Objective       To study the value of endoscopic mucosal resection using a ligation device (EMRL) for early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions.       Methods      Sixty-six patients with early esophageal cancer underwent EMRL for early esophageal mucosal cancer and moderate-severe atypical esophageal hyperplasia in Digestive Endoscopic Center of Southwest Hospital from January 2010 to April 2012. The nature and area of superficial esophageal lesion were assayed with Lugol’s solution staining. The invasion depth of esophageal cancer was assessed by endoscopic typing. The lesion was removed by marking its area with APC

placing a variceal ligation device on a dual-channel endoscope

connecting an operating device to a channel

and inserting a high frequency electrocoagulation ligation device through another channel. The procedure time and incidence of complications and relapse were observed and recorded.       Results      Of the 66 patients with superficial esophageal mucosal lesion

31 were diagnosed with esophageal intra-mucosal squamous cell carcinoma and 35 were diagnosed with moderate-severe atypical esophageal mucosal hyperplasia. The maximal diameter of esophageal cancer was 1-6 cm. The time of EMRL was 5-55 min (mean 21 min). Significant bleeding occurred during operation and stopped after electrocoagulation hemostasis. No perforation and delayed bleeding occurred after operation. The patients were followed up for 1-26 months during which no recurrence of esophageal cancer was observed.        Conclusion       EMRL is an effective procedure for esophageal mucosal cancer and precancerous lesions when its indications are strictly controlled.