Towards Healthcare Research & Consulting

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) A Curative, Organ-Preserving Strategy for Early-Stage Gastrointestinal Cancer 

Published:27 March 2026  |  Experts:Aditi Shivarkar, Aman Singh  | 
 |  Copy Copy   Print Print

The rising implementation of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) solution, as it provides a curative, organ-preserving strategy for early-stage gastrointestinal cancer. ESD is predominantly applicable for treating early-stage cancers and precancerous lesions in the gastric tract, as it enables the complete elimination of the affected tissue while reducing the hazard of complications. ESD is associated with quicker recovery times and reduced rates of recurrence as compared to traditional surgical technology.

ESD is typically recommended for patients in good overall health who can tolerate general anesthesia. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) contrast is based on the patient and the duration of the process. Major individuals return to their normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure is applied. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has evolved as a minimally invasive technology for managing early colorectal cancer (CRC), providing the strength for en bloc resection and precise histopathological evaluation.

Technological Advancements and Emerging Innovations Enhancing ESD Practice

Recent developments, including new advancements in dissection devices, traction technology, and digital training associated with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics, have the strength to overcome these barriers. Future advancement depends on both technological innovation and system-level approaches to increasing training and standardizing practice globally.  Recent and evolving endoscopic tools that assist in overcoming the limitations encountered with current ESD applications.

What are the Major Tools of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection?

ESD Knives: These knives deliver consistently good performance in the different locations in the gastrointestinal lumen and lesion sizes, with a precise safety profile. This could be specifically appealing to novel adopters of ESD. Which includes:

  • Insulation-tip (IT) Knife
  • Dual Knife
  • Hook Knife
  • Flex Knife
  • Hybrid/Waterjet Knives

Injection Agents: Submucosal injection materials play a significant role in whether endoscopic surgery is carried out effortlessly and successfully. Major agents include:

  • Hyaluronic acid solutions
  • Other solutions

Endoscopic Accessories: A diversity of endoscopic accessories is needed to perform mucosal incision and submucosal dissection securely.

  • Transparent Hood/Cap
  • Hemostatic Forceps
  • Snare
  • Endoclips

Specialized Devices: Specialized tools in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) are intended to overcome the technical complexity of this well-developed technology, especially the lack of a second hand for traction, high perforation challenges, and long technology times.

  • Speedboat RS2
  • Electrosurgical Generator

Recent Advancements in the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Traction Methods:

Recent advancement in underwater Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (U-ESD) is a new technology used to overcome the limitations of conventional ESD, specifically for gravity-side and fibrotic gastrointestinal lesions.

Robotic-Assisted ESD:

Robot-assisted ESD is a new technology that allows challenging advancement by offering an extended range of waves to enhance the visualization of the medical field and offers better cosmetic surgical results.

Pocket Creation Method (PCM): 

The newly developed pocket-creation method (PCM) offers a clearer view and advanced traction of the submucosal layer than conventional ESD (c-ESD). It keeps a thick submucosal layer as the negligible mucosal incision prevents leak of injected substances.

Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI):

AI-RDI-driven improves visualization during ESD by enhancing visibility of the dissecting layer and growing color differentiation compared with conventional WLI. This imaging enhances the visibility of bleeding during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.

The AI Revolution: AI and Robotics in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)

Integration of AI-based technology in endoscopic submucosal dissection has gained increasing significance because AI-based techniques play a significant role in enhancing the early detection and analysis of precursor lesions, assisting supplementary gastroenterologists in executing targeted biopsies, and making real-time decisions of endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection. Integration of AI-based techniques and endoscopic modalities enhances the management and diagnosis of oesophageal cancer, enhancing patient outcomes and lowering cancer-related mortality rates. AI and robotics are potentially improving therapeutic endoscopy, leading to enhanced safety, precision, and effectiveness in gastrointestinal (GI) technology.

Key Components of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Component  Advantages
Classic ESD Pocket ESD is the most commonly used modification, making a tunnel beneath the lesion. Adapted pocket ESD follows a strategy, but integration of the steps of dissection and making the circular incision is instantaneous. Both technologies are considered classic for esophageal lesions, though they are applied in colorectal ESD.
Modified Pocket ESD Modified Pocket ESD is a cutting-edge endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique intended for massive, challenging, or fibrotic colorectal lesions. 
Bridge ESD Bridge ESD includes starting from the cecal side of the lesion, followed by the anal or oral side, and then involving both sides. This strategy offers efficient countertraction and is specifically useful in rectal ESD.
Multiple Tunnel ESD Multiple-tunnel ESD is classic for complex circumferential lesions, in which multiple tunnels are created and then connected together to allow resection.
Hybrid ESD Hybrid ESD is safe and efficient for the removal of colorectal lesions, with limited procedure duration, reduced complications, and no difference in recurrence versus conventional ESD. Hybrid ESD was related to a reduced en bloc resection rate.

Clinical Advantages of ESD Over EMR in Early Gastrointestinal Cancers 

Major healthcare advantage of endoscopic submucosal dissection over endoscopic mucosal resection for initial hypopharyngeal and mesopharyngeal cancers. As compared with EMR, ESD showed better healthcare effects, reduced postoperative complications, and higher safety in treating early oesophageal cancer and precancerous lesions. The diameter of the lesion should be carefully monitored for an ideal healthcare plan. ESD supports the physician stage GI cancer to supports customize treatment plan.

