Feasibility of Cold Snare Polypectomy for Multiple Duodenal Adenomas in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Pilot Study

Cold-snare endoscopic resection of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas: Systematic review and pooled-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mirroring the experience with colonic resections, cold snare-based techniques have been recently proposed for non-ampullary duodenal lesions to reduce the risk of adverse events (AEs). As the duodenal wall is thinner and more vascularized than in the colon, electrocautery-related AEs are relevant issues in this setting.

AIMS

We performed a systematic review with pooled-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.

METHODS

Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, EMBASE) were searched up to January 2023. Full articles including patients with duodenal lesions resected by cold-snare technique were eligible. The adverse events (i.e., bleeding, perforation, stricture), complete resection, and recurrence rates were pooled using a random model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were eligible, providing data on 3137 lesions removed from 233 patients. The overall AE rate for cold snaring was 0.25% (95% CI, 0.19%-0.69%). Among the three studies comparing cold- and hot-snare approaches, procedure-related bleeding rate was significantly lower with cold approach (OR 1.21, 0.51-2.85; p = 0.66). The complete resection rate was 99.40% (95% CI, 98.60%-100%), with a residual/recurrence rate of 12.95% (95% CI, 4.75%-21.16%). On univariate meta-regression, lesion size significantly affected both the adverse events and recurrence risk.

CONCLUSION

Cold-snare resection appears effective and extremely safe for resecting non-ampullary duodenal lesions.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors: A review

The surface of the small bowel mucosa is covered more than any other section of the digestive canal; however, the overall prevalence of small bowel tumors of the whole gastrointestinal tract is evidently low. Owing to the improvement in endoscopic techniques, the prevalence of small bowel tumors has increased across multiple countries, which is mainly due to an increase in duodenal tumors. Superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) are defined as tumors originating from the non-ampullary region in the duodenum that share similarities and discrepancies with their gastric and colorectal counterparts in the pathogenesis and clinicopathologic characteristics. To date, white light endoscopy (WLE) remains the cornerstone of endoscopic diagnosis for SNADETs. Besides, narrow-band imaging (NBI) techniques and magnifying endoscopy (ME) have been widely used in the clinic and endorsed by multiple guidelines and consensuses for SNADETs' evaluation. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), endocytoscopy (ECS), and artificial intelligence (AI) are also up-and-coming methods, showing an exceptional value in the diagnosis of SNADETs. Similar to the endoscopic treatment for colorectal polyps, the choices for SNADETs mainly include cold snare polypectomy (CSP), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS). However, owing to the narrow lumen, rich vascularity, weak muscle layer, abundant Brunner's gland, and the hardship of endoscope control, the duodenum ranks as one of the most dangerous operating areas in the digestive tract. Therefore, endoscopists must anticipate the difficulties in endoscopic maneuverability, remain aware of the increased risk of complications, and then select the appropriate treatment according to the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Endoscopic resection of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas: Is cold snaring the promised land?

Due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with surgical resection in this tract, endoscopic resection (ER) has taken the place of surgical resection as the first line treatment for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas. However, due to the anatomical characteristics of this area, which enhance the risk of post-ER problems, ER in the duodenum is particularly difficult. Due to a lack of data, no ER technique for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumours (SNADETs) has yet been backed by strong, high-quality evidence; yet, traditional hot snare-based techniques are still regarded as the standard treatment. Despite having a favourable efficiency profile, adverse events during duodenal hot snare polypectomy (HSP) and hot endoscopic mucosal resection, such as delayed bleeding and perforation, have been reported to be frequent. These events are primarily caused by electrocautery-induced damage. Thus, ER techniques with a better safety profile are needed to overcome these shortcomings. Cold snare polypectomy, which has already been shown as a safer, equally effective procedure compared to HSP for treatment of small colorectal polyps, is being increasingly evaluated as a potential therapeutic option for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas. The aim of this review is to report and discuss the early outcomes of the first experiences with cold snaring for SNADETs.

