What does the thermal buffer created by mucosal resection help to protect?

The thermal buffer created by mucosal resection is crucial for protecting the deeper layers of the bowel or stomach wall. During endoscopic procedures that involve mucosal resection, the aim is to remove abnormal tissue while minimizing damage to the underlying structures.

When resecting mucosal tissue, the thermal buffer helps dissipate heat generated by the electrosurgical instruments used during the procedure. This is important because excessive heat can lead to thermal injury, which can compromise the integrity of deeper layers of the bowel wall, potentially resulting in complications such as perforation or delayed healing.

Therefore, the thermal buffer function is essential in ensuring that the deeper layers remain untouched and intact, which ultimately contributes to better outcomes post-resection and reduces the risk of adverse effects associated with thermal injury.