Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) is performed by using a long narrow tube equipped with a light and camera on the end called an endoscope. This procedure can be performed to remove early stage cancer from the lining of the gastrointestinal tract or for acquiring tissue samples. 

What is endoscopic mucosectomy?

A mucosectomy is the partial removal (resection) of the lining of the bowl wall. This procedure was originally developed when larger biopsy sample was needed. Once called a “strip biopsy” this procedure today is performed with an endoscope for tissue testing to cancer removal. 

How does mucosectomy differ from polypectomy?

The resection plane performed during a mucosectomy is deeper than the surface area of a polypectomy. Polyps are visible and easily removed, a mucosectomy removes cancerous growths or flat neoplastic growths that require special techniques that differ from a polypectomy due to the larger surface area needed for the resection.

Role of magnification endoscopy

Some endoscopes have magnification or "zoom" capabilities which enable the detection of subtle irregularities throughout the mucosa (lining of the GI Tract). Prior to performing a mucosectomy, a zoom endoscopy is performed to properly identify areas in the mucosa.