can be used for luminal or lumen apposing stent fixation. It can also be used for primary endoscopic bariatric procedures or for endoscopic revision of previous bariatric surgeries.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) (Diagnostic and Therapeutic)
Type of endoscopic examination. It involves the insertion of a thin tube into the mouth and down into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. At the tip of the tube is a small ultrasound probe that emits sound waves. These sound waves bounce off of the surrounding structures, such as the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, and liver. These sound waves are then recaptured by the probe and converted into black and white images that are then interpreted by your doctor. Because the pancreas sits next to the stomach and small intestine, EUS allows the physician to get very detailed images of the pancreas.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Liver Biopsy
Safe and effective approach to obtaining liver biopsies that may serve as an alternative to traditional methods.
Esophageal Dilation
Procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube].
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Endoscopic procedure that allows your doctor to examine your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (part of your small intestine). EGD is used to evaluate a number of digestive disorders. It is a popular diagnostic option because patients generally tolerate it well and it causes minimal discomfort.
Fistula Closures
Reliable technique to repair fistulas (holes or openings between organs or tissues). If not mended, these abnormal passageways can allow fluid to leak from one body cavity to another. This fluid leakage can result in pain, infection, organ damage and even death.
Intragastric Balloons
Weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach.
Lumen Apposing Stent Placement
Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have been primarily designed and developed to improve endoscopic treatment outcomes in the management of Pancreatic Fluid Collection, particularly walled-off necrosis (WON), and to facilitate better drainage of necrotic contents and minimize the risk of perforation and peritoneal or retroperitoneal leakage. This method can be used to perform endoscopic gallbladder drainage through the GI tract.
Luminal Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Luminal RFA is traditionally used to treat Barretts esophagus with precancerous changes. It is a method which is done during an EGD where a catheter introduced through the mouth is used to burn off the abnormal pre-cancerous lining of the lower esophagus.
Luminal Stenting
The placement of a mesh stent in the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum or colon to keep these organs open from narrowings due to fibrosis or cancers.
Pancreatoscopy
It is similar to cholangioscopy except we go into the pancreatic duct. It is done during ERCP and a small camera is introduced through the ERCP scope into the pancreatic duct for direct visualization of the pancreatic duct.
Post-Surgical Leak Repair/Fistula Closure
Endoscopic methods including stenting, clipping, and suturing can be used to close an abnormal opening of the GI tract after surgery or an abnormal connection between the GI tract and adjacent structures.
Revisions of previous bariatric surgeries
By means of endoscopic suturing, we can recreate bariatric post-surgical anatomy if patients begin to regain weight after having weight loss surgery. (Transoral Gastric Outlet Reduction (TORe) for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass outlet revisions, gastric pouch revision, gastric sleeve revision, gastric sleeve dilation, and more).