Balloon Procedure to Remove Large & Hidden Polyps
Physicians in the Center for Advanced Digestive Care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center created an innovative tool to treat polyps that would otherwise need to be removed through surgery. The DiLumen attaches to the end of an endoscope to better visualize and remove large and hard-to-reach polyps in the colon during a colonoscopy. After the procedure, the patient goes home the same day: no need to stay in the hospital, no external incisions, and a quicker return to normal activities.
Benefits
Instead of surgery, this procedure will allow you to:
- Go home the same day
- Avoid higher costs associated with surgery and an inpatient hospital stay
- Avoid abdominal incisions
- Avoid possible removal of part of the colon
- Avoid possible complications such as wound infections
- Return to normal activities quicker
How does it work?
- The device is a soft flexible sheath that fits over the endoscope.
- It has two balloons that the doctor can inflate within the area of the colon to be treated: one at the beginning of the area and one behind it, creating a "therapeutic zone" in which to remove the polyp.
- Inflating the balloons stabilizes the colon, providing better visualization and a more accessible area for the doctor to work.
- After removing the polyp, the balloons are deflated and the scope is removed.
Is it for me?
DiLumen may be beneficial for you if you have a large polyp or a polyp located in difficult-to-access areas of the colon to remove through standard colonoscopy.
Evolution of the technology
- This technology could someday be used to treat other intestinal diseases as well as upper digestive problems — esophageal, gastric, duodenal, bile duct, and pancreatic diseases — when fitted over a standard endoscope.
- It is possible that DiLumen may be used to deliver intensive colon cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.