Therapeutic Endoscopy
Therapeutic endoscopy refers to endoscopic procedures that not only diagnose but also treat various conditions within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These procedures are minimally invasive and can often be performed on an outpatient basis, providing effective treatment with fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. Some common therapeutic endoscopic procedures include banding, stenting, and polypectomy.
Banding:
Banding, specifically variceal banding, is used primarily to treat esophageal varices, which are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can bleed severely. This condition often occurs in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Indications:
- Treatment of bleeding esophageal varices.
- Prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with a history of varices.
Stenting:
Stenting involves placing a stent, which is a small tube, within a narrowed or blocked part of the GI tract to keep it open.
Indications:
- Esophageal strictures or tumors causing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
- Biliary strictures or obstructions, often due to cancer.
- Colonic obstructions, usually from malignancies.
Polypectomy:
Polypectomy is the removal of polyps from the lining of the colon or other parts of the GI tract. Polyps are growths that can be benign but may potentially turn into cancer.
Indications:
- Detection and removal of polyps found during routine screening colonoscopy.
- Removal of polyps causing symptoms such as bleeding or obstruction.
- Preventive removal of polyps to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Advantages of Therapeutic Endoscopy:
- Minimally Invasive: Reduced risk of complications and shorter recovery times compared to open surgery.
- Outpatient Procedure: Many therapeutic endoscopic procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, avoiding hospital stays.
- Effective Treatment: Direct treatment of conditions such as bleeding varices, obstructions, and potentially precancerous polyps.
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic: Allows for diagnosis and immediate treatment in the same procedure, enhancing efficiency and patient care.
- Reduced Pain and Scarring: Less post-procedural pain and minimal scarring due to the non-invasive nature of the procedures.