Successful endoscopic en bloc resection of a large laterally spreading tumor in the rectosigmoid junction by endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of a Giant Rectal Adenoma Manifesting as McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome

McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome (MKWS) is an uncommon clinical manifestation of large, villous, epithelial lesions of the distal colon and rectum. Excessive secretion of electrolyte-rich mucus from these lesions leads to secretory diarrhea, electrolyte disorders and acute renal failure. Several cases of MKWS have been reported since its initial description in 1954. The definitive treatment for the great majority of MKWS cases has consisted of surgical resection of the affected part of the colorectum, usually in the form of a low anterior resection or an abdominoperineal resection with the formation of an ostomy. Recent developments in endoscopic resection techniques now offer new, minimally invasive treatment alternatives for MKWS patients. We present the first reported case in the Western world of MKWS caused by a rectal adenoma with a size of 19 × 10 cm, treated through endoscopic submucosal dissection. Through the lessons learned by this case, as well as by a thorough review of the literature, we discuss this uncommon syndrome, focusing on treatment alternatives.

UR, Jesus VHF, Jr WLC, Prolla G. Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumours' consensus guidelines for the management of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is among the ten most common types of cancer worldwide. Most cases and deaths related to the disease occur in developing countries. Local socio-economic, epidemiologic and healthcare particularities led us to create a Brazilian guideline for the management of gastric carcinomas. The Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumors (GTG) invited 50 physicians with different backgrounds, including radiology, pathology, endoscopy, nuclear medicine, genetics, oncological surgery, radiotherapy and clinical oncology, to collaborate. This document was prepared based on an extensive review of topics related to heredity, diagnosis, staging, pathology, endoscopy, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy and follow-up, which was followed by presentation, discussion, and voting by the panel members. It provides updated evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical management of gastric carcinomas in several scenarios and clinical settings.

Complete Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of a Giant Rectal Villous Adenocarcinoma with Electrolyte Depletion Syndrome

An 81-year-old female consulted a local physician due to diarrhea. Since general fatigue and body weight loss were observed, she was admitted for detailed examination and treatment. Colonoscopy revealed a circumferential giant tumor with a maximum diameter of 10 cm in the rectum, and biopsy findings indicated villous adenoma. The tumor secreted a large amount of mucus, and a diagnosis of electrolyte depletion syndrome causing electrolyte disorders was made. We performed endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a less invasive procedure. The tumor was so big that the procedure had to be completed in two separate steps and it took 1,381 min in total. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in high-grade adenoma located in the lower to upper rectum, invading into the mucosa without lymphatic or venous invasion. The stump of the resected specimen was negative for adenocarcinoma, however the horizontal stump was positive for adenoma. We administered steroid suppositories to prevent stenosis. After ESD, general fatigue and diarrhea disappeared and electrolyte disorders resolved. The patient had good clinical outcome without recurrence or stenosis.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal lateral spreading tumors larger than 10 cm: is it feasible?

BACKGROUND

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was applied to lesions, such as giant colorectal lateral spreading tumors (LSTs) > 10 cm, by an expert ESD endoscopist despite several limitations, such as a relatively high perforation rate and high technical difficulty.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of ESD for giant colorectal LSTs ≥ 10 cm.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care center.

PATIENTS

A total of 163 patients underwent colorectal ESD between 2009 and 2014 by a single expert ESD endoscopist at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Among them, 9 patients had giant colorectal LSTs ≥ 10 cm.

INTERVENTIONS

Review of records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinicopathologic factors and oncologic outcome associated with ESD between giant colorectal LSTs and others.

RESULTS

Colorectal LSTs ≥ 10 cm were classified as giant colorectal LSTs. Nine giant colorectal LST lesions were localized to the following regions: descending colon (n = 1), sigmoid colon (n = 1), and rectum (n = 7). The average maximal diameter of giant colorectal LSTs was 120.8 mm, and the procedure time was 270.0 minutes. Two lesions were of the whole nodular type, and 7 were focal nodular lesions. The en bloc and curative resection rates for ESD for giant colorectal LSTs were 88.9% and 100%, respectively. The adverse event rate was 44.4%. No strictures, local recurrences, or distant metastases occurred over a mean follow-up period of 27.1 months.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective, single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD of giant colorectal LSTs appears to be a feasible and curative treatment, even though it is associated with a higher adverse event rate, higher degree of technical difficulty, and longer procedure time.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection in the colorectum: Feasibility in the Canadian setting

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the removal of gastrointestinal tumours that is increasingly being used for colonic neoplasms to spare resection of colon in selected patients. Colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection is technically challenging and was initially pioneered in Japan but increasingly used in selected western centres. Its use in Canada is currently limited, and the authors review the challenges and opportunities, in addition to the unique training infrastructure required to practice the procedure under supervision. Specific tools are required to perform endoscopic submucosal dissection and meticulous attention to detail is essential. The authors provide a combined Japanese and Canadian perspective to this technique, and discuss training and performance of endoscopic submucosal dissection as well as potential indications.

Safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes for endoscopic submucosal dissection of early esophagogastric junction cancer

BACKGROUND

Early esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer is currently being treated in the same way as early gastric cancer, by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), but long-term outcomes are still unknown. Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESD in treating early EGJ cancer and compare risk factors in curative and non-curative resection cases.

METHODS

Forty-four cases of early EGJ cancer, defined as a Siewert's type II tumor, in 44 patients with a mean age of 70.0 years and a male/female ratio of 90.9:9.1 % were treated by ESD between January 2004 and June 2010. There were 30 standard indication cases; the remaining 14 cases were expanded indication cases.

RESULTS

Mean resected specimen and tumor sizes were 35 and 17 mm, respectively, and median procedure time was 121 min, with no bleeding or perforation complications. All cases were resected en bloc with an 84.1 % curative resection rate (37/44). The curative resection rates in the standard and expanded indication cases were 90.0 % (27/30) and 71.4 % (10/14), respectively. There were no significant differences in tumor location, tumor morphology, tumor size, histology of biopsy specimens, or standard versus expanded indication cases with regard to risk factors for curative and non-curative resections. However, submucosal invasion, positive tumor margins, lymphovascular invasion, and some components of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas in just the submucosal layer were significantly more common in the non-curative resection cases.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD was a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for early EGJ cancer. For tumors without any submucosal invasion findings, therefore, ESD is an acceptable treatment option, in addition to also being suitable for diagnostic purposes in evaluating the need for surgery.

Beyond the snare: technically accessible large en bloc colonic resection in the West: an animal study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and circumferential submucosal incision endoscopic mucosal resection (CSI-EMR) are techniques for en bloc excision of large sessile colonic lesions. Our aims were to compare the efficacy, safety and learning curve of colonic hybrid knife (HK) ESD versus CSI-EMR for en bloc excision of 50 mm diameter hemi-circumferential artificial lesions in a porcine model.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two separate 50 mm diameter areas of normal recto-sigmoid mucosa were marked out in each of ten pigs. One was excised with HK-ESD using succinylated gelatin (SG) submucosal injection. The other was isolated with CSI with the Insulated Tip Knife 2 followed by SG submucosal injection then EMR with a large snare. Euthanasia and colectomy was performed at 72 h followed by blinded histopathology assessment.

RESULTS

En bloc excision rates were: HK-ESD 100% versus CSI-EMR 20% (P = 0.008). The mean number of resections per lesion was HK-ESD 1 versus CSI-EMR 3 (P = 0.001). The mean dimensions of the largest specimen per technique were HK-ESD 63 × 54 mm versus CSI-EMR 49 × 41 mm (P = 0.005). Procedure duration mean was HK-ESD 54 min versus CSI-EMR 22 min (P < 0.001). When procedure duration was adjusted for the size of the resected en bloc specimen, a statistically significant and accelerated learning effect was noted for HK-ESD (r = -0.83, P = 0.003). There were no perforations and no significant bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

HK-ESD with SG submucosal injection is superior to CSI-EMR for en bloc excision of 50 mm diameter lesions in a porcine model. The technique is rapidly learnt. This novel approach may lower the barrier to colonic ESD for Western endoscopists.

Cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps

PURPOSE

Cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection has been used to treat superficial esophageal and gastric cancers. Efficacy data in the colon are limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in the treatment of sessile polyps and lateral spreading tumors in the colorectum.

METHODS

Two-hundred and fifty-five consecutive patients with sessile polyps or lateral spreading tumors >or=20 mm were treated between January 2000 and December 2007.

