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Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a specialized treatment technique performed during an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy to remove precancerous, cancerous or other abnormal lesions from the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is performed while you are under sedation, and you’ll likely go home the same day as your procedure. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a less invasive alternative to surgical removal of lesions and allows your physician to determine how deep the diseased cells have reached into tissues beneath the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection requires skill and experience. Board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists at Norton Healthcare Gastroenterology have been performing the procedure in Louisville and Southern Indiana for years.
During either an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, your physician will identify the lesion and determine how to remove it.
Typically, the endoscopic submucosal dissection requires four steps:
The lesion is retrieved and analyzed in the laboratory. The advantage is more accurate assessment to help determine next steps.
Your physician will provide you with instructions you will need to follow in the days before your procedure. Following these instructions is essential to limit surgery risks and provide the best results.
Make sure your providers are aware of all medications that you are taking, especially the following:
We will advise you to discontinue or adjust your dosage of these medications. We may have you consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist prior to your procedure. Also let us know of any allergies to medications.
If you are using insulin, the dosage or timing will also need to be adjusted the day of the procedure.
Do not eat eating anything after midnight before your procedure is scheduled.
For endoscopic submucosal dissection by colonoscopy, your cleansing routine or prep will start the day before your procedure. A laxative will prepare your bowels and is the most important part of your preparation. Following the instructions and having a good cleanse can decrease the need for a repeat colonoscopy.
Once you’ve recovered from the sedation, your physician will provide a preliminary report. Any biopsy results may take several days.
Because of heavy sedation during the procedure, patients are instructed not to drive, operate machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours. The nursing staff will review all of the instructions before you leave the hospital. Someone needs to be available to drive you home.
After the procedure, you can drink clear liquids and then start with a bland diet.
Contact your physician if you notice severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, or excessive rectal bleeding or black stools.
If you are unable to keep your appointment or need to reschedule, call our office at (502) 896-4711 at least 48 hours prior to your procedure.
If you are going to be late for your procedure, call the hospital’s endoscopy department. If you are scheduled at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, call (502) 893-1277. If you are scheduled at Norton Brownsboro Hospital, call (502) 446-8200.