Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, part of the Department of Medicine, offers world-class patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Advanced Endoscopy
Leading-edge endoscopic procedures
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Innovative, Non-Invasive Gastrointestinal (GI) Diagnostics and Treatments
For routine screening and diagnostic services, most of our patients will receive an endoscopy or a colonoscopy. However, if you are in need of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, our team provides the latest in cutting-edge procedures. The Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers non-invasive procedures, as well as endoscopic surgeries designed for organ preservation.
Our faculty are world leaders in endoscopy. Along with teams across our Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, we perform nearly 30,000 endoscopic procedures each year. We are world leaders in research and innovation. Our team is investigating new technologies to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal cancers and pre-malignant conditions earlier and more effectively.
Services We Offer
The Center is proud to be one of the largest referral centers for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States. ERCP is a minimally invasive way to treat conditions of the bile duct and pancreas.
Our team uses ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound and other imaging methods to diagnose and treat many conditions. This includes gallstones, acid reflux (GERD), Barrett's esophagus and colon polyps. We also treat less common conditions, from pancreatic cancer to achalasia. Our endosurgical program offers state-of-the art, minimally-invasive options to treat a variety of conditions ranging from large colon polyps, to early esophageal cancer, to achalasia.
Services include:
- ERCP for management of benign and malignant biliary strictures
- Spyglass cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy
- Complex ERCPs in patients with gastric bypass, Whipple surgery and other post-surgical anatomy
- Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle biopsy, pancreatic pseudocyst drainage and endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy
- Palliative enteral stenting for colonic, esophageal and other gastrointestinal malignancies
- Leading edge endoscopic therapies and novel diagnostics for Barrett's esophagus, including:
- radiofrequency ablation
- cryotherapy
- endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- optical coherence tomography
- Comprehensive evaluation of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding using capsule endoscopy, single-balloon enteroscopy and advanced hemostasis methods
- Removal of large colon polyps by endomucosal resection
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR)
- Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia
Endoluminal Surgery
The Endoluminal Surgery Program within the Center for Advanced Endoscopy represents the forefront of minimally invasive gastrointestinal care. Our expert team is able to perform advanced procedures using endoscopic tools, with the goal of preserving organ function and maximizing patient comfort. Endoscopic approaches avoid the need for skin incisions entirely, and allow for shorter and easier recovery than traditional surgical techniques. The procedures our team performs include Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), Full-Thickness Resection (FTR), Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) and Zenker's Diverticulotomy.
Endoluminal procedures represent a minimally-invasive, and potentially curative treatment for a wide range of conditions including early esophageal cancers, early gastric cancers, large colon and rectum polyps and other gastrointestinal tumors. Additionally, these techniques can be used to treat patients with achalasia, gastroparesis and Zenker’s diverticulum.
One of the defining advantages of our care is the multidisciplinary approach. We collaborate closely with other specialties, including thoracic surgery, colorectal surgery, surgical oncology and a wide variety of other specialists. This collaborative environment ensures comprehensive care for our patients, combining expertise from various fields to optimize treatment outcomes and patient experience.
Understanding Your Surgical Procedure
The procedures we perform in endoluminal surgery are at the cutting edge of care, and the minimally invasive approach prioritizes patient comfort and a quicker recovery time.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
ESD is a potentially curative approach for treating and staging early gastrointestinal cancers, offering the dual advantage of preserving the native organ and achieving curative resection. This technique is particularly beneficial for conditions like early-stage gastric cancer, esophageal cancer and certain precancerous lesions, where organ preservation is critical for maintaining quality of life. ESD minimizes complications and speeds recovery compared to traditional surgery, making it a preferred choice for early GI cancers.
Full-Thickness Resection (FTR)
FTR is an endoscopic approach used for the removal of complex lesions in the wall of the GI tract, including those in challenging locations or those that have submucosal involvement. Conditions such as non-lifting adenomas, early-stage cancers and subepithelial tumors are effectively treated using FTR. This method is minimally invasive and offers a safer, more comfortable alternative to traditional surgery, reducing recovery times.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)
POEM is a novel treatment for achalasia and other swallowing disorders. This procedure involves an endoscopic technique to cut the muscle layers of the esophagus or stomach, improving swallowing and reducing symptoms significantly. POEM is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery, offering quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.
Zenker's Diverticulotomy
Zenker's Diverticulotomy is an advanced endoscopic procedure aimed at treating Zenker's diverticulum, a condition characterized by the formation of pouches in the esophagus. This minimally invasive approach provides relief from symptoms like swallowing difficulties and regurgitation, with fewer risks and a faster recovery period than conventional surgery.
Meet the Team
