What is endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)?

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a minimally invasive procedure invented for safe remove of large polyps from the gastrointestinal tract. In the past such larger lesions/polyps used to be removed with surgery but now most can be removed with endoscopy. This  preserves tissue, avoids a surgery and need for hospital stay, and most importantly no scar.  

When is EMR performed?

EMR is now considered the gold standard treatment for removal of larger non malignant polyps in 

EMR can also lead to curative resection of early colonic, oesophageal and gastric cancers, as long as the cancer has not spread through certain layers of the GI tract. Larger lesions may require other more advanced procedures like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or srugery.  

How do I prepare for EMR?

It will depend on the location of EMR. For most colonic polyp EMRs, Dr Fazal will ask you to take full bowel preperation. This ensures a clear field for polyp/cancer to be removed in the safe and complete manner. 

If EMR is being performed in the stomach or oesophagus then you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the test. 

You may be instructed to adjust the dose of your medications or stop taking specific medications prior to the examination. If you are taking a blood-thinning medication, Dr Fazal will determine how and when you should stop taking this prior to the procedure. If you are diabetic, adjustments will be made to your medications.

What happens after EMR?

Following the procedure you will remain in the recovery for an hour or two until the sedation medication wears off. You will usually be given something light to eat and drink once you are awake. If you have had a large EMR, it is likely that you are asked for fast for few hrs. 

Your doctor will briefly inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure. A follow-up appointment may be made to discuss the test results more fully. The results of any biopsies or samples taken will take a few days.

Because of the sedation given during the procedure, it is very important that you do not drive a car, travel on public transport alone, operate machinery, sign legal documents or drink alcohol on the same day after the test. It is strongly advised that a friend or relative take you home and stay with you for 24 hrs. 

Are there any risks involved?

EMR should be performed by the gastroenterologists who are expert in advanced endoscopy. While the complication rate is slightly higher than standard diagnostic endoscopy and colonoscopy, it is still considered a safe procedure. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure that is being performed and other factors including your general health. Most dreadful complications are bleeding and perforation of bowel which may require urgent repair, repeat procedure or even surgery. Dr Fazal will discuss the risks specially pertaining to your procedure during the consultation. 

Request an Appointment to organise a colonoscopy.