Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) : About

What is an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)?

An EMR is a procedure used to remove nodules or early cancers from the esophagus, stomach or duodenum that have not invaded or broken through the muscularis propia (muscle wall).

How is it performed?

An EMR is conducted after the lesion is surveyed by endoscopic ultrasound equipment to determine if there is any invasion or growth into the muscle wall. After the EUS is complete, a cap is placed on the tip of the scope and a small wire is looped around the inside of the cap. The lesion is then "sucked" into the cap and the wire is closed around it. Cautery is used to help cut the lesion and control bleeding. For small or flat lesions, they are injected with saline to help lift the lesion away from the muscle wall.