Geisinger’s director of advance endoscopy proctors Philadelphia’s first endohepatology procedure

DANVILLE, Pa.
- Harshit S. Khara, M.D., Geisinger's director of endoscopy and advanced endoscopy, helped train and proctor a Jefferson Health gastroenterologist to perform Philadelphia's first-ever endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure measurement. The procedure, which has been performed at Geisinger for the past few years, combines interventional endoscopy and hepatology. Using noninvasive endoscopy, it takes pressure measurements of the veins in the liver under live ultrasound view, allowing doctors to diagnose liver problems and disease. The procedure also offers the opportunity to perform a simultaneous biopsy of the liver, if necessary. "Prior to this procedure, a patient would need to go to radiology and hepatology to diagnose liver disease and its severity," Dr. Khara said. "Geisinger patients have been able to have this all done in one place, making for easier diagnosis and treatment. Now, with Geisinger training doctors in Philadelphia, this cutting-edge technology can be used for patients there as well." This work showcases how Geisinger is revolutionizing healthcare, according to Amitpal Johal, M.D., Geisinger's chair of gastroenterology. "There is extensive research being done with endoscopic ultrasound, and we are so fortunate to have one of the best in the world at Geisinger," Dr. Johal said. "Dr. Khara is fostering innovation by pioneering these cutting-edge procedures locally for our patients, while also serving as a role model and educator by sharing these experiences regionally and globally. Anyone seeking top-notch care can be reassured knowing we offer these types of procedures right here at Geisinger."

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation's leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania's largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state's economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.