Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection (STER)
What Is STER? An advanced endoscopic technique creating a submucosal tunnel to resect lesions in the esophagus or upper GI wall. Why Do I Need STER? Indicated for small submucosal tumors (leiomyoma, GIST) ≤3 cm in muscularis propria. How Should I Prepare? Fasting 8 hours. Consent for general anesthesia and advanced endoscopy. What Happens During […]
Periampullary Carcinoma Management
What Is Periampullary Carcinoma? Tumor arising at the ampulla of Vater, where bile and pancreatic ducts meet the duodenum. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include jaundice, pancreatitis, or weight loss. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI; MRCP if needed. Endoscopy: ERCP/EUS for biopsy and stent placement. What Happens During Treatment? Surgical: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple). Adjuvant: […]
Neuroendocrine Tumor Management
What Are GI Neuroendocrine Tumors? Slow-growing tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells in the GI tract or pancreas. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms may include flushing, diarrhea, or obstruction; often incidental on imaging. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI and somatostatin-receptor PET scans. Lab: Chromogranin A, 5-HIAA in urine. What Happens During Treatment? Localized: Surgical […]
Pancreatic Cyst Management
What Are Pancreatic Cysts? Fluid-filled lesions within the pancreas; can be benign or precancerous (IPMN, MCN). Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Indications include cyst size >3 cm, mural nodules, or ductal dilation. How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6–8 hours. Consent for EUS with FNA. What Happens During the Procedure? EUS-guided aspiration of cyst fluid. Fluid […]
Pancreatic Cancer Management
What Is Pancreatic Cancer? A malignancy of the pancreas often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, or painless jaundice. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI pancreatic protocol; fasting 6 hours for CT. Laboratory: CA 19-9 tumor marker; liver/pancreatic enzymes. What Happens During Treatment? Resectable: Whipple […]
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
What Is EUS? EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound to image and biopsy pancreatic, biliary, and upper-GI lesions with high precision. Why Do I Need EUS? Pancreatic masses or cysts Biliary obstruction of unknown cause Submucosal GI lesions Lymph-node staging or biopsy How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6–8 hours. Review blood thinners. Consent for potential fine-needle […]
Common Bile Duct (CBD) Management & ERCP
What Is ERCP for CBD? Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography uses an endoscope and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat CBD stones, strictures, and leaks. Why Do I Need ERCP? Indications include: CBD stones, cholangitis Biliary strictures or leaks Stent placement or removal How Should I Prepare? Fasting 8 hours. Stop anticoagulants per protocol. What Happens During the […]
Gallstone Management
What Are Gallstones? Solid deposits of cholesterol or pigment in the gallbladder. Why Do I Need Treatment? You may have biliary colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound; fasting not required. Lab Tests: LFTs, pancreatic enzymes if pancreatitis suspected. What Happens During Treatment? Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Standard removal of gallbladder. ERCP: […]
Gallbladder Cancer Management
What Is Gallbladder Cancer? Malignancy arising from gallbladder epithelium, often diagnosed incidentally after cholecystectomy or by imaging. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include right upper-quadrant pain, jaundice, or mass on ultrasound/CT. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: Ultrasound, CT/MRI; concurrent liver markers. Lab Tests: LFTs, tumor markers (CA 19-9). What Happens During Treatment? Extended Cholecystectomy: […]
Cholangiocarcinoma Management
What Is Cholangiocarcinoma? Cancer of the bile ducts, intrahepatic or extrahepatic, often causing obstructive jaundice. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? You may present with jaundice, pruritus, or cholestatic liver-function tests. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: MRCP/CT; no special prep for CT. ERCP/EUS: Fasting 8 hours, consent for stenting or biopsy. What Happens During Treatment? Surgical […]
