Non invasive alternative to colon resection

This is about EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection), a non invasive alternative to surgical colon resection. Some postings here refer to patients having a surgical resection, possibly where EMR could have been appropriate. I had a very large colon polyp...too large to remove during a colonoscopy. I was referred to an EMR specialist. As a patient, the preparation and procedure experience were just like a colonoscopy. The doctor has more work to do. It's an outpatient procedure and I went home with no complications. I had a colonoscopy six months later to be sure they got it all. EMR is a fairly new procedure which originated in Japan. I was told that, in the recent past, I would have needed major resection surgery.

I read a journal article (by my doctor) which said that, in the great majority of cases, surgical resection is unnecessary because EMR can be done and is a better and less invasive option. I also read that, while EMR is performed in some parts of the country, invasive surgery is being used in other parts where EMR could be done...possibly because there are no doctors trained to perform EMR. I am posting this to encourage anyone considering surgical resection to ask about EMR and, if necessary, to consult a doctor who is trained in it. It may not be appropriate for everyone but it's definitely worth asking about.