Dr. Michel Kahaleh (far left) with colleagues in an endoscopy suite
In pregnant women, the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used for gall stones, strictures, obstructions, or other conditions within the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems, has been problematical due to exposure to radiation for the mother and the fetus. Dr. Michel Kahaleh, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and his team have successfully modified the diagnostic technique, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), to reduce the estimated fetal radiation exposure, thereby making the procedure safe for pregnant women. Dr. Kahaleh is the Chief of Endoscopy, Center for Advanced Digestive Care (NYP/WCM), and Medical Director of the NYP/WCM pancreatic program.