Endoscopic submucosal dissection
If you have a tumor or abnormal tissues such as lesions, early-stage cancer or large colon polyps within the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopic submucosal dissection.
An endoscopic submucosal dissection is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove irregular tissue from your digestive tract. It allows for a quicker and less painful recovery compared to traditional surgery. This procedure treats:
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Stomach cancer
How is an endoscopic submucosal dissection performed?
An endoscopic submucosal dissection is performed by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in treating gastrointestinal tract disorders. Your doctor will insert an endoscope (a long, flexible, tube-like instrument that comes equipped with lighting and a camera) to produce precise images to diagnose and treat problems in your esophagus, stomach or the upper part of your small intestine.
How do endoscopic submucosal dissections differ from endoscopic mucosal resections?
An endoscopic mucosal resection follows the same steps as an endoscopic submucosal dissection until it’s time to remove the lesion. During an endoscopic mucosal resection, your provider eliminates the lesion using a snare or metal loop heated by a mild electrical current.
Another difference is in the type of lesion treated. An endoscopic mucosal resection treats tumors that are smaller and haven’t grown deep into your gastrointestinal walls. An endoscopic submucosal dissection is recommended for larger tumors.
What benefits do I gain from an endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection?
Both procedures allow your doctor to remove the entire tumor or lesion in one piece while preserving your esophagus, stomach or colon. You’ll recover faster and maintain a better quality of life.
If your cancer has not spread, endoscopic submucosal dissections and endoscopic mucosal resections provide a lower chance of the cancer returning.
Specialized and personalized care
At HonorHealth, our team of gastroenterologists are experts in managing acute and chronic complex gastrointestinal disorders. They have performed thousands of procedures with outcomes that meet or surpass national benchmarks for quality in endoscopy. Their goal is to offer you the best care and highest-quality clinical outcomes.