Welcome to SPARC. We perform minimally invasive endoscopic resections for pre-cancerous lesions and early cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
State-of-the art transformative care
Founded in 2021, SPARC has brought cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures to British Columbia for patients with pre-cancerous and early cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The SPARC program is part of the Digestive Health Centre of BC and is a leader in the area of interventional endoscopy.
World-class team, world-class care
Our group of sub-specialty trained physicians have come together to build an interventional endoscopy program that stresses quality in minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. Successful patient outcomes alongside compassionate care form the basis of SPARC philosophy.
SPARC quick facts
1.8M+
People annually diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
1M+
People annually diagnosed with gastric cancer
Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
500K+
People annually diagnosed with esophageal cancer
Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
SPARC offers organ-sparing, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures
Historically, pre-cancerous lesions and early cancers affecting the esophagus, stomach and colorectum required surgery. However, advances in the field of interventional endoscopy now allow our physicians to provide organ-sparing, minimally invasive treatments that are performed during an endoscopy. These are done completely by camera and do not require external incisions. This allows for same-day procedures with increased safety and faster recovery.
Some of the conditions we treat
While there is a broad scope in interventional endoscopy, here are some of the more common conditions that we treat at SPARC.
Large colorectal polyps and early colorectal cancer
Endoscopic resection is the first-line treatment strategy for the majority of large colorectal polyps.
Early gastric cancer and atrophic gastritis/intestinal metaplasia
If detected early, gastric cancer can be effectively treated by endoscopic resection.
Hereditary cancer syndromes
These syndromes increase the risk of colorectal cancer and/or other cancers within the body.
Barrett’s esophagus
This condition involves changes in the lining of the esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
Early esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is on the rise in Canada, specifically amongst men.
Achalasia and esophageal dysmotilities
These diseases impair the ability of food entering the stomach.
What our patients have to say about SPARC
At the age of 81, I was admitted into St. Paul’s Hospital after feeling ill while attending a concert. This was my first time in a hospital. Within a very short time I was assigned a medical team led by Dr. Shahidi. After having all the required tests I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Dr. Shahidi explained the treatment options and the different outcomes: traditional surgery or endoscopic resection, which is much less invasive. I chose the endoscopic resection; Dr. Shahidi is the leader in this field of medicine. It was the right choice for me. I feel 10 years younger, my stomach pains are gone, and I am looking forward to living a normal and happy life. My family and I consider ourselves lucky to have received the best medical advice and treatment by Dr. Shahidi and his team and the St. Paul’s Hospital staff.
Christian Walli Richmond, BC
Right from our first phone call Dr. Neal Shahidi was friendly, informative and communicative about the procedure. He was understanding and compassionate. He came highly recommended and seemed very experienced. His surgery on me was successful even though I had a very large polyp. I’m grateful he was willing to do my colonoscopy, and I had a good outcome.
N/A Abbotsford, BC
I have had several procedures done by Dr. Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital. Dr. Shahidi is an outstanding doctor both in skill and compassion. He always explains everything before the procedures to put me at ease. The nurses are always excellent, too. I am very happy with my outcome.
Naseem Somani Hjerpe Port Moody, BC
In March 2022, a large polyp in my colon could not be removed during a routine colonoscopy. However, Dr. Lam was able to remove it at St Paul’s Hospital in collaboration with SPARC. The team was outstanding: everyone was kind, supportive, and kept me comfortable and calm. The procedure was painless and they were able to remove the large polyp. It was a great relief to find out it was benign. I cannot thank Dr. Lam and the SPARC team at St. Paul’s enough for them helping me through this process.
Gary Wozny Vancouver, BC CPA, CA
In the fall of 2020 doctors in Victoria discovered serious cell growth in my esophagus and sent me to Dr. Neal Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital for surgery. The operation was performed on March 19, 2021. Upon arrival at St. Paul’s, the staff made me feel comfortable and showed professionalism. The gastroenterology team were excellent and put me at ease.Dr. Shahidi was so kind and thorough in explaining the details and risks of the operation that I had complete confidence in him and his team. Dr. Shahidi is very good at his work and he enjoys his job.
Jim Brown Courtenay, BC
I first became a patient at St. Paul’s hospital in 2022, having surgery for esophageal cancer. I continue to visit for scoping every six months. Each time I arrive there is always staff to help direct me where to go. In the GI ward, I am looked after by a staff of competent nurses both before and after my procedure. I’m made comfortable and am well looked after until my wife is there to walk me out.
Kenneth Victoria, BC
I was having difficulty swallowing some of my food, had a scope in Kamloops, was told I had Barrett’s esophagus and was given a referral to Dr. Neal Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Elizabeth Kamloops, BC
I was nervous initially, but long story short, I have been very impressed with Dr. Shahidi, the SPARC nurses, and how well I’ve been taken care of. I can now swallow, don’t worry so much about cancer and can thank them all for this. I highly recommend SPARC.
I found out I had esophageal cancer in March 2024 and was sent to Dr. Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital for surgery. The day of the operation Dr. Shahidi came in and said I had nothing to worry about and made me feel at ease. He is personable, knowledgeable and caring, and works well with his team. I feel confident in Dr. Shahidi’s care and advocate for more doctors like him: not only his amazing medical expertise but also his genuine compassion for his patients. I have been cancer-free since June 2024 and I thank Dr. Shahidi very much.
Debbie Lambert Cloverdale, BC
My well-respected gastroenterologist told me that a large polyp in my colon needed to be examined and removed by one of his colleagues, Dr. Eric Lam, at St. Paul’s Hospital. Throughout the ongoing process, I received exceptional care, support and compassion. While going to the hospital can be stressful, I always felt listened to and reassured. Outstanding teamwork, GI clinic team! I write this testimonial with profound gratitude.
Arlene O’Reilly Vancouver, BC
A small tumour was discovered on my esophagus. A biopsy determined it was cancer. Removal of the esophagus, major surgery, and way of life changes were discussed. I was considering just living out the duration of my life without anything being done. Thank God I was directed to Dr. Lam. He removed the tumour before it spread. After one day and night stay at the hospital it was over!
Michael Douglas Clark Vancouver, BC
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Equitable endoscopy care for underserved patients
Dr. Neal Shahidi is committed to advancing equity in endoscopic care for all British Columbians.
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Successful 2025 CIHR team grant award
The international trial, led by Dr. Daniel von Renteln and joined by Dr. Neal Shahidi, will examine bleeding prevention techniques after large polyp removal.