News Releases

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Announces Advanced Equipment to Diagnose GI Cancers

Houston, Texas, March 27, 2006 – Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital offers enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound, an outpatient procedure that provides a more accurate and more precise diagnosis and staging of tumors and cancers in the chest surrounding the esophagus, the esophagus, lungs, and areas involving the gallbladder, the pancreas and the rectum.

The procedure uses a special device resembling a capsule attached to the tip of the scope, which allows the physician to better pinpoint abnormal tissues and perform fine needle biopsies into enlarged lymph nodes or suspicious tumors.

In addition, Memorial Hermann Southeast offers the most advanced diagnostic equipment to detect upper and lower gastro-intestinal (GI) abnormal tissue, abnormal growths (polyps) and cancers. These state-of-the-art technologies will allow physicians to better identify and isolate diseased and cancer cells at their earliest, most treatable stage.  The Olympus 180 technology is the newest on the market and features Narrow Band Imaging, an advanced lighting technology, resulting in remarkably clear views of all tissue including fine capillaries and the surface of the mucosa.

Dr. Daniel Darmadi, M.D., specially trained to employ and interpret endoscopic ultrasound, said this new procedure is extremely beneficial to the patient. “It is a minimally invasive procedure which detects cancer at its very early stages,” Darmadi said. “Our goal at Memorial Hermann Southeast is to save lives. By using this innovative procedure – combined with this new, advanced equipment – we significantly increase the opportunity to detect upper GI and rectal cancers at their very earliest stages and, if needed, determine appropriate treatment options for patients.”

For more information, contact Media Relations.