Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)


What is Endoscopic submucosal resection?

Endoscopic submucosal resection is a minimally invasive advanced endoscopic procedure that is used to remove or resect pre-cancerous or early cancerous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GI).

Lesions or masses are isolated and fluid is injected underneath to ‘lift’ the area. It is then cut out using a thin wire (snare) fed after forming a loop circumferentially around the tumor.

An electrical current is passed through the wire which both removes the tumor and also cauterizes the wound.


     Indications: -


  1. Early cancers or microinvasive cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract like the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum 

  2. Masses or polyps (< 2 cm) in the lower gastrointestinal tract, especially neoplastic polyps 

  3. Barrett’s esophagus



   
Advantages of SMR over surgery

    1. Minimally invasive procedure 

    2. Complete resection prevents the spread of cancer 

    3. Accurate staging and grading 

    4. Minimal stay in the hospital (1-2 days max) 

    5. No complications 

    6. Excellent prognosis




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