Endoscopic Procedures – Advanced
The endoscopic procedures performed at the UK Endoscopy Center complement or may completely replace life-altering surgeries. Endoscopic procedures are often as effective as surgery but can be performed on an outpatient basis and require much less recovery time for the patient.
For many advanced endoscopic procedures, the UK Endoscopy Center is the only provider offering these diagnostic tools and treatments in Central Kentucky or often in the entire state. We are the primary point of referral for advanced endoscopic procedures for all of Eastern Kentucky.
Procedures performed
The advanced, non-surgical procedures performed by our providers include:
- Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM):
For patients with achalasia, a disease that makes swallowing difficult, a tunnel is created through the esophagus. A muscle is cut between the throat and stomach, and the tunnel is closed with a clip. POEM replaces the surgery available for these patients, or it’s an option for patients who do not respond to surgery. - Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD):
A flexible camera and special devices are used to remove superficial gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, such as in the esophagus, stomach and colon. In some cases, this procedure can help a patient avoid surgical removal of an organ. - Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR):
This minimally invasive procedure is for removal of flat colon polyps that cannot be removed through routine endoscopic procedures. In EMR, a substance is injected underneath the polyp, creating a pillow between it and the colon wall so that the polyp can be removed safely. - Barrett's ablation:
In longtime smokers and/or patients who have long experienced gastric acid reflux, the mucosa in the esophagus changes, leaving a patient more likely to develop cancer. Barrett’s ablation – or “radiofrequency ablation” (RFA) – uses heat therapy to burn the abnormal mucosa and reduce likelihood of esophageal cancer. - Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE):
Using a special endoscope long enough to evaluate the small bowel, SBE allows for the evaluation and treatment of bleeding or abnormal areas that otherwise could not be seen. - Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR):
This leading-edge procedure enables removal of some cancers and colon polyps without invasive surgery. Polyps that are recurrent after resection or cannot be removed by routine endoscopic procedures now can be removed completely with EFTR. - Biliary and pancreatic interventions:
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are techniques for diagnosis and therapy of patients with bile duct stones, pancreatic cancers or cysts.