Treatments using Endoscopy

Expert Endoscopic Tests and Treatment at Stanford Health Care

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical technique for treating conditions affecting any part of your digestive tract. With the help of a thin, flexible tube fitted with a light and camera (endoscope), we view video images of your gastrointestinal tract on a high-definition video monitor.

Endoscopes come in different lengths, which we adjust to carry out different types of endoscopic procedures.

• For upper endoscopy procedures, we pass the endoscope through your mouth and throat to access and examine your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine (duodenum).
• For lower endoscopy procedures (colonoscopy), we pass the endoscope (also known as a colonoscope) through your rectum to access and examine your large intestine (colon).

Endoscopic Treatments for Gastrointestinal Disorders at Stanford Health Care

Our nationally renowned endoscopists are experts in advanced techniques, allowing us to perform routine and complex procedures for a broad range of conditions with minimal disruption to your gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopic treatments allow us to deliver therapies directly to your gastrointestinal tract without incisions. They result in a more comfortable procedure and faster recovery.

Endoscopic treatments available at Stanford Health Care include:

• Ablation for esophagus disorders for Barrett’s esophagus
  
• Dilation and stenting
  
• Endoscopic mucosal resection
  
• Endoscopic submucosal dissection
  
• Endoscopic techniques for fistula closure
  
• Resection of giant polyps

Ablation for Esophagus Disorders

We offer a range of minimally invasive techniques for removing precancerous tissue using hot or cold energy.

Learn more about ablation for esophagus disorders.

Dilation and Stenting

Dilation gently stretches narrowed areas in your gastrointestinal tract, creating a wider passage. We may also need to implant a special device (stent) to help keep the passage open. Learn more about dilation and stenting.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

During this minimally invasive procedure, we remove large areas of abnormal tissue, including colon polyps or areas of diseased tissue (dysplasia) due to Barrett’s esophagus. Learn more about endoscopic mucosal resection.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Creating a cushion between healthy tissue and the base of the polyp by injecting small amounts of fluid, we slowly and carefully remove large, complicated polyps in one piece. Learn more about endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Endoscopic Techniques for Fistula Closure

We use endoscopic devices to seal abnormal connections between your organs (fistulas). A fistula can form as a result of inflammation. We offer a range of minimally invasive fistula repair procedures. Learn more about fistula repair.

Resection of Giant Polyps

During this procedure, we remove large colon polyps using special tools and advanced techniques.