Endoscopic full-thickness resection of submucosal gastric tumors

Postoperative encapsulated hemoperitoneum in a patient with gastric stromal tumor treated by exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection: A case report

BACKGROUND

Gastric stromal tumors, originating from mesenchymal tissues, are one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract. For stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria, compared with conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) can remove deep lesions and digestive tract wall tumors completely. However, this technique has major limitations such as perforation, postoperative bleeding, and post-polypectomy syndrome. Herein, we report a case of postoperative serous surface bleeding which formed an encapsulated hemoperitoneum in a patient with gastric stromal tumor that was treated with exposed EFTR. Feasible treatment options to address this complication are described.

CASE SUMMARY

A 47-year-old male patient had a hemispherical protrusion found during gastric endoscopic ultrasonography, located at the upper gastric curvature adjacent to the stomach fundus, with a smooth surface mucosa and poor mobility. The lesion was 19.3 mm × 16.1 mm in size and originated from the fourth ultrasound layer. Computed tomography (CT) revealed no significant evidence of lymph node enlargement or distant metastasis. Using conventional ESD technology for mucosal pre-resection, exposed EFTR was performed to resect the intact tumor in order to achieve a definitive histopathological diagnosis. Based on its morphology and immunohistochemical expression of CD117 and DOG-1, the lesion was proven to be consistent with a gastric stromal tumor. Six days after exposed EFTR, CT showed a large amount of encapsulated fluid and gas accumulation around the stomach. In addition, gastroscopy suggested intracavitary bleeding and abdominal puncture drainage indicated serosal bleeding. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with serosal bleeding resulting in encapsulated abdominal hemorrhage after exposed EFTR for a gastric stromal tumor. The patient received combined treatments, such as hemostasis under gastroscopy, gastrointestinal decompression, and abdominal drainage. All examinations were normal within six months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This patient developed serous surface bleeding in the gastric cavity following exposed EFTR. Serosal bleeding resulting in an encapsulated hemoperitoneum is rare in clinical practice. The combined treatment may replace certain surgical techniques.

Long-term oncological outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness resection after previous incomplete resection of low-risk T1 CRC (LOCAL-study): study protocol of a national prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) without histological high-risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) can potentially be cured by endoscopic resection, which is associated with significantly lower morbidity, mortality and costs compared to radical surgery. An important prerequisite for endoscopic resection as definite treatment is the histological confirmation of tumour-free resection margins. Incomplete resection with involved (R1) or indeterminate (Rx) margins is considered a strong risk factor for residual disease and local recurrence. Therefore, international guidelines recommend additional surgery in case of R1/Rx resection, even in absence of high-risk factors for LNM. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) is a relatively new technique that allows transmural resection of colorectal lesions. Local scar excision after prior R1/Rx resection of low-risk T1 CRC could offer an attractive minimal invasive strategy to achieve confirmation about radicality of the previous resection or a second attempt for radical resection of residual luminal cancer. However, oncologic safety has not been established and long-term data are lacking. Besides, surveillance varies widely and requires standardization.

METHODS/DESIGN

In this nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort study we aim to assess feasibility and oncological safety of completion eFTR following incomplete resection of low-risk T1 CRC. The primary endpoint is to assess the 2 and 5 year luminal local tumor recurrence rate. Secondary study endpoints are to assess feasibility, percentage of curative eFTR-resections, presence of scar tissue and/or complete scar excision at histopathology, safety of eFTR compared to surgery, 2 and 5 year nodal and/or distant tumor recurrence rate and 5-year disease-specific and overall-survival rate.

DISCUSSION

Since the implementation of CRC screening programs, the diagnostic rate of T1 CRC is steadily increasing. A significant proportion is not recognized as cancer before endoscopic resection and is therefore resected through conventional techniques primarily reserved for benign polyps. As such, precise histological assessment is often hampered due to cauterization and fragmentation and frequently leads to treatment dilemmas. This first prospective trial will potentially demonstrate the effectiveness and oncological safety of completion eFTR for patients who have undergone a previous incomplete T1 CRC resection. Hereby, substantial surgical overtreatment may be avoided, leading to treatment optimization and organ preservation. Trial registration Nederlands Trial Register, NL 7879, 16 July 2019 ( https://trialregister.nl/trial/7879 ).

Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection: A Systematic Review

Background Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) is an emerging therapeutic option for resecting subepithelial lesions (SELs) and epithelial neoplasms. We aimed to systematically review the techniques, applications, outcomes, and complications of EFTR.

Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed. All relevant original research articles involving EFTR were included for the review along with case report/series describing novel/rare techniques from 2001 to February 2022.

Results After screening 7,739 citations, finally 141 references were included. Non-exposed EFTR has lower probability of peritoneal contamination or tumor seeding compared with exposed EFTR. Among exposed EFTR, tunneled variety is associated with lower risk of peritoneal seeding or contamination compared with non-tunneled approach. Closure techniques involve though the scope (TTS) clips, loop and clips, over the scope clips (OTSC), full thickness resection device (FTRD), and endoscopic suturing/plicating/stapling devices. The indications of EFTR range from esophagus to rectum and include SELs arising from muscularis propria (MP), non-lifting adenoma, recurrent adenoma, and even early gastric cancer (EGC) or superficial colorectal carcinoma. Other indications include difficult locations (involving appendicular orifice or diverticulum) and full thickness biopsy for motility disorders. The main limitation of FTRD is feasibility in smaller lesions (<20–25 mm), which can be circumvented by hybrid EFTR techniques. Oncologic resection with lymphadencetomy for superficial GI malignancy can be accomplished by hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) combining EFTR and NOTES. Bleeding, perforation, appendicitis, enterocolonic fistula, FTRD malfunction, peritoneal tumor seeding, and contamination are among various adverse events. Post OTSC artifacts need to be differentiated from recurrent/residual lesions to avoid re-FTRD/surgery.

Conclusion EFTR is safe and effective therapeutic option for SELs, recurrent and non-lifting adenomas, tumors in difficult locations and selected cases of superficial GI carcinoma.

Correlation between endoscopic resection outcomes and endosonographic findings in gastric tumors with muscularis propria origin

Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for subepithelial tumors arising from the muscularis propria layer of the stomach. However, the invasion pattern revealed by the pathological examination of tumor specimens is often not consistent with the findings of preprocedural endoscopic ultrasounds (EUS). We compared the real growing patterns of tumors, as evaluated on histopathological examination, with their EUS images, and analyzed the outcomes of endoscopic resections in relation to the EUS findings. From January 2006 to June 2015, 32 patients underwent endoscopic resection for gastric tumors originating from the muscularis propria at our hospital. We divided the patients into 3 groups according to the location of the tumor as diagnosed using pre procedural EUS: submucosa (group I, n = 5), muscularis propria (group II, n = 14), and tumors extending into the outer cavity (group III, n = 13). Histopathological examination revealed 15 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), 14 with leiomyomas, and 3 with schwannomas. Accuracy of EUS in evaluating tumor invasion was 56%. Some tumors in groups I and II was removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection only. Muscular dissection was needed in 10 patients (71%) in group II and 9 patients (69%) in group III. Four patients (31%) in group III were found to have subserosal tumors. The complete resection rate was 88% (23 patients) among patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic muscular dissection, and 67% (4 patients) among patients who underwent endoscopic subserosal dissection (ESSD). The tumor was completely removed in 12 patients (86%) in group II and 10 patients (77%) in group III. EUS accurately predicts the layer of the subepithelial tumor in the stomach; however, the pattern of invasion of surrounding structures is difficult to evaluate using EUS.

Comparison of endoscopic full-thickness resection and cap-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection in the treatment of small (≤1.5 cm) gastric GI stromal tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

With the increasing incidence of small GI stromal tumors (GISTs), endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) and cap-assisted EFTR (EFTR-C) have been suggested as 2 effective resection methods. We aimed to compare the outcomes of EFTR and EFTR-C for the treatment of small (≤1.5 cm) gastric GISTs.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 67 patients who underwent EFTR and 46 patients who underwent EFTR-C at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Clinicopathologic features, adverse events (AEs), and outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze the effects of the procedure on the therapeutic outcomes of patients and adjusted for covariates in the multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The tumor size in the EFTR group tended to be larger (P = .005). The resection time in the EFTR-C group was shorter than that in the EFTR group (38.3 ± 20.7 minutes vs 15.0 ± 11.8 minutes, P < .001), which retained statistical significance with adjustment for the covariates (adjusted mean difference, 22.2; 95% confidence interval, 15.0-29.4; P < .001). The R0 resection rate of the EFTR group was 94.0% and of the EFTR-C group 97.8% (P = .355). The EFTR-C group was superior to the EFTR group in terms of perioperative therapeutic outcomes, AEs, and postoperative recovery. No recurrence occurred in the EFTR and EFTR-C groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EFTR-C was found to be the preferable technique for small (≤1.5 cm) gastric GISTs with shorter operation times, lower AEs, faster postoperative recovery, and shorter hospitalization times as compared with EFTR.

