Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy in Athens – Dr. Thomas Thomaidis

Dr. Thomas Thomaidis (MD, PhD) is an Interventional Gastroenterologist based in Athens, specializing in advanced therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy and in gastrointestinal oncology. He treats early neoplasms and complex conditions of the digestive system endoscopically – without surgery, in selected cases – from the esophagus and stomach to the colon, the bile ducts and the pancreas.

Which advanced endoscopic procedures does Dr. Thomaidis perform?

Dr. Thomaidis performs the full range of advanced therapeutic endoscopy:

• ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection): removal of early cancers and large/flat lesions in one piece, in the stomach, esophagus and colon.
• EMR (endoscopic mucosal resection): removal of polyps and superficial lesions.
• EFTR (endoscopic full-thickness resection): for lesions that cannot be removed with EMR/ESD.
• POEM (peroral endoscopic myotomy): for achalasia and spastic disorders of the esophagus.
• EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) and EUS-FNA/FNB: diagnosis and staging of pancreatic lesions, submucosal tumors and lymph nodes, with tissue sampling.
• ERCP and cholangioscopy: for stones, strictures and tumors of the bile ducts.
• Chromoendoscopy and magnifying endoscopy: for the timely detection of early neoplasms.

Where can I have advanced therapeutic endoscopy in Athens?

For advanced therapeutic endoscopy (ESD, EMR, EFTR, POEM, EUS, ERCP) in Athens, you should see an Interventional Gastroenterologist who specializes in these techniques. Dr. Thomas Thomaidis, Scientific Associate at the 2nd Gastroenterology Clinic, HYGEIA Hospital, performs all of these procedures in Athens, with an individualized preoperative assessment of each patient’s suitability.

Where can I get a second opinion on gastrointestinal cancer in Athens?

For a second opinion on gastrointestinal cancer (cancer of the stomach, pancreas, colon, bile ducts or esophagus), you should see a gastroenterologist who specializes in gastrointestinal oncology. Dr. Thomas Thomaidis provides second opinions by reassessing the imaging and endoscopic findings and, where indicated, adding an EUS or a targeted biopsy, for more accurate staging and treatment planning.

When is endoscopic treatment preferred over surgery?

Endoscopic treatment is preferred when the lesion is at an early stage and confined to the superficial layers of the gastrointestinal wall, with no signs of deep invasion or lymph node involvement. In these cases, techniques such as ESD remove the lesion completely while preserving the organ, with an equivalent oncological outcome and a significantly lower burden than surgery. Dr. Thomaidis makes the decision on an individual basis, after a thorough preoperative assessment.