Overview of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program

The Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute is led by a team of physicians and staff experienced in the most cutting-edge techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

The gastrointestinal oncology team uses a multidisciplinary approach to create an individualized plan for each patient that includes diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are some of the most complex cancers and, for that reason, are often difficult to treat.

What We Treat

The gastrointestinal oncology team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi treats a wide range of cancers, including:

• Bowel cancer
• Cancer of the small intestine and duodenum
• Cancer of the esophagus 
• Cancer of the liver, gallbladder, and bile duct
• Neuroendocrine tumors (also called carcinoid tumors) 
• Pancreatic tumors
• Stomach cancer
• Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors

Gastrointestinal oncology surgeons at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are leaders in cutting-edge laparoscopic and robotic surgery, in addition to traditional open surgery. When possible, the team makes use of minimally invasive robotically-assisted technology, which can be used to provide a higher level of dexterity for highly complex operations.

Diagnosis & Treatment

At the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, our team of specialists are highly trained in a variety of procedures for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s gastroenterologists and radiologists ar e skilled and experienced in advanced endoscopic and imaging techniques that allow for obtaining a quick and accurate diagnosis. Doctors may need to perform a number of tests in order to correctly diagnose a tumor. These tests may include:

• Imaging studies: Ultrasounds, CT scan, and MRI scan are imaging techniques used to detect cancer along the GI tract by producing images of the organs. 
• Biopsy: A procedure done to collect a sample of the abnormal tissue mass. The biopsy is then examined for abnormal, cancerous cells. 
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): A test that uses a thin, flexible tube to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine for abnormal tissue growths or polyps. 
• Colonoscopy: A test that uses a thin, flexible tube to examine the lining of the large intestine for abnormal growths or polyps. 
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A test that uses a thin, flexible tube and x-rays to examine the ducts of the pancreas and the liver for abnormal growths or polyps. 
• Endoscopic ultrasound: A test that uses a thin, flexible tube and ultrasound imaging to examine the gastrointestinal tract and the lungs. Images produced from an endoscopic ultrasound are used to detect diseases of the GI tract and the lungs. 
• Fine needle aspiration: A type of biopsy procedure that uses a thin needle to obtain a sample of the abnormal tissue. The biopsy is examined and analyzed for abnormal, cancerous cells. 
• Video capsule endoscopy: A procedure which uses a tiny wireless capsule, rather than a traditional endoscope, to examine the esophagus and gut for abnormal growths. 
• Double baloon enteroscopy: A technique that involves alternately inflating and deflating two balloons to advance the endoscope through the small bowel, allowing doctors to examine it for complications like bleeding or abnormal tissue growth.