What to Expect: Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection allows our endoscopy specialists to remove complicated or large areas of tissue, much larger than what is accessible during a typical procedure. This allows us to completely remove any abnormal tissue.

If complex endoscopic mucosal resection is right for you, we will:

1. Place you under deep sedation or general anesthesia, so you will not feel any discomfort during your procedure.
   
2. Pass a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) through your mouth and into your esophagus or stomach, or through your anus into your rectum or colon, to examine the dysplasia and determine the best way to remove it.
3. Inject fluid or apply gentle suction to raise the area of diseased tissue.
   
4. Use the endoscope to trap the dysplasia.
   
5. Remove the tissue using a small rubber band and a special instrument.
   
6. Repeat this process, if needed, to make sure we remove all abnormal tissue.
   
7. Send the tissue samples to a pathologist, who examines them and determines whether they are cancerous.
   
8. Mark the area with ink (like a tattoo) before completing your procedure. This way we can easily locate it after your procedure.

You will need a follow-up upper endoscopy or colonoscopy two to three months after your procedure to make sure you are healing properly and your dysplasia or complex polyp is completely gone.