Therapeutic endoscopy is the medical term for an endoscopic procedure during which treatment is carried out via the endoscope. This contrasts with diagnostic endoscopy, where the aim of the procedure is purely to visualize a part of the gastrointestinal, respiratory or urinary tract in order to aid diagnosis.
Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum).
The Gastroenterology/Hepatology Program excels in performing advanced endoscopy and other non-surgical treatments for disorders of the digestive tract. These treatments do not preclude surgery, if required. Gastroenterologists and hepatologists work with surgeons to determine the optimal treatments for patients.
Endoscopy treatment includes the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which are also used to diagnose digestive tract problems. If certain disorders are found during an ERCP or EUS evaluation, it’s often possible to treatment them at the same time.