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Endomucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced technique for treating early-stage gastrointestinal cancers. At Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, ESD has been successfully applied, giving many patients the opportunity for effective treatment without surgery.
The ESD team at the Gastroenterology - Hepatology Center, Bach Mai Hospital - a member unit of VIGES
What is ESD technology?
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is an advanced endoscopic technique used to remove early-stage cancerous tumors or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon, without surgery, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. Using specialized endoscopic instruments, doctors can completely remove tumors located in the mucosal layer without affecting the deeper layers of the digestive tract wall.
Advantages of ESD Technology
- Precise and Safe: ESD allows surgeons to precisely remove small tumors in the mucosa, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This reduces the risk of bleeding and postoperative complications.
- Fast recovery time: With ESD technique, patients do not need to undergo traditional open abdominal surgery, thus significantly shortening hospital stay and post-operative recovery time. Patients can return to normal activities in a short time.
- High treatment efficacy: This method helps to completely eliminate malignant tumors in the early stages, preventing cancer from developing and metastasizing.
ESD Implementation Procedure
- Pre-operative preparation: The patient will undergo examination, endoscopy, and ultrasound to accurately determine the location and size of the tumor.
- Submucosal dissection: During the endoscopy, the doctor will use specialized instruments to remove the mucosal layer surrounding the tumor. The entire process is monitored via high-resolution endoscopic images.
- Post-operative monitoring and care: After the surgery is completed, the patient will be monitored at the hospital to ensure safety and minimize complications.
Applications of ESD Technology
ESD is widely used in the treatment of tumors, precancerous lesions, or early-stage cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including:
- Esophageal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
During the ESD procedure, the gastroenterologist will:
- An intravenous line will be inserted to administer anesthesia, ensuring you feel no pain.
- A high-resolution endoscope is inserted through your mouth or rectum, depending on the location of the tumor.
- Observe the images on the screen carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding tissue during the procedure.
- Locate the tumor and mark its boundaries using special instruments through the endoscope.
- The solution is injected into the layer beneath the tumor or lesion to separate it from the muscle wall. This helps minimize damage to surrounding tissue during the procedure.
- Using an electrosurgical knife with a high-frequency current, the tumor tissue is "cut" away from the wall of the digestive tract. This current helps to coagulate blood vessels to minimize bleeding.
- The tumor is removed from the body through an endoscope and sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist.
Recovery after endoscopic submucosal dissection
After undergoing ESD, you will be monitored as the anesthetic wears off. Your doctor will discuss the results with you before you go home.
Examination of the tissue under a microscope by a pathologist can confirm whether the procedure completely removed the tumor.
During your recovery, you may experience:
- Sore throat if the endoscope is inserted through the mouth.
- Nausea or vomiting may occur if your stomach or intestines are being treated.
- Bloating, abdominal distension, or cramping, especially if the doctor inflates the abdomen with air during treatment.
With a team of highly skilled doctors and state-of-the-art equipment, Bach Mai Hospital is proud to be a pioneer in applying ESD techniques and many other modern techniques in the treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal cancer, bringing hope to many patients both domestically and internationally.
Conclude
ESD (Electro-Sensitive Skin) technology is a new advancement in medicine, improving the quality of life and treatment chances for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
