Endoscopic mucosal resection: lift-and-cut technique

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is used to locally excise lesions confined to the mucosa. Its main role is the treatment of advanced dysplasia and early gastrointestinal cancers. EMR was originally described as therapy for early gastric cancer. Recently its use has expanded as a therapeutic option for ampullary masses, colorectal cancer, and large colorectal polyps. In the Western world, the predominant indication for EMR in the upper gastrointestinal tract is the staging and treatment of advanced dysplasia and early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. This review will describe the basis, indications, techniques, and complications of EMR (the lift-and-cut method).