Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Offered at Mercy in Baltimore

An endoscopic submucosal dissection, or ESD, is a minimally invasive endoscopy procedure that is performed to remove benign growths (large or flat polyps) or early cancers from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

Some of the most common lesions treated with ESD include tumors of the stomach, colon and esophagus. This procedure may help people to avoid major surgeries such as removal of esophagus, stomach or part of colon. In some cases (large growths in the rectum), people can even avoid colostomy bags.

An endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) uses an endoscope to remove GI lesions. An endoscope consists of a narrow tube with a light, camera, and other instruments. For an endoscopic submucosal dissection of the esophagus, stomach and upper intestine, the endoscope is placed down the throat. For an endoscopic submucosal dissection of the colon, the endoscope is placed through the anus.

During an endoscopic submucosal dissection, liquid (usually sterile saline) is injected to lift the cancerous growths or abnormal tissues from the healthy tissue. After that, the tumor is dissected out as a single piece with a healthy margin leaving the gastrointestinal tract intact. If necessary, the mucosa is closed with an endoscopic suturing device. 

An endoscopic submucosal dissection may be recommended to remove flat growths, large polyps, and early cancers when the tumor is restricted to superficial layer (mucosa) of gastrointestinal tract.

Mercy's doctors are distinguished experts in this field and have helped many people from all over the world to avoid life-long colostomy bags using this technique.