IBD Therapeutic Endoscopy
Endoscopic procedures play a vital role in diagnosing, monitoring and treating complications of IBD.
The CHUM IBD Centre’s Therapeutic Endoscopy service in Montreal provides advanced, minimally invasive procedures for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). From managing strictures and controlling bleeding to removing lesions and evaluating disease activity, our specialists use endoscopic techniques to treat IBD-related complications while helping patients avoid more invasive procedures whenever possible.
FAQ
Our endoscopy specialists use minimally invasive techniques to assess disease activity, manage strictures, remove abnormal tissue and address symptoms without the need for major surgery.
What is an IBD therapeutic endoscopy?
IBD therapeutic endoscopy includes a range of minimally invasive procedures used to manage IBD-related complications, including:
- Strictures (dilation)
- Bleeding
- Lesion removal
- Monitoring disease activity
The emphasis is on minimally invasive treatment and symptom management rather than cancer-specific care.
What types of procedures are offered?
Our team performs a range of treatments, including stricture dilation, control of active bleeding, polyp and lesion removal and targeted evaluation of disease activity.
Patients with complex, large or previously unresectable polyps and precancerous lesions may be referred to the CHUM’s Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Clinic. This specialized clinic offers minimally invasive alternatives to surgery, using advanced techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the removal of precancerous and early cancerous lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients are typically referred for large polyps, complex dysplasia, flat lesions and early neoplasia, including lesions that were previously removed incompletely or deemed challenging during routine colonoscopy.
How does an IBD therapeutic endoscopy benefit people with IBD?
These procedures can help relieve symptoms, manage complications, minimize hospital stays and reduce the need for surgical intervention.
What should I expect during an appointment?
Your specialist will review your medical history, explain the procedure, and outline preparation and recovery details. Most procedures are outpatient and involve minimal recovery time.
How is follow-up care managed?
Following your procedure, our clinicians provide personalized guidance on monitoring symptoms, medication adjustments and next steps in your treatment plan.
How can I access the IBD Therapeutic Endoscopy clinic?
Current patients can access this clinic through their care team. If you are not a patient and would like to access the IBD Therapeutic Endoscopy clinic at the CHUM IBD Centre, your doctor can submit a referral on your behalf.
Advanced endoscopic techniques can provide minimally invasive options for managing IBD complications and, for some patients, help avoid more invasive treatment.