CU Anschutz Interventional Endoscopy Team pictured: Drs. Steven Edmundowicz, Kusuma Pokala, Sachin Wani, Blake Niccum, Anna Duloy, Mohammad Bilal, Sean Bhalla, Raj Shah

Interventional Endoscopy

Overview

The program in Interventional Endoscopy at the University of Colorado Anschutz is committed to excellence in clinical service, education, research and innovation. Our clinical service team includes highly trained interventional gastroenterologists with national and international recognition, advanced practice providers and dedicated interventional endoscopy nurses that care for patients throughout the mid- and western United States.

We offer expertise in the following disorders:

  • Benign and malignant pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct disorders
  • Barrett's esophagus
  • Endoscopic treatment of acid reflux (GERD)
  • Minimally invasive organ-preserving endoscopic resection of pre-cancerous lesions/ polyps and early cancer of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and colon  
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
  • Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
  • Motility and swallowing disorders including Achalasia, Gastroparesis and Zenker’s diverticulum (POEM procedures)
  • Ablation of gastrointestinal tract tumors including radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic laser therapy and cryotherapy ablation
  • Non-surgical endoscopic weight loss procedures

Our group works closely in managing these complex disorders with a multidisciplinary team of expert colleagues at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus including GI Surgeons, Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Interventional Radiology and Surgical Oncology

Approximately 2000 ERCPs, 1500 EUS, and 400 endoscopic resections for pre-cancerous lesions and early GI cancers are performed annually at our patient-centered facilities, which are equipped with the most advanced medical technology. 

In addition, we host multiple educational training courses throughout the year offering practicing specialists opportunities to attend continuing medical education programs taught by a national and international panel of experts in endoscopy.

The program is actively involved in innovative clinical research in pancreatic and biliary diseases, cancer detection and treatment, Barrett’s esophagus, endoscopic treatment of achalasia and GERD, and other novel endoscopic techniques. Our research is supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (NIDDK, NCI), Department of Defense, National GI societies, and industry partnerships. We also have a state-of-the-art experimental laboratory for conducting pre-clinical testing in developmental endoscopy and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. 

Our members are leaders within the Katy O and Paul M Rady Esophageal and Gastric Center of Excellence- a center committed to advancing esophageal and gastric cancer screening, therapy and research.

Specialized Procedures

1. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for management of pancreatic and biliary disorders including the following:

  • Bile duct stones and strictures
  • Endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
  • Bile duct and pancreatic duct stent placement
  • Lithotripsy of bile duct and pancreatic stones
  • Endoscopic papillectomy and ampullectomy
  • Cholangioscopy and Pancreatoscopy
  • ERCP in post-surgical anatomy
  • Combined laparoscopic-endoscopic procedures

2. Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS), including the following applications

  • Staging of gastrointestinal cancers
  • Fine Needle Aspiration and biopsy (FNA/ FNB)
  • Evaluation of subepithelial lesions
  • Fiducial placement for image-guided radiation therapy
  • Nerve blocks (celiac plexus block/neurolysis)
  • EUS guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and necrosis
  • EUS guided pancreatic duct and bile duct drainage
  • EUS guided drainage of gallbladder
  • EUS guided gastroenterostomy
  • EUS guided treatment of gastric varices
  • EUS guided liver biopsy

3. Third Space Endoscopy (Submucosal Endoscopy)

  • Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for achalasia
  • Endoscopic therapy for Zenker’s diverticulum (Z-POEM)
  • Gastric Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (G-POEM) for gastroparesis
  • Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
  • Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR)

4. Endoscopic therapies for Barrett’s esophagus, colon and stomach polyps, and early GI cancers:

  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
  • Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Cryotherapy

5. Endoscopic treatment of heartburn and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure

6. Endoscopic suturing

7. Esophageal, duodenal and colonic stent placement

8. Deep small bowel endoscopy (single and double balloon enteroscopy)

9. Bariatric endoscopy which is non-surgical therapies for weight loss including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and transoral outlet reduction (TORe) for weight gain post gastric bypass.

Faculty Members

Schedule an appointment with one of our experts:
Phone: 720-848-8325
Fax a Referral: 720-848-2757

Rocky Mountain Interventional Endoscopy Course, Webinars, and Mini-Courses
The Rocky Mountain Interventional Endoscopy (RMIE) course is one of the most established endoscopy-focused educational courses in North America. Leading experts in interventional endoscopy are invited to discuss the latest advances in minimally invasive techniques to evaluate and manage digestive disorders and hosts practicing gastroenterologists and trainees from the USA and internationally. Webinars and mini-courses that are GI Society or industry sponsored are also available. 

 Advanced Fellowship in Interventional Endoscopy
As part of our commitment to medical education, our program offers a sought-after, 4th-year advanced fellowship in Interventional Endoscopy. One position is offered per year to a qualified candidate who has completed an accredited Gastroenterology fellowship. Trainees receive intensive training in interventional endoscopy techniques, participate in consultations and management of patients with gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary disorders, and conduct clinical and pre-clinical research projects.

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