What does the term “avulsion” refer to in relation to flexible endoscopy?

The term "avulsion" in the context of flexible endoscopy refers specifically to the peeling away of tissue during removal or treatment. This process typically involves the detachment or tearing away of a layer of tissue, which might occur as part of a therapeutic procedure. In flexible endoscopy, such avulsion may be performed to remove abnormal tissue or facilitate access to underlying areas for further intervention.

This can be particularly significant in procedures like endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), where careful manipulation of tissue requires a controlled approach to avoid damaging adjacent structures. Understanding avulsion is crucial for practitioners to minimize complications and maximize the effectiveness of the treatment provided during these procedures.