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EFTR

EFTR (Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection)

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is one of the advanced endoscopic procedures. This procedure is specifically used for the removal of tumoral lesions involving all layers of the stomach or intestines. If you have colon polyps or tumors such as gastrointestinal (GI) stromal tumors, your doctor may recommend the removal of these growths using a procedure called endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR).

-EFTR (Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection)
-What is EFTR?
-Who is Suitable for EFTR?
-Application and Advantages of EFTR
-Risks and Complications

Treatment of lesions in the gastrointestinal system continues to evolve. Even complex conditions can now be treated with methods that do not require surgery. Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR) is one of the newest and most effective techniques in this field.

What is EFTR?

Endoscopic full-thickness resection or EFTR is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope, a flexible, tube-like instrument, to remove (resect) benign or cancerous tumors from the gastrointestinal system.

The term 'full-thickness' refers to how much of the gastrointestinal wall is removed. While other procedures may only remove superficial layers (mucosa and submucosa), the EFTR procedure aims to remove deeper tissues to ensure complete removal of the tumor.

EFTR is typically an outpatient procedure. Many patients can go home the next day. EFTR is performed by gastroenterologists specially trained in this technique. Patients undergoing EFTR may experience shorter treatment times and faster recovery compared to those undergoing more invasive surgeries.

Who is Suitable for EFTR?

EFTR can be used to treat lesions in any part of the gastrointestinal system. Particularly, lesions that extend beyond the mucosa or submucosa layers or occupy the entire mucosa can be effectively removed with this procedure.

EFTR is highly effective in removing tumors located deep within the GI wall. Due to the location of these growths, other procedures increase the risk of complications such as tissue tearing or perforation.

In addition to deep tumors, doctors may use EFTR for the following:

- Removal of stomach, small intestine, or colon polyps (polypectomy)
- Closing holes or openings between organs or tissues
- Assisting gastroenterologists in identifying the source of a problem such as pain or bleeding. EFTR can help doctors collect a tissue sample to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease (biopsy).

EFTR may be superior to endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection in safely removing tumors in the shallow layers of the GI wall. In these cases, EFTR is more sensitive in separating the tumor from the muscle.

Application and Advantages of EFTR

Special equipment is used during the EFTR procedure. Initially, the location and boundaries of the lesion are determined. Then, a portion of the lesion and some surrounding normal tissue are grasped with a closure-style endoscopic device, and subsequently, the area containing the lesion is removed to encompass the entire stomach or intestinal wall. This method allows certain lesions that previously required surgery to be removed endoscopically without the need for surgery.

The greatest advantage of EFTR is the complete removal of lesions in the gastrointestinal system. This facilitates faster healing for patients and comes with a lower risk of complications. Additionally, lesions removed with EFTR provide a more accurate histological assessment. This helps the doctor better understand the patient's condition and formulate a more accurate treatment plan.

Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR) is an extremely effective method for treating lesions in the gastrointestinal system. This technique enables complete removal of lesions and faster recovery for patients. However, EFTR can be a complex procedure and should therefore be performed by an experienced endoscopist. If you are considering such a procedure, it is important to discuss with your doctor and determine the best option for you.

Risks and Complications

As EFTR is a minimally invasive procedure, it involves fewer complications compared to laparoscopic or open procedures performed to remove lesions from your GI tract.

Some minor risks associated with EFTR include: