Advanced technology at the British Hospital

The British Hospital hosted the first theoretical and practical course on endoscopic cholangioscopy using SpyGlass technology, a cutting-edge tool recently introduced in Uruguay.

As part of its ongoing training policy, the British Hospital hosted the first theoretical and practical course on endoscopic cholangioscopy last Saturday 14th, using an advanced technology recently available in the country, called SpyGlass.

The training session, co-organized by the Endoscopy and Continuing Medical Education Departments of the British Hospital, was attended by specialists from Argentina and Brazil, as well as gastroenterologists, endoscopists, surgeons, oncologists, endoscopy assistants, physicians, and imaging specialists from our country. Endoscopic cholangioscopy "is an advanced medical procedure that allows direct visualization of the bile ducts, through which bile flows from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine, using an ultrathin endoscope." Its use "has many benefits," mentioned Dr. Nicolás González, one of the course coordinators, along with Drs. Andrés Taullard and Alberto Sanguinetti.

The specialist noted that Uruguay has one of the highest rates of pancreatic cancer in the world, in terms of number of cases and mortality. A slight but steady increase in this disease has been observed.

It is an advanced system. Some of its most important benefits relate to the evaluation needed to diagnose benign or malignant lesions (cancer). It also allows for targeted biopsies to be taken under direct vision and for the visualization and treatment of large gallstones or pancreatic stones, as it allows for laser lithotripsy to be performed to break them up, he explained.

“Simulators are a key tool in modern medical education and a fundamental part of endoscopy and digestive surgery training programs around the world. They are physical, non-virtual training tools that realistically replicate the human body or parts of the digestive system, mimicking the shape, texture, and resistance of the organs. They allow for the safe practice of different endoscopic techniques before performing them on patients. We were guided by Dr. Martín Guidi from Argentina, who has extensive experience teaching using these types of simulators. Other renowned international experts with extensive technical experience and academic prestige also participated, such as Dr. Eduardo de Moura and Dr. Tomazo Prince Franzini from Brazil, and Dr. Mariano Villarroel from Argentina. They gave lectures and served as instructors during the practice sessions on the synthetic models,” he stated.

Cholangioscopy using SpyGlass has been available in Uruguay since the beginning of this year and is now available for use at the British Hospital.

"The incorporation of this cutting-edge technology along with the specific training of professionals for its use, directly impacts the quality, safety, and efficiency of medical care, allowing for more accurate and timely diagnoses as well as the performance of less invasive and safer procedures. The course keeps us at the top level," the specialist concluded.