OTSC assisted EFTR for the treatment of GIST: 40 cases analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To verify the safety and efficacy of over-the-scope clip (OTSC)-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for the excision of stromal tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty patients with gastric stromal tumors treated in the Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital from December 2015 to March 2017 were included in this study. The surgical procedures included marking the lesion boundaries, cutting open the top surface of the lesion, installing an OTS, sucking the lesion into the transparent cap of the anatomical clip which was then released, application of an endoloop for EFTR, and confirming the complete resection and pathological examination of the lesion. Statistical analysis of the tumor site and size, operation time, success rates, complications, pathological examination results, and follow-up status was performed.

RESULTS

The average operation duration was 38.40 ± 24.9 min. Three cases had an incomplete resection, but the lesion was later found to have fallen off together with the OTSC. Therefore, the treatment success rate was 100%. Postoperative pathological examination revealed leiomyomas in four cases and stromal tumors in the remaining 36 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

OTSC-assisted EFTR is safe and effective for resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, especially for those <20 mm in size.

Application of Computed Tomography Images Based on Peripheral Nerve Analysis in the Treatment of Gastric Scrotal Tumors

Gastric stromal tumor is a potentially malignant mesenchymal tumor that is difficult to diagnose before surgery. Computed tomography is the most commonly used tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This study combined peripheral nerve analysis and computed tomography for diagnosis and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This study shows that computed tomography can accurately show the location, shape, and size of gastric scrotal tumors and has important clinical value in identifying benign and malignant tumors as well as early clinical judgment and treatment and prognosis.

Mucosectomy device-assisted endoscopic resection of gastric subepithelial lesions

OBJECTIVE

Some gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors (SETs) have malignant potential and complete resection may be required. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be a tedious procedure and requires a long and extensive training to master. Devices for endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) are limited and are not widely available. We report here a simpler endoscopic method to resect small SETs using a commercially available endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) kit and enucleation technique.

METHODS

All patients with SET who underwent device-assisted resection at our tertiary care hospital from April 2015 to November 2016 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All procedures were performed by a single expert endoscopist with an advanced endoscopy trainee. A mucosectomy and a limited dissection under mucosa were performed to preserve the mucosa before a device-assisted enucleation of the tumor to facilitate endoscopic closure of the defect closure in all cases.

RESULTS

A total of 12 patients aged 38-70 y, of whom six were males, were included. Most of the tumors originated from the muscularis propria and were located at the proximal gastric body. The mean procedural duration was 53 minutes (range 23-91 min). The average size of the lesions was 13 mm (range 9-21 mm). The mean duration of hospitalization was 1.3 days. Bleeding and intentional perforation were all successfully managed during the procedure and did not result in any clinically significant adverse event.

CONCLUSION

A device-assisted EFTR using a commercially available EMR kit is a safe and feasible method for the endoscopic resection of small gastric extrovert SETs.

Comparison of two methods for endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastrointestinal lesions using OTSC

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the feasibility and safety of two methods of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for the management of challenging epithelial and subepithelial neoplasms that are not amenable to resection techniques.Material and methods: This was a retrospective case series study of patients who underwent one of two methods of EFTR, resection using ESD knives and post-resection closure with OTSC (Group 1), or closure with OTSC and secondary EFTR with snare (Group 2).Results: Of 11 patients, six were in Group 1 and five in Group 2. The mean time of the EFTR procedure was 76.83 ± 34.97 min in Group 1 which is significantly longer than that of Group 2 (p = .0128). The mean time of OSTC closure and length of hospital stay of Group 1 were also longer compared to Group 2, but the difference was not significant. Complete resection (R0) and technical success rates of Group 1 and Group 2 were 83.3% and 100% (p = .338), respectively. VAS scores of Group 1 immediately after the operation and after 24 h are significantly higher than those of Group 2 (p = .047 and p = .009, respectively). In Group 1, one patient had delayed perforation which led to fever and pneumoperitoneum, and one patient developed abdominal pain. No complications associated with the endoscopic procedure were observed in Group 2.Conclusion: EFTR of pre-resection closure are potentially faster compared with the concept of applying closure after EFTR. Larger prospective controlled studies comparing these two techniques are warranted in the future.

