Companies are also developing dis-
posable duodenoscopes and colono-
scopes, but it's still too early to deter-
mine the true cost-benefit and clinical
efficacy of these single-use instru-
ments. Be sure to contact your scope
manufacturer to make sure you're
using the latest scope cleaning recom-
mendations.
Advanced interventional endoscopy
When polyps are too big or too difficult to remove with a stan-
dard colonoscope, surgery is often required to excise the growths. But
now physicians can opt for other interventions, including robotic
endoscopy, which combines the principles of endoscopic and mini-
mally invasive surgery. Physicians use handheld controls to guide the
robotic scope through the colon to the location of the target lesion.
Once there, the scope creates a stable operating platform through
which physicians manipulate flexible instruments to remove the
lesion without having to make a skin incision.
New heights
Every year I think we've hit the summit of GI's potential, and each
year incredible innovations push us higher. It's energizing to be
involved in the continuing climb, and I can't wait to see what we
come up with next.
OSM
Dr. Gross (seth.gross@nyulangone.org) is chief of gastroenterology at NYU
Langone Medical Center's Tisch Hospital and associate professor of medicine at
NYU School of Medicine in New York, N.Y.
5
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 7
Artificial intelligence
is the exciting next
step in colonoscopy
screenings.
