Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

What is endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)?

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a technique used at colonoscopy or gastroscopy to remove large precancerous polyps or other abnormalities on the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. The bowel wall is injected with fluid to lift its lining off the muscle layer and decrease the risk of perforation.  Then, the polyp or other abnormality is resected with a snare or other cutting device.  Patients can often return home on the same day. Because there is no external incision, you may recover faster, and with less pain, than from open or laparoscopic surgery.