Updated on 02.03

Abbreviations and Full Names of Digestive Endoscopic Procedures

Faced with the numerous English abbreviations in medical records and literature, many doctors and medical students often feel confused. The Reescope.com systematically sorts out the common English abbreviations of digestive endoscopic surgeries and their corresponding technical characteristics, taking you into the sophisticated world of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.

Healthcare professional holding an endoscope in a medical examination room.

I. Classification of Digestive Endoscopic Surgeries and Quick Reference of Common Terms

1. Basic Diagnosis and Treatment Category:

EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (i.e., standard gastroscopy), used for examining the upper gastrointestinal tract.
COL (Colonoscopy): Colonoscopy, used for examining the large intestine.
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasonography): Endoscopic Ultrasonography, which combines endoscopy and ultrasound technology to evaluate the gastrointestinal wall and surrounding structures.
CE (Capsule Endoscopy): Capsule Endoscopy, mainly used for small intestine examination.

2. Advanced Resection Techniques Category:

EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection): Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, suitable for small mucosal lesions.
ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection): Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, used for the complete resection of larger mucosal lesions.
ESE (Endoscopic Submucosal Excavation): Endoscopic Submucosal Excavation, for treating submucosal tumors.

3. Biliary and Pancreatic System Intervention Category:

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, for diagnosing and treating biliary and pancreatic diseases.
EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy): Endoscopic Sphincterotomy, commonly used for bile duct stone extraction.
ENBD (Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage): Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage, used for biliary decompression.

4. Special Treatment Techniques Category:

APC (Argon Plasma Coagulation): Argon Plasma Coagulation, used for hemostasis or ablation therapy.
EVL (Endoscopic Variceal Ligation): Endoscopic Variceal Ligation, for treating esophageal varices.
PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy): Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy, to establish a long-term enteral nutrition access.

Surgical procedure with medical instruments and monitor in operating room.

II. Detailed Explanation of Four Core Surgeries

1. ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection)

Technical Characteristics: ESD is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgical technique. By injecting fluid into the submucosal layer to form a "safety cushion," special electrosurgical knives are then used to gradually dissect the lesion tissue, enabling en bloc resection of large gastrointestinal lesions.

Main Applications:

Early gastrointestinal tumors (gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer)
Large gastrointestinal polyps (diameter > 2cm)
Resection of submucosal tumors

Technical Advantages: Compared with traditional surgery, ESD offers the advantages of minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and lower cost. It spares patients the pain of open surgery while preserving organ integrity. For eligible patients with early-stage cancer, ESD can achieve a curative effect comparable to surgery.

Risk Warning: ESD requires high technical proficiency and may lead to complications such as bleeding and perforation, necessitating performance by an experienced endoscopist.

2. POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)

Technical Characteristics: POEM is a revolutionary treatment for achalasia. It creates a "tunnel" in the esophageal mucosal layer and cuts the circular muscle layer within the tunnel to resolve the issue of the lower esophageal sphincter failing to relax.

Operative Procedure:

Create a mucosal incision in the mid-esophagus.
Establish a tunnel in the submucosal layer leading below the gastroesophageal junction.
Cut the circular muscle fibers within the tunnel.
Close the mucosal entry.

Technical Advantages: Compared with the traditional Heller myotomy, POEM requires no thoracotomy or laparotomy, resulting in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and no external scars. It has become the preferred method for treating achalasia.

3. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

Technical Characteristics: ERCP is a vital tool for diagnosing and treating biliary and pancreatic diseases. It involves inserting a duodenoscope into the papilla and injecting contrast agent to visualize the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Therapeutic Applications:

Common bile duct stone extraction
Biliary stricture dilation and stenting
Pancreatic duct stricture treatment
Biliary biopsy and brushing
Biliary drainage (ENBD, ERBD)

Technical Development: With the development of systems such as SpyGlass for direct visualization of the biliary and pancreatic ducts, ERCP has evolved from a purely diagnostic procedure to a comprehensive technology integrating diagnosis and treatment.

4. STER (Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection)

Technical Characteristics: STER is an innovative technique for treating gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. It creates a tunnel in the submucosal layer to reach the tumor site, resects the tumor completely, and then closes the tunnel entrance.

Main Applications:

Submucosal tumors in the esophagus, cardia, stomach, and other locations
Especially tumors originating from the muscularis propria

Technical Advantages: Compared with traditional surgery, STER can achieve complete tumor resection while maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosal layer, significantly reducing the risk of postoperative perforation and infection.

Mastering these English abbreviations is not only necessary for professional communication but also fundamental to keeping pace with cutting-edge technologies. We hope this article provides you with a practical "Quick Reference Handbook for Endoscopic Terminology," helping you achieve greater proficiency in your clinical and academic endeavors!

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