RESULTS

A total of 146 sessile polyps and 136 lateral spreading tumors were treated with cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection. Complications occurred in 22 (8.6%) patients (5.5% in sessile polyps and 10.3% in lateral spreading tumors). Intraprocedural bleeding occurred in 21 (7%) of polypectomies (6% in sessile polyps and 10% in lateral spreading tumors); all were controlled endoscopically. Postcoagulation syndrome occurred in 1 patient with lateral spreading tumor. No perforation occurred. Invasive adenocarcinoma was found in 35 patients, of whom 15 underwent surgery. Endoscopic follow-up in 200 patients with 216 adenomas for a median of 12.1 months showed recurrence in 8 (4%) who were treated with resection and/or ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection is an effective treatment for sessile polyps and lateral spreading tumors. A disadvantage of the technique is that the resection is piecemeal. Close surveillance provides the opportunity for additional tissue ablation, when required, to achieve complete lesion removal.

Active gastrointestinal bleeding: Use of hemostatic forceps beyond endoscopic submucosal dissection

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the application of hemostatic forceps in active gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding that is not related to endoscopic submucosal dissection. An 86-year-old woman with chronic intake of low-dose aspirin had a Dieulafoy’s lesion of the third duodenal portion. Bleeding control with epinephrine injection was unsuccessful. A 60-year-old man presented with a bleeding ulcer in the duodenal bulb. Ten days after combined endotherapy, he had recurrent bleeding from two minimal lesions in the same location. A 66-year-old woman under combined antithrombotic treatment was referred to us for chronic GI bleeding of unexplained origin. Endoscopy revealed active diverticular bleeding in the second duodenal portion. A 61-year-old woman underwent endoscopic mucosal resection of superficial gastric adenocarcinoma, which was complicated with immediate bleeding. In all cases, the blood was washed out using a water-jet-equipped, single-channel gastroscope with a large working channel. The bleeding points were pinched and retracted with hemostatic forceps. Monopolar electrocoagulation was performed using an electrosurgical current generator. Hemostasis was achieved. No complications occurred. In conclusion, hemostatic forceps may be an effective as well as safe alternative approach for active GI bleeding of various origins.

Succinylated gelatin substantially increases en bloc resection size in colonic EMR: a randomized, blinded trial in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Succinylated gelatin (SG) is an inexpensive colloid that may combine ease of use with the advantages of a colloid to potentially increase EMR specimen size, leading to a higher rate of en bloc resection.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and impact on EMR specimen size of SG as a submucosal (s.m.) injectant in comparison with normal saline solution (NS).

DESIGN

Randomized, blinded, controlled trial conducted with Animal Ethics Committee approval.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

SUBJECTS

Ten swine.

INTERVENTIONS

Sixty EMRs (30 using SG vs 30 using NS as 3 paired experiments per animal) of the largest possible en bloc snare resection of normal colonic mucosa after s.m. injection of a fixed volume of either SG or NS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

EMR specimen size, duration of s.m. cushion, duration of procedure, ratio of vertical elevation to lateral spread of injectant, ease of resection, adverse effects, perforation, histopathology of EMR sites in colectomy specimens at necropsy (for inflammatory cell content, depth of ulceration, and vascular or ischemic changes).

RESULTS

The mean subject weight was 53 kg. The mean EMR specimen dimensions and surface area were significantly larger with SG (length 37 vs 31 mm, P = .031; width 32 vs 26 mm, P = .022; surface area 9.5 cm(2) vs 6.7 cm(2), P = .044, respectively). The median s.m. cushion duration was 60 minutes with SG versus 15 minutes with NS (P = .005). The median procedure duration with SG was 2.6 minutes vs 2.5 minutes with NS (P = .515). The ratio of vertical elevation to lateral spread of injectant (mean score on a 3-point scale) was 3 with SG versus 2 with NS (P = .228). Ease of resection score (mean score on a 10-point scale) was 8 with SG versus 7 with NS (P = .216). There were no systemic adverse effects, hypersensitivity reactions, or bleeding episodes. There were 2 perforations (treated with clips) with SG and 1 with NS (P = 1.0). Blinded histopathologist assessment of necropsy colectomy specimens did not identify any significant differences between SG and NS EMR sites.

LIMITATIONS

Animal study.

CONCLUSIONS

SG is safe and results in a 42% increased surface area for en bloc EMR. Given its other favorable properties, it represents a significant step toward defining the ideal EMR solution.

