EMR For Digestive Health
Gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities can pose significant challenges to a person’s health and well-being. From conditions like peptic ulcers to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the development of abnormal growths, GI issues require effective management. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an innovative procedure that has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare professionals address GI abnormalities. With EMR, patients can feel empowered to take proactive steps toward improving GI health.
Understanding the digestive system
Made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum, the GI tract is essential to overall health. The GI tract breaks down food for energy, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste. However, the GI tract can experience various problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, IBD, and sores in the stomach or small intestine lining. Abnormal growths or polyps can also develop in the digestive tract, potentially becoming cancerous if not treated.
What is EMR?
Endoscopic mucosal resection is a minimally invasive procedure to remove abnormal or precancerous tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera, doctors can precisely target and remove the abnormal tissues. The procedure involves injecting a saline solution beneath the abnormal tissue, causing the tissue to lift from the deeper layers of the GI tract for easier removal with an endoscopic snare. EMR treats various conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus, polyps, and early-stage cancers in the esophagus, stomach, and colon.
Pre-op, post-op
The patient will be instructed to prepare before the surgery, which may include fasting and bowel cleansing, depending on the area of the GI tract targeted. Post-procedure, patients are started on a liquid diet before gradually returning to regular food. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to discuss the results of the procedure and any necessary further treatment. Understanding what to expect can help patients better prepare for EMR, reducing anxiety and aiding in a smoother recovery.
Benefits of endoscopic resection
Compared to traditional surgical methods, EMR is a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that spares healthy tissue and can usually be performed outpatient. The MIS approach reduces post-operative pain, results in fewer complications, and is associated with lower costs. Patients typically recover faster with less need for extended pain management and can often resume normal activities within days. EMR has proven highly effective at removing precancerous or early-stage cancerous lesions in the GI tract, which not only helps prevent disease progression but also reduces the need for further treatment like radiation or chemotherapy.
Risks and complications
While EMR is a highly beneficial procedure for treating gastrointestinal abnormalities, possible risks include bleeding, perforation of the GI tract, post-operative pain, and infection. Rarely, complications such as post-polypectomy syndrome, strictures, or incomplete resection may require additional treatment. Despite the rare risks, EMR remains a safe and effective procedure when performed by experienced practitioners.
Advancing GI health
Endoscopic mucosal resection is a valuable procedure for managing GI abnormalities and preserving overall health. EMR offers significant benefits by precisely removing abnormal or precancerous tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. The minimally invasive approach reduces post-operative pain, lowers the risk of complications, and allows for faster recovery. Patients with GI concerns should talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about how EMR can help preserve optimal health.
