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 endoscopic stent placement entails the insertion of a metal coil to relieve colon blockage [Figure 1]. Dr. Maher Abbas places the stent across the narrowing [Figure 2]. Following the procedure, it is easier to have a bowel motion. 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 –Colon blockage from a tumor
Figure 2 – A stent (metal coil) opens the colon tumor blockage
Cancer is the cause of most colon blockages. In some patients, the blockage occurs 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. Most colon blockages are treated with surgery but some patients can benefit from stent placement. If you have a documented colon blockage and any of the following symptoms, a colonoscopy with stent placement maybe an option for you:
Blockage 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 one of the world largest experiences with stent placement as well as other minimally invasive techniques.
The procedure is explained to you the day you meet Dr. Maher Abbas for the consultation. An evaluation is conducted to determine the location and degree of the blockage. Based on your condition, Dr. Maher Abbas determines whether a cleansing oral bowel preparation or rectal enema is administered prior to the procedure.
The procedure is performed in the endoscopy suite. On some occasions, Dr. Maher Abbas conducts it in the operating room. The procedure can take up to 1 1/2 hours depending on your condition. It is usually 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 3].
A full report and images of the procedure are provided. Depending on your condition, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis (same day discharge) or inpatient (requires a hospital stay). Normal activities are usually resumed within a few days of the procedure.
Figure 3 – Target controlled infusion [TCI] technology is used for optimal and safe sedation
Colonoscopy with stent placement is overall a safe procedure. Dr. Maher Abbas has one of the largest international experiences with stents. Minor risks and side effects include transient dizziness or nausea related to the medications, abdominal bloating and gas. While the majority of stent procedures are successful, complications can occur and include: bleeding, perforation (a small hole in the colon), persistent blockage, and migration (slippage) of the stent. 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 stent placement, click here.
Kindly bring to your consultation all outside records of prior tests (radiologic X-Ray studies, colonoscopy, surgery) for review.
