by Dr. Varun Gupta, Head, Centre of Excellence, Department of Liver & Digestive Care, Patel Hospital, Jalandhar, has successfully performed SpyGlass Cholangioscopy which is a complete solution to gallbladder duct stones & cancers.
Patel Hospital has once again demonstrated a new technology first in the field. SpyGlass Cholangioscopy is the latest state-of-the-art technique which has allowed a significant improvement in the diagnosis and management of hepatobiliary diseases. These disorders include a group of common but severe ailments which if detected early are potentially treatable. The best examples of such diseases are cholangiocarcinoma (Bile duct cancer), large CBD-impacted stones & bile duct strictures.
“In the first case, a 52 -year-old lady with various health issues was evaluated and found to have multiple large impacted bile duct stones. ERCP was done and a stent was placed but stones could not be removed. Normally these stones would be removed by open surgery but it was not possible as the patient had other multiple health problems. SpyGlass cholangioscopy was used and under direct vision, impacted calculi were broken using Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy and the entire bile duct was cleared using it without any cut or stitch. The patient was discharged the very same day and doing very well till now.
SpyGlass Cholangioscopy is today most performed without cuts & stitches through the mouth during ERCP, for managing difficult stones, and for evaluating pancreatico- biliary strictures,” said Dr. Varun Gupta.
It has a tiny camera fitted with SpyGlass which enables doctors to see inside the bile duct. Basically, SpyGlass is a baby scope inside a mother scope said, Dr. Varun Gupta.
A state-of-the-art Japanese technology SpyGlass Cholangioscopy allows for direct visualization, specifically assessing for endoscopic findings suggestive of cancer, intraductal nodules or masses, and papillary or villous mucosal projections. Using cholangioscopy, we can take targeted biopsies from the suspected area, which increases our yield.
Large stones are easily crushed saving patients from morbid surgeries, saving cost, and is much less risky with less morbidity. We are happy that we successfully used this method on 5 patients and got a wonderful result. The patients have been discharged and are under regular follow-ups. Our thanks to the patients who were most cooperative in opting for new state-of-the-art treatment further added Dr. Varun Gupta, Head, Centre of Excellence, Department of Liver & Digestive Care, Patel Hospital, Jalandhar.
