In a note sent to the Lusa news agency, the Local Health Unit (ULS) of Castelo Branco stated that the Gastroenterology Service has established itself as a centre of innovation and excellence in ​​interventional echoendoscopy.

As a direct consequence of this work, this medical procedure has seen a progressive increase in demand, not only in the immediate area of influence of HAL, but also in more distant regions, such as the ULS of Leiria, Santarém, Alto Alentejo, Guarda, and Médio Tejo.

This procedure involves creating a direct connection between the stomach and the small intestine using echoendoscopy, usually in patients with pancreatic or duodenal cancer and consequent obstruction of the gastroduodenal lumen.

Performing digestive reconstruction via endoscopic ultrasound avoids the surgical alternative, which would otherwise cause greater morbidity and discomfort for the patient and require a longer hospital stay.

The team achieved overwhelmingly positive results in the initial phase of this approach: 100% technical success, clinical benefit for patients, and increased confidence in this technique.

About a year ago, the Gastroenterology Department of HAL introduced endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy and has since expanded it, as clinical indicators remain encouraging.