A single-center experience of endoscopic submucosal dissection performed in a Western setting

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal lesions: outcomes from a United States experience

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is commonly used in Asia for resection of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) and early (T1) colorectal cancers. It allows for en bloc removal and is often curative. We describe outcomes of colorectal ESD from a United States (US) academic medical center and compare this to international experiences.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of colonic lesions referred to the University of Chicago Medical Center for ESD from 2012 to 2020. Clinical and procedural data were collected.

RESULTS

The study included 78 lesions with mean size of 29.7 mm (range 10-100 mm). The overall en bloc resection rate was 73.1% (n = 57). Between the first and second half of the study, it improved from 61.5 to 84.6% (p = 0.02). Histology showed adenocarcinoma in fifteen lesions (19.2%). Of all neoplastic lesions (n = 68), resection with negative margins (R0) was achieved in 54 cases (79.4%). Adverse events occurred in 9 cases (11.5%), but most (n = 6, 66.7%) were successfully treated endoscopically. Follow-up endoscopy was performed in 46 patients (59.0%) at a mean interval of 6.8 months (SD ± 5.0 months) with two case of recurrent lesion (4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows successful colorectal ESD outcomes at a US tertiary center. The en bloc resection rate was lower than other cohorts, but a learning curve was demonstrated. The R0 resection, lesion recurrence, and adverse event rates were similar to other non-Asian experiences, but not as favorable as in Asia [Fuccio et al. in Gastrointest Endosc 86:74-86.e17, 2017]. Increased ESD training in the US can help optimize utilization and outcomes.

How Is Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastrointestinal Lesions Being Implemented? Results from an International Survey

Background and Study Aim

Superficial gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms can be treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and/or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). These techniques are widely used in Eastern countries; however, its use in the West is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current implementation of ESD in Western countries.

Methods

Western endoscopists (n = 279) who published papers related to EMR/ESD between 2005 and 2017 were asked to complete an online survey from December 2017 to February 2018.

Results

A total of 58 endoscopists (21%) completed the survey. Thirty performed ESD in the esophagus (52%), 45 in the stomach (78%), 36 in the co-lorectum (62%), and 6 in the duodenum (10%). The median total number of lesions ever treated per endoscopist was 190, with a median number per endoscopist in 2016 of 41 (7 [IQR 1-21], 6 [IQR 4-16], and 28 [5-63] in the esophagus, in the stomach, and in the colon and rectum, respectively). En bloc resection rates were 97% in the esophagus, 95% in the stomach, and 84% in the colorectum. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 88, 91, and 81%, respectively. Curative rates were 69, 70, and 67%, respectively. Major complications (perforation or delayed bleeding) occurred more often in colorectal ESD (12 vs. 6% in the esophagus and 7% in the stomach). In the upper GI tract, the majority of resected lesions were intramucosal adenocarcinoma (59% in the esophagus; 47% in the stomach), while in the colorectum the majority were adenomas (59%).

Conclusion

ESD seems to be performed by a large number of centers and endoscopists. Our results suggest that ESD is being successfully implemented in Western countries, achieving a good rate of efficacy and safety according to European guidelines.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A North American Perspective

BACKGROUND

Data are limited regarding the application of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Western countries or for esophageal adenocarcinoma in any part of the world. We sought to review our experience employing ESD in patients with early esophageal cancer at a high volume North American esophageal cancer treatment center.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of all patients with esophageal cancer treated at the McGill University Health Center was used to identify ESDs performed for adenocarcinoma between 2012 and 2016. Patient demographics, pre-resection tumor characteristics, endoscopic resection technical variables, pathologic results, and short- and long-term outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Of 650 patients in the database, 26 underwent 27 procedures. The majority (67%) had pre-treatment EUS. There were no post-ESD bleeding events requiring re-intervention. Perforation occurred in 2/27 (7%), one of which required operative repair. Complete RO resection was achieved in 18/27(67%). Salvage laparoscopic esophagectomy was performed in six patients. At a median follow-up of 18.5 (7-35) months, cancer recurrence occurred in only one patient who subsequently underwent successful repeat ESD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although technically challenging, ESD represents a safe and effective treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma and has the potential to become a more important tool in management of these early lesions in Western countries.

