Which diseases can be currently treated with the endoscope?

The diseases that can be treated with endoscopy include benign and malignant tumors, precancerous lesions, inflammatory and post-operative strictures, bleeding lesions, motility disorders, fistulas, and various structural abnormalities. Foreign bodies can also be removed with the endoscope.

Benign and malignant tumors: esophageal, stomach, bile duct, pancreas, colon and rectum

Precancerous lesions: adenomatous polyps, Barrett's esophagus

Inflammatory strictures: may be due to reflux of acid into the esophagus, the ingestion of caustic agents, medication, infection, radiation, Crohn's disease

Post-operative strictures: seen in any part of the GI tract where surgery is performed, including the bile and pancreatic ducts

Bleeding lesions: ulcers, varices, arterio-venous malformations, telengiectasias, hemorrhoids, tears, tumors

Motility disorders: achalasia, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Fistulas: may be caused by inflammation (e.g., Crohn;s disease), tumors (e.g., esophageo-tracheal fistula), or develop after surgery (post-operative)

Structural abnormalities: rings, webs, diverticula (e.g., Zenker's diverticulum), pancreas divisum, choledochocele



Esophageal cancer causing obstruction of the esophagus



Several columns of large esophageal varices



Polypoid tumor (adenoma) in the colon

• Endoscopic Procedure Descriptions