Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is a specialized technique used to remove larger or more complex lesions from the digestive tract. Unlike EMR, which removes tissue from the mucosal layer, ESD involves dissecting tissue beneath the mucosa to remove larger tumors or early-stage cancers.
The procedure is performed using an endoscope and specialized tools to cut and lift the lesion from the submucosal layer. ESD is particularly useful for lesions that are too large to be removed by traditional methods and provides a more precise and complete resection.
Postoperative care includes monitoring for bleeding, infection, and assessing the healing process. Patients may need to follow a special diet to minimize strain on the digestive system during recovery.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection offers a highly effective and minimally invasive approach to treating early-stage gastrointestinal cancers, leading to better outcomes and faster recovery compared to more invasive surgeries.