What is EMR?
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a minimally invasive procedure designed for the safe removal of large polyps from the gastrointestinal tract. It replaces the need for surgery in many cases where larger lesions are found.
When is EMR Performed?
EMR may be recommended to treat:
- Non-malignant (benign) polyps that are too large for standard removal
- Early-stage cancers in the colon, stomach, or oesophagus
- Pre-cancerous lesions identified during endoscopy or colonoscopy
How Do I Prepare for EMR?
- Colonic EMR: Full bowel preparation is required (a separate instruction sheet will be provided).
- Gastric or oesophageal EMR: Fasting for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
- Medications: Please discuss any blood-thinning medications with Dr Fazal, as these may need to be adjusted.
What Happens After EMR?
After the procedure, you will be observed in the recovery area for 1 to 2 hours. For the remainder of the day, you must not:
- Drive a vehicle
- Operate heavy machinery
- Drink alcohol
Please arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure.
Are There Any Risks?
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure being performed. Potential risks include:
- Bleeding: A serious potential complication, especially with larger resections
- Perforation: A rare but serious complication
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following after your procedure: severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fever, or dark/black stools.