Curative ESD for intraepithelial esophageal carcinoma with leiomyoma mimicking submucosal invasive carcinoma

This case report presents a 65-year-old man who developed early esophageal cancer with leiomyoma treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). There have been several reports of co-existing superficial esophageal cancer and leiomyoma treated by endoscopic mucosal resection. However, there is no previous report describing the co-existing lesion treated by ESD. In order to determine treatment strategies for esophageal cancer, accurate endoscopic evaluation of the cancerous depth is essential. In the present case, the combination of endoscopic ultrasonography and narrow-band imaging system with magnifying endoscopy was extremely useful to evaluate the superficial esophageal cancer with leiomyoma, which lead to the appropriate treatment, ESD.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection

AIM: To evaluate the proportion of successful complete cure en-bloc resections of large colorectal polyps achieved by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

METHODS: Studies using the EMR technique to resect large colorectal polyps were selected. Successful complete cure en-bloc resection was defined as one piece margin-free polyp resection. Articles were searched for in Medline, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Control Trial Registry, among other sources.

RESULTS: An initial search identified 2620 reference articles, from which 429 relevant articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from 25 studies (n = 5221) which met the inclusion criteria. All the studies used snares to perform EMR. Pooled proportion of en-bloc resections using a random effect model was 62.85% (95% CI: 51.50-73.52). The pooled proportion for complete cure en-bloc resections using a random effect model was 58.66% (95% CI: 47.14-69.71). With higher patient load (> 200 patients), this complete cure en-bloc resection rate improves from 44.19% (95% CI: 24.31-65.09) to 69.17% (95% CI: 51.11-84.61).

CONCLUSION: EMR is an effective technique for the resection of large colorectal polyps and offers an alternative to surgery.

Submerging endoscopic submucosal dissection leads to successful en bloc resection of colonic laterally spreading tumor with submucosal fat

A 72-year-old female with a colonic laterally spreading tumor (LST) was referred to our department. A total colonoscopy revealed a large nongranular LST, 30 mm in diameter, in the ascending colon. Detailed examination with chromoendoscopy confirmed that the lesion was an intramucosal tumor, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed. After a circumferential incision around the lifted lesion with a submucosal fluid cushion, diffuse adipose tissue was observed in the submucosal layer beneath the lesion. The endoscopic view was blurred when dissecting the submucosal layer due to fat adhering to the lens. Since this made it difficult to continue the procedures, we infused water into the lumen and kept the endoscope tip immersed in the collected water. The resulting improved view made it possible to complete all procedures without withdrawing the endoscope to wipe the lens. The lesion was successfully resected en bloc without complications. The pathological examination indicated the curative resection of a tubulovillous adenoma. We propose that a submerged ESD could also be an effective procedure for colonic neoplasms with submucosal fat by avoiding blurring of the endoscopic view.

Increased expression of beta-catenin, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3beta, cyclin D1, and c-myc in laterally spreading colorectal tumors

Laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) are considered a special subtype of superficial colorectal tumor. This study was performed to characterize the clinicopathological features and examine activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in LSTs and protruded-type colorectal adenomas (PAs). Fifty LSTs and 54 PAs were collected, and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared. The expression of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), phosphorylated GSK-3beta, (phospho-GSK-3beta), cyclin D1, and c-myc was investigated by immunohistochemical staining on serial sections. Patients with LSTs were significantly older than those bearing PAs (63.4 vs 47.4 years old; p<0.001). The mean size of LSTs was significantly larger than that of PAs (27.0 mm vs 14.6 mm; p<0.01). Forty-eight percent of LSTs were located in the proximal colon, which was significantly higher than that of PAs (18.5%; p<0.05). Expression of beta-catenin, phospho-GSK-3beta, cyclin D1, and c-myc was significantly increased in LSTs compared with PAs (p<0.05). However, E-cadherin and total GSK-3beta expression was not significantly different between the two groups. The level of beta-catenin expression correlated strongly with phospho-GSK-3beta, cyclin D1, and c-myc expression in LSTs but not in PAs. Our findings suggest that activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is more prevalent in LSTs than in PAs, suggesting that phosphorylation-dependent inactivation of GSK-3beta may be involved in LST carcinogenesis.

Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual or local recurrent intraepithelial neoplasia in the colorectum: a prospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

A prospective technical feasibility study of cap assisted ESD for 'curative intent' in patients with residual or local neoplastic recurrence following EMR. Primary end points were second stage R0 resection rate, safety and recurrence.

METHOD

Salvage ESD was performed using the Olympus GIF-XQ240 gastroscope and KD-630L insulation tipped knife. Thirty-day mortality, re-admission rates, complications and histological resection status were collected prospectively up to 9 months following index resection.

