The Department of Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty concerned with the digestive system, including such facets as the esophagus, stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas, nutrient absorption, and food breakdown.
Sheba Medical Center’s Department of Gastroenterology is the largest of its kind in Israel. More importantly, it is filled with state of the art equipment and expert, extensively trained practitioners who are dedicated to holistic patient care.
This is reflected by our weekly multidisciplinary meetings and integration of dieticians, surgeons, radiologists, and psychologists into the treatment of gastroenterology patients.
Here are some important numbers about the Gastroenterology Department:
- More than 40,000 patients seen every year.
- Over 15,000 endoscopic procedures performed annually.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy involves the insertion of a scope into the body in order to directly visualize the state of the internal anatomy. In gastroenterology, scopes are normally guided into the esophagus or anus. The mucosa is inspected and biopsies may be taken to check for malignancy or other disease. At Sheba Medical Center, the following types of endoscopy are performed:
Capsule Endoscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the patient swallows a tiny camera. The camera records images for the treatment team to review.
Colonoscopy
In this procedure, a scope is inserted into the patient’s anus while they are under sedation. It is commonly performed to screen for colon cancer and to search for sources of bleeding.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
An EGD involves inserting a scope into the throat and down through the stomach. It can be done to check for causes of stomach pain and bleeding.
Double balloon enteroscopy
This is done to check the small bowel, often for bleeding. Biopsies may be taken and sources of bleeding can be cauterized.
Transrectal ultrasound
An ultrasound probe is inserted in the patient’s rectum in order to gather a three dimensional picture of the prostate.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
An ERCP is performed to check the pancreas and common bile ducts.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
EUS is performed to investigate a variety of structures within the digestive system. Rather than a camera, it uses sound waves to create a visual image.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
ESG is a relatively new weight loss procedure that reduces the size of your stomach using an endoscopic suturing device, with no need for surgery.
Staff
Physicians on staff in the Department of Gastroenterology represent a variety of expertise, from surgery to nutrition. They include:
- Professor Shomron Ben Horin
- Professor Rami Eliakim
- Professor Simon Bar Meir
- Dr. Carlos Simon
- Dr. Eytan Bardan
- Professor Benjamin Novis
- Dr .Marc Bar Gabel
- Dr. Alon Lang
- Professor Benjamin Avidan
- Dr. Maor Lahav
- Dr. Emad Sakhnini
- Dr. Moshe Nadler
- Dr. Adi Lahat
- Dr. Daniel Koskas
- Dr. Dan Carter
- Dr. Idan Levy
- Dr. Elbaz Griner Tomer
- Dr. Uri Kopylov
- Dr. Ofir Har Noy
- Dr. Bella Ungar
- Dr. Lior Katz
- Dr. Doron Yavlekovich
- Dr. Dana Ben Ami
- Dr. Mariya Likhter
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