Millions of people around the world suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, experiencing symptoms of discomfort and pain that range from the mild to the severe. Fortunately, in the last decade, new technologies have initiated critical breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases.
Assuring patients an accurate diagnosis is essential, because symptoms are often similar across many GI conditions. The gastroenterology team at Cleveland Clinic in Florida is highly experienced in both the diagnosis and treatment of a broad spectrum of digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, esophageal reflux disease, Crohns disease, gallbladder disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, and cancers of the stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum.
A New View of the Digestive Tract
Cutting-edge imaging technologies are giving us an unprecedented view of the digestive tract, allowing gastroenterologists to diagnose digestive disorders with a higher level of accuracy than ever before. For example, Cleveland Clinic is one of a small number of medical centers in Florida that utilizes a new procedure called Double Balloon Enterscopy, allowing the entire digestive tract to be visualized in real time, with the option to treat or biopsy any abnormalities right on the spot. Capsule Endoscopy, which has the patient swallowing a pill-sized camera, also provides a view of the entire small bowel.
Meanwhile, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is used to examine the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and nearby organs such as the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. It is effective in evaluating pancreatic abnormalities, disease of the bile duct, and staging of various gastrointestinal malignancies. Endoscopists can also obtain tissue samples during EUS, by passing a small gauge needle to the area of interest. Cleveland Clinic is one of the few centers in South Florida where fellowship-trained gastroenterologists provide EUS.
The Spyglass Direct Visualization System provides exceptional direct visualization of all bile-duct quadrants, enabling GI specialists to potentially secure a definitive diagnosis and perform therapeutic intervention in one procedure. This new technology has the added benefit of allowing a single physician to perform the procedure in place of two endoscopists using more traditional viewing technology.
Advancements in pH Monitoring
An alternative to conventional, catheter-based pH monitoring, the Bravo pH monitoring test is an advanced, less invasive method of diagnosing gastro-esophageal reflux. The miniature Bravo pH capsule is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus during endoscopy. It transmits pH data for 24 to 48 hours via radio frequency to a pager-sized receiver worn by the patient. The Bravo capsule naturally detaches off the esophagus after a few days and passes through the digestive tract.
The Esophageal Impedance Test uses two probes to measure liquid movement from the stomach into the esophagus, both acid and alkaline reflux. One probe sits in the stomach and the other just above the stomach. Used for evaluating esophageal function and gastroesophageal reflux, impedance testing is not widely available.
By combining the most advanced technologies with time-tested techniques, patients are assured access to the most appropriate diagnostic options. Ultimately, with the right diagnosis, we can recommend the best treatment options, often using minimally invasive procedures that result in shorter recovery times and fewer side effects for patients. The role of new technology and the experience of the GI specialist are key to achieving successful outcomes for patients with digestive disorders.
