Valley Health Successfully Performs First Laparoscopic-Assisted ERCP Procedure

"A laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a specialized procedure performed in patients who have previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery where a traditional ERCP is often not possible. During a laparoscopic-assisted ERCP, the surgical team provides access to the excluded stomach, allowing the gastroenterologist to perform ERCP and treat conditions such as bile duct stones, strictures, leaks, and other biliary or pancreatic disorders.

This milestone represents an important expansion of the comprehensive care we provide to our bariatric patients. By offering advanced interventions for complex postoperative conditions locally, we are able to provide a higher level of specialized care while reducing the need for patients to travel to tertiary referral centers.

This achievement would not have been possible without the outstanding teamwork and dedication of numerous individuals across our organization. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our Operating Room staff, Anesthesia team, Endoscopy team, and office personnel whose coordination, expertise, and commitment were instrumental in making this successful collaboration possible.

This accomplishment highlights the strength of multidisciplinary care at Valley Health and

our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment for

individuals with obesity and bariatric surgical needs."

"ERCP can be particularly challenging in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass because the surgically altered anatomy often prevents us from reaching the bile duct through the conventional endoscopic route. Several specialized approaches can be used to overcome this challenge, with the choice of approach depending on the patient's anatomy, clinical condition, and treatment needs. Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP is one such approach, providing access to the excluded stomach and allowing ERCP to be performed using conventional endoscopic techniques.

The successful introduction of laparoscopic-assisted ERCP at Valley Health represents an important expansion of the advanced endoscopic care available in our region. It also demonstrates the value of collaboration across specialties. Working closely with our bariatric surgery colleagues and supported by our anesthesia, operating room, and endoscopy teams, we are able to provide this specialized care here in our own community.

The significance of this advancement extends beyond a single procedure. It reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence while keeping the patient at the center of our care. Expanding these capabilities allows us to provide patients with complex biliary and pancreatic conditions greater access to specialized treatment close to home, while reducing the need to travel to distant tertiary referral centers.

Our goal at Valley Health Gastroenterology is to continue building a comprehensive gastroenterology program, including advanced endoscopy services, that works collaboratively across specialties to provide our community with accessible, high-quality, patient-centered care. By expanding these capabilities, we can provide a broader range of specialized gastrointestinal, biliary, and pancreatic care through a coordinated multidisciplinary team here at Valley Health."