A comparison of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection and endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric fundus submucosal tumors

AIM

Both submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) are effective methods for gastric fundus submucosal tumors (SMTs). However, there is little data that compares the two methods. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of STER and EFTR for the treatment of SMTs in the gastric fundus.

METHODS

Clinical data was retrospectively collected from patients with gastric fundus SMTs who underwent STER or EFTR at our hospital from April 2011 to May 2016. Epidemiological data (gender, age), tumor size, procedure-related parameters, complications, postoperative hospital stay, cost and follow-up data were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients were enrolled: 15 underwent STER and the remaining 28 cases underwent EFTR. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to gender, age, tumor size, en bloc resection rate, operation time, pathohistological results and cost (p > 0.05). However, patients who underwent EFTR had a longer suture time, required a larger number of clips for closure and a prolonged postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.05). No recurrence was noted in either the STER or the EFTR group during a mean follow-up of 12.1 and 22.8 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment efficacy of STER and EFTR for the treatment of gastric fundus SMTs was comparable. However, STER has some advantages over EFTR in terms of suture time, the number of clips required for closure and postoperative hospital stay.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of polyps involving the appendiceal orifice: a prospective observational case study

Background and study aims  Colorectal polyps involving the appendiceal orifice (AO) are difficult to resect with conventional polypectomy techniques and therefore often require surgical intervention. These appendiceal polyps could potentially be removed with endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) performed with a full-thickness resection device (FTRD). The aim of this prospective observational case study was to evaluate feasibility, technical success and safety of eFTR procedures involving the AO. Patients and methods  This study was performed between November 2016 and December 2017 in a tertiary referral center by two experienced endoscopists. All patients referred for eFTR with a polyp involving the AO that could not be resected by EMR due to more than 50 % circumferential involvement of the AO or deep extension into the AO were included. The only exclusion criterion was lesion diameter > 20 mm. Results  Seven patients underwent eFTR for a polyp involving the AO. All target lesions could be reached with the FTRD and retracted into the device. Technical success with an endoscopic radical en-bloc and full-thickness resection was achieved in all cases. Histopathological R0 resection was achieved in 85.7 % of patients (6/7). One patient who previously underwent an appendectomy developed a small abscess adjacent to the resection site, which was treated conservatively. Another patient developed secondary appendicitis followed by a laparoscopic appendectomy. Conclusion  This small exploratory study suggests that eFTR of appendiceal polyps is feasible and can offer a minimally invasive approach for radical resection of these lesions. However, more safety and long-term follow-up data are needed to evaluate this evolving technique.

Full-Thickness Resection Device for Complex Colorectal Lesions in High-Risk Patients as a Last-Resort Endoscopic Treatment: Initial Clinical Experience and Review of the Current Literature

The full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is a novel endoscopic device approved for the resection of colorectal lesions. This case-series describes the device and its use in high-risk patients with colorectal lesions and provides an overview of the potential indications in recently published data.

Between December 2014 and September 2015, 3 patients underwent endoscopic full thickness resection using the FTRD for colorectal lesions: 1 case for a T1 adenocarcinoma in the region of a surgical anastomosis after recto-sigmoidectomy, 1 case for a non-lifting colonic adenoma with low-grade dysplasia in an 89-year old patient and 1 for a recurrent adenoma with high-grade dysplasia in a young patient with ulcerative rectocolitis who was under immunosuppression after renal transplantation. Both technical and clinical success rates were achieved in all cases. The size of removed lesions ranged from 9 to 30 mm.

Overall, the most frequent indication in the literature has been for lifting or non-lifting adenoma, submucosal tumors, neuroendocrin tumors, incomplete endoscopic resection (R1) or T1 carcinoma.

Colorectal FTRD is a feasible technique for the treatment of colorectal lesions and represents a minimally invasive alternative for either surgical or conventional endoscopic resection strategies.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of superficial colorectal neoplasms using a new over-the-scope clip system: A single-centre study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) provides complete en-bloc resection with a histopathological evaluation of submucosal, muscular, and serosal layers. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel over-the-scope device for colorectal EFTR.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective, observational, open-label case study, a total of 20 patients with superficial colorectal neoplasms, underwent EFTR using a new endoscopic full-thickness resection device (FTRD; Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany). Endoscopic treatment outcomes (technical success, rate of EFTR, adverse events) and early follow-up at three months, were analyzed.

