Interventional Endoscopy

801-213-3599
801-587-7539

81 North Mario Capecchi Drive

Salt Lake City, UT 84113

This department offers

  • Interventional endoscopy

Interventional Endoscopy

Your child’s health is our focus, and we are here to help during the complex process of treating liver disease, pancreas disease, and other gastroenterology disorders.

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that might be option for you child. Using a small thin flexible tube (endoscope), with a light and camera attached to it, we can examine and view pictures of the digestive tract. An endoscopy can help detect issues anywhere between the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and through the large intestine. Interventional endoscopy makes it possible to get a detailed of the affected organs, accurately collect samples for diagnosis, and deliver focused treatments.

An endoscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure and an open incision is not necessary. This minimizes or eliminates blood loss and the risk of infection and makes the recovery time much quicker.

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What sets us apart

We are proud to be one of only a few programs in the United States to offer interventional endoscopy services specifically for children. We are also the only program in the Intermountain West to provide a medical home for your child with liver, pancreas, and other GI diseases.

We are recognized as a “Center of Excellence” by the National Pancreas Foundation

Our providers

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Conditions and procedures

Learn more about the specific conditions that we treat and the procedures we perform with endoscopy.

  • Pancreatitis
  • Autoimmune Pancreatitis
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
  • Annular Pancreas
  • Pancreas Divisum
  • Pancreatic duct stone removal and endotherapy
  • Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Junction (APBJ)
  • Pancreatic walled-off necrosis
  • Pancreatic masses
  • Abnormal Fluid Collections, Cysts, or masses within the Abdomen
  • Pancreatic cysts
  • Pancreatic pseudocysts
  • Liver and biliary disease
    • Gall stone removal
    • Congenital diseases of the liver and gallbladder
    • Choledochal cysts
  • Traumatic injuries to the liver and pancreas
  • Polyposis syndromes with complex polyp removal
  • Other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions

By working with you, your child, and provider, we can determine the best care for your child.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can help find problems that other imaging tests may not. It is an advanced imaging procedure that can be used to collect tissue or fluid (biopsy), drain fluids and cysts, and help in identifying complex diseases.

EUS-Guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections uses ultrasound to pinpoint and drain collections of pancreatic fluid, a common complication of Pancreatitis.

EUS Guided Liver Biopsy uses a specialized ultrasound scope to directly target and inspect the liver before we take a liver biopsy. This has been shown to be a safe and effective way of obtaining a liver biopsy.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention to help diagnose and treat diseases of the liver and pancreas. It is done under general anesthesia, and children usually stay overnight in the hospital.

ERCP with Cholangioscopy uses a specialized endoscope that is inserted into the bile duct. Along with an X-ray and additional technology we can obtain a very detailed visualization. This is used primarily for treatment of bile duct stones and the evaluation of narrow ducts.

ERCP with Pancreatoscopy uses a specialized endoscope that is inserted into the pancreatic duct. Along with an X-ray and additional technology we can obtain a very detailed visualization. This is used primarily for treatment of pancreatic duct stones and the evaluation a narrow duct.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure to break up stones inside the bile ducts or pancreatic duct with a series of shock waves. These waves are generated by a machine called a lithotripter. When the shock waves enter the body, an X-ray is used target the stones.

Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy (EHL) is a medical procedure which uses a specialized scope that is inserted into either the liver or pancreas. This sends targeted shock waves to break up gallstones or pancreatic duct stones.

Endoscopic Dilation is a procedure used to dilate or stretch a narrowed area of your gastrointestinal tract, bile duct, or pancreatic duct.

Balloon-Assisted Deep Enteroscopy uses an endoscope with a small balloon that can inflate and deflate. This allows the doctor to see and treat less accessible parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) of large polyps is when an endoscope is used to remove polyps, early-stage cancer, or precancerous growths from the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoluminal Stenting is when a self-expanding wire mesh tube is placed within the gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope. This is to help treat bowel obstructions and narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract.

Noah's story

“We could never thank Dr. Laborda enough for the amazing care he has given our sweet Noah. Noah’s journey to be diagnosed was long and full of frustration. Dr. Laborda saw Noah and within a few minutes knew that Noah’s pancreas needed to be checked. We scheduled an appointment to check Noah out with the fancy new Interventional Endoscopes. Sitting in the waiting room waiting for your kiddo is never fun, but I had total confidence that Dr. Laborda could figure out what was wrong with my Noah.

The scope confirmed that Noah indeed had a pancreas issue. Chronic Pancreatitis for the win! It was an answer, and we could move forward. Without this new program and Dr. Laborda, I don't even want to imagine where Noah’s health would be right now. Dr. Laborda meets Noah where he is and talks to him in a way that both meets Noah’s need to be talked to logically but also keeps him from worrying about the unknown. The new program has changed Noah’s life and I will always be grateful for that. Dr. Laborda is so patient with my constant questions about Noah’s care, I would like to think it is because Noah is Dr. Laborda’s favorite, but I know it is because he cares about his patients and wants them to live the most normal life.”

Support and resources

Rebecca’s Wish is an organization devoted to providing hope to children diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Camp Hope is a summer camp for children and young people suffering from pancreatitis. Campers can participate in things they have never been able to do while having fun, finding respite, and experiencing a new sense of belonging. All while staying safe under the guidance and care of an onsite medical team.