Advanced Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure that enables physicians to diagnose conditions inside body. The procedure uses an endoscope, which is a thin tube with a small camera and light attached. As the doctor, or endoscopist, moves the endoscope through a body passageway (such as the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract) or opening (including from surgery), he or she can see inside the organ. Endoscopes are used for diagnosing conditions throughout the body. 

Therapeutic Endoscopy

Advances in endoscopic medicine have lead to the development of new endoscopic tools that enable physicians to see, diagnose and treat numerous conditions. The treatment of conditions with endoscopic tools is called therapeutic endoscopy. 

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure using a colonoscope to examine the colon for polyps and other abnormalities. After the patient is prepped and sedated, a thin flexible instrument with a camera is inserted through the anus and passed through the length of the large intestine to where it joins the small intestine. During the procedure, the doctor can remove polyps take any necessary tissue samples. Read a hypothetical consultation about colonoscopy.
Patient instructions for Colonoscopy. 

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

EGD is an endoscopic procedure for examining of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and the first section of the small intestine – the duodenum. After the patient is prepped and sedated, a thin flexible instrument with a camera is inserted down the throat, through the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. Biopsies (tissue samples) can also be taken through the endoscope in this procedure.
Patient instructions for EGD. 

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic procedure for examining the sigmoid colon which is the part of the colon closest to the rectum and anus. The patient is prepped and a digital rectal exam is performed. Then the doctor inserts a sigmoidoscope through the anus to view, take photographs or tissue samples as necessary to diagnose and treat any conditions of the rectum or colon.
Patient instructions for Sigmoidoscopy. 

Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic Ultrasound, or EUS, combines endoscopy and ultrasound in order to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs. In EUS, an ultrasound transducer is placed on the tip of an endoscope. The endoscope is moved through the body passageway, such as the intestine. The images obtained typically have greater detail than by traditional ultrasound. The EUS Program at UC San Diego Health System, directed by Thomas Savides, MD, regularly utilizes this technique to stage cancers – meaning, to determine the penetration of cancer in a particular organ or organs.
Patient instructions for Endoscopic Ultrasound.

Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment

We are leaders in the field of endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s esophagus - a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. Barrett’s mucosa can be eradicated with a number of techniques including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), radiofrequency ablation (BARRX), cryotherapy (Polar Wand), and argon plasma coagulation. UC San Diego Health System is the first in San Diego to offer these advanced treatment options for Barrett’s esophagus and early esophageal cancer. 

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatoscopy (ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a minimally invasive procedure that combines X-ray and video endoscope technologies to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts.
Patient instructions for Encoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatoscopy. 

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a capsule that has a video camera and light. The capsule captures images as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract and transmits them to a receiver worn outside the body. At the end of the procedure, the physician downloads the data and images that were transmitted to the receiver for evaluation. This procedure allows physicians to see the small intestine, a traditionally difficult area of the body to see clearly for diagnosis without surgery.
Patient instructions for Capsule Endoscopy. 

Double Balloon Enteroscopy

UC San Diego Health System is the only center in San Diego to offer the double balloon enteroscopy procedure. Double balloon enteroscopy allows an endoscope to pass from the mouth through nearly the entire small intestine to look for sources of bleeding or tumors.
Patient instructions for Double Balloon Enteroscopy.

UC San Diego Expertise

UC San Diego Health System is at the forefront of endoscopic technology. Our physicians utilize endoscopy in combination with other diagnostic and surgical techniques to effectively address numerous conditions in the least invasive approaches possible. Our Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Interventional GI Endoscopy program has been recognized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as a premier program in the United States. Program director Thomas Savides, MD, is a past councillor for the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 

Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy our team regularly performs includes:

• Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal cancer
• Endoscopic removal of challenging colon polyps EUS-guided fiducical placement to assist sterotactic radiosurgery
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatoscopy (ERCP) removal of common bile duct stones, placement of stents for pancreatic and cholangiocarcinoma.
• Endoscopic pseudocyst drainage
• Endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal fistulas
• Combined endoscopic/laparoscopic treatments of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTS), acute and chronic GI track perforations, and removal of common bile duct stones in patients after roux-en-Y bariatric surgery
• EUS for diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatico-biliary malignancy
• EUS staging of esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and rectal cancer
• Evaluation and management of complicated gastrointestinal bleeding
• Diagnosis and management of recurrent or unexplained pancreatitis
• Management of hereditary colon, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer
• Double balloon endoscopy
• Intraluminal stenting
• Intrabiliary stenting
• Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for Zenker’s diverticula
• Laparoscopic placement of magnet beads for treatment of GERD
• Wireless small bowel capsule endoscopy
• Correction of roux-en-Y gastric bypass