Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

What is an Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a technique where doctors are able to remove early-stage or precancerous growths from the inner lining of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts through endoscopy.

Why is an Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Done?

Traditionally, early stage or precancerous growth would require surgery where a more sizeable piece of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines would have to be removed along with the growth. With EMR, the patient can have the growth removed through a non-surgical, minimally invasive approach. Types of growths or abnormalities that can be removed using EMR include:

• Dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus
• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach (gastric) cancer
• Precancerous polyps (adenomas) in upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts
• Colorectal cancer