RESULTS

We reported a 100% of technical success, defined as full-thickness resection. Among the R1 resections, histology was negative for neoplasm. Non-lifting adenomas had histology positive for adenocarcinoma: seven T1/G1/sm1; one T1/G1/sm2; one, who underwent a surgical resection, T1/G1/sm3. Mean size of the resected lesions was 26mm, ranging from 10 to 42mm. One (5%) patient developed abdominal pain, fever and leukocytosis and was treated conservatively with medical therapy. In all specimens, histological complete resection was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

EFTR is a feasible and effective technique that could become a valid alternative to EMR and ESD in the management of recurrent adenomas, no-lifting lesions and scars of R1 resections. However, prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the device and technique.

Over-the-scope clip-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection of epithelial and subepithelial GI lesions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) allows for definitive diagnosis and treatment of select subepithelial and epithelial lesions unsuitable to conventional resection techniques. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of over-the-scope (OTS) clip-assisted EFTR for these lesions.

METHODS

Patients who underwent OTS clip-assisted EFTR between June 2014 and October 2015 were analyzed. The procedure involved (1) thermal marking of the periphery of the lesion; (2) lesion suction into the cap of either an OTSC (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tübingen, Germany) or Padlock clip (Aponos Medical Corp, Kingston, NH, USA) with or without triprong anchor retraction of the lesion; (3) clip deployment; and (4) en bloc resection of the lesion above the clip using an electrosurgical snare and/or knife. Data were abstracted for demographics, lesion features, histopathologic diagnoses, R0 resection (negative margins) status, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Nine patients (7 men) with a mean age of 63 ± 9.6 years were identified. The endoscopic findings included subepithelial lesions in the duodenum (n = 4), rectosigmoid colon (n = 2), stomach (n = 1), and postappendectomy appendiceal orifice polyps (n = 2). The mean lesion size was 8 ± 3 mm and the mean procedure time 53 ± 21 minutes. R0 resection was confirmed in all cases. The histopathologic diagnoses included neuroendocrine tumors (n = 6), sessile serrated adenomas (n = 2), and pancreatic heterotopia (n = 1). No adverse events were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

OTS clip-assisted EFTR is an effective and safe technique for the removal of select subepithelial and epithelial lesions that are not amenable to conventional resection techniques.

Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection of Synchronous Adenocarcinomas of the Distal Rectum

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with an innovative full-thickness resection device (FTRD; Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany) allows a safe and complete full-thickness resection of early colorectal cancer. We present the first case of two EFTR performed at the same time to treat synchronous rectal adenocarcinomas.

Endoscopic puncture-suture device to close gastric wall defects after full-thickness resection: a porcine study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Closure of gastric wall defects after endoscopic full-thickness resection remains a clinical challenge. We aimed to introduce an endoscopic puncture-suture device (EPSD) for the closure of such defects. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of the EPSD for closure of gastric wall defects after endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR), compared with the metallic clips closure method.

METHODS

Twenty-four Bama mini pigs (20-25 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups. The EPSD was used in the experimental group and metallic clips were used in the control group. Twelve pigs were randomly assigned to each group. Six pigs underwent EFTR on the anterior wall of the gastric body, whereas the other 6 pigs underwent the same procedure on the posterior wall. The diameter of the resection margin was 2 cm. Either EPSD or metallic clips were applied to close the defects. The duration of the resection and closure, incidence of operative adverse events, and wound recovery were compared and analyzed according to the method of closure.

RESULTS

For defects at the same sites, EPSD significantly reduced closure time compared with the metallic clips method (anterior wall, 8 min vs 27.5 min; posterior wall, 7.8 min vs 26.8 min).

CONCLUSION

EPSD is a quick, simple, safe, and effective method to close gastric wall defects after EFTR.

