One of the most promising procedures is called Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection (STER).
What is STER?
STER is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique used to remove certain types of tumors from the
esophagus, stomach, or upper intestine. Instead of making cuts on the outside of the body, a
flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth. Using advanced tools, doctors create a
small tunnel beneath the inner lining of the GI tract to access and remove the tumor.
Benefits of STER include:
- No external cuts or scars
- Faster recovery compared to surgery
- Less pain and fewer complications
- Often done as a day-care or short-stay procedur
Who Can Benefit?
STER is especially useful for patients with submucosal tumors (growths beneath the inner lining of
the digestive tract). Common examples include:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
- Leiomyomas (benign smooth muscle tumors)
- Other non-cancerous growths in the esophagus or stomach
How Safe is the Procedure?
Research and clinical practice have shown that STER is both safe and effective when performed by
trained specialists. Compared to conventional surgery, patients usually experience:
- Shorter hospital stay (often discharged the next day)
- Quicker return to normal diet
- Minimal risk of complications like infection
What This Means for Patients?
For many people, the idea of avoiding surgery is a huge relief. With modern endoscopy, doctors are now able to treat conditions that previously required major operations. This makes regular check-ups, timely endoscopy, and early diagnosis more important than ever.
Dr. Suryaprakash Bhandari is a leading Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist at
Gastrocare Clinic, Mulund specializing in advanced procedures like endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and tumor removal through minimally invasive techniques.
To know if you’re a candidate for advanced endoscopic treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Suryaprakash Bhandari today.