Gastroenterology Faculty / Medical Staff >

The Division of Gastroenterology of the Samsung Medical Center performed 41,376 endoscopic examinations on the upper gastrointestinal tract for diagnosis in 2010. In 2010 alone, we performed 471 cases of endoscopic hemostases for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 151 cases of endoscopic resection for benign gastric polyps.

The endoscopic submucosal dissection method was adopted at the SMC in 2004 and has become a vital tool in the treatment of early-stage gastric cancer and precancerous gastric lesions. In 2010 alone, we performed this procedure in 716 cases. When using endoscopic submucosal dissection, it is possible to excise lesions of all sizes, overcoming the limitations of previous endoscopic resection methods. Also, for indicated lesions, this method is reported to yield the same survival rate as surgery. Endoscopic submucosal dissection reduces the need for an invasive operation like laparotomy and allows patients to return to their normal routines right after the procedure, making it superior to surgery in terms of quality of life.

1. Liver

We see 50,000 outpatients and 5,000 inpatients annually for acute and chronic hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver, benign liver tumor, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Among them, approximately 25,000 patients have liver cancer, and they are treated with transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, radiation treatment or chemotherapy. We perform transarterial chemoembolization in more than 2,500 cases a year and radiofrequency ablation in more than 700 cases a year. In April 2011, we became the first institution to have performed radiofrequency ablation for over 5,000 cases. In addition, we actively participate in domestic and international clinical trials for the antiviral treatment of hepatitis B and C and hepatocellular cancer, and publish our results in major international journals.

2. Pancreas and biliary tract

We at the part for the pancreas and biliary tract of the Division of Gastroenterology diagnose and treat diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract based on a warm heart to consider patients first, accurate diagnoses using diverse examinations, and appropriate procedures through advanced endoscopy. In addition to pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, biliary tract cancer, duodenal cancer, ampulla of Vater cancer, we accurately diagnose and treat benign diseases in the pancreas and biliary tract, including biliary calculus, biliary tract polyp, pancreatic cystic lesions, and pancreatitis. To facilitate patient-centered diagnosis and treatment, we collaborate with specialists of various areas such as surgery, radiology, radiation therapy, pathology, and oncology. Medical staff, including professors of the Division of Gastroenterology who specialize in the pancreas and biliary tract, treat 15,000 outpatients, including 2,000 cancer patients, and care for 2,000 inpatients a year. Three highly qualified and experienced professors in the field of pancreas and biliary tract endoscopy perform over 2,000 ERCP- and EUS-based endoscopic procedures, 70% of which are endoscopic treatment. These endoscopic procedures include advanced methods like endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided therapy, photodynamic therapy, endoscopic biliary stenting, and endoscopic papillectomy. Also, we are continuously investigating new treatment modalities. Based on these diverse clinical experiences and research, we provide the most advanced, world-class services in pancreas and biliary tract treatment.

3. Lower gastrointestinal tract

The lower fastrointestinal tract team of the Division of Gastroenterology of the Samsung Medical Center, consisting of the best medical staff in Korea, provides optimum treatment appropriate for patients by quickly and accurately diagnosing various small/large intestinal diseases based on skilled, advanced endoscopic techniques and rich experience and knowledge.
Recently, we have minimized patients’ inconvenience and anxiety by diagnosing precancerous lesions in the large intestine and early colon cancer that require advanced endoscopic techniques on the same day and by performing prpcedures on the same day in cases where bowel preparation has been completed. Also, we have established a system to provide surgical treatment immediately in cases where surgery is necessary through organic cooperative treatment with the Department of Surgery.
In addition, we are not only providing fast diagnosis and optimum treatment of small intestinal diseases that have been felt as being difficult to be diagnosed or treated thus far through capsule endoscopy and small intestinal endoscopy but also performing therapeutic endoscopy that enables the avoidance of surgery while improving the quality of life through stent insertion or balloon dilatation in cases where the patient has colonic obstruction.
With regard to inflammatory bowel diseases that have been showing a trend of increasing recently, we not only provide treatment appropriate for patients based on extensive clinical experience and knowledge accumulated through various clinical studies but also periodically hold presentations for inflammatory bowel diseases to help patients and their protectors understand the diseases and strengthen ties between patients and doctors further so that they can overcome the diseases together.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.