Japanese expert to hold workshop, demo at DLSUMC

MANILA, Philippines - The Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Section of the Department of Internal Medicine of De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) will hold a hands-on workshop on endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and a live demonstration of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on Jan. 24-25.

Invited to this workshop and demonstration is Dr. Haruhiro Inoue, FASGE, professor at the Digestive Disease Center of Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital in Japan and chief of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and surgery. 

He pioneered the techniques of endoscopic mucosal resection and ESD in Japan. He has also developed a new technique called POEM for achalasia, the failure of muscles at the end of the swallowing tube (esophagus) to relax.

Inoue will share his knowledge and techniques as he performs the first POEM procedure for achalasia in the Philippines at the DLSUMC.

Aside from POEM, he will demonstrate the techniques of narrow band imaging and magnifying endoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of early upper GI malignancy.

Inoue envisions making DLSUMC as the national referral center for early GI cancer screening and treatment in the country. He will be accompanied and assisted by Dr. Hitomi Minami from the Nagasaki University Hospital.

Interested parties may register at the Digestive Endoscopy Unit not later than Jan. 18.