Over the last forty years, endoscopy has evolved to dramatically impact gastroenterology. Driving this growth? A higher incidence of GI disease and population aging.1 Also, in 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services pulled back their guidelines on colorectal cancer screenings by five years, recommending screens begin at 45 instead of 50 years of age.2 This has led to an influx in demand and volume for endoscopic GI procedures.
In a recent interview with Becker’s Healthcare, Dr. Simon Mathews (Johns Hopkins Medicine) shared his thoughts on the future of endoscopy. “Over the next 10 years, GI will evolve into a field that is increasingly specialized and patient-centered, driven by advances in technology. Advanced endoscopy provides a more frequent and less invasive alternative to surgical management of disease.”1
As demand for therapeutic endoscopy grows, physicians and staff are deepening their electrosurgical knowledge to adopt new, innovative techniques. A United European Gastroenterol Journal article observed that while diagnostic endoscopy techniques are excellent, “a lack of comparable advances [have] been achieved for therapeutic endoscopy.”3
Strong proficiency in surgical energy in endoscopy is not yet widely established, but the topic is being actively studied, and knowledge sharing is on the rise.
ALES (Annals of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery) published an article full of tips and techniques for therapeutic endoscopy. The authors covered some of the most prevalent procedures including Colonoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP), Endoscopic Myotomy, Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). Their guidance ranged from voltage to current recommendations and more.4
As endoscopic treatment becomes more specialized and complex, the need for technologies that can match pace will become evident. If you’re expanding your practice to include advanced endoscopy, consider an advanced energy platform that will enhance your approach.
2 Bartosch, Jamie. "New Guidelines Lower Colorectal Screening Age from 50 to 45." Www.Uchicagomedicine.Org, 21 Mar. 2021, www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/cancer-articles/new-guidelines-lower-colorectal-screening-age-from-50-to-45#:~:text=In%20May%202021%2C%20the%20U.S.,test%20at%20a%20younger%20age. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023