Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

(1) Overview

In the Gastrointestinal Department, we perform endoscopic examinations and treatments for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. We especially focus on Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), a treatment for early-stage cancers of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and colon, in which we use an endoscope to remove the affected mucosal layer, enabling complete resection of the lesion. In particular, we have many patients, even from outside the Kanto region, who come for ESD treatment for duodenal cancer. We also offer capsule endoscopy (a procedure in which patients swallow a capsule-shaped endoscope) for examining the small intestine and colon.
As of February 2024, our endoscopy suite consists of 11 rooms: seven for general outpatient care (on the first floor) and five dedicated to health checkups (on the third floor of the Health Management Building). We continually update our endoscopic equipment to ensure we use the latest technology.

(2) Policy

Endoscopic Treatment and Tests That Are Highly Accurate with Minimal Discomfort

Early detection of cancer through endoscopy examinations matters, as early diagnosis and treatments often vastly improve the outcome of the gastrointestinal cancer. Our Endoscopy Center strives for highly accurate endoscopy examinations to ensure that early cancer would not be missed.
We also make every effort to keep patients comfortable through the use of sedation if requested by patients for the endoscopy examinations.

(3) Our Strengths

We treat a variety of cancers via endoscopy treatments

We have an extensive number of cases for ESD procedures in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and colon. In 2023 (from January to December), we performed 15,495 upper endoscopies and 8,377 lower endoscopies.

We Support You 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year in the Event of Emergency

We operate a round a clock services in the event of emergencies such as sudden hematemesis (vomiting blood) and melena (bloody stool). We also ensure that the patients that received our endoscopies are well cared for in the event of complications such as bleeding after endoscopic procedures.

We Accept Trainees From Around the World

Many physicians who aspire to “a master level endoscopic skills” currently come from all over the world to observe and train at our Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Centre. We receive trainees from all over Japan as well as from around the world, including China, Europe, Russia, and Brazil.

We Value Comfort for Our Patients by Perfecting Transnasal Endoscopy Techniques

Our Endoscopy Centre is experienced in ESD treatments using transnasal endoscopy approach (an endoscope inserted through the nose) for early stage gastric cancer, improving comfort for patients undergoing the procedures.

Ordinarily, ESD treatments for early stage gastric cancer may be performed under sedation using an endoscope inserted through the mouth (transoral endoscopy). However the risk of complications caused by the stress of sedation tends to be higher especially with the elderly patients.

In contrast, ESD treatments via transnasal endoscopy approach do not usually require sedation with anesthesia, allowing our elderly patients to safely undergo ESD treatment. Patients with early stage gastric cancer who has given up on endoscopic treatment because of their age, come to our hospital for treatments often from considerable distance.

We Value Patient’s Wishes to Use Sedation for Alleviating Discomfort During Endoscopic Examinations

Our department values patient`s wishes to undergo sedation when performing endoscopic treatments. After the endoscopic procedure, patients are usually asked to rest in the comfort of recovery rooms until they are fully awake from the sedation.
The safety of patients are paramount both during and after the endoscopic procedures. Our recovery rooms are equipped with active monitoring system for patients after endoscopic procedures, so that we would be able to respond immediately in response to the event of a sudden deterioration of the patient’s condition.

Message for Our Patients

If you are currently being treated by a physician at another hospital or clinic, please bring a referral letter to us so we are aware of your condition prior to your arrival. This will helps us to gain more accurate understanding of your condition, eliminating unnecessary tests and reducing the number of outpatient appointments.

As we receive a large number of patients for endoscopies, some patients may be concerned that there may be a long wait between the initial consultation and the subsequent treatments. Although this may depend on the case, we are aiming for all the patients to be able to receive endoscopy examinations/treatments within approximately one to two weeks after their initial outpatient consultation.