Review Study of Endoscopic Techniques in Early Colonic Cancers

Endoscopic resection (ER) is an alternative to surgical resection of mucosal and submucosal neoplastic colonic lesions and intramucosal colonic cancers. ER techniques includes endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). ER offers both diagnostic and therapeutic capability. Lesions limited to the mucosa and the superficial layers of the submucosa appear to be the most amenable to endoscopic cure. ESD seems superior to EMR in treating larger colonic lesions with higher en-bloc and curative resection rates, and lower recurrence rates. Both procedures appear to be safe in experienced hands. More studies are required to investigate the long-term outcomes.