Ask the Clinicians – Victor Yu, M.D.

Victor Yu, M.D.

Q: What clinical advancements are offered for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues?

A: As part of a group of doctors who take care of the majority of inpatients at Hoag, I am often managing patients with severe acute gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as acute GI bleeding.

GI bleeding can sometimes be challenging to manage, often requiring multiple modalities to achieve successful treatment. In addition to standard treatments such as cauterization, clipping, and injection therapy, Hemospray is a novel hemostatic method available at Hoag for the management of acute GI bleeding. Hemospray is a safe and effective method utilizing an inert mineral powder, which is sprayed onto an active site of bleeding endoscopically. It has proven especially useful for GI bleeding arising from large surface areas, tumors, or situations where there is difficult anatomy or concern for risk of perforation.

Hoag is also utilizing a novel technology that was authorized by the FDA earlier this year. The GI Genius is the first device that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help detect potential signs of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, and usually starts from polyps or other precancerous growths in the rectum or the colon (large intestine). Colonoscopies are routinely performed after the age of 45 to screen for changes or abnormalities in the lining of the rectum and colon. The AI technology serves as an adjunct during colonoscopies to assist clinicians in detecting lesions such as polyps or suspected tumors in real time. It has the potential to become an important tool to improve the ability of clinicians to detect gastrointestinal lesions.

Hoag has always strived to provide the best resources with which we are able to render the most comprehensive care for our patients.