Application of novel endoloops to close the defects resulted from endoscopic full-thickness resection with single-channel gastroscope: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The key step of the endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) procedure is the successful closure of any gastric wall defect which ultimately avoids surgical intervention. This report presents a new method of closing large gastric defects left after EFTR, using metallic clips and novel endoloops by means of single-channel endoscope.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 68 patients who were treated for gastric fundus gastrointestinal stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer at four institutes between April 2014 and February 2015 and consequently underwent EFTR. The large gastric post-EFTR defects were completely closed with metallic clips and novel endoloops using single-channel endoscope, and all the patients were discharged with subsequent endoscopic and clinical follow-up. Patient characteristics, tumor size, en bloc resection rate, closure operation time, and postoperative adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

EFTR was successfully performed on 68 patients [41 male (60 %), 27 female (40 %); median age 61 years, range 38-73], and the en bloc resection rate was 100 %. Complete closure of all the gastric post-EFTR defects was achieved (success rate 100 %). The mean closure operation time was 13 min (range 9-21 min). The mean maximum size of the lesions was 2.6 cm (range 2.0-3.5 cm). One Mallory-Weiss syndrome and one delayed bleeding were resolved with nonsurgical treatment. The wounds were healed in all cases 1 month after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of metallic clips and novel endoloops with single-channel endoscope is a relatively safe, easy, and feasible method for repairing large gastric post-EFTR defects.

Review of Pure Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) using flexible endoscopy has attracted attention as a minimally invasive surgical method that does not cause an operative wound on the body surface. However, minimizing the number of devices involved in endoscopic, compared to laparoscopic, surgeries has remained a challenge, causing endoscopic surgeries to gradually be phased out of use. If a flexible endoscopic full-thickness suturing device and a counter-traction device were developed to expand the surgical field for gastrointestinal-tract collapse, then endoscopic full-thickness resection using NOTES, which is seen as an extension of endoscopic submucosal dissection for full-thickness excision of tumors involving the gastrointestinal-tract wall, might become an extremely minimally invasive surgical method that could be used to resect only full-thickness lesions approached by the shortest distance via the mouth. It is expected that gastroenterological endoscopists will use this surgery if device development is advanced. This extremely minimally invasive surgery would have an immeasurable impact with regard to mitigating the burden on patients and reducing healthcare costs. Development of a new surgical method using a multipurpose flexible endoscope is therefore considered a socially urgent issue.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided inoculation of transmissible venereal tumor in the colon: A large animal model for colon neoplasia

Background:

To develop and evaluate the feasibility of emerging interventions, animal models with accurate anatomical environment are required.

Objectives:

We aimed to establish a clinically relevant colorectal tumor model with canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) utilizing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging guidance.

Design:

Survival study using a canine model.

Setting:

Endoscopic animal research laboratory at a tertiary cancer center.

Materials and Methods:

This study involved five canines.

Interventions:

A colorectal tumor model was established and evaluated in five canines under cyclosporine immune suppression. Under endoscopic imaging guidance, saline was injected into the submucosal layer forming a bleb. Subsequently, CTVT was inoculated into the bleb under EUS guidance. Endoscopy was the primary method of assessing tumor growth. Tumors developed in 60-130 days. Upon detection of lesions >1 cm, the animals were euthanized and the tumors were harvested for histopathological characterization.

Main outcome measurements:

Success rate of tumor growth. The presence or absence of vasculature inside tumors.

Results:

Colorectal tumor successfully developed in three out of the five animals (60%). Among the ones with tumor growth, average inoculated CTVT volume, incubation time, and tumor size was 1.8 cc, 65.7 days, and 2.0 cm, respectively. The two animals without tumor growth were observed for >100 days. In all the tumors, vascular structure was characterized with CD31 imunohistochemical stain.

Limitations:

Small number of animals.

Conclusion:

We succeeded in creating a new colorectal tumor canine model with CTVT utilizing EUS.

Novel NOTES Techniques and Experimental Devices for Endoscopic Full-thickness Resection (EFTR)

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), in which a flexible endoscope is used to perform operations that have traditionally required laparoscopic surgery, has garnered attention as a minimally invasive surgery that does not leave a surgical wound on the body. Among the various forms of NOTES, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an ultraminimally invasive endoscopic surgery that allows for radical resection, which is an extension of endoscopic submucosal dissection and involves full-thickness excision of a tumor of the gastrointestinal tract wall. With further development of the equipment, including full-thickness suture instruments, nonexposed EFTR could be a feasible surgical procedure.

