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 Advancements in Gastro Procedures

Interventional gastro procedures, also known as interventional gastroenterology procedures, are minimally invasive medical procedures performed by gastroenterologists to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These procedures involve specialised instruments and imaging techniques to access and treat the GI tract without prime surgery.

Some accepted interventional gastroenterology procedures include:

• Endoscopy: This procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope) inserted through the mouth or anus to visualise and examine the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, or rectum. It can help diagnose conditions such as ulcers, polyps, tumours, and inflammation and for therapeutic purposes such as stopping bleeding.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP combines endoscopy with fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, liver, and pancreas. Gastrosurgeons perform it to remove gallstones, treat blockages, and place stents to improve bile or pancreatic duct drainage.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): EUS involves an endoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs. It can aid in conditions like pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal tumours, and the staging of various cancers.
• Enteral Stenting: This procedure involves the placement of stents (metal or plastic tubes) within the oesophagus, stomach, or small intestine to treat strictures (narrowings) caused by tumours, scar tissue, or other obstructions. Stents help maintain open passages for proper food or fluid flow.
• Gastrointestinal Balloon Dilatation: Gastrosurgeons perform this to widen narrowed areas in the oesophagus, stomach, or intestine using an inflatable balloon. It can alleviate symptoms caused by strictures or stenosis, allowing for improved food passage.
• Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS): TIPS is a procedure that creates a shunt between the portal vein and the hepatic vein within the liver to relieve portal hypertension. Surgeons perform it to manage complications of liver cirrhosis, such as variceal bleeding or fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).

These are just a few examples of interventional gastroscopy procedures. The specific surgery recommended will depend on the individual patient's condition and the judgement of the gastroenterologist.

Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Procedures

Can Interventional gastro procedures deliver fast relief?

Yes, interventional gastroenterology procedures can often deliver fast relief for unavoidable conditions. The exact speed of support will depend on the specific gastrointestinal condition and the nature of the surgery performed. Here are a few examples:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Interventional gastroenterological procedures such as endoscopic hemostasis can help quickly stop bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Interventional gastro procedures achieve hemostasis and provide immediate relief from bleeding by utilising techniques such as thermal coagulation, the injection of medications, or mechanical methods.
• Gallstone removal: ERCP with sphincterotomy and stone extraction can swiftly remove gallstones that cause blockages and associated symptoms like pain and jaundice. This procedure can offer rapid relief by clearing the obstruction and restoring normal bile flow.
• Stricture dilation: Gastrointestinal strictures can cause difficulty swallowing or obstruct the passage of food through the digestive tract. Balloon dilation or stent placement can be performed during an endoscopy to widen the narrowed area, providing prompt relief and improving the ability to eat and drink normally.
• Pancreatic or bile duct drainage: ERCP with stent placement or stone removal can quickly alleviate blocked pancreatic or bile ducts. This procedure can relieve pain, jaundice, and other associated symptoms by restoring proper drainage.

It's important to note that the speed of relief can vary depending on the complexity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and the individual's response to the procedure. Some cases may require additional treatments or follow-up procedures for optimal long-term management. Your gastroenterologist will assess your specific condition, discuss the expected outcomes, and provide guidance on the timeline for relief. 

 Exploring Endoscopic Techniques

What is endoscopy? 

• Endoscopy is a medical procedure.
• Endoscopy involves a flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope.
• The endoscope is inserted through the mouth or anus to visualise and examine the gastrointestinal tract.
• It helps diagnose and treat various conditions in the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum.
• Common conditions detected through endoscopy include ulcers, polyps, tumours, and inflammation.
• Gastrosurgeons perform endoscopy for therapeutic purposes, such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding.
• Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids major surgery.
• Gastroenterologists perform the surgery as specialists in digestive system disorders.
• Endoscopy provides real-time images and enables biopsies and tissue sampling for further analysis.
• Endoscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases. 

What are the types of endoscopies?

Gastroenterologists perform different endoscopies based on the specific area of the gastrointestinal tract.

Here are some common types:

• Gastroenterologists perform Upper Endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD) by inserting an endoscope through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
• Colonoscopy involves inserting an endoscope through the anus to visualise the rectum and the entire colon. It helps detect abnormalities like polyps, tumours, or inflammation in the large intestine.
• Enteroscopy examines the small intestine beyond the reach of an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. It can be performed by swallowing a capsule with a camera or using a long endoscope to access and visualise the small intestine.
• Sigmoidoscopy entails inserting an endoscope into the rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). It detects abnormalities in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combines endoscopy with X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, liver, and pancreas. It enables gallstone removal, relief of blockages, and stent placement.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) involves using an endoscope with an ultrasound probe to visualise the gastrointestinal tract and nearby structures. It aids in tumour evaluation, cancer staging, and obtaining biopsies.
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) are performed during an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy to remove abnormal or precancerous tissue from the digestive tract.

These procedures are commonly used in endoscopy to examine different parts of the GI tract, and the specific type recommended depends on the suspected condition and the area to perform. 

Diagnostic Endoscopy

What are "Advanced Endoscopy Services"?

Advanced Endoscopy Services is a specialised field within gastroenterology that focuses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using endoscopy techniques. These services involve advanced endoscopic tools and technologies for minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal conditions.

Advanced endoscopy procedures often go beyond routine endoscopies and involve more complex interventions. Expert Gastroenterologists who have undergone additional training and possess expertise in performing advanced endoscopic techniques provide these services.

Some examples of advanced endoscopy services include:

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, liver, and pancreas. Surgeons used it for interventions such as gallstone removal, stent placement, or drainage of blocked ducts.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): EUS involves an endoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs. Gastrosurgeons use it for evaluating tumours, staging cancers, and guiding fine-needle aspirations (biopsies).
• Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): Surgeons use these techniques to remove abnormal or precancerous tissue from the digestive tract without surgery. They are helpful for the treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal cancers or large polyps.
• Endoscopic Dilation: This procedure involves the smooth stretching of narrowed areas or strictures in the oesophagus, stomach, or intestines with specialised balloons or dilators. It helps restore proper function and alleviate symptoms caused by strictures.
• Endoscopic Hemostasis: Advanced endoscopy services include the management of gastrointestinal bleeding through techniques like thermal coagulation, administering medications, or clipping to stop bleeding and achieve hemostasis.
• Endoscopic Luminal Stenting: This procedure involves stents (tubes) within narrowed or blocked areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Stents help maintain open passages and restore the normal flow of fluids and food.

These are just a few examples of the advanced endoscopy services offered. These procedures are typically performed in specialised endoscopy units by highly expert gastroenterologists with skills in advanced endoscopic techniques.