Efficacy and safety of intensive downstaging polypectomy (IDP) for multiple duodenal adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

 Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) risk developing multiple duodenal adenomas (MDAs), leading to duodenal cancer and death. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intensive downstaging polypectomy (IDP) for MDAs integrated with new-generation procedures.

METHODS

 This prospective phase II study, conducted at a tertiary cancer center, enrolled patients with FAP who had MDAs. We performed IDP including cold snare/forceps polypectomy (CSP/CFP) and underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR). The primary end point was the downstaging of Spigelman stage at 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

 2424 duodenal polyps in 58 patients with FAP underwent IDP, including 2413 CSPs in 57 patients, seven CFPs in one patient, and four UEMRs in four patients. Only one major adverse event was observed (grade 3 hyperamylasemia) without clinical manifestations. We performed additional UEMR, CSP, and CFP for one, 12, and 22 patients, respectively, during initial follow-up. Overall, 55 patients completed protocol examination; the Spigelman stage was significantly reduced at the 1-year follow-up endoscopy (P < 0.001), with downstaging observed in 39 patients (71 %). Among the 26 patients with Spigelman stage IV at initial examination and protocol completion, 23 (88 %) showed downstaging. There was no major change in Spigelman stages from 1-year follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy to a median of 37 months (range 3-56).

CONCLUSIONS

 IDP, including new-generation procedures, showed significant downstaging with acceptable adverse events for MDA in patients with FAP, even those with advanced-stage disease. Lesion selection for different resection techniques may be important for suitable and sustainable management of MDA in patients with FAP.

Comparison of cold snare and hot snare polypectomy for the resection of sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nonampullary duodenal adenomas can undergo malignant transformation, making endoscopic resection, often by hot snare (HSP) or cold snare polypectomy (CSP), necessary. Although CSP has been shown to be safer for removal of colon polyps, data comparing these techniques for the resection of duodenal adenomas are limited. Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of CSP and HSP for the removal of nonampullary duodenal adenomas.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients referred to 2 academic medical centers with a histologically confirmed sporadic, nonampullary duodenal adenoma who underwent endoscopic snare polypectomy between January 1, 2007 and March 1, 2021. Patients with underlying polyposis syndromes were excluded. Outcomes included postprocedural adverse events and polyp recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 110 total patients, 69 underwent HSP and 41 underwent CSP. Intraprocedural bleeding was similar between both groups, but 7 patients in the HSP group experienced delayed adverse events versus none in the CSP group (P = .04). Fifty-four patients had complete polyp resection and subsequent surveillance endoscopies. Multivariate analysis showed polyp size to be associated with recurrence (per mm; odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.20; P < .01). Endoscopic resection technique (HSP vs CSP) was not a predictor of recurrence (P = .18).

CONCLUSIONS

HSP led to more delayed adverse events compared with CSP, whereas no significant differences on outcomes were noted, suggesting that CSP is equally effective and potentially safer for the removal of duodenal adenomas.

Issues and Prospects of Current Endoscopic Treatment Strategy for Superficial Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

An increasing number of duodenal tumors are being diagnosed over the years, leading to increased confusion regarding the choice of treatment options. Small-to-large tumors and histological types vary from adenoma to carcinoma, and treatment methods may need to be selected according to lesion characteristics. Because of its anatomic characteristics, complications are more likely to occur in the duodenum than in other gastrointestinal organs. Several reports have described the outcomes of conventional endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, cold snare polypectomy, underwater endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic full-thickness resection, and laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors. However, even in the guidelines set out by various countries, only the treatment methods are listed, and no clear treatment strategies are provided. Although there are few reports with a sufficiently high level of evidence, considering the currently available treatment options is essential. In this report, we reviewed previous reports on each treatment strategy, discussed the current issues and prospects, and proposed the best possible treatment strategy.

