Perspectives in endoscopic mucosal resection.

The birth of endoscopic mucosal resection probably can be traced back to the early days of colonoscopy and polypectomy. With the advent of colonoscopy, endoscopists began encountering pedunculated and sessile mass lesions arising from the mucosal surface. The concept of snare polypectomy developed quickly, and this technique has become the standard of care in the management of colon polyps. Large sessile lesions, however, remain problematic, especially when they arise from the thin wall of the cecum and ascending colon. Serosal burns and frank perforations represent the most significant complication of this technique.