Gastrointestinal oncology surgeons at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are leaders in cutting-edge laparoscopic and robotic surgery, in addition to traditional open surgery. When possible, the team makes use of minimally invasive robotically-assisted technology, which can be used to provide a higher level of dexterity for highly complex operations.
Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s gastroenterologists and radiologists are skilled and experienced in advanced endoscopic and imaging techniques that allow for obtaining a quick and accurate diagnosis. Doctors may need to perform a number of tests in order to correctly diagnose a tumor. These tests may include:
- Imaging studies: Ultrasounds, CT scan, and MRI scan are imaging techniques used to detect cancer along the GI tract by producing images of the organs.
- Biopsy: A procedure done to collect a sample of the abnormal tissue mass. The biopsy is then examined for abnormal, cancerous cells.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): A test that uses a thin, flexible tube to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine for abnormal tissue growths or polyps.
- Colonoscopy: A test that uses a thin, flexible tube to examine the lining of the large intestine for abnormal growths or polyps.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A test that uses a thin, flexible tube and x-rays to examine the ducts of the pancreas and the liver for abnormal growths or polyps.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: A test that uses a thin, flexible tube and ultrasound imaging to examine the gastrointestinal tract and the lungs. Images produced from an endoscopic ultrasound are used to detect diseases of the GI tract and the lungs.
- Fine needle aspiration: A type of biopsy procedure that uses a thin needle to obtain a sample of the abnormal tissue. The biopsy is examined and analyzed for abnormal, cancerous cells.
- Video capsule endoscopy: A procedure which uses a tiny wireless capsule, rather than a traditional endoscope, to examine the esophagus and gut for abnormal growths.
- Double balloon enteroscopy: A technique that involves alternately inflating and deflating two balloons to advance the endoscope through the small bowel, allowing doctors to examine it for complications like bleeding or abnormal tissue growth.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Some of the procedures performed in the Digestive Disease Institute include:
- Esophagectomy: An operation to surgically remove all or part of the esophagus and reconstruct it.
- Gastrectomy: An operation to surgically remove all or part of the stomach.
- Colectomy and small bowel resections: An operation to surgically remove all or part of the small and large intestines.
- Liver resection: A procedure to surgically remove part of the liver, typically for the removal of tumors in the liver.
- Liver ablation: A procedure where, rather than surgically removing a tumor, doctors insert a thing needle directly into the tumor and destroy the cancer with radio waves, microwaves, cold gasses, or ethanol.
- Cholecystectomy: A procedure to surgically remove the gallbladder and tumors of the bile duct.
- Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Also called whipple procedure, a surgery to remove part of the pancreas, intestine, bile duct, or gallbladder.
- Distal pancreatectomy: Also called subtotal pancreatectomy, a procedure to remove the lower half of the pancreas to remove a tumor.
- Enucleation: A procedure to surgically remove tumors from the pancreas.
- Central pancreatectomy: An operation to remove part of the pancreas to remove tumors.
- Resection: The surgical removal of tissue or an organ affected by cancer.
The Gastrointestinal Oncology Program also offers a variety of non-invasive surgeries, including:
- Endoscopic Stenting: A procedure that involves inserting a hollow tube into an organ to prevent collapse or blockage.
- Celiac plexus block: Also known as neurolysis, injection of pain medications that reduce abdominal pain.
- Polypectomy: A procedure to surgically remove a polyp in order to prevent it from possibly developing into cancer.
- Endoscopic resection of tumors: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube to remove tumors.
Endoscopic submucosal and mucosal dissection: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube to remove tumors and abnormal tissue from the digestive system.
