Therapeutic Endoscopy Program

A Minimally Invasive Approach to Digestive Care

Our world-leading Therapeutic Endoscopy Program experts have pioneered the application of therapeutic endoscopy to diagnose and treat a full range of digestive diseases.

Through a natural opening or small incision, a highly trained specialist passes an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light source and camera, to the area of interest.

Many treatments that up until recently relied upon invasive techniques are now routinely performed endoscopically, including:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose and treat gallstones and pancreatic disease.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to remove polyps or other growths anywhere in the digestive system.
• Radiofrequency ablation to destroy precancerous or early cancers, such as those found in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.
• Placing stents to facilitate swallowing or the passage of food through the digestive tract.
• Debriding necrotic tissue from severe pancreatitis.
• Treating bile duct and pancreatic cancer.
• Draining cysts of the bile duct or pancreas.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), to take biopsies from difficult-to-reach areas within the body and to help stage cancer prior to surgery.

As pioneers in the application of therapeutic endoscopy, our medical center is currently conducting 20 clinical trials, examining its value in treating disorders spanning across many specialty areas.

Our Approach

Each person receives individualized, patient-centered care. In collaboration with other multidisciplinary team members, therapeutic endoscopy experts integrate the most advanced procedure appropriate to the patient’s treatment and management plan.