RESULTS

Thirty patients met eligibility criteria. Index R0 resection was achieved in 25/30 (83%) lesions. One patient underwent surgical excision with a second receiving a curative second stage dissection. Ninety-six per cent (29/30) patients were discharged within 24 h of the procedure with a 0% 30-day mortality and re-admission rate. Bleeding occurred in 5/30 (16%) treated successfully with endoluminal haemostasis. There were no perforations. Overall 'cure' rates at short-term follow-up [median 6/12 (range; 3-18)] was 96%.

CONCLUSION

This novel application of ESD for first line 'salvage' therapy in treating residual or locally recurrent neoplastic disease may be a safe, minimally invasive and cost effective alternative to direct surgical resection in a select patient cohort.

Does hyaluronic acid stimulate tumor growth after endoscopic mucosal resection?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate is widely used for mucosal elevation in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures; however, the oncologic safety of sodium hyaluronate remains unknown. Hyaluronate is the main ligand for CD44 and this interaction was reported to promote tumor progression in in vitro or animal studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium hyaluronate on tumor growth after EMR for gastrointestinal cancers.

METHODS

The study included 18 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for locally-recurrent or remnant gastrointestinal cancers after EMR from January 2001 to December 2006. The immunohistochemical expression levels of Ki-67, CD44, ErbB2, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were evaluated in the primary tumor tissue and the recurrent tumor. The protein expression in recurrent or remnant lesions was also compared between the sodium hyaluronate group and non-sodium hyaluronate group.

RESULTS

Sodium hyaluronate was used in nine of 14 cases with EMR for gastric cancers and in one of four cases for colon cancers. The time to operation after EMR was 133 days (5-687 days). An analysis of the immunohistochemical expression levels between primary and recurrent or remnant tumors showed no significant differences in the expression levels of Ki-67, CD44, ErbB2, and EGFR with or without sodium hyaluronate.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that sodium hyaluronate stimulates the growth of remnant tumors after EMR.

Flat and depressed types of early colorectal cancers: from East to West

Recent advances in colonoscopy have enabled us to diagnose early-stage colorectal tumors. Magnifying colonoscopy is useful for diagnosing histologic types by assessing the microstructure of the mucosal surface in detail, which also helps to predict the depth. This article describes clinicopathologic features and endoscopic treatment of flat and depressed types of early colorectal carcinoma.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastrointestinal neoplasms

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced technique of therapeutic endoscopy for superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms. Three steps characterize it: injecting fluid into the submucosa to elevate the lesion, cutting the surrounding mucosa of the lesion, and dissecting the submucosa beneath the lesion. The ESD technique has rapidly permeated in Japan for treatment of early gastric cancer, due to its excellent results of en-bloc resection compared to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Although there is still room for improvement to lessen its technical difficulty, ESD has recently been applied to esophageal and colorectal neoplasms. Favorable short-term results have been reported, but the application of ESD should be well considered by three aspects: (1) the possibility of nodal metastases of the lesion, (2) technical difficulty such as location, ulceration and operator’s skill, and (3) organ characteristics.

[Removal of sessile recidive rectal polyp with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Case report and review of the literature]

With the development of flexible endoscopy, removal of the large sessile polyps and superficial malignant tumors that do not exceed the layer muscular mucosa has become today's major challenge. Earlier in various types of mucosectomy performed with such indication it was difficult to control the depth and the lateral margin of the resection surface. Tumors larger than 20 mm could only be removed with the application of the piecemeal technique.

PATIENT AND METHOD

64-year-old female patient's large sessile polyp had been removed earlier with piecemeal technique followed by mucosectomy. On the area of these interventions a recidiv adenoma was found and for this reason endoscopic submucosal dissection was applied.

RESULT

The procedure took 55 minutes, and only small volume of bleeding was detected during the intervention. The postoperative period was uneventful, one day later the patient left the hospital. Vertical and lateral resection surface were free of tumor histologically.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic submucosal dissection is suitable for the removal of the large sessile polyp, which could not be successfully removed with earlier techniques.

En bloc endoscopic submucosal dissection of a 14-cm laterally spreading adenoma of the rectum with involvement to the anal canal: expanding the frontiers of endoscopic surgery (with video)

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was recently developed in Japan for en bloc removal of laterally spreading tumors (LSTs). Although initially used for gastric tumors, ESD has now been applied to lesions elsewhere in the gut. Recent reports from Japan included removal of colorectal lesions up to 10 cm.

