Minimally Invasive Treatment for Colon Cancer
Posted on Mar 22, 2018 By Meritus Health
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly one million people will
be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017. In fact, colorectal cancer
is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United
States and the second leading cause in men. Colorectal cancer includes
cancers arising in the colon or rectum, but this fairly common cancer
is not as deadly as it was several decades ago.
Regular colorectal screening is one important reason why people are surviving
colon cancer, but cutting-edge treatment is another factor.
Hemant Chatrath, M.D., a board certified gastroenterologist with Meritus
Digestive Health Specialists, gives tristate residents an effective defense against a colon cancer
diagnosis.
Working inside-out
Dr. Chatrath uses a newer treatment called
endoscopic mucosal resection or EMR to treat early-stage superficial colon cancer, slow-growing cancerous
and pre-cancerous growths or large polyps that cannot be removed during
a usual colonoscopy, and typically require surgery. The minimally invasive
procedure prevents and replaces surgery for partial colon resection—the
surgical removal of part of the colon. In addition, EMR can be used to
treat early stage cancers in the esophagus and stomach.
EMR is performed with a long, narrow tube equipped with a light, video
camera and other instruments. The tube is guided up through the anus and
once a large polyp or superficial cancer is seen, the gastroenterologist
injects a fluid mixed with dye to create a cushion between the polyp or
tumor and the gastrointestinal wall. The liquid lifts the abnormal tissues
allowing the gastroenterologist to shave the lesion using thermal energy.
The lesion is removed through the endoscope and thermal energy destroys
any remaining precancerous or cancerous tissue.
Faster recovery
EMR is an outpatient procedure similar to a colonoscopy and typically takes
one hour to perform. Traditional surgery on the other hand, involves reconstruction
of your colon, a lengthy recovery time, changes to your diet and bowel
movements and occasionally a colostomy, a temporary path for waste material
to leave the body.
“For the appropriate patient, EMR has many positive aspects,”
says Dr. Chatrath. “Unlike surgery, there is no abdominal incision
and you avoid a hospital stay.”
Higher in complexity than traditional endoscopy, not all gastroenterologists
are trained to perform EMR. Dr. Chatrath’s extensive training in
interventional endoscopy gives him the expertise needed to perform this
intricate procedure previously not offered to residents in the tristate area.
“EMR is now the standard of care for patients with these types of
conditions,” says Dr. Chatrath. “It’s very exciting
and rewarding to offer EMR to our community.”