Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Fellow, Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Member, Surgical Section Serbian Medical Association
Dr. Maher Abbas is an American Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon who performs the latest and most advanced procedures to treat conditions affecting the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. He is a leader in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. With over 18,000 operations and procedures experience, he provides state of the art treatment to his patients.
Colonoscopy with balloon dilation is performed to stretch colon narrowing [Figure 1]. The procedure is performed to relieve symptoms of blockage without the need to have surgery. Dr. Maher Abbas uses a soft balloon during the procedure [Figure 2]. Following the procedure, it is easier to have a bowel motion [Figure 3]. If needed, a small amount of tissue (biopsy) is obtained during the procedure. The biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a laboratory doctor using specialized microscopy techniques).
Figure 1 – Narrowing of the colon
Figure 2 – Balloon dilation
Figure 3- After balloon stretching
Narrowing of the colon can occur following bowel or pelvic surgery, can be the consequence of conditions such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, radiation therapy, or inflammation of the colon from infection or lack of blood flow. If you have a documented narrowing with any of the following symptoms, a colonoscopy with balloon dilation may be an option for you:
Narrowing of the colon is a serious condition. It should be treated by an expert physician to ensure the best results. Dr. Maher Abbas performs a full evaluation to determine the best way to treat you. He has extensive expertise in this treatment and other minimally invasive techniques to treat colon narrowing.
The procedure is explained to you the day you meet Dr. Maher Abbas for the consultation. Based on your condition, a cleansing oral bowel preparation or rectal enema is prescribed. The preparation is done at home.
The procedure is performed in the endoscopy suite. It can take up to 1 hour depending on your condition. It is performed with sedative medications. You do not feel or remember much of the procedure. Dr. Maher Abbas uses state of the art sedation equipment to ensure you have a pleasant experience [Figure 4]. In advanced cases, Dr. Maher Abbas may combine the balloon dilation with removal of a portion of the narrowing (endoscopic stricturoplasty).
While most patients improve after 1 procedure, you may require more than 1 session for complete symptoms resolution. A full report and images of the procedure are provided to you. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. You go home after the procedure unless advised otherwise by Dr. Maher Abbas. Normal activities are usually resumed the day after the procedure unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Maher Abbas.
Figure 4 – Target controlled infusion [TCI] technology is used for optimal and safe sedation
Colonoscopy with balloon dilation is a safe procedure and Dr. Maher Abbas has performed thousands of endoscopic procedures. Minor risks and side effects include transient dizziness or nausea related to the medications, abdominal bloating and gas. A complication such as bleeding or perforation, a small hole in the colon where the narrowing, is rare. An additional endoscopic procedure or an operation may be needed.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maher Abbas for colonoscopy with dilation, click here!
Kindly bring to your consultation all outside records of prior tests (radiologic X-Ray studies, colonoscopy, surgery) for review.
