First SpyGlass Procedure in Escambia County Performed at Baptist Health Care

10/31/2018

Baptist Health Care gastroenterologist David W. Dozer, M.D., has performed the first procedure in Escambia County using the hospital’s new SpyGlass™ DS Direct Visualization System. 

The technology is used for endoscopic examination of the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas. Its camera provides high resolution image quality and a wide field of view that allow the physician to clearly see any areas of concerns. Special biopsy tools enhance the ability to obtain tissue samples for the definitive diagnosis of cancer, gallstones, pancreatitis and other diseases. SpyGlass can also be used for lithotripsy, which breaks down stones in the common bile duct.

In the first case at Baptist using SpyGlass, Dr. Dozer was able to examine a biliary duct mass. Amanda Davis, R.N., who assisted, said the equipment enabled the surgical team to better visualize the difficult to see mass and obtain samples that were crucial for a final diagnosis. 

An added patient benefit is that the local availability of this technology prevents the need for patients to travel outside the county for the procedure.