What is Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)?
EMR is a method for removing a large colon polyp with special endoscopic tools and techniques without abdominal incisions or removing a section of the colon. All the work is done inside the colon with endoscopic tools similar to those used in a colonoscopy along with some special attachments and tools that they pass up the colonoscope tube. A saline solution (salt water) is injected into the submucosal layer under the polyp and then the polyp is removed with wires or cutters, either as one piece or in several pieces (piecemeal). The colon wall is protected from damage since the polyp is elevated by the saline solution. The EMR process is shown briefly in the following photos (left to right). • The polyp just before EMR. • The polyp being raised by injecting salt water with blue dye into the submucosal layer under the polyp. • The polyp being cut with a wire snare which is coming out of the end of the colonoscope tube. The blue color is the salt water injected submucosal layer which is
