The Unit initially started with only a videogastroscope and a paediatric video colonoscope. In July 2000, the Departments of Paediatrics and Medicine jointly commissioned the Gastroenterology and Video-endoscopy Unit. The KEM Gastroenterology Unit is now one of the best-equipped GI endoscopy units in the city with state of the art technology and latest up gradations, at costs, which are affordable.

The unit performs approximately 750 procedures per year. More than 4000 GI procedures have been performed to date.

Some of the procedures done in the unit are Band Ligation for the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to various causes. Placement of feeding gastronomy tube without general anaesthesia is done under endoscopic guidance. Besides this, removal of polyps and foreign bodies like coins, marbles can be done with special endoscopic procedures. The unit has been successful in endoscopic removal of bile ducts or pancreatic duct calculi. The use of metal stents in cases of malignant biliary obstruction and plastic stents for patients with chronic pancreatitis with ductal obstruction is an added facility.

Special paediatric endoscopes and neonatal endoscopies are available for procedures done in children and neonates.

Given below are two of the several research projects being conducted by the department of Gastroenterology Unit :

The Unit plans to relocate to larger premises. An endoscopy suite with two parallel working endoscopy rooms, independent 'C' Arm facility for endoscopy, a well equipped patient recovery wing with day care facilities and dedicated areas for endoscope reprocessing and cold sterilization is being planned.

Endoscopic Ultrasound with interventions, Capsule (Wireless) Endoscopy, Endoscopic Sewing Machine, GI Motility Laboratory and High Magnification Endoscopy are also on the anvil.