Endoscopy 1999; 31(1): 56-59
DOI: 10.1055/s-1999-13648
Review

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Small-Bowel Endoscopy

J. D. Waye
  • New York
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 1999 (online)

Abstract

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has gained increasing popularity in the treatment of esophageal and gastric mucosal cancers in Japan, for complete local resection of the cancer-bearing mucosa. In Western countries, the concept of mucosal cancer and the necessity of treating it are gradually but steadily coming to be accepted. As a treatment for inoperable cases of advanced cancer, on the other hand, intubation with self-expanding metal stents has been widely accepted as a less invasive form of palliation for malignant obstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Tumor ingrowth into the stent can be mechanically avoided by adding a membrane coating to it. In the last two years, applications for therapeutic endoscopy in the treatment of esophageal and gastric tumors have continued to widen.