Since medicine is an ever-evolving science, it’s not hard to imagine that its various branches are often the subject of many technological breakthroughs. In particular, gastrointestinal endoscopy has had many exciting advancements and innovations in these last few years. They are a combination of better technology, streamlined procedures and a mix of both, with newer technology making the procedures easier and faster to perform.
To give you an insight to just how much gastrointestinal endoscopy has improved just in the span of a few years, here are some the latest technology that has made its practice so much more effective.
Chromoendoscopy
There are specific stains that when applied to the body creates reactions that can be associated with certain conditions. Chromoendoscopy is a method that takes advantage of that through the topical application of pigments or stains for the localization and characterization of tissues or getting a diagnosis during an endoscopy. Absorptive, reactive and contrast stains have a variety of clinical uses, especially with gastrointestinal tract-related cases. This is vital for other procedures and methods of diagnosis like photodynamic therapy and endoscopic mucosal resection. It can even complement imaging tests like confocal endomicroscopy and magnification endoscopy.
Most doctors would recommend this approach as opposed to others because it is simple and relatively harmless. It’s also faster and cheaper than its alternatives.
Balloon enteroscopy
Balloon enteroscopy are revolutionizing the process of diagnosing and treating the diseases of the small intestine. There are two types: single and double balloon enteroscopy.
Single balloon enteroscopy requires a long, slim and flexible fiber optic fitted with a camera at the tip. Along with it is an overtube and an inflatable balloon that helps anchor the endoscope to the small intestine, so doctors are able to shorten and straighten it, paving the way for an easier passage. This is the go-to procedure to visualize the small bowel.
Video capsule endoscopy
One of the most interesting developments in the gastrointestinal medicine world is the mass introduction of capsule endoscopy. It’s a method that takes advantage of a minute wireless camera to take photos of your digestive tract. All you have to do is take the pill, which is about the size of most capsules and tablets in the market. It will capture a lot pictures as it travels through your digestive tract, and transmit it to the belt that’s attached to your waist.
Narrow-band imaging
This is an imaging technique that’s a viable alternative to or a way to double check results of confocal optical coherence tomography, microscopy and chromoendoscopy. It’s a manner of diagnosis that takes advantage of specific blue and green wavelengths to enhance the details seen on the surface of the mucosa. It’s often used to diagnose and observe Barrett’s esophagus, tumors, colorectal polyps and dysplastic cells in ulcerative colitis. Narrow-band imaging can also differentiate benign from malignant cells.
Radiofrequency ablation
This is minimally invasive procedure typically done under the guidance of fluoroscopy or a live X-ray to make sure that the needle used is right on the mark, and it does not hit any nerve that could cause an injury. Precision is important because it uses heat that’s ranging from 350–500 kHz, which is a medium frequency alternating current. Radiofrequency ablation is the best treatment option for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Advance Gastrointestinal 