Effect of submucosal injection of normal saline and glycerol fructose on endoscopic polypectomy in patients with colorectal polyps

Effect of submucosal injection of normal saline and glycerol fructose on endoscopic polypectomy in patients with colorectal polyps was investigated. A total of 275 patients with colorectal polyps were enrolled in this study and underwent endoscopic gastrointestinal polypectomy in Qingdao Chengyang People's Hospital from March 2013 to December 2016. Among them, 150 patients who underwent submucosal injection of glycerol fructose were set as the experimental group, and 125 patients who underwent submucosal injection of normal saline were set as the control group. The surgery conditions, complications and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. The time of processing polyps and the total surgery time in the experimental group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.05). The number of repeated injections in the experimental group was less than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The amount of fluid and propofol injected in patients of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The en bloc resection rate (EBRR) and complete resection rate (CRR) in the experimental group were 68.0 and 48.0%, respectively. EBRR and CRR in the control group were 49.6 and 27.2%, respectively. EBRR and CRR in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After follow-up of the patients for 3 months, there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The results indicated that endoscopic colorectal polypectomy with glycerol fructose as a submucosal injection can shorten the time of surgery, reduce the number of repeated injections, reduce the amount of fluid and propofol, and also improve EBRR and CRR.

Using Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection as a Routine Component of the Standard Treatment Strategy for Large and Complex Colorectal Lesions in a Western Tertiary Referral Unit

BACKGROUND

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection results in high rates of en bloc resection, few recurrences, and accurate diagnosis, and it is useful in lesions with significant fibrosis. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection has not been widely adopted by Western endoscopists and the published experience from Western centers is very limited.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to report the outcomes from a UK tertiary center using colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection as part of a standard lesion specific treatment approach.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

The study was conducted in a tertiary referral unit for interventional endoscopy in the United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

A total of 116 colorectal lesions were resected using endoscopic submucosal dissection or hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection in 107 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcomes included complications, recurrence, requirement for surgery, en bloc and R0 resection.

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen lesions (mean size 58.8mm) were resected using endoscopic submucosal dissection (n = 58) and hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (n = 58). Eighty-two (70.7%) had failed attempts at resection (n = 58) or extensive sampling before referral. Twelve contained invasive adenocarcinoma; endoscopic resection was curative in 6. Only 2 of 6 patients with noncurative endoscopic resection agreed to surgery, and none had lymph node metastases. Six of 7 perforations were successfully treated with endoscopic clips. Where endoscopic submucosal dissection was used alone, en bloc resection was achieved in 93% and R0 resection was achieved in 91%. Two patients experienced recurrence; both were managed with endoscopic resection.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective study. Procedures were planned as endoscopic submucosal dissection, but some may have been converted to hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection and not recorded.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection can be used in a Western center as part of a standard lesion-specific approach to deliver effective organ-conserving treatment to patients with large challenging lesions. Lesion assessment in Western practice should be improved to reduce the incidence of prior heavy manipulation and to guide appropriate referral. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A601.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection in the West: Current status and future directions

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was first conceptually described almost 30 years ago in Japan and is now widely practiced throughout East Asia. ESD expands the boundaries of endoscopic resection (ER) by allowing en bloc resection of large early neoplastic lesions within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This offers advantages over other ER techniques by facilitating definitive histological staging and curative treatment of early cancer in selected cases. Indeed, the experience of ESD in Eastern countries is significant, and excellent outcomes from high-volume centers are reported. The potential benefits of ESD are recognized by Western endoscopists, but its adoption has been limited. A number of factors contribute to this, including epidemiological differences in GIT neoplasia between Western and Eastern populations and limitations in training opportunities. In this review, we discuss the role of ESD, its current status and the future in Western endoscopic practice.

Expert opinions and scientific evidence for colonoscopy key performance indicators

Colonoscopy is a widely performed procedure with procedural volumes increasing annually throughout the world. Many procedures are now performed as part of colorectal cancer screening programmes. Colonoscopy should be of high quality and measures of this quality should be evidence based. New UK key performance indicators and quality assurance standards have been developed by a working group with consensus agreement on each standard reached. This paper reviews the scientific basis for each of the quality measures published in the UK standards.

