Has your doctor told you that you have a small abnormal growth of tissue in your intestines, stomach, or esophagus, or that you have the beginnings of cancer? It is very normal to feel very scared and shocked when you hear something like this. But don't worry. There are very simple, modern methods in medicine today that do not require major surgeries such as cutting open the stomach like in the past. That's how we are talking about a special method that will bring you a quick recovery.
What is Endoscopic Mucosal Resection?
While the name may sound a bit complicated, the procedure is actually quite simple. Simply put, it's a procedure that removes abnormal tissue in your digestive tract, such as small lumps, polyps, or early stages of cancer, without making an incision in your stomach.
Imagine, there are no incisions or scars left on your stomach. This is done by a gastroenterologist. He or she uses a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube called an endoscope. If the abnormal tissue is in your esophagus or stomach, the tube is inserted through your mouth. Otherwise, if it is in the lower part of your intestine, such as the large intestine, it is inserted through your anus.
The biggest advantage of this method is that since no incisions are made outside the body, you will feel very little pain and your recovery time will be much shorter than with regular surgery.
What types of conditions is this method used for?
This treatment is mainly used to remove precancerous cells or abnormal tissue that could develop into cancer in the future . It is especially effective for tumors that develop in the mucosa, the thin lining of the digestive tract.
Here are some of the most common uses of this method:
- Barrett's esophagus: In this condition, the cells in the esophagus change abnormally, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
- Colorectal cancer: Small cancerous lumps detected at an early stage.
- Esophageal cancer: Early stage cancer.
- Small intestine cancer: Cancer that occurs especially in the duodenum.
- Stomach cancer: Small tumors that form on the surface of the stomach.
Things to know before and after treatment
Your contribution before and after treatment like this is also very important.
Preparation before treatment
Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for this.
- In the upper part of the digestive tract (food pipe, stomach): You will be asked to completely abstain from eating and drinking for a few hours before the treatment (fasting).
- If it's in the lower part of the digestive tract (the large intestine): You may need to have a bowel prep. This involves drinking a liquid medicine that your doctor will give you to completely clean out your bowel. This is when the doctor can see the inside clearly with the endoscope.
During treatment
You will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel any discomfort or pain. You may be put to sleep (general anesthesia) , or you may be put to sleep so that you will not remember anything afterwards (conscious sedation) . The doctor will insert the endoscope, view the area with a camera, and use very small instruments passed through it to remove the abnormal tissue. The entire procedure usually takes only 30 to 60 minutes .
After treatment
After the treatment, you will be kept in a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Most importantly, you will need someone to take you home. Because it can take up to 24 hours for the effects of the anesthesia to fully wear off, you will not be allowed to drive or go home on your own.
What are the benefits and possible side effects?
As with any medical treatment, there are benefits as well as risks that can occur in rare cases. Let's look at both.
| Main benefits | Possible side effects and risks |
|---|---|
| Very quick recovery (you can go back to work in about a day) | Temporary discomfort such as bloating, cramping, etc. |
| The pain is much less than a regular surgery. | Gas, nausea, sore throat (if the endoscope is inserted through the mouth). |
| No surgical scars are left on the outside of the body. | Rare: Bleeding from the treatment site. |
| The risk of complications is lower than with open surgery. | Very rare: Gastrointestinal perforation. |
| Cancer cells can be removed before they spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. | Very rare: Esophageal strictures. |
When do you need to see the doctor urgently?
It is very important to take care of your body after you go home after treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not delay and call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- If you have blood in your stool (black or dark red)
- If you have severe chest pain
- If you feel dizzy or faint
- If you have a fever or chills
- If you have difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
It's natural to feel scared when you hear the word 'cancer'. But thanks to modern medical procedures like Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, you can now remove small tumors and precancerous growths without the discomfort of major surgery. This is not a major surgery. So you can recover quickly, get back to your normal life without pain, and get back to your normal life quickly. If you have a similar condition, talk to your doctor about this treatment option.
Take-Home Message
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection is a very simple and safe method of removing abnormal tissue from the digestive tract without making an incision outside the body.
- This is mainly used to remove small lumps and cells that may become cancerous in the early stages of cancer.
- Compared to regular surgery, the pain is much less, the recovery is quicker, and there are no scars on the body.
- It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions (e.g. fasting, bowel cleansing) exactly before treatment.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, blood in your stool, or fever after treatment, seek medical advice immediately.
- Discuss with your gastroenterologist whether this treatment method is right for you.
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