Oesophageal and Colonic Intervention

Oesophageal intervention

• Cancer in the food pipe (oesophagus) can partly or completely cause a blockage and make it difficult to swallow.
• The oesophagus can also get narrower after treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy. In addition to this nutritional intake can be limited and interventional radiology can provide a number of treatment options.

Oesophageal stenting

• Cancer within the oesophagus can limit food intake, a metal stent can open the oesophagus improving oral intake and nutrition.
• The stent is inserted under X-ray guidance. A fine wire down into the oesophagus until it reaches the blockage. Images are then taken to deline the blockage. A stent is passed down the wire until it is in the right position. The stent is then deployed and the position confirmed with an X-ray.
• X-ray dye is then instilled to ensure the blockage has opened.

Oesophageal dilatation

• The oesophagus can become narrow after radiotherapy or surgery. This can again limit food intake and an oesophageal dilation can be performed to open the oesophagus.
• This procedure is performed under X-ray guidance with the passage of a fine wire through the blockage, similar process to a stent insertion. Once the position of the blockage is confirmed a balloon is passed and the narrowing is opened.
• Dye is then passed down a tube to assess the blockage ensuring success of the procedure.

Biodegradable stent insertion

• An alternative to balloon dilation is the insertion of a biodegradable stent. This is inserted in the same way as a metal stent however, the stent dissolves over a period of three months.
• The stent applied a consistent period of dilation which in selected cases will provide successful opening of the oesophageal narrowing.

Feeding access

Gastrostomy insertion

• Maintaining enough nutrition may not always be possibly relying on oral intake alone. A feeding tube inserted directly into the stomach provides nutritional access sustaining calorific intake through chemo or radiotherapy regimes.
• The tube is inserted using X-ray guidance under sedation. Once the tube has been placed the position is confirmed using X-ray dye.
• Feeding can then commence through the tube increasing much needed nutritional intake.

Colonic treatment

Colorectal stenting

• Similar to the oesophagusa tumour in the colon can cause a blockage or severe narrowing which, can result in bowel obstruction. This can be a serious complication and prompt treatment is paramount.

• With the aid of a flexible tube called and endoscopy passed through the rectum the position of the blockage is found. Once the position is confirmed using X-ray a fine wire is passed into position and a stent is deployed. This allows relief of the obstruction.
• This is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical treatment and allows immediate relief of the blockage without the risks associated with alternative surgical treatment.

Why choose to have a oesophageal or colorectal intervention procedure with Christie Oncology Imaging?

Christie Oncology Imaging has extensive experience in oesophageal and colorectal intervention procedures and our consultants have a strong reputation as leaders in the field of oncology intervention. Many of our consultants are world renowned experts in different areas of oncology imaging and have published and lectured extensively. We pride ourselves on achieving the highest possible standards in imaging, with the attention to detail and expertise required to do the very best for our patients.

How do I pay for oesophageal or colorectal intervention procedure?

We welcome both insured and self-pay patients