endoscopic mucosal resectioN

What is an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)?
An endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a special type of procedure which is used to remove much larger polyps than can traditionally be removed at either gastroscopy or colonoscopy. The EMR uses the same special camera used for either a gastroscope or a colonoscope – a long, thin flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip – which is passed through the mouth or the anus and into the gastrointestinal tract.

Why do I need an EMR?
An EMR is a technique used to remove polyps or lesions that are either at risk of becoming cancer or are early stage cancers. The procedure is used as an alternative to major bowel surgery, and is usually performed as a day procedure. This contrasts with major bowel surgery, which has significantly higher risk and a much longer recovery time – extending to many days or even weeks in hospital. EMR has now been performed successfully for well over a decade many thousands of times.

How is an EMR performed?
An EMR is usually performed under a light anaesthetic and is not painful. As a result, you will not be able to drive for 24 hours or operate machinery after the procedure is complete. You will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure. 

An EMR procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The procedure involves injecting underneath the polyp or tumour with a gel solution that dyes the tissue blue. This helps the specialist to see the abnormal tissue much more clearly, and assists in achieving complete removal of the polyp or tumour.

Why do I need to have bowel preparation?
For a successful EMR, it is imperative to empty the bowel thoroughly of all waste material using ‘bowel preparation’. Failure to do this prior to the EMR may mean your specialist won’t be able to complete the procedure, and will require repeating the procedure and of course, repeating the bowel preparation.  

What are the risks of an EMR?
EMR is a very safe procedure, and complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by doctors who are specially trained in this procedure. A/Prof Chris Mills is currently the only endoscopist working in Gippsland who has completed specialist training to perform EMR and now performs several hundred EMR procedures every year. 

Very few people experience serious side-effects from EMR. The most common side effect is bloating after the procedure. Uncommon complications of EMR include tearing a small hole in the bowel wall (perforation), bleeding or complications of the anaesthetic. Please feel free to discuss any of these complications with your specialist if you would like more information prior to your procedure. 

I still have some questions. Where can I go?
For further information, please browse through our Info Section, catch us through our Contact Us page or reach out to our friendly Gippsland Specialist Group staff on (03) 5630 8800.

We also have some other Info Sheets on our website about endoscopic mucosal resection and colonoscopy that might help - please click here.
To download this Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Information page as a pdf - please click here.