Advanced endoscopy
The revolution in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system

Advanced endoscopy is a rapidly developing field in modern medicine, offering innovative and less invasive solutions for a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. In recent years, significant technological advances in endoscopy have enabled doctors to diagnose and treat complex conditions in ways that were not possible in the past.

If you have asked yourself what the words "advanced endoscopy" mean? And what exactly are its advantages in relation to traditional methods?
We have compiled information for you that will explain the field, endoscopic techniques, types of treatments, advantages of the method, technological developments, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and more.

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What is advanced endoscopy?

Advanced endoscopy refers to the use of modern techniques and technologies to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the digestive system - this is by using advanced tools that usually include cameras with high optical capability, special knives, sewing tools, tools that allow fluid injection, use of electricity, radio waves, ultrasound, heat and special blades in order to perform complicated mastectomy, suturing, x-rays, esophageal sphincter reconstruction, gastric sleeve shortening, Insertion of a esophageal stent, removal of stones, expansion of stenosis, removal of polyps, drainage of blockages and more...
Unlike regular endoscopy, advanced endoscopy allows doctors to perform more complex operations, such as removing large tumors, treating complex problems in the biliary tract and pancreas, and performing minimally invasive surgical procedures using the body's natural openings (as opposed to classic surgery in which the surgeon cuts the tissues in order to reach the required internal organ).
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Advanced endoscopic techniques

1. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)

ESD is a revolutionary technique that allows the removal of large, flat lesions in the lining of the digestive tract. It allows excision in one lump (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)

EMR IS A TECHNIQUE FOR REMOVING SMALLER LESIONS IN THE LINING OF THE DIGESTIVE 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 the treatment of chellesia, a disorder of esophageal motility.
The procedure is performed orally and allows cutting of the lower sphincter muscle of the esophagus, which improves swallowing.

4. Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR)

EFTR allows the 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)

EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging, allowing accurate assessment of lesions in the gastrointestinal wall 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 problems in the biliary tract and pancreas. It enables the removal of stones, expansion of stenosis and drainage of obstructions.
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Benefits of advanced endoscopy

1. Less invasive: Compared to open surgery, advanced endoscopy offers a less invasive approach, leading to less pain, fewer complications and faster rehabilitation and of course no external incisions/scars.

2. Organ preservation: Advanced endoscopic techniques allow treatment of premature lesions while preserving the structure and function of the organ, as opposed to surgeries that may involve extensive excision.

3. Improved accuracy: The use of advanced imaging technologies enables more accurate identification and treatment of small and premature lesions.

4. Shorter hospitalization: Most advanced endoscopic procedures are performed as day care or require short hospitalization, which reduces costs and more importantly improves patient comfort.

5. Quick return to routine: Due to the less invasive nature, patients can return to normal activities faster than traditional surgeries.
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Contraindications for advanced endoscopy
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1. Precancerous and early cancerous lesions in the digestive system.

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. Submucous tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Gastrointestinal bleeding.

7. Gastrointestinal stenosis.
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Future developments in advanced endoscopy

1. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND MACHINE LEARNING

The integration of AI technologies in advanced endoscopy promises to improve accuracy in diagnosing precancerous and cancerous lesions.
AI systems can help automatically detect polyps, assess tumor penetration depth, and even predict treatment outcomes.

2. Robotic endoscopy

The development of robotic endoscopic systems may enable more complex procedures to be performed with higher accuracy and less fatigue for the caregiver.

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 therapies

Development of new methods for delivering drugs or targeted treatments directly to gastrointestinal lesions, using endoscopic guidance.

5. 3D endoscopy

Improvements in display technology may enable real-time 3D imaging, improving the accuracy and safety of complex procedures.
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summary
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Advanced endoscopy is a revolution in the field of gastroenterology, offering innovative and less invasive treatment options for a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases.
Its many benefits, including fewer complications, faster rehabilitation and better organ preservation, make it a preferred option in many cases over traditional surgeries.

However, it is important to remember that advanced endoscopy requires high manuel skill and extensive experience. Therefore, it is important that these procedures be performed in leading medical centers by specialists with appropriate training.

As technology continues to evolve, we expect to see more exciting innovations in advanced endoscopy, which will lead to further improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Patients dealing with gastrointestinal problems - it is recommended to consult with a specialist gastroenterologist to find out if there are advanced endoscopic treatments suitable for your condition.
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