UH One Of Ten Hospitals In Nation To Use SpyGlass

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Medical Devices
Article Date: 18 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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University Hospital is one of ten hospitals in the nation performing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Procedures (ERCP) more accurately and efficiently with the SpyGlass Direct Visualization System Cholangioscope. Endoscopies are outpatient medical procedures in which a physician uses a long tube with a camera and light attached at the end to see inside the gastrointestinal or digestive tract.

Patients are sedated before the scope is guided to the digestive track through the mouth. ERCP's with SpyGlass are more efficient and accurate. Images are two-dimensional and in full color. ERCPs with SpyGlass allow the physician to biopsy immediately; remove gallstones and strictures; and work on obstructed bile ducts. This allows for almost immediate diagnosis, which leads to swifter treatment. "SpyGlass provides us an opportunity to see the biliary duct system and to more accurately diagnosis and treat our patients," said Dr. Andres Gelrud, a University Hospital physician and an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati, is one of twenty physicians in the country using the new equipment.

"It reduces the need for repeat tests, making it more convenient for the patients and their families." The SpyGlass allows us to see the biliary duct system; something we have not been able to do before.

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