Laser Technology and Colitis

Izzy13

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2013

Posts : 61

Posted 4/6/2014 5:26 AM (GMT 0)

This laser scope can now detect problematic cells in their earliest stages, thereby reducing the possibility of life threatening complications.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/health/health_watch&id=9486995#

Does this mean we are all at a much higher risk for developing and maybe missing colon cancer than we think? Will that lead people to go for colostomies more often? Also, could lasers be used to treat colitis in the near future?

London Lurker

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2013

Posts : 1062

Posted 4/6/2014 8:57 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you for posting that Izzy. Looks like a great advance. Wonderful to not have to have random biopsies.

I don't think we are greater risk of bowel cancer than what the statitstics already show. They have charted and collated bowel cancer in IBD patients for many years.

tap

Regular Member

Joined : May 2008

Posts : 476

Posted 4/6/2014 12:28 PM (GMT 0)

I sure hope this is coming to my GI's clinic soon. The worst part of the colonoscopy for me is the 10 day recovery where I am waiting for the biopsy sites to stop bleeding and then heal so my abdomen is back to its pre-colonoscopy state.

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 33769

Posted 4/6/2014 6:02 PM (GMT 0)

but, isn't the laser scope still random in areas? It's impossible to go through the entire colon.

In reading the write-up, it states that some patients get a dozen scopes a year....really? sounds a bit exaggerated, no?
In the commentary, it states that it's a treatment for Crohn's.

It's still cool, however...I doubt docs will have it in their practices any time soon.

q

tap

Regular Member

Joined : May 2008

Posts : 476

Posted 4/7/2014 11:53 AM (GMT 0)

It is certainly available today.

Article said...
Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center is one of the first hospitals nationwide using this type of laser micro endoscopy to treat patients with IBD. Almost 100 patients have received this treatment since October.

medicalcenter.osu.edu/mediaroom/releases/Pages/Laser-Can-Peer-Through-Intestine-Walls,-See-Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease.aspx

I notified my GI of its importance to me.

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