Indications for EMR/ESD in cases of early gastric cancer: relationship between histological type, depth of wall invasion, and lymph node metastasis.

Background Limited surgery by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer is frequently performed in many institutions. These techniques do preserve gastric function and maintain a high quality of life but may compromise survival. The treatment strategy for early tumors should therefore be based on a complete cure, and limited surgery must thus have clear indications.