OBJECTIVE

To show the feasibility of ESD to remove en bloc, very large LSTs of the rectum, even when there is involvement to the dentate line.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

The procedure was performed at an American GI unit. The patient was admitted to the hospital after the procedure for observation.

PATIENTS

A 53-year-old patient, with a 14-cm tubulovillous adenoma of the rectum, which, at its maximal extent, involved two thirds of the circumference of the rectum. The tumor extended distally to the dentate line.

INTERVENTIONS

En bloc submucosal dissection with a conventional needle-knife to remove the neoplasm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Completeness of en bloc removal of the tumor and subsequent follow-up endoscopy that showed no residual neoplasm.

RESULTS

The tumor was able to be removed en bloc by ESD. The distal margin included squamous mucosa. At a 2.5-week endoscopic follow-up, a 3-mm focus of residual polyp was seen and removed. At the time of the last follow-up, there was complete healing of the wound and no residual neoplasm.

LIMITATIONS

Single case.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrated the feasibility of using ESD to remove large laterally spreading rectal tumors, including when there was involvement to the dentate line (and the dissection line must include squamous mucosa of the anal canal). ESD is a promising alternative to conventional surgical techniques; however, additional published experience is needed.

Achieving R0 resection in the colorectum using endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic mucosal resection is established for the removal of non-invasive colorectal tumours smaller than 20 mm but is unsatisfactory for larger lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables en bloc resection of lesions larger than 20 mm. A UK-based prospective feasibility study of ESD for colorectal tumours was undertaken; primary endpoints were R0 resection, safety and recurrence.

METHODS

Patients with Paris 0-II adenomas or laterally spreading tumours (LSTs) greater than 20 mm in diameter were enrolled between November 2004 and August 2006. Lesions were assessed by chromoscopy and high-frequency ultrasonography. Dysplasia, resection status, 30-day complication rates and recurrence after ESD were recorded.

RESULTS

ESD was performed in 42 of 56 identified patients; en bloc resection was possible in 33. Fourteen Paris 0-II lesions and 28 LSTs were identified; 40 were dysplastic adenomas and two adenocarcinomas. R0 resection was achieved in 31 patients (74 per cent). The 30-day mortality rate was 0 per cent. Perforation occurred in one patient and uncomplicated bleeding in five. The 6-month cure rate was 81 per cent (34 of 42 patients).

CONCLUSION

High cure rates are achievable using ESD for Paris 0-II adenomas and LSTs greater than 20 mm in diameter, with R0 resection possible in most patients. ESD is feasible throughout the colorectum with no increase in complication rates. It should be considered for selected Tim/T1 N0 colorectal lesions.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection with insulated-tip knife for large mucosal early gastric cancer: a feasibility study (with videos)

BACKGROUND

According to clinicopathologic studies, differentiated-type mucosal early gastric cancers without ulcer or ulcer scar have little risk of lymph-node metastasis, irrespective of tumor size. However, patients with large mucosal early gastric cancer have been subjected to surgery because conventional EMR methods could not resect large tumors en bloc.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for treatment of early gastric cancers larger than 3 cm in diameter.

DESIGN

Case series study.

SETTING

Referral cancer center.

PATIENTS

A total of 30 consecutive patients were enrolled with the following characteristics: diagnosis of differentiated-type early gastric cancer larger than 3 cm, lack of ulcerative change, no endoscopic evidence for submucosal invasion, and no evidence of lymph-node or distant metastasis (22 men and 8 women; median age, 69 years; median tumor size, 40 mm).

INTERVENTIONS

Tumors were resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection with an insulated-tip knife.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Complete resection, complication rate, and operation time.

RESULTS

Complete resection was obtained in 23 of 30 cases (77%). Complications included hemorrhage (n=4), perforation (n=1), and pyloric stenosis (n=1), but no severe complications occurred that required surgery or that led to major morbidity. Complete resection and complication rates improved in the last 10 cases (90% and 0%, respectively), though operation time was not shortened.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size and lack of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection when using the insulated-tip knife is feasible and efficacious for selected patients with mucosal early gastric cancer larger than 3 cm.

Novel colorectal endoscopic in vivo imaging and resection practice: a short practice guide for interventional endoscopists

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in the UK. With the advent of screening programmes and developing techniques designed to treat and stage colorectal neoplasia, there is increasing pressure on the colonoscopist to keep up to date with the latest practices in this area. This review looks at the basic principles behind endoscopic mucosal resection and forward to the potential endoscopic tools, including high-magnification chromoscopic colonoscopy, high-frