What you can expect

There are a few versions of endoscopic mucosal resection. Ask your gastroenterologist about how your procedure will be performed. A common approach includes these steps:

• Inserting the endoscope and guiding the tip to the area of concern
• Injecting a fluid under a lesion to create a cushion between the lesion and healthy tissue underneath it
• Lifting the lesion, possibly using gentle suction
• Cutting the lesion to separate it from surrounding healthy tissue
• Removing the abnormal tissue from your body
• Marking the area with ink (tattoo) so that it can be found again with future endoscopic exams

During the procedure

During an endoscopic mucosal resection, you can expect the following:

• Your role. You'll be asked to change into a gown before the procedure. During the procedure, you'll lie on your side on a cushioned table.
• Local anesthetic. If the endoscope is inserted through your throat, you may have your throat sprayed or be asked to gargle a solution to numb your throat to make insertion of the endoscope more comfortable.
• Sedation. You'll be sedated during the procedure. With moderate sedation that causes you to be relaxed and drowsy, you may feel slight movement or pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn't feel pain. Or you may be heavily sedated. Discuss with your gastroenterologist which option is appropriate for you.
• Monitoring. Nurses or other professionals will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level and comfort while the doctor performs the procedure.

After the procedure

You'll remain in a recovery room until most of the effect of the sedative has worn off. You'll receive written instructions about when you can start eating and drinking and when you can resume normal activities.

Relatively mild side effects may occur within 24 hours after the procedure including:

• Reactions to the sedative. You may continue to feel drowsiness and may experience nausea and vomiting.
• Sore throat. If the endoscope was guided down your esophagus, your throat may be sore.
• Gas or cramps. If air was pumped into your digestive system to make it more accessible, you may have gas, bloating or cramps after the procedure.

You'll also receive written instructions about when to call your doctor or get emergency care after the procedure. The following signs or symptoms may indicate a serious complication from endoscopic mucosal resection:

• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Black stool
• Bright red blood in the stool
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting