Is Endoscopic Mucosal Resection An Alternative Solution?
Experiencing occasional gastrointestinal (GI) issues is normal. Most people will struggle with diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, or even a stomach bug, whether from food poisoning or a bacterial or viral infection. However, in some cases, abnormalities might be discovered in the GI tract that don’t resolve without more serious medical interventions. Sometimes, a person might have to have a minimally invasive procedure known as an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). While the idea of having an operation can be scary, EMRs are often treated as a preventative or diagnostic tool to help people live better, healthier lives.
Discovering GI abnormalities
A few reasons exist for a doctor to recommend an EMR, with one of the most common underlying causes being to determine abnormalities in the GI tract. In particular, the goal is to remove irregular tissues from the digestive tract. Specifically, tissue is removed from the digestive lining. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, relying on thin tubes that are fed through the throat, most people can go home the same day and don’t have to worry about scarring. As a result, EMR is linked with fewer complications and is less expensive than surgery.
Reasons to remove tissue
Tissue removal might be recommended for a variety of reasons. Along with simply flagging irregular tissue from the digestive tract lining, EMR is a diagnostic procedure that is often used to remove early-stage cancerous growths. Lesions suspected of being cancerous, known as Barrett’s esophagus, may also be removed during the process. The types of cancer that can be treated include colorectal, esophageal, small intestine, duodenal, and stomach cancer.
Preparing for an EMR
An EMR is an outpatient procedure that’s usually only recommended for people who are considered to have precancerous tissues or who have a small tumor. Individuals with larger tumors will usually be shifted to other more common treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or an endoscopic submucosal dissection. Before an EMR, instructions will be given to confirm whether the patient needs to avoid eating or drinking or take laxatives to perform a colon cleanse. During the procedure, anesthesia is given and may be either local or general. Alternatively, some people may receive sedation.
During and after an EMR
The entire procedure takes around 30-60 minutes as the endoscope is inserted through either the mouth or anus, depending on whether the upper or lower GI tract is being targeted. Once the targeted area is found, the abnormal tissue is removed either through suction, cutting, or by injecting a solution. The tissue will be sent to the lab for review and the patient will be moved to a recovery room for the anesthesia or sedation to wear off. People are reminded that having a caregiver is necessary, as driving is not safe immediately after surgery. Most individuals return to work within 1-2 days after surgery and only need temporary dietary changes while the GI tract heals.
A smart preventative measure
EMRs are low-risk diagnostic and preventative treatment procedures that help address GI tract issues early. Whether the underlying cause is cancer or an alternate abnormal tissue development, tackling the problems early ensures better health outcomes and also saves people money and time by avoiding more expensive surgeries that come with longer recovery times.
