SPARC’s innovations in surgical endoscopy allow for improved patient outcomes and cost savings for the Canadian healthcare system.
World-class team, world-class care
St. Paul’s Hospital Advanced Endoscopic Resection Centre (SPARC) offers minimally invasive endoscopic resection techniques as a proven treatment for pre-cancerous lesions and early cancers. This is done via a flexible camera (endoscope) inserted into the mouth or rectum and does not create an incision.
These techniques are a critical advance in the management of gastrointestinal cancers as they provide an organ-sparing alternative that is effective, safe and cost-effective. The majority of SPARC patients are in British Columbia, with some from neighbouring provinces.
A proven alternative to surgery
Cancer is a leading cause of death among Canadians. This includes cancers of the GI tract, which includes esophageal, gastric, colon and rectal cancers. Together, they represent the most frequent type of cancer and most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Historically, GI cancers—and the pre-cancerous polyps or lesions that give rise to them—have been managed by surgery, such as the removal of the esophagus, the stomach, the colon and the rectum and/or anus. Minimally invasive endoscopic resection techniques provide an alternative treatment: pre-cancerous lesions and early cancers are removed by a flexible camera called an endoscope or colonoscope without creating an incision. These techniques are a critical advance in patient care as they provide an organ-sparing alternative that is effective but also safe and less costly. These techniques include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Moreover, analogous techniques have now been developed for motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract known as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).
SPARC quick facts
5-12%
People with chronic reflux at risk of developing BE
Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a change in the lining of the esophagus that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. SPARC treats BE with endoscopic resection, radiofrequency ablation, hybrid argon plasma coagulation and/or cryotherapy.
1 in 13
People found with large polyps during a colonoscopy
SPARC doctors can safely remove large colon polyps without surgery. The first-line treatment for most large polyps is an endoscopic resection.
H.pylori
Can increase gastric cancer risk
Helicobacter pylori can cause chronic atrophic gastritis, which can increase gastric cancer risk. Patients with this condition should have regular endoscopies to prevent gastric cancer.
1 in 10K
Babies born with FAP, thus predisposed to develop polyps.
People with polyposis are prone to developing polyps and face a higher risk of colon and rectal cancer, making colonoscopy surveillance essential. The most common syndromes are FAP, MUTYH-associated polyposis and serrated polyposis.
Our treatments are minimally invasive, safe, and fast
Many early gastrointestinal tumours are small and can be removed with conventional endoscopic techniques. However, larger lesions or lesions that have visual characteristics of an early cancer should be removed in one piece for adequate pathology assessment. Previously, there was no option to treat these conditions other than with surgery. The field of interventional endoscopy has allowed SPARC physicians to offer minimally invasive endoscopic treatments that are done with no external excisions, allowing for a faster recovery. The SPARC team’s consultative services allow for assessment of the best treatment based on your lesion and personal preferences.
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.
Polyposis and hereditary cancer syndromes
These syndromes affect the cells lining the colon and GI tract.
Barrett’s esophagus
This condition could lead to an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Early esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is the third most common cause of death in Canada.
Achalasia and esophageal dysmotilities
Achalasia primarily affects the sphincter or muscle at the bottom of the esophagus.
What our patients have to say about 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
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
I had difficulty swallowing and there was excessive choking and regurgitation of food. My quality of life was at a low. Dr. Lam was able to perform surgery to correct the problem. My post-operative recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Shortly after the operation I was eating my meals with no symptoms, limitation or worry. I have had a remarkable change in my overall quality of life. I am grateful for the exemplary care provided by Dr. Lam, nurses and support staff throughout the process to diagnose and treat my problems.
Dr. James Lugsdin MD, MSc, FRCP (C)
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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.