Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

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Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an outpatient procedure that lets physicians remove tumors just beneath the gastrointestinal (GI) wall without surgery. Using an endoscope, a flexible, tube-like instrument, our GI Alliance gastroenterologists (physicians who specialize in treating the GI tract) can see inside the body with a high degree of detail. At the same time, they can remove growths such as upper GI or colon polyps that might otherwise require surgery. Most patients return home the same day. Because there is no incision, you may recover faster, and with less pain than from open or laparoscopic surgery. If you need to schedule an endoscopic mucosal resection or any other procedure designed to treat the GI tract, then contact your local GI Alliance experts.

Endoscopic mucosal resection is a less invasive alternative to surgery for removing abnormal tissues from the lining of the digestive tract. Your doctor may recommend the procedure to remove certain early-stage cancers or precancerous growths.

Some of the conditions that EMR has been used to treat include:

  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Cancer of the small intestine (duodenum)
  • Colon polyps
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Noncancerous growths of the uterus (leiomyomas)
  • Stomach (gastric) cancer

If you have any of the above conditions and would like to learn more about this procedure, contact GI Alliance.

Risks of endoscopic mucosal resection include:

  • Bleeding: This is the most common complication and can often be detected and corrected during the procedure.
  • Puncture (perforation): There is a slight risk of a puncture through the wall of the digestive tract, depending on the size and location of the lesion that is removed.
  • Narrowing of the esophagus: Removing certain esophageal lesions can increase the risk of scarring which narrows the esophagus, and may lead to difficulty swallowing and require further treatment.

Call your doctor or get emergency care if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms after you have an endoscopic mucosal resection:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Black stool
  • Bright red blood in the stool
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fainting

You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your gastroenterologist at GI Alliance to discuss the outcome of your endoscopic mucosal resection and the results of any laboratory tests performed on tissue samples. Questions to ask your doctor include:

  • Were you able to remove all abnormal tissue?
  • What were the results of the laboratory tests? Do I have cancer?
  • Do I need to see a cancer specialist (oncologist)?
  • If I have cancer, will I need additional treatments?
  • How will you monitor my condition?

Typically, you will have another upper endoscopy or colonoscopy several months after your procedure to be sure the entire lesion is gone. During your first procedure, your doctor may mark the area of the removed lesion with ink (tattoo) so that the area can be easily checked during any future exams. The needs for additional appointments depend on the results of these findings.

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If your doctor has recommended the endoscopic mucosal resection for treatment of a GI tract condition, then you can trust the expert gastroenterologists at GI Alliance to provide you with the most advanced and patient-centric care possible. An endoscopic mucosal resection can help provide a less invasive alternative to surgery for removing abnormal or potentially cancerous tissue. If you would like to know more about this and other procedures to treat your GI tract condition, please contact your local experts through GI Alliance.

Dr K was very kind and informative. The staff in the surgical area were fantastic. Made me feel at ease even got a pat on my hand that I haven’t had in decades.

J.R. Google

i had a consultation today with Dr. Nayan Patel, D.O. The office staff is very friendly and efficient. Dr. Patel was extremely nice and explained the diagnostic procedure and answered all my questions patiently. The office has close parking to the entrance. It was a very enjoyable experience, I highly recommend Dr. Patel and his office staff.

S.H. Google

Dr. Stassen is very patient at explaining the procedure before and after. I like that he takes his time with patients and I never feel rushed. He answers questions I have and he genuinely cares. Will definitely refer him to friends and family!! Thank you.

A.H. Google

Dr. Singh has excellent bedside manner, not rushed, and thorough. Would refer family and friends!

S.T. Google

Dr. Sai is very compassionate and kind, showing a true interest in my well-being and a great attention to detail/care. Having gotten test results the day off, I received a call personally from him explaining my results and alleviating my worries. Dr. Sai truly cares about his patients!

A.D. Google

90395

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4.9

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