![\"Spyglass](\"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/ehealth_20091013story.jpg\" "\\"Spyglass")
A new direct-visualization technology is aiding doctors in the diagnosis of tumors in the pancreas and bile ducts, without the need for invasive surgery. Called SpyGlass\u2122, the scope-type technology allows doctors to enter and look directly into the pancreas and bile duct system to determine the cause of blockages or disease, and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new device is going to increase early diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and cancer,\u201d said Adam B. Elfant, M.D., Director of Therapeutic Endoscopy at the Cooper Digestive Health Institute. \u201cThe ability to finally biopsy difficult-to-reach areas within the ductal system and pancreas will allow patients to be treated sooner if cancer is found, leading to better outcomes for patients. This is a remarkable step in diagnosis for this devastating cancer,\u201d Dr. Elfant said.<\/p>\n
Cooper is the only center in South Jersey that offers the SpyGlass\u2122 system.<\/p>\n
SpyGlass\u2122 uses a tiny fiber-optic camera \u2013 not much bigger than a pencil point \u2013 inserted through a catheter (or tube) via the mouth into the upper digestive tract. Threaded through the stomach and into the bile ducts, the camera can be \u201csteered\u201d in four directions, allowing physicians to pinpoint the spot they want to examine. With SpyGlass\u2122, physicians are able to see clear, three-dimensional, color images in real time. SpyGlass\u2122 also uses a light probe and miniature forceps for physicians to take tissue samples for biopsy. Most procedures are done on an out-patient basis.<\/p>\n
Until now, direct visualization of the pancreatico-biliary system was not widely performed due to the limitations of traditional visualization systems and diagnostic testing.\u00a0 For many patients, exploratory surgery has been the only way to secure a diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Being able to diagnose pancreatic disease without the need for an invasive surgical procedure represents significant progress.\u00a0 With a more timely diagnosis, patients can begin treatment much earlier, resulting in the potential to dramatically improve outcomes.<\/p>\n
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2008 nearly 38,000 Americans were diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas–the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.\u00a0 Pancreatic cancer is a “silent” disease, with patients often not exhibiting symptoms until late in the disease process.\u00a0 As a result, the majority of patients with late-stage disease have a poor prognosis for survival.<\/p>\n
Symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent loss of appetite, or light-colored stools should always prompt concern. Consistent or worsening discomfort (abdominal pain and\/or bloating), nausea, vomiting or diarrhea also is worrisome. If you feel something’s not right, see your doctor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
![\"SpyGlass\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/ehealth_20091013front.jpg\" "\\"SpyGlass\\"")
A new direct-visualization technology is aiding doctors in the diagnosis of tumors in the pancreas and bile ducts, without the need for invasive surgery. Called SpyGlass\u2122, the scope-type technology allows doctors to enter and look directly into the pancreas and bile duct system to determine the cause of blockages or disease, and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[209,491],"class_list":{"0":"entry","1":"post","2":"publish","3":"author-admin","4":"has-excerpt","5":"has-more-link","6":"post-652","8":"format-standard","9":"category-ehealth-connection","10":"post_tag-digestive-health","11":"post_tag-pancreatic-cancer"},"yoast_head":"\n