Understanding endoscopic mucosal resection
What is endoscopic mucosal resection?
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an ambulatory technique that allows a specialist to remove tumors positioned just under the gastrointestinal lining without the need for surgery. Using an endoscope (a pliable, cylindrical instrument), Dr. Pou can look within the body with a great degree of detail. At the same time, he can remove growths, such as upper GI or colon tumors, that may alternatively require an operation. The majority of people go back home the same day. Because there is no incision, you can recuperate quicker and with less discomfort than traditional or laparoscopic surgery.
What are the advantages of endoscopic mucosal resection?
This procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for extracting abnormal tissues from the lining of the digestive system. Dr. Pou could recommend the method to address certain early-stage cancers or precancerous tumors.
Some of the diseases that EMR has been used to address include:
- Esophageal cancer
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
- Noncancerous growths of the uterus (leiomyomas)
- Colon cancer
- Cancer of the small intestine (duodenum)
- Colon polyps
- Barrett’s esophagus
What are the possible complications of endoscopic mucosal resection?
Like any procedure, there are risks associated with endoscopic mucosal resection. Possible risks associated with this procedure include:
- Puncture (perforation): There is a slight danger of a puncture in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, based on the proportions and placement of the tumor that is removed.
- Narrowing of the esophagus: Extracting certain esophageal tumors can elevate the danger of scarring, which tapers the esophagus. This may lead to difficulty swallowing and require additional treatment.
- Bleeding: This is the most common complication and can frequently be identified and rectified during the process.
Contact Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology Center or get emergency care if you acquire any of the notated signs or symptoms after you receive an endoscopic mucosal resection:
- Passing out
- Trouble breathing
- Fever
- Black stool
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Chest or abdominal discomfort
When will I get the results of my endoscopic mucosal resection?
A follow-up meeting with Dr. Pou will be scheduled to review the results of your endoscopic mucosal resection and any laboratory exams done on tissue specimens. A few questions to ask include:
- What were the outcomes of the laboratory exams? Do I have cancer?
- How will you watch my condition?
- Were you able to extract all anomalous tissue?
- Should I see a cancer physician (oncologist)?
- If I have cancer, will I require other procedures?
As a rule, you will have an additional upper endoscopy or colonoscopy a couple of months after your endoscopic mucosal resection to be sure the entire lesion is removed. When you have your original procedure, Dr. Pou may mark the region of the removed lesion with ink so that the region can be simply inspected when you have any subsequent procedures. The need for more appointments depends on the results of these results.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The preceding information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.