Endoscopic Mucosal Resection in Thibodaux, LA
What is endoscopic mucosal resection?
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an ambulatory approach that allows specialists to extract tumors just below the gastrointestinal (GI) wall without an operation. Using an endoscope (a pliable, pipe-shaped instrument), our Digestive Health Center gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in handling the GI system) can look within the body with a high level of detail. At the same time, they can extract growths, such as upper GI or colon polyps, that might otherwise call for a more invasive procedure. Since there is no incision, you might recuperate faster and with less pain when compared to open or laparoscopic surgery. If you want more information or would like to schedule an endoscopic mucosal resection in Thibodaux, LA, contact your nearest location to request a consultation.
What are the advantages of endoscopic mucosal resection?
Endoscopic mucosal resection is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for extracting abnormal tissues from the lining of the gastrointestinal system. Your provider could propose this treatment method to extract certain early-stage cancers or precancerous growths.
A few of the diseases that EMR has been utilized to handle include:
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Cancer of the small intestine (duodenum)
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
- Noncancerous growths of the uterus (leiomyomas)
- Colon polyps
If you have any one of the listed diseases, our team at Digestive Health Center can help create a unique treatment plan for you.
What are the possible complications of endoscopic mucosal resection?
Our gastroenterology team works efficiently and with much detail to help your procedure run smoothly. However, as with most procedures, there can be a slight chance of risk. Risks of endoscopic mucosal resection may include:
- Constricting of the esophagus: Taking out certain esophageal tumors can raise the risk of scarring, which constricts the esophagus. This could lead to problems swallowing and necessitate additional treatment.
- Puncture (perforation): There is a tiny risk of a puncture in the wall of the digestive tract, contingent on the size and place of the tumor that is withdrawn.
- Bleeding: This is the most common problem and can often be discovered and corrected during the procedure.
Contact your Thibodaux, LA GI physician if you have any of the below symptoms after you have an endoscopic mucosal resection:
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Passing out
- Trouble breathing
- Chills
- Black stool
- Fever
When will I get the findings of my endoscopic mucosal resection?
We will schedule a follow-up appointment with your GI specialist at Digestive Health Center to discuss the outcome of your endoscopic mucosal resection and the outcomes of any laboratory tests done on tissue specimens. Some questions to raise with your gastroenterologist are:
- Were you able to remove all abnormal tissue?
- How will you check my health?
- Do I need to see a cancer specialist (oncologist)?
- What were the findings of the biopsy tests? Do I have cancer?
- If I have cancer, will I require further treatments?
Usually, you will undergo another upper endoscopy or colonoscopy a few months following your endoscopic mucosal resection to be sure the complete lesion is removed. During your first procedure, your doctor might mark the section of the extracted polyp with ink (tattoo) so that the region can be simply checked during any later tests. The requirements for more appointments depend on the outcomes of these findings.