Endoscopic management of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas

Duodenal polyps are found in 0.1 % to 0.8 % of all upper endoscopies. Duodenal adenomas account for 10 % to 20 % of these lesions. They can be sporadic or occur in the setting of a hereditary predisposition syndrome, mainly familial adenomatous polyposis. Endoscopy is the cornerstone of management of duodenal adenomas, allowing for diagnosis and treatment, primarily by endoscopic mucosal resection. The endoscopic treatment of duodenal adenomas has a high morbidity, reaching 15 % in a prospective study, consisting of bleeding and perforations, and should therefore be performed in expert centers. The local recurrence rate ranges from 9 % to 37 %, and is maximal for piecemeal resections of lesions > 20 mm. Surgical resection of the duodenum is flawed with major morbidity and considered a rescue procedure in cases of endoscopic treatment failures or severe endoscopic complications such as duodenal perforations. In this paper, we review the existing evidence on endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas.

Safety and efficacy of cold versus hot snare polypectomy including colorectal polyps ≥1 cm in size

Cold snare polypectomy (CSP; polypectomy without electrocautery) has spread rapidly worldwide during the past decade in what has been called "Cold Revolution". We performed a PubMed literature search for studies investigating CSP outcomes for colorectal polyps. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the complete resection rates (CRRs). The CRRs were similar regardless of the presence or absence of electrocautery, and the efficacy of submucosal injection for better CRRs is still controversial. Eight RCTs assessed the adverse events. The incidence of intraprocedural bleeding with cold procedures was comparable to or higher than that of hot procedures. The incidences of delayed bleeding were comparable to or lower with cold procedures, especially in patients taking anticoagulants. Fifteen studies have been reported on CSP for large (≥1 cm) colorectal polyps (10 retrospective studies, four prospective single-arm studies, and one prospective RCT). These studies reported that the safe cold procedures (a low intra- and post-procedural bleeding rate without perforation) could be implemented for lesions ≥1 cm. However, considering the incision depth of CSP and the local recurrence rate based on the current evidence, only large sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) can be candidates for cold procedures, and large adenomas should not be candidates for this procedure. Based on the current evidence, CSP seems to be the appropriate standard procedure for sub-centimeter colorectal low-grade adenomas due to its safety and simplicity. Thus, large SSLs can be candidates for cold procedures; however, careful inspection and further prospective studies are warranted to confirm the procedure's clinical relevance.

Cold snare polypectomy for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor: a prospective clinical trial (pilot study)

BACKGOUND

Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) can minimize the risk of adverse events and has become a standard treatment for small colorectal polyps. CSP might also be suitable for small superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs). This study aimed to evaluate the safety of CSP for SNADETs.

METHODS

The major indication criteria were as follows: (1) endoscopically diagnosed SNADET, (2) ≤ 10 mm, and (3) a single primary lesion. CSP was performed using an electrosurgical snare without electrocautery. Follow-up endoscopy and scar biopsy were performed 3 months after CSP. The primary endpoint was the delayed adverse events rate.

RESULTS

In total, 21 patients were enrolled. Two and 19 lesions were located in the duodenal bulb and 2nd portion, respectively; the median lesion size was 8 mm. CSP was attempted for all lesions; three lesions could not be resected without electrocautery and were removed by conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The rate of spurting bleeding after CSP was 0%. The median procedure time was 12 min, the median resected specimen size was 12 mm, and the rate of en bloc resection was 81% (17/21). No adverse events were observed intraoperatively, with no delayed adverse events after CSP. Histopathology revealed 15 adenomas, 4 cancers (intramucosal), and 2 non-neoplastic lesions. The horizontal margins were negative/positive/undetermined in 9, 1, and 11 cases, respectively. All vertical margins were negative. Only one recurrence was detected by follow-up endoscopy 3 months after CSP.

CONCLUSIONS

CSP can be performed safely for small SNADETs.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm ), and the registration number is UMIN000019157.