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced endoscopic technique that allows en-bloc resection of gastrointestinal tumor. We systematically review the medical literature in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of colorectal ESD. Patients and methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid, CINAHL, and Cochrane for studies reporting on the clinical efficacy and safety profile of colorectal ESD. Results: Included in this study were 13833 tumors in 13603 patients (42 % female) who underwent colorectal ESD between 1998 and 2014. The R0 resection rate was 83 % (95 % CI, 80 - 86 %) with significant between-study heterogeneity (P < 0.001) which was partly explained by difference in continent (P = 0.004), study design (P = 0.04), duration of the procedure (P = 0.009), and, marginally, by average tumor size (P = 0.09). Endoscopic en bloc and curative resection rates were 92 % (95 % CI, 90 - 94 %) and 86 % (95 % CI, 80 - 90 %), respectively. The rates of immediate and delayed perforation were 4.2 % (95 % CI, 3.5 - 5.0 %) and 0.22 % (95 % CI, 0.11 - 0.46 %), respectively, while rates of immediate and delayed major bleeding were 0.75 % (95 % CI, 0.31 - 1.8 %) and 2.1 % (95 % CI, 1.6 - 2.6 %). After an average postoperative follow up of 19 months, the rate of tumor recurrence was 0.04 % (95 % CI, 0.01 - 0.31) among those with R0 resection and 3.6 % (95 % CI, 1.4 - 8.8 %) among those without R0 resection. Overall, irrespective of the resection status, recurrence rate was 1.0 % (95 % CI, 0.42 - 2.1 %). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis, the largest and most comprehensive assessment of colorectal ESD to date, showed that colorectal ESD is safe and effective for colorectal tumors and warrants consideration as first-line therapy when an expert operator is available.

Management of colorectal T1 carcinoma treated by endoscopic resection from the Western perspective

Detection of early colorectal cancer is expected to rise in light of national colorectal cancer screening programs. This The present review article delineates current endoscopic risk assessments, differentiating invasive from non-invasive neoplasia, for high likelihood of lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer, also termed high-risk early colorectal cancer, and endoscopic and surgical resection methods from a Western hemisphere perspective.

Safe and Efficient Colonic Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using an Injectable Hydrogel

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has not yet been widely adopted in the treatment of early colonic cancers due to the greater technical difficulty involved, longer procedure time, and the increased risk of perforation. Adequate mucosal elevation by submucosal injection is crucial for en bloc resection and prevention of perforation during colonic ESD. This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an injectable thermoreversible hydrogel as the colonic submucosal agent for the first time. Triblock copolymer poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) was synthesized, and its concentrated aqueous solution was injected into the colonic submucosa of living minipig and spontaneously transformed into an in situ hydrogel with adequate mucosal elevation at body temperature. Such a mucosal lifting lasted for a longer time than that created by the control group, glycerol fructose. Colonic ESD was then performed with the administration of hydrogels at various polymer concentrations or glycerol fructose. All colonic lesions were successfully resected en bloc after one single injection of the hydrogel, and repeated injections were not needed. No evidence of major hemorrhage, perforation and tissue damage were observed. Considering the injection pressure, duration of mucosal elevation and efficacy of "autodissection", the hydrogel containing 15 wt % polymer was the optimized system for colonic ESD. Consequently, the thermoreversible hydrogel is an ideal submucosal fluid that provides a durable mucosal lifting and makes colonic ESD accessible to a large extent. In particular, the efficacy of "autodissection" after one single injection of the hydrogel simplifies significantly the procedures while minimizing the complications.

How to establish endoscopic submucosal dissection in Western countries

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been invented in Japan to provide resection for cure of early cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. Professional level of ESD requires excellent staging of early neoplasias with image enhanced endoscopy (IEE) to make correct indications for ESD, and high skills in endoscopic electrosurgical dissection. In Japan, endodiagnostic and endosurgical excellence spread through personal tutoring of skilled endoscopists by the inventors and experts in IEE and ESD. To translocate this expertise to other continents must overcome two fundamental obstacles: (1) inadequate expectations as to the complexity of IEE and ESD; and (2) lack of suitable lesions and master-mentors for ESD trainees. Leading endoscopic mucosal resection-proficient endoscopists must pioneer themselves through the long learning curve to proficient ESD experts. Major referral centers for ESD must arise in Western countries on comparable professional level as in Japan. In the second stage, the upcoming Western experts must commit themselves to teach skilled endoscopists from other referral centers, in order to spread ESD in Western countries. Respect for patients with early gastrointestinal cancer asks for best efforts to learn endoscopic categorization of early neoplasias and skills for ESD based on sustained cooperation with the masters in Japan. The strategy is discussed here.