Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

About This Treatment

At Franciscan health, our team of Interventional Gastroenterologists have specialized training in a variety of advanced GI procedures, including Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). An EMR may be necessary when a small growth or lesion is found in the gastrointestinal tract.
  

What is an endoscopic mucosal resection?   

This procedure is typically used for lesions that have a minimal concern for cancer or may be precancerous, such as large colon polyps. An endoscope is inserted through the mouth or anus, and the lesion is then resected.  

Though recovery time can vary based on the patient, this procedure is typically outpatient – meaning you will likely go home the same day. 

What is the difference between Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)?  

While both procedures are used to remove abnormal growth from the digestive tract, there are some key differences:  

• EMR treats smaller lesions and growths on the surface (mucous layer) of digestive organs. These may be precancerous and removed in more than one piece.  
• ESD treats larger, more complex growths that are a little deeper, just below the mucous layer of digestive organs. These growths are often malignant (cancerous) or of high concern for cancer and typically removed in one piece which includes some surrounding tissue.  

Who needs an endoscopic mucosal resection? 

Patients with certain lesions who have low concern for cancer may be a candidate for an EMR. Large colon polyps, for example, may be precancerous and need to be removed using this procedure. 

How do I get connected to care?  

An interventional gastroenterologist will determine if this procedure is right for you based on your specific condition and test results. If you would like to get connected to an interventional gastroenterologist, reach out to your primary care provider or specialist and ask for a referral.  

---