Non-Exposure, Device-Assisted Endoscopic Full-thickness Resection

Recent developments have expanded the frontier of interventional endoscopy toward more extended resections following surgical principles. This article presents two new device-assisted techniques for endoscopic full-thickness resection in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Both methods are nonexposure techniques avoiding exposure of gastrointestinal contents to the peritoneal cavity by a "close first-cut later" principle. The full-thickness resection device is a novel over-the-scope device designed for clip-assisted full-thickness resection of colorectal lesions. Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric subepithelial tumors can be performed after placing transmural sutures underneath the tumor with a suturing device originally designed for endoscopic antireflux therapy.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection: Current status

Conventional endoscopic resection techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection are powerful tools for treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, those techniques are restricted to superficial layers of the gastrointestinal wall. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an evolving technique, which is just about to enter clinical routine. It is not only a powerful tool for diagnostic tissue acquisition but also has the potential to spare surgical therapy in selected patients. This review will give an overview about current EFTR techniques and devices.

Factors associated with endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric submucosal tumors

Objective

To identify factors that impact the procedure and treatment outcomes for endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs).

Methods

Medical records were collected for all patients with gastric SMTs who underwent EFTR procedures in Shengjing Hospital between June 2012 and April 2014. The data from each patient were reviewed, including gender, age, maximum tumor size on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), tumor location in stomach, length of EFTR procedure, pneumoperitoneum during EFTR, cost to close defects, length of hospital stay after the procedure, and procedure-related complications.

Results

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric SMTs was successfully performed in all 41 patients. Maximum size on EUS [parameter estimate (PE) = 4.443, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.191–6.695; p = 0.000] and tumor location in the greater curvature (PE = 44.441, 95 % CI 5.539–83.343; p = 0.026) were significantly associated with the length of the procedure. A pneumoperitoneum was more likely to occur during EFTR in tumors with a larger EUS size [odds ratio (OR) = 1.415, 95 % CI 1.034–1.936; p = 0.03], and less likely to occur during EFTR for tumors located in the posterior wall (OR = 0.003, 95 % CI 0–0.351; p = 0.017). The use of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays (PE = −1.006, 95 % CI −1.998 to −0.014; p = 0.047) and a higher cost of closing defects (PE = 854.742, 95 % CI 358.377–1351.107; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Endoscopic full-thickness resection is an effective and safe method for removing gastric SMTs. Tumor size on EUS and location of the tumor were associated with the duration of EFTR and the occurrence of a pneumoperitoneum during the procedure. The use of an OTSC system was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays and a higher cost of closing defects.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection with defect closure using an over-the-scope clip for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria

Background

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a mini-invasive technique for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria, which enables a full-thickness resection of tumors and can provide a complete basis for pathological diagnosis. Gastric fistula closure after EFTR is a challenge for endoscopists. In this study, we introduced EFTR with fistula closure using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria.

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of fistula closure with OTSC by a retrospective analysis on the cases of EFTR with defect closure using OTSC for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria in our hospital.

Methods

The patients were selected who underwent EFTR for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria (tumor diameter ≤2 cm) in our hospital from October 2013 to March 2014. After a full-thickness resection of tumors, the bilateral gastric mucous membranes of defect were clamped using twin graspers and then drawn into the transparent cap of OTSC, and the OTSC was released to close the defect after full suctioning. The success rate of defect closure with OTSC was observed, and the endoscopic follow-up was performed at 1 week, 1 and 6 months after operation to check OTSC closure.

Results

Totally 23 patients were included into the study. The full-thickness resection rate of gastric tumors in the muscularis propria was 100 % (23/23), the success rate of defect closure was 100 %, and the average time of defect closure was 4.9 min (range 2–12 min). All patients experienced no postoperative complications such as bleeding and perforation. The postoperative follow-up time was 1–6 months (mean 3 months), and no OTSC detachment was found.

Conclusions

OTSC can be used to perform EFTR with defect closure for gastric tumors in the muscularis propria (tumor diameter ≤2 cm). It is simple, convenient, safe and effective.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-015-4076-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A case of endoscopic full-thickness resection in a patient with gastric high-grade dysplasia unsuitable for endoscopic submucosal dissection

Gastric high-grade dysplasia is an important premalignant lesion in gastric epithelial cells and has a high possibility of transforming to adenocarcinoma. Therefore, biopsy-proven high-grade dysplasia should be treated with en bloc resection methods such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We report the case of a 63-year-old male patient, diagnosed with gastric high-grade dysplasia at the angle and lesser curvature side of the lower body. The patient was initially treated with ESD, although histopathology subsequently showed horizontal margin involvement. Since the lesion was diffusely edematous and margins were uncertain because of the previous ESD treatment, we chose to treat the patient with laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). EFTR is a recently developed procedure, which uses both endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques to resect the full-thickness of the tissue. The final pathologic report revealed high-grade dysplasia and a focal intramucosal carcinoma of 0.8×0.7 cm. We conclude that EFTR can be an effective alternative treatment in gastric high-grade dysplasia unsuitable for ESD.

