Neoplastic Barrett Esophagus: Endoscopic Piecemeal vs. En Bloc Resection

Endoscopic resection is carried out using a double-channel scope. The lesion borders are marked with a coagulator. Saline liquid and sometimes epinephrine are injected into the submucosal layer to swell the area containing the lesion and elucidate the markings. The resected mucosa is lifted, then trapped and strangulated with a snare, and subsequently resected by electrocautery. Another method of EMR employs the use of a clear cap and prelooped snare inside the cap. After insertion, the cap is placed on the lesion and the mucosa containing the lesion is drawn up inside the cap by aspiration. The mucosa is caught by the snare and strangulated, and finally resected by electrocautery.

After circumferential cutting of the surrounding mucosa of the lesion, fluid is injected into the submucosa to elevate the lesion from the muscle layer, and the connective tissue of the submucosa beneath the lesion is dissected subsequently.