Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy

Incisionless outpatient procedures for accurate diagnosis and as treatment alternatives to complex, invasive surgery.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure to remove cancerous or other abnormal tissues (lesions) from  the digestive tract. EMR is performed with a long, narrow tube equipped with a light, video camera and other instruments.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines video endoscopy and ultrasonography to examine structures within and adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. EUS is performed to stage gastrointestinal tumors and obtain biopsies from lesions outside the gastrointestinal tract. It also can guide abscess drains and noninfected fluid collections and access the pancreaticobiliary tree when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails.

Spectrum Health is one of only a few health systems in the U.S. to offer endoscopic submucosal dissection as a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a highly advanced procedure that combines endoscopic and radiologic techniques to diagnose and treat diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder and liver. Addition of the SpyGlass™ Direct Visualization System enables detection and treatment of large stones and strictures throughout the pancreaticobiliary system.

Endoscopic fistula closure allows minimally invasive treatment of gastric, duodenal and colonic perforations with metal clips or stents.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy is used to treat achalasia. It allows resection of muscle fibers at the lower esophageal sphincter and markedly improves a patient’s ability to swallow.