Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)

About This Treatment

At Franciscan health, our team of interventional gastroenterologists have advanced training in a variety of specialized endoscopic procedures. An endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may be necessary when a lesion, tumor or other abnormality is found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can remove cancerous cells or prevent cancer from developing.  

The GI tract includes the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and anus.

What is an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)?
An endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove cancers or abnormal cell growth in the inner lining (submucosal layer) of organs used to digest food and drink.

Rather than making cuts that start outside of the body (like with a traditional surgery), ESD uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) that enters the body through the mouth or anus.  

Our Interventional Gastroenterologists use this endoscope tool to assist them in removing tumors, lesions and other abnormal growths from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, often in one piece.  This is important as the area around the lesion (or margin) is removed cleanly leaving no potentially cancerous cells behind.   

This minimally invasive procedure often preserves the organ and reduces the need to surgically remove the organ. 

Each patient can vary, but generally this is done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can typically go home the same day.  

Who needs an endoscopic submucosal dissection?

Patients with certain abnormal cells or growths, especially if there is high concern for cancer may require an ESD. Our patients who get this procedure may have early esophageal or rectal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, or high-grade dysplasia in the GI tract.

How do I get connected to care?

An Interventional Gastroenterologist will determine if this is the right procedure 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 doctor or other specialist and ask for a referral.