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Advanced endoscopy is a rapidly evolving field in modern medicine, the field offers innovative and less invasive solutions to a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. In recent years, significant technological advances in endoscopy are enabling doctors to diagnose and treat complex conditions in ways that were not previously possible.
Have you ever wondered what the word “advanced endoscopy” means? And what exactly are its advantages over traditional methods?
We have compiled information for you to explain the field, endoscopic techniques, types of treatments, advantages of the method, technological developments, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and much more.
Advanced endoscopy refers to the use of modern techniques and technologies to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the gastrointestinal tract - this is by using advanced tools, which for the most part include cameras with high optical capacity, special knives, sewing tools, tools that allow fluid injection, the use of electricity, radio waves, ultrasound, heat and special blades in order Perform complicated excisions, sutures, photographs, reconstruction of the esophageal sphincter, shortening of the gastric sleeve, insertion of a vestibular stent, removal of stones, dilation of appendages, removal of polyps, drainage of blockages, etc...
Unlike conventional endoscopy, advanced endoscopy allows doctors to perform more complex operations, such as removing large tumors, treating complex biliary and pancreatic problems, and performing minimally invasive surgical procedures using the body's natural openings (as opposed to classic surgery in which the surgeon cuts the tissue to reach the required internal organ).
1. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
ESD is a revolutionary technique that allows the removal of large, flat lesions of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It allows excision in one block (en bloc) of large lesions, which improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces the risk of recurrence. ESD is mainly used to treat early cancers of the stomach, esophagus and colon.
2. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR - Endoscopic Mucosal Resection)
EMR is a technique for excising smaller lesions in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It is less complex than ESD but still allows effective removal of polyps and precancerous lesions.
3. Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)
POEM is an innovative technique for treating achalasia, a disorder of esophageal motility.
The procedure is performed orally and allows cutting of the lower sphincter muscle of the esophagus, which improves swallowing.
4th. Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR)
EFTR allows removal of deeper lesions in the gastrointestinal wall, including those involving the muscular layer.
This technique is especially useful for lesions that cannot be removed using EMR or ESD.
5. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS - Endoscopic Ultrasound)
EUS COMBINES ENDOSCOPY WITH ULTRASOUND IMAGING, ALLOWS ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF LESIONS IN THE WALL OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND ADJACENT ORGANS.
EUS is also used to perform accurate biopsies and guide topical treatments.
6. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is an advanced technique for diagnosing and treating biliary tract and pancreatic problems. It allows the removal of stones, the expansion of outcrops and the drainage of blockages.
1. Less invasive: Compared to open surgeries, advanced endoscopy offers a less invasive approach, leading to less pain, fewer complications and faster rehabilitation and of course no external cuts/scars.
2. Conservation of the organ: Advanced endoscopic techniques allow treatment of early lesions while preserving organ structure and function, as opposed to surgeries that may involve extensive resection.
3. Improved accuracy: The use of advanced imaging technologies allows for more accurate detection and treatment of small, early lesions.
4. Shorter hospitalization: Most advanced endoscopic procedures are performed as day care or require a short hospitalization, which reduces costs and, importantly, improves patient comfort.
5. A quick return to normal: Due to the less invasive nature, patients can return to normal activities more quickly compared to traditional surgeries.
1. PRECANCEROUS AND EARLY CANCEROUS LESIONS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.
2. Large or complex polyps in the large intestine.
3. ACHALASIA AND OTHER MOTILITY DISORDERS OF THE ESOPHAGUS.
4. Diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas.
5. SUBMUCOSAL TUMORS IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.
6. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Gastrointestinal Creatures.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Incorporating AI technologies in advanced endoscopy promises to improve accuracy in diagnosing precancerous and cancerous lesions.
AI systems can help automatically detect polyps, assess the depth of penetration of tumors, and even predict treatment outcomes.
2. Robotic Endoscopy
The development of robotic endoscopic systems may allow more complex procedures to be performed with higher accuracy and with less fatigue for the therapist.
3. Molecular Imaging
New imaging techniques, such as fluorescent endoscopy, may allow earlier detection of cancerous lesions at the molecular level.
4. Endoscopy-Guided Targeted Treatments
Development of new methods for delivering drugs or targeted therapies directly to gastrointestinal lesions, using endoscopic guidance.
5. 3D Endoscopy
Improvements in display technology may enable real-time 3D imaging, which will improve the accuracy and safety of complex procedures.
Advanced endoscopy is revolutionizing the field of gastroenterology, offering innovative and less invasive treatment options for a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases.
Its many advantages, including fewer complications, faster rehabilitation and better preservation of the organs, make it a preferred option in many cases over traditional surgeries.
However, it is important to remember that advanced endoscopy requires high manual dexterity and considerable experience. Therefore, it is important that these procedures are carried out in leading medical centers by specialists with appropriate training.
As technology continues to evolve, we anticipate seeing more exciting innovations in the field of advanced endoscopy, which will lead to further improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Patients dealing with gastrointestinal problems - it is recommended that you consult a specialist gastroenterologist to find out if there are advanced endoscopic treatments that are suitable for your condition.