Advanced Imaging Technologies Improving ESD Detection and Treatment 

The development of progressive imaging technology, like AI-driven endoscopy, aids in precise lesion characterization and identification, further enhancing the success rate of ESD. Advancements in endoscopic electrosurgical and imaging tools are enhancing procedural safety and efficacy, while increasing awareness of early cancer detection and enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging is likely to increase steadily with the growing application of endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of gastric cancers.  Technologies such as i-Scan and FICE/BLI/LCI offer digital improvement that simulates the effect of dyes without the required for physical spraying.

Major Challenges in the Adoption of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)

Major complexities associated with the impact on interventional endoscopy solutions, longer process durations, and the challenges of complications have contributed to the slower adoption of ESD.  A major barrier to performing ESD is the lack of economic reimbursement. Perforation is a major challenge, particularly when the muscular layer is thin, like in the esophagus or cecum. Bleeding, either during or after the procedure, is recurrent.

Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure Driving ESD Adoption in North America

The North American healthcare system has spent significant resources in healthcare research and pharmaceutical advancement, which has led to advancement findings and enhanced treatments in a different field. This system provides expedient access to an extremely subspecialized network of physicians who work at the forefront of advancing and utilizing novel, advanced procedures and medications. The increasing adoption of high-definition and 3D visualization technologies improves diagnostic precision and technical achievement rates, which increases the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Rising Gastric Cancer Burden Driving ESD Adoption in Asia-Pacific

The Asia Pacific region has an increasingly aging population, associated with the growing burden of patients with chronic conditions.  The increasing incidence and mortality of GC are remarkably high in Asia due to high H. pylori infection, smoking behaviors, dietary habits, and heavy alcohol consumption. A significant concentration of high-volume centers and skilled endoscopists in Japan, South Korea, and China enables safe, superior, and effective ESD technology.

Latest Updates of Key Players in the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Company Headquarters Latest Update
Creo Medical United Kingdom In June 2025, Creo Medical Group plc received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for its SpydrBlade Flex device, the organization announced in a statement. 
Cook Group United States Cook Medical is investing in novel technologies to enhance procedural results.
STERIS plc. United States STERIS is a leading worldwide provider of products and solutions that help patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention.
CONMED Corporation Florida In December 2025, CONMED Corporation announced its intention to exit its gastroenterology invention lines as part of its wider portfolio optimization approaches. This exit enables CONMED to fully align operations and resources in its core markets, including minimally invasive, robotic, and laparoscopic surgery, smoke evacuation, and the healthcare treatment of orthopedic soft tissue repair.
Medtronic United States In February 2026, Medtronic announced that the first U.S. commercial surgical case using its recently FDA-cleared Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system had been effectively performed by Jihad Kaouk, MD, professor and chair of the Glickman Urologic Institute and the Zegarac-Pollock Endowed Chair in Robotic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.

Conclusion

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) provides a curative, organ-preserving strategy for early-stage gastrointestinal cancer. Endoscopic submucosal dissection allows curative, organ-preserving treatment of early gastrointestinal neoplasia. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a progressive, minimally invasive technique for the exclusion of GI lesions, providing several benefits over traditional technology, such as EMR. ESD conserves the usual function of the gastrointestinal tract, as it avoids removing large parts of the intestine or stomach, which is a major advantage over traditional surgical substitutes. ESD is its capability to offer a single, well-oriented specimen for precise pathological margin assessment, confirming accurate staging and ideal oncologic follow-up.

Expert Insights

According to a recent report on the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Market published on Towards Healthcare, experts highlight that the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers and the growing preference for minimally invasive treatment techniques are significantly driving market expansion. Endoscopic submucosal dissection enables precise en bloc removal of early-stage tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, improving treatment outcomes and reducing recurrence rates compared to conventional methods. Experts emphasize that advancements in endoscopic imaging systems, electrosurgical devices, and hybrid ESD techniques are enhancing procedural safety and efficiency. Additionally, expanding cancer screening programs, rising geriatric populations, and increasing training initiatives for endoscopists are expected to accelerate the global adoption of ESD procedures.

About the Experts

Aditi Shivarkar

Aditi Shivarkar

Aditi leads as Vice President at Towards Healthcare and brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare research, innovation, and strategy. She works closely with data from across the healthcare sector and turns it into clear direction that companies can actually use. Her work covers pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health. She helps businesses understand where the market is going and how to respond with confidence. Aditi focuses on practical thinking, strong decision-making, and delivering real results that make a difference.

Aman Singh

Aman Singh

Aman Singh brings over 13 years of experience in healthcare research and consulting. He studies global healthcare trends and keeps a close eye on areas like biotech, AI in healthcare, and new treatment approaches. At Towards Healthcare, he leads the research team and makes sure the work stays accurate, useful, and easy to understand. Aman breaks down complex changes in the industry and helps businesses make smart, informed decisions.

Piyush Pawar

Piyush Pawar

Piyush Pawar works as Senior Manager for Sales and Business Growth at Towards Healthcare, with more than 10 years of experience in the healthcare space. He works directly with clients and helps them find the right research for their needs. He makes sure clients understand the insights and know how to use them in their business. Piyush builds strong relationships and focuses on helping companies grow by turning research into clear, practical action.