2024 Endoscopic Training Awardee, Luís Correia Gomes Luís, provides an update on the training he received that will benefit his practice in Portugal.
Tokyo Training under Prof. Dr. Naohisa Yahagi
During my training at Keio University School of Medicine, Minimally Invasive Treatment cancer Center, in Tokyo, Japan, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Naohisa Yahagi, I had the privilege of observing over 80 diagnostic procedures focused on screening for gastric and esophageal neoplasia. Additionally, I witnessed a pioneering practice not yet performed in Portugal or, to my knowledge, elsewhere in Europe: Endoscopic submucosal dissection for pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is only possible with a detailed and accurate the screening in patients with a history of esophageal SCC. This practice is justified by the shared risk factors between these two malignancies, resulting in an elevated risk for these patients. Based on this premise, I aim to initiate such screening protocols my department in patients with a history of oropharyngeal and pharyngeal SCC with a long-term goal of initiate the endoscopic treatment of these lesions.
In the therapeutic domain, I had the opportunity to observe the world's leading experts in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD). I observed 87 ESD procedures across various gastrointestinal (GI) organs, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, and rectum. Notably, I observed duodenal ESD, a technically challenging procedure rarely witnessed in Europe. Additionally, I observed five pharyngeal ESDs, a procedure performed only in a few Japanese institutions, with Keio University being one of them. I also received weekly hands-on training on animal models, allowing me to practice these ESD techniques under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Yahagi and his colleagues.
Shanghai Training at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
My training at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University in Shanghai, concluded on June 28, 2024. This stage allowed me to apply the knowledge gained from previous training sessions in a clinical setting. I was able to perform therapeutic procedures on patients and participate in an animal model course. Zhongshan Hospital is one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in China, offering a volume of procedures unmatched by other institutions worldwide. Here, I performed two submucosal tumor resections using the STER method and one Full Thickness Resection (FTR), procedures that are not widely practiced in Portugal. Additionally, I performed one POEM and six ESDs, all under the supervision of experts.
On the observational side, I focused primarily on therapeutic approaches, observing over 250 ESDs, 96 FTRs across various GI organs, and 30 POEMs. This extensive exposure significantly enhanced my therapeutic knowledge and has prepared me to implement these techniques in my clinical practice in Portugal. Additionally, I presented my expertise on endoscopic vacuum therapy on anastomotic leaks with the aim of introducing this treatment modality at the center.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, for Endoscopic Training Award, which allowed this learning experience possible and to bringing these advanced techniques to Portugal. I am available to assist in any way necessary and to provide my testimony about this experience.
Thank you.
Luís Correia Gomes