Clinical Research Directory

Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Gastro-esophageal Junction

This study will assess short and long term outcomes of individuals undergoing minimally invasive surgery of the gastro-esophageal junction (MISGEJ). Patients will respond to questionnaires on an annual basis evaluating quality of life and functionality following MISGEJ. Hospital charts will also be reviewed on an annual basis to assess patient health outcomes.

Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Submucosal Endoscopy

To test the idea that submucosal endoscopy is effective and safe for endoscopic myotomy, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and access for tissue acquisition and resection. Submucosal endoscopy is a recent innovative addition to gastrointestinal endoscopy. This involves endoscopic maneuvers in the gut wall, by dissection of the submucosal layer of GI tract, thereby allowing endoscopic myotomy (incision of the muscle), endoscopic access for tissue acquisition and therapy, and resection of precancerous and cancerous gastrointestinal tissue. This approach has been a dramatic game-changer for minimally invasive management of various gastrointestinal conditions such as Zenker's diverticulum, Achalasia, Spastic Esophageal Disorders, Gastroparesis, esophageal obstruction, Hirschsprung's Disease, and Gastrointestinal neoplasia. The aim of the proposed study is to prospectively assess technical success, clinical success, and adverse events after submucosal endoscopy. Technical success will be defined as ability to successfully complete the submucosal endoscopic procedure. Clinical success will be defined as symptom relief and objective evaluation which will be assessed with radiologic imaging, repeat endoscopy, gastrointestinal motility studies, and pathology results routinely performed post-procedure for clinical care, as indicated. Adverse events will be recorded per published ASGE criteria. A database/ registry of patients undergoing submucosal endoscopic procedures will be created to demonstrate this.