Procedure
Includes ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection), EFTR (Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection), and STER (Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection). Replaces many surgical procedures for early cancers and submucosal tumours.
Third-space endoscopy is a family of advanced techniques that operate in the wall of the digestive tract itself, rather than just on the surface.
ESD removes early cancers and large polyps in one piece. EFTR removes deeper lesions that involve the full thickness of the wall. STER tunnels under the lining to reach tumours growing within the muscle layer.
Performed under general anaesthesia.
The lesion is lifted with a saline injection. The submucosal layer is then dissected with a thin electrocautery knife to remove the lesion in one piece.
For EFTR and STER, the full wall or muscle layer is accessed through a tunnel or planned defect, then closed with clips or sutures.
Bleeding and perforation are recognised risks and are usually managed during the same procedure.
Long-term success depends on accurate patient selection. Your endoscopist will explain whether this is the right approach for your specific lesion.
Common questions
Why not just have surgery?
For appropriately selected lesions, endoscopic removal preserves the organ and avoids a major operation with similar cancer outcomes.
Related procedures
POEM
Non-surgical treatment for achalasia and swallowing disorders.
EUS
Advanced imaging for pancreas, bile duct, and deep lesions.
Endoscopy
Painless upper GI evaluation with same-day results.
Conditions we treat with this
