Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove precancerous cells and tissues from the lining (mucosa) of the gastrointestinal tract. During the procedure, an advanced intervention gastroenterologist uses a long, flexible tube called an endoscope to tunnel under a lesion and remove it as one piece.
Similar to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), ESD is primarily used to remove lesions or abnormal tissue the gastrointestinal tract. It may be more effective for removing larger or certain kinds of abnormal growths or those that are deeper into the gastrointestinal tract. The procedure is most often used to diagnose esophageal cancer and Barrett’s esophagus and may be used to diagnose and stage colon cancer as well as cancers in the small intestine or stomach as well as to help prevent the spread of cancer.
Preparing for an ESD
Generally, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before your ESD procedure. If you will be having a colon ESD, you will need to make sure your bowels are empty by taking laxatives or drinking a special solution, similar to how you would prepare for a colonoscopy.
You’ll receive clear, specific instructions from your doctor ahead of time, so you know exactly what to do to prepare for your ESD.
During the Procedure
During an ESD, which can last from 1-3 hours, your gastroenterologist will insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube called endoscope into your mouth or anus. Th endoscope contains a small camera that sends real-time images to a monitor so your doctor can guide the endoscope to the specific area of the gastrointestinal tract to be evaluated.
If any unusual cells or tissues are observed, your gastroenterologist will use the thin wire on the end of the endoscope to lift and separate the tumor from the surrounding tissues and then use a high-frequency electrical to remove the abnormal tissue or tumor.
After the procedure, a pathologist will evaluate any tissue samples removed for signs of cancer or other abnormalities and share the results with your doctor.
Will There Be Side Effects Afterward?
If your ESD involves inserting the endoscope into your mouth and down into your esophagus, you may have a sore throat after your ESD. If your procedure involves inserting the endoscope into your anus to evaluate the large intestine or colon, you may feel some slight bloating, cramping, or gas pains immediately after ESD. You may also have a small amount of blood in your stool for the first day after your procedure.
You may also experience some side effects from the anesthesia you receive such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
Your doctor will go over the possible side effects of ESD with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
Why Choose Cooper for Your Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
Cooper’s multidisciplinary team includes gastroenterologists, pathologists, thoracic surgeons, general surgeons, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals working together collaboratively to provide you or your loved one with the most advanced care possible.
The unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge technologies and advanced approaches to care are designed to keep our patients out of the operating room. In those cases where surgery is needed, Cooper has the expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.
Contact Us
To learn more about endoscopic submucosal dissection or to make an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).
Refer a Patient
If you are a doctor who wants to refer a patient for an endoscopic submucosal dissection, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).