The Professor Sol Z. Alvarez Center for Digestive Diseases and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is the first endoscopy center to be established in the country established in 1974. It is one of the premier facilities providing assessment and treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases and is ever expanding. Complementing its state-of-the-art equipment are highly competent and dedicated physicians who are considered to be among the best in the field of gastroenterology. Through the years, we have grown to be a more specialized unit in our pursuit to become a center of excellence in gastrointestinal procedures.

GASTROSCOPY

This procedure is also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) , upper GI endoscopy, or panendoscopy. An endoscope is used to visualize the patient’s esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It provides direct visualization to confirm the presence of conditions such as inflammation, ulcers, and tumors. EGD also enables the physician to perform endoscopic treatments such as biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding.

COLONOSCOPY   

Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowels. This procedure detects ulcers, polyps, tumors and areas of inflammation, and bleeding. It is recommended for anyone 50 years of age and older or those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. 

ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines endoscopy and x-ray to visualize the gall bladder, bile ducts, and ducts of the pancreas under fluoroscopic guidance. It is useful in diagnosing and treating problems like jaundice or abdominal pain related to gall bladder, biliary tract and pancreatic diseases. Therapies such as stone removal and stent insertion for biliary and pancreatic duct obstructions may be performed.   

SERVICES OFFERED

Gastrointestinal Tract

Diagnostic

• • Video Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
  • Video Colonoscopy
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Fibroscan with Spleen Stiffness
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound 

Therapeutic

• • Sclerotherapy
  • Hemoclip Application
  • Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)
  • Heater Probe / Cuag Forceps
  • Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) of varices/ hemorrhoids
  • Polypectomy
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection(EMR)
  • Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) 
  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Placement
  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastro-Jejunostomy (PEG-J)
  • Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB) Insertion
  • Dilatation of stricture
  • Self-Expandable Metallic Stent (SEMS) Insertion
  • Infrared Coagulation of Hemorrhoids (IRC)
  • Foreign Body Extraction

Liver & Pancreatico-Biliary Tract

Liver

• • Paracentesis
  • Liver Biopsy
  • Microwave Ablation of Tumor 

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

• • Sphincterectomy
  • Biomechanical Stone Lithotripsy
  • Balloon or Basket Stone Extraction
  • Dilatation of biliary stricture
  • Self-Expandable Metallic/ Plastic Stent Insertion
  • EUS Necrosectomy 
  • EUS Cystogastrostomy
  • EUS FNB 
  • ELS Guided LAMS placement 
  • Cholangioscopy + Biopsy (Spyglass)
  • Laser Lithotripsy of Bile Duct / Pancreatic Duct Stone