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Dr Kavin Nanda

07 3554 0282

Brisbane Endoscopy Specialist

If you're looking for a top-tier endoscopy specialist in the Brisbane area, then look no further than Dr. Kavin Nanda.

His private gastroentereology practice is based in Brisbane city, and he is also a Staff Specialist Gastroenterologist at the Mater Hospital Brisbane and QE II hospital.

To book an appointment with Dr. Nanda, simply call the number at the top of this page or fill in the short form on our contact page.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP:

  • What is it?
    • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts.
    • A flexible endoscope, about the thickness of your index finger is placed through your mouth and into you stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
    • In the duodenum a small opening is identified (ampulla), and a small plastic tube (cannula) is passed through the endoscope and into this opening.
    • Dye (contrast material) is injected and X-rays are taken to study the ducts of the pancreas and liver.
    • Small snares and baskets can also be passed through the tube to retrieve bile duct stones
    • Balloons can be employed to dilate strictures (narrowings).

 

  • Why is it done?
    • An ERCP is most commonly performed as a diagnostic procedure to help evaluate conditions of the:
      • Pancreas
      • Bile ducts
    • An ERCP is also used to treat those conditions. Balloons can be used to dilate strictures, or small indwelling tubes can be placed to bypass a blockage of the bile duct.  Snares and baskets can be used to remove stones.
    • An ERCP is performed under sedation, and local anaesthetic, meaning that you will be awake and breathing by yourself, but very relaxed & drowsy.
    • An ERCP can be performed as an outpatient procedure, and discomfort is usually minor, and you generally can resume your diet and regular medications once you have been discharged.
  • What are the risks?
    • An ERCP is safe when performed by physicians, such as Dr. Nanda, who have had specific training and are experienced in this specialised type of endoscopic procedure.
    • Complications are rare, but can include:
      • Pancreatitis – due to irritation of the pancreatic duct by the X-ray contrast material or the cannula. This is generally mild, though some patients require treatment and a hospital admission.
      • A Reaction to the sedatives administered
      • Irritation to the vein in which medications are given. This is uncommon and usually mild.
    • If your ERCP includes a therapeutic procedure such as removal of stones or placement of a stent, there are additional small risks of:
      • Bleeding
      • Perforation
  • What are the benefits?
    • Can provide superior diagnostic information, in addition to what is provided in a CT or MRI, or capsule endoscopy
    • Minimally invasive, low risk and well tolerated.
    • Possibility of both diagnosis and therapeutic measures at the same time.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

  • What is it:
    • Gastro-intestinal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure to remove early-stage cancer and pre-cancerous growths from the lining of the digestive tract.
    • EMR is performed using a long, narrow tube (endoscope) equipped with a light and video camera. During EMR of the upper digestive tract, the endoscope is passed down your throat into your oesophagus, stomach or upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). To reach the colon, Dr. Nanda will guide the tube up through the anus. Instruments are then inserted through the endoscope to perform the procedure.
    • EMR is generally performed under under sedation & local anaesthetic administered by an anaesthetist. You will feel relaxed and drowsy, but are able to co-operate if required, and are breathing by yourself. The local anesthetic will make the insertion of the endoscope more comfortable.
    • There are a few versions of endoscopic mucosal resection. They are grouped into two general categories: Suction or Lift method. Both require a surgical cut to remove the abnormal tissue.
  • Why it’s done:
    • EMR is a less invasive alternative to surgery for removing abnormal tissues from the lining of the digestive tract. Dr. Nanda, may recommend the procedure to remove certain early-stage cancers or pre-cancerous growths.
    • Some of the conditions that EMR has been used to treat include:
      • Upper Digestive Tract:
        • Barrett’s Oesophagus
        • Oesophageal Cancer
        • Gastric Cancer
      • Lower Digestive Tract:
        • Colonic Polyps
        • Colorectal Cancer

 

  • What are the Risks:
    • EMR is generally considered a safe procedure, though there are some risks:
      • Bleeding: This most common complication (2.5-5.0% of cases) can often be detected and corrected during the procedure.
      • Puncture (perforation): There is a slight risk of a puncture through the wall of the digestive tract, depending on the size and location of the lesion that is removed. If it occurs, it requires surgery to be repaired.
      • Narrowing (stricture): Removing certain oesophagus lesions increases the risk of scarring that narrows the oesophagus, which may lead to difficulty swallowing and require further treatment.
    • This is why, EMR should be performed by a specialist such as Dr. Nanda, who has sub-specialty expertise and training in the various techniques.
  • What are the benefits:
    • In appropriately selected patients EMR can achieve long-term cure and avoid a larger surgical procedure.

 

Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic Ultrasound:

  • What is it?
    • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure to assess digestive tract (gastro-intestinal) diseases. A special flexible endoscope, passed through your mouth or anus, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of your digestive tract, and nearby organs such as the pancreas, liver and lymph nodes.
    • When combined with a procedure called fine-needle aspiration, EUS allows Dr. Nanda to sample (biopsy) fluid and tissue from your gastro-intestinal tract for analysis. In certain cases, EUS with fine-needle aspiration can be a minimally invasive alternative to exploratory surgery.

 

  • Why is it done?
    • EUS is used to:
      • Find the cause of digestive tract symptoms such as abdominal pain
      • Determine the extent of diseases in your digestive tract such as:
        • Cancer of the colon, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach.
        • Bile duct stones
        • Pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts
      • Evaluate findings from imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI
    • EUS Can also be used to provide treatment, it can:
      • Guide drainage of cysts, and other abnormal collections of fluid in the abdomen
      • Permit precise targeting for delivering medication directly into the pancreas, liver and other organs.
    • EUS is performed on an outpatient basis, and is well tolerated by most people.
  • What are the risks?
    • EUS is generally safe when performed by an experienced health-care provider such has Dr Nanda, and his team.
    • Dr. Nanda will discuss in detail the nature and risks of complications from EUS. These risks are most commonly associated with the  fine-needle aspiration component.
    • Risks may include:
      • Bleeding
      • Infection
      • A Tear or perforation in the intestinal wall
      • Pancreatitis – if fine-needle aspiration of the pancreas is done.

 

  • What are the benefits?
    • The benefits of endoscopic ultrasound include:
      • Minimal risk
      • No need for external incisions
      • Quick recovery
      • Enhanced diagnostic information about the gastro-intestinal tract