Indications of endoscopic submucosal dissection for symptomatic benign gastrointestinal subepithelial or carcinoid tumors originating in the submucosa

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for upper gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial tumors (SETs) originating in the muscularis propria (MP) layer is associated with numerous issues regarding secure closure and measures against accidental perforation. However, symptomatic benign GI SETs or carcinoid tumors originating in the submucosa (SM) may be safely resected en-bloc using ESD. In this study, the feasibility and safety of ESD as a novel method for endoscopic resection for such GI SETs revealed on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was investigated. A total of 12 consecutive cases of patients with symptomatic benign SETs (n=3; 1 esophageal hemangioma and 2 gastric lipomas) or small carcinoid tumors (n=9; <10 mm, with an extremely low risk of metastasis) originating in the SM as determined on EUS, between March, 2009 and April, 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. The lesions were resected by ESD after confirming that the tumors originated from the SM. The complication rate following en-bloc resection was also determined. En-bloc resection was achieved in all 12 cases, the mean procedure time was 45 min (range, 20-120 min) and no complications occurred intra- or postoperatively. There was no tumor recurrence or disease-related mortality reported during the follow-up period (median follow-up time, 13.4 months). Histopathological curative resection was achieved with ESD without complications in all 9 cases with carcinoid tumors. Therefore, if EUS reveals a SET originating in the SM without infiltration of the MP and resection is indicated due to the presence of abdominal symptoms, ESD may be a feasible option for diagnostic treatment with minimal invasiveness. However, larger-scale prospective studies are required to establish the feasibility and safety of this procedure.

[Endoscopic submucosal dissection]

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was developed in Japan but has now also become permanently established in various centers in Europe. ESD is an endoscopic en bloc mucosal resection technique for the treatment of early cancers with a diameter >1 cm and also superficial precancerous lesions, which could only be removed unsatisfactorily in several fragments or with uncertain lateral safety margins using previous loop excision procedures. Using ESD a lesion is excised after circular marking and generous submucosal injection with a safety margin of approximately 5 mm and subsequently resected at the level of the submucosa with a 1-3 mm short diathermic knife. ESD requires high technical skills in interventional endoscopy and is more time-consuming than snare resection techniques. However, numerous studies have shown a clear superiority for ESD with respect to the R0 resection rate and the local recurrence rate. The present article gives a current review of the use of ESD in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and demonstrates perspectives of the procedure.

Performance of the OTSC System in the endoscopic closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Reliable closure is a prerequisite for conventional and innovative endoscopic procedures, such as NOTES. The purpose of this study is the systematic evaluation of the procedural and clinical success rates in closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations and acute anastomotic leaks by means of the over-the-scope-clip system (OTSC(®)).

DESIGN

PubMed and other sources were searched systematically for clinical and preclinical research on the evaluation of the OTSC System for closure of gastrointestinal perforations and leaks. Appraisal of studies for inclusion and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using an a priori determined data extraction grid. Major endpoints to be extracted were data on procedural success (successful clip application) and clinical access (durable closure of defect without secondary adjunct therapy).

RESULTS

A total of 17 clinical research articles/abstracts and 22 preclinical research articles/abstracts were identified. The examined clinical studies comprised case series and clinical single-arm studies. The reviewed studies revealed a consistently high mean rate of procedural success of 80-100 % and durable clinical success of 57-100 %. An identified major drawback preventing successful clip application was occurrence of fibrotic or inflamed lesion edges. Usage of the OTSC System was accompanied by neither major clip-related nor application-related complication. In experimental settings, closure of larger perforations and gastric access sites of NOTES or endoscopic full-thickness resection were achieved with high rates of success.

CONCLUSIONS

Because randomized, clinical trials are not available in this field of indication, the evaluation is based on small case series. Nevertheless, by pooling all experience gained, we conclude that endoscopic closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations and acute anastomotic leaks by means of the OTSC System is a safe and effective method.