What Is Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) is a medical procedure doctors use to remove abnormal or potentially harmful growths in the digestive tract without surgery. It involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and specialised tools called an endoscope to target and remove these growths from the inner lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
How to Prepare for Your Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
Preparing for an EMR is generally straightforward. Your doctor will give you specific instructions, including avoiding eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before the procedure. If the site of the EMR is in the colon you will be asked to drink a special solution to cleanse your colon thoroughly. You might also need to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications to reduce the risk of complications during the EMR.
What Happens During an Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
During the EMR, you will be given a sedative to help you relax and make the procedure more comfortable. The endoscope, a long, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end, is gently inserted through your mouth or rectum, depending on the examined area. The camera allows the doctor to see the inner lining of your GI tract and identify any abnormal growths. The doctor will carefully use special tools passed through the endoscope to remove them from the mucosal layer. These tools may include loops or snares to grasp and cut the abnormal tissue. The removed samples will then be sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
Are You Awake for an Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
The sedative will keep you relaxed and comfortable. In some cases, the doctor may use local anaesthesia to numb the area where the endoscope is inserted to minimise any discomfort.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
You may experience mild bloating or gas, but this should disappear quickly. Your doctor may allow you to go home 1-2 hours after the procedure when the sedative wears off or you may be advised to stay overnight for observation. If you are allowed home, it’s crucial to arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure, as it can take a few hours for the sedative effects to wear off completely.
How Painful Is an Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
Thanks to sedation and local anaesthesia, most patients report little to no pain during the EMR. However, it’s normal to experience some minor discomfort or a sore throat afterwards. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any post-procedure discomfort.
Is Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Safe?
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) is generally safe when performed by skilled professionals. While potential risks include bleeding, perforation, and infection, serious complications are rare. EMR is considered a valuable and effective technique for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions, with its benefits often outweighing the associated risks.
Overall, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and treat certain gastrointestinal conditions, helping patients avoid more invasive surgeries and achieve optimised health outcomes.
