Baptist Memphis recently became the only hospital in Memphis to begin using the new Spyglass DS technology to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts.
“The visualization is far superior and interpretation is much easier than the original Spyglass,” said Dr. Edward Cattau, gastroenterologist at Baptist Memphis. “It gives me increased confidence in diagnosis, not to mention it’s cost-effective and can be less risky compared to traditional surgical approaches.”
Spyglass is used in conjunction with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an established endoscopy procedure to obtain radiographic images of the bile ducts and pancreas and to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Spyglass DS allows for high-resolution imaging during the ERCP procedure to better target biopsies and more safely fragment stones.
The new system uses a small, unique video scope that is passed through the working canal of the standard ERCP scope and inserted directly into the biliary and pancreatic ducts, giving physicians the ability to have direct visualization inside these structures.
Spyglass DS typically results in more efficient evaluations and helps reduce the need for additional testing and repeat procedures compared to traditional ERCP, enabling patients to receive a definitive diagnosis and treatment sooner.
Dr. Cattau is extremely familiar with this technology, having first been involved in research with prototypes from other manufacturers more than 25 years ago. In 2010, he performed the city’s first electrohydraulic lithotripsy ‒ the removal of large stones from the bile duct without open surgery ‒ with Spyglass.
“Spyglass DS increases the likelihood of quickly managing the problem and decreases the need for traditional surgery,” said Dr. Cattau. “For patients, the risks are minimized and the increased benefits can be significant.”