Current Treatment Strategy for Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment method for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. However, it has not been standardized for duodenal lesions because of its high complication rates. Recently, minimally invasive and simple methods such as cold snare polypectomy and underwater endoscopic mucosal resection have been utilized more for superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs). Although the rate of complications associated with duodenal ESD has been gradually decreasing because of technical advancements, performing ESD for all SNADETs is unnecessary. As such, the appropriate treatment plan for SNADETs should be chosen according to the lesion type, patient condition, and endoscopist’s skill.

Current status of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors

Though superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) have been traditionally considered rare, there is a growing detection under the development and widespread of endoscopic techniques in recent times. Many case studies have revealed early manifestations of lesions through advanced endoscopic technology, however, because of the low incidence of duodenal tumors and challenges in diagnosing, the preoperative diagnosis criteria have not been established so far. In spite of this, recently the increasing detection rate of early duodenal epithelial lesions enhances the demand for minimally invasive treatment as well. The most suitable therapeutic endoscopic modality to remove duodenal lesions should be selected according to the size, location and histological invasive depth of duodenal lesions. Nevertheless, due to the special anatomical structure of the duodenum, the incidence of complications is much higher than in any other part of the digestive tract. To prevent these adverse events prophylactically, a few novel strategies have been applied effectively after resection. This review describes the current status of preoperative endoscopic diagnosis and endoscopic resection approaches, as well as countermeasures for avoiding procedure-related complications.

Endoscopic management of superficial nonampullary duodenal tumors: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

1: ESGE recommends that all duodenal adenomas should be considered for endoscopic resection as progression to invasive carcinoma is highly likely.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends performance of a colonoscopy, if that has not yet been done, in cases of duodenal adenoma.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends the use of the cap-assisted method when the location of the minor and/or major papilla and their relationship to a duodenal adenoma is not clearly established during forward-viewing endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 4: ESGE recommends the routine use of a side-viewing endoscope when a laterally spreading adenoma with extension to the minor and/or major papilla is suspected.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 5: ESGE suggests cold snare polypectomy for small (< 6 mm in size) nonmalignant duodenal adenomas.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 6: ESGE recommends endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) as the first-line endoscopic resection technique for nonmalignant large nonampullary duodenal adenomas.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 7: ESGE recommends that endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for duodenal adenomas is an effective resection technique only in expert hands.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends using techniques that minimize adverse events such as immediate or delayed bleeding or perforation. These may include piecemeal resection, defect closure techniques, noncontact hemostasis, and other emerging techniques, and these should be considered on a case-by-case basis.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 9: ESGE recommends endoscopic surveillance 3 months after the index treatment. In cases of no recurrence, a further follow-up endoscopy should be done 1 year later. Thereafter, surveillance intervals should be adapted to the lesion site, en bloc resection status, and initial histological result. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Endoscopic Treatment for Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Tumors

Superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors are considered rare but have been increasingly recognized in recent years. Accordingly, the importance of endoscopic treatment for the lesions are also increasing. An endoscopic resection can be considered for duodenal adenoma and mucosal cancer. The choice of resection method should be made based on the size of the lesion, endoscopic findings, pathologic diagnosis, and risk of procedure-related complication. For small adenomas <10 mm in size, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), cold snare polypectomy, and underwater EMR can be considered. An en bloc or piecemeal resection using EMR or underwater EMR can be selected for 10-20 mm sized adenomas. For lesions ≥20 mm in size or suspicious for mucosal cancer, an endoscopic submucosal dissection followed by closure of the mucosal defect conducted by an experienced endoscopist is appropriate.

Present Status of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

Prediction of histology by endoscopic examination is important in the clinical management of non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (NADETs), including adenoma and adenocarcinoma. The use of a simple scoring system based on the findings of white-light endoscopy or magnified endoscopy with narrow-band imaging is useful to differentiate between Vienna category 3 (C3) and C4/5 lesions. Less invasive endoscopic resection procedures, such as cold snare polypectomy, are quick to perform and convenient for small (<10 mm) C3 lesions. Neoplasms with higher grade histology, such as C4/5 lesions, should be treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or surgery. Although EMR often requires piecemeal resection, the complication rate is acceptable. Excellent complete resection rates could be achieved by ESD; however, it remains a challenging method considering the high risk of complications. Shielding or closure of the ulcer after ESD is effective at decreasing the risk of delayed bleeding and perforation. Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery is an ideal treatment with a high rate of en bloc resection and a low rate of complications, although it is limited to high-volume centers. Patients with NADETs could benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to stratify the optimal treatment based on endoscopic diagnoses.

Magnified endoscopy with narrow-band imaging for the differential diagnosis of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Differentiation of low-grade adenoma (Vienna category 3, C3) and high-grade adenoma/carcinoma (C4/5) among superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) using magnified endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (MNBI) is not established. The aim of this study is to clarify the diagnostic ability of MNBI to differentiate between C3 and C4/5 among SNADETs.

METHODS

A total of 585 MNBI images taken from 156 SNADETs were evaluated in a test and validation phase. In the test phase, MNBI patterns were extracted based on the combination of surface structure and vasculature. Comparison between MNBI patterns and histology was performed to establish diagnostic criteria to differentiate between C3 and C4/5. In the validation phase, the accuracy and interobserver agreement of the diagnostic criteria were assessed.

RESULTS

Four MNBI patterns (network, disappeared, white opaque substance and intrastructural vessels) with distinctive histological features were selected. The median number of MNBI patterns observed among C3 and C4/5 differed with significance (1 vs 2, p < .01). The pattern of disappeared was suggestive of C4/5. Diagnosis of C4/5 by using the criteria of 2 or more MNBI patterns or presence of disappeared pattern revealed a sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 63% and accuracy of 72%. Interobserver agreement of recognizing MNBI patterns was moderate (kappa 0.59).

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis based on MNBI patterns is useful to differentiate between C3 and C4/5 lesions among SNADETs.

Current Status of Endoscopic Resection for Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic resection (ER) is becoming the first choice of treatment for treating superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs), but ER procedures for SNADETs remain challenging because of the difficulty experienced in maneuvering the endoscope toward the thin duodenal wall, which results in a high rate of adverse events. Although several ER methods were used to overcome these technical difficulties and complications, ER methods for SNADETs are not standardized. A new technique, underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR), was developed recently in a western country, and its usefulness was reported. Beginning in 2014, we were the first to use UEMR for SNADETs in Japan. Thus, in our experience, we would propose an indication of the various ER methods for SNADETs according to the lesion size.

SUMMARY

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and UEMR were effective and safe for small lesions (≤20 mm), but for large lesions (>20 mm), piecemeal removal of lesion by EMR and UEMR had high incidence of recurrence and adverse events. Especially, piecemeal EMR could cause delayed perforation. Cold snare polypectomy was useful for small lesions (≤10 mm), but further study of its recurrence is warranted. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) achieved a high complete resection rate regardless of the lesion size, but its rate of adverse events, including morbid complications, was high. Thus, after ESD for large lesions, secure prevention method for adverse events, such as closure of the wound by laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery, should be required. Key Messages: ER methods for treating SNADETs were proposed based on the lesion size. For large lesions, prophylactic methods for adverse events should be implemented.

Management of duodenal polyps

Duodenal adenomas are the most common type of polyp arising from the duodenum. These adenomas can occur within and outside of genetic syndromes, and are broadly classified as non-ampullary or ampullary depending on their location. All adenomas have malignant potential and are therefore appropriately treated by endoscopic resection. However, the unique anatomical properties of the duodenum, namely its relatively thin and vascular walls, narrow luminal diameter and relationship to the ampulla and its associated pancreatic and biliary drainage, pose an increased degree of complexity for any endoscopic interventions in this area. This review will discuss the epidemiology of duodenal adenomas, their endoscopic detection and diagnosis, and techniques for safe and effective endoscopic resection of ampullary and non-ampullary lesions.