Endoscopy at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Types of Endoscopic Procedures

There are many different types of endoscopic procedures, including:

Upper endoscopy (EGD)

EGD examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It is used to detect:

• Ulcers
• Internal bleeding
• Premalignant and malignant conditions
• Inflammation and other abnormalities

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy examines the large intestine and rectum. It is an important screening, diagnostic and interventional procedure that helps to:

• Identify the cause of bleeding or chronic diarrhea
• Detect and remove polyps
• Prevent or diagnose colon cancer

Advanced endoscopy procedures

These are used for complex diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for bile ducts and pancreatic conditions
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Transoral incisionless fundoplication
• Peroral endoscopic myotomy
• Endoscopic mucosal/submucosal dissection
• Double balloon enteroscopy

Endoscopic therapy for acute cholecystitis and gastric outlet obstruction

Early Detection & Diagnosis

Endoscopy plays an important role in catching diseases early, often when they are most treatable. Endoscopy can:

• Detect precancerous polyps or early-stage colon cancer
• Diagnose unexplained symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating or unintentional weight loss
• Identify hidden sources of internal bleeding
• Screen for high-risk conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer

Endoscopy also helps to accurately diagnose a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions:

• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Ulcers
• Celiac disease
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Colorectal cancer

Advanced Endoscopy

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is home to the latest innovations in endoscopic technology, allowing us to offer highly accurate diagnostic and advanced therapeutic options with unmatched precision. Innovation in endoscopy include:

• High-definition imaging systems: Crystal-clear visuals of the GI tract, enabling precise detection of abnormalities.
• Narrow band imaging (NBI): Enhances visibility of mucosal patterns and vascular structures to aid in early detection of cancers and subtle lesions.
• AI-assisted colonoscopy: Enhances polyp detection and improves accuracy in colorectal cancer screening.
• Advanced resection techniques: For the safe and effective removal of large or complex GI tumors.
• Therapeutic endoscopy for swallowing, reflux and gastric emptying disorders: Minimally invasive solutions for conditions like achalasia, gastroparesis and chronic GERD.
• Endoscopic management in high-risk populations: Including cancer patients and post-organ transplant cases, where precision and safety are paramount.

AI-Assisted Endoscopy

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across all our endoscopy suites, making us one of the largest AI-enabled colonoscopy centers in the UAE. This cutting-edge technology is transforming the way we detect, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal conditions. The benefits of AI-assisted endoscopy include:

• Enhanced detection accuracy: AI algorithms analyze real-time endoscopic imagery to identify subtle abnormalities, many of which might be missed by the human eye, improving diagnostic confidence and accuracy.
• Improved patient outcomes: AI-assisted colonoscopy enhances early detection, enabling timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Superior polyp detection: Vast amounts of visual data are processed in real-time, recognizing even the slightest irregularities, ensuring potentially precancerous polyps are identified and addressed early.
• Reduced risk of cancer: Early and precise identification and removal of polyps is critical to preventing colorectal cancer. AI-endoscopy supports this goal by elevating the standard of care and reducing the risk of progression to malignancy.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers AI-assisted technology in every endoscopy room, ensuring all patients benefit from this advanced diagnostic tool.