As members of the modern medical community, keeping pace with technology is part of our job description.
Endoscopy is a prime example. This field that didn't even exist just a few years ago, is now a specialty so essential that EIRMC recognizes the advantage created by physicians, including Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons, who specialize in it.
The term endoscope refers to a medical instrument consisting of a long flexible tube that houses a tiny camera which doctors guide to various organs and locations in the body. The real-time images are used to help doctors conduct screenings and visual inspection of internal tissues and organs.
At EIRMC, we go one step further. We're equipped to offer Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) capabilities. This technology allows the physician to also insert tiny instruments through the endoscope tube to obtain tissue samples or even treat problems, such as removing gallstones and polyps, or opening bile ducts by inserting a stent.
This is often accomplished using the SpyGlass Direct Visualization System, the pinnacle of endoscopy technology, which is offered at only a select few hospitals in Idaho.
The number of physicians at our disposal means we're available 24 hours a day, in the event that an emergency or trauma team needs our unique skill set. Being part of a regional hospital also means we're able to work closely with other surgery crews if we find something that requires more extensive attention.
To ensure that the care our patients receive is consistent with the skills of top-flight surgeons, all of the nurses on the endoscopic team are ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Care) certified, competent in moderate sedation, and some are PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified.
