Advancing techniques in gastroenterology

Japanese gastroenterologists are shaping the future of endoscopy, developing new techniques and technologies that speed up the process of diagnosis and treatment of upper and lower Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. One of the main developments that provide detailed diagnosis of gastrointestinal pathology is magnification endoscopy. Developed in 1993 and pioneered by Professor Kudo Shin-ei and Professor Haru Inoue (Showa University, Yokohama, Japan), magnification endoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to magnify the image transmitted from endoscope to screen with an 80-200x zoom, providing the endoscopists with enhanced visibility and diagnosis capabilities.

While Japan powers ahead, the UK, alongside the rest of Europe, has been slow on the uptake, creating a widening skills and knowledge gap among the emerging generation of gastroenterologists. One of the leaders in UK endoscope supply, Fujifilm’s UK partner Aquilant Endoscopy, is calling for investment in training and further supply of magnification endoscopes.

Mr Amyn Haji, consultant surgeon and interventional endoscopist at King’s College Hospital London, is one of the doctors in the UK trained to use magnification endoscopy. Mr Haji trained in advanced endoscopic techniques, including magnification endoscopy at Showa University, Japan with Professor Kudo and Professor Inuoue; he is currently the clinical lead for the endoscopic resection of gastro intestinal polyps service at King’s College Hospital; a tertiary referral centre in South East London.