ESD Specialist

Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC

Gastroenterology and Endoscopy located in Peoria, AZ & Scottsdale, AZ

When endoscopy specialists catch cancerous lesions in your gastrointestinal tract at an early stage, an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can alleviate the problem. ESD is a delicate and highly specialized procedure that demands the extensive training and experience of Teodor Pitea, MD, and Rawad Mounzer, MD, at Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC in Peoria, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, Arizona. As ESD specialists, the team can guide you through this minimally invasive procedure that gives you the chance to maintain a high quality of life. To learn more about ESD, call one of the offices, or book an appointment online today.

ESD Q&A

What is ESD?

ESD is an intricate procedure to remove lesions in the mucosa or lining of your gastrointestinal tract. Your provider at Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC uses ESD to eliminate abnormal tissues such as precancerous lesions, early-stage cancer, and large colon polyps.

Your provider performs ESD using an endoscope, a long, flexible, tube-like instrument that comes equipped with lighting and a camera. Endoscopes produce exceptional images with enough details to diagnose and treat problems throughout your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Endoscopes also accommodate other specialized tools. Your provider can insert instruments through the endoscope and use them to perform many different procedures, including ESD.

What happens during an ESD procedure?

During an ESD procedure, your provider inserts the endoscope through your mouth to treat lesions in your esophagus, stomach, or the upper part of your small intestine.

If your lesions are in the lower GI tract, they insert the endoscope through your anus and guide it through your rectum and into the colon or large intestine.

Once your provider positions the endoscope at a lesion, they carefully inject fluid between the outer lining and deeper muscular layers of the intestinal wall. The fluid expands the space, allowing your provider to safely remove the abnormal tissue using a specialized tool called a needle knife.

How does endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) differ from ESD?

EMR follows the same steps as the ESD procedure until it’s time to remove the lesion. During EMR, your provider eliminates the lesion using a snare or metal loop heated by a mild electrical current.

Another difference between the two lies in the type of lesion treated. EMR treats tumors that are smaller and haven’t grown deep into the gastrointestinal walls. Your provider recommends ESD for larger tumors.

What benefits do I gain from EDS and EMR?

When you have an EDS or EMR procedure, your provider at Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC can remove the entire tumor in one whole piece.

Additionally, they can get rid of the abnormal growth while preserving the organ. You recover faster and maintain a better quality of life because your esophagus, stomach, or colon stays intact.

If the cancer hasn’t spread, ESD and EMR cure esophageal, gastric, and colon cancers. You have a lower chance of the cancer returning; it rarely makes a comeback.

To learn more about EDS and EMR, call Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC or schedule an appointment online today.

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