Roswell Park holds grand opening for new endoscopy center

Roswell Park Cancer Institute has opened a new endoscopy center, an expanded space that more than doubles the capacity for advanced endoscopy and pulmonary surgeries.

The expansion follows volume increases of more than 40 percent in recent years for procedures and outpatient procedures. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this morning at the site.

In addition to surgery, the RPCI Endoscopy Center provides a range of diagnostic and treatment services, including minimally invasive options in place of traditional surgery where possible.

Endoscopy uses a special scope and camera to look inside the body. It is used during diagnosis and surgical treatment for various conditions. Pulmonary surgery addresses conditions in the lungs.

The center will also offer treatment for tumors of the lung, esophagus and stomach as well as the entire gastrointenstinal tract.

Candace Johnson, cancer center director and interim president/CEO, said at today's ribbon-cutting that the center combines the latest technological tools with the expertise of some of the only fellowship-trained interventional pulmonologists and advanced GI endoscopists in the country.

"Bringing these resources together creates a center of excellence where we can provide less-invasive procedures, a better experience and better outcomes for our patients," she said.

The hospital's endoscopy program includes upper gastrointestinal, colonoscopy and other procedures. The expanded center will also offer therapeutic options such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, electrocautery and ablation.

Roswell Park is the only regional site offering advanced procedures such as PDT, as well as double-balloon enteroscopy, autofluorescence bronchoscopy and medical pleuroscopy.

Tracey Drury covers health/medical, nonprofits and insurance