Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic surgery may be used to perform a biopsy, which means using forceps to take a small piece of tissue from inside your body for examination under a microscope. If you have a lump, inflammation, or unusual area in your digestive tract, your doctor may do an endoscopic biopsy to find out what it is. This helps us know if it’s an infection, inflammation, or something more serious, like cancer.

Biopsies are usually quick and painless. They help us make the best treatment plan for you.

Snaring is used to remove growths called polyps. A polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of organs like the colon or stomach. Most polyps are not dangerous, but some can develop into cancer if left alone.

In this endoscopic procedure, a thin wire loop is passed through the endoscope. The loop “snares” or latches around the polyp and cuts it off. This can often be done during a regular screening, like a colonoscopy, so there’s no need for additional surgery later.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) is used to remove larger polyps or abnormal tissue growths from the inner lining of the digestive tract. This includes places like the esophagus, stomach, and colon.

During an EMR, fluid is injected under the area to lift it and make it easier to remove safely. Then the tissue is cut out and sent to the lab for further analysis. 

This is a good option when the abnormal area is larger but still hasn’t spread deeper into the body. EMR helps avoid the need for more invasive surgery and can be curative in instances where your surgeon can remove the entire growth.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, or ESD, is a more advanced procedure. It’s used for very large or deeper abnormal tissues in the lining of the digestive tract. It works a lot like EMR but allows the doctor to remove a larger area in one piece, which is better for testing and may decrease the chance of the issue coming back.

Because it takes longer and requires special skill, not all hospitals offer ESD. At MedStar Health, our expert gastroenterologists are trained in the latest techniques and technologies to perform this safely and effectively.

Before your procedure, your doctor will meet with you to:

• Talk about your symptoms and medical history
• Review your medications and allergies
• Explain the procedure and answer your questions

You may need to stop eating or drinking for several hours before your surgery. For some procedures, like a colonoscopy, you might need to take special medicine to clear your system. In these cases, following your bowel prep guidelines is extremely important for a safe and effective procedure.

If you're getting sedation or anesthesia, you’ll need to plan for a responsible caretaker, such as a family member or friend, to drive you home afterward.

On the day of your procedure:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Leave valuables at home
• Plan to take the day off work

Once you arrive at the hospital or clinic, you will:

• Check in and meet with your care team
• Receive an IV for fluids and medications
• Undergo sedation or anesthesia to keep you relaxed or asleep

Your doctor will gently insert the endoscope and perform the needed exam or treatment. Most procedures take between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the type of procedure you’re having and your doctor’s experience.

You’ll be closely monitored the whole time to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.

After your procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. You may feel sleepy, bloated, or have a sore throat depending on the type of endoscopy procedure you had.

Most patients go home the same day. Your doctor will give you instructions on:

• When you can eat or drink again
• What symptoms are normal
• When to resume your regular medications
• When to call us if you notice problems (like fever, bleeding, or severe pain)
• When to return for follow-up

You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can drive you home. Most people are back to their normal routine within one day. Some need a little more time, especially after a more advanced endoscopic procedure.

You can expect to receive your results within about one week. In many cases, your doctor will discuss initial findings with you right after the procedure. If samples were sent to a lab, we’ll contact you as soon as those results are available. 

If you have any questions or concerns while you wait, your care team is just a phone call away.

Recovery time depends on the type of endoscopic surgery you have. For simple procedures like a diagnostic endoscopy or biopsy, most people return to their normal activities one to two days later.

For more advanced procedures, such as EMR or ESD, it may take a few days to a week to feel fully back to normal. During your recovery, you may need to avoid certain foods or activities. Your care team will give you clear instructions to help you heal safely and comfortably.

Your preparation will depend on the type of endoscopy you’re having. In general, you may be asked to:

• Stop eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure
• Take a bowel prep if your procedure involves the colon
• Stop or adjust certain medications, like blood thinners, as directed by your doctor
• Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home if you’re receiving sedation

Before your procedure, we’ll give you detailed instructions specific to your care. Following these steps carefully will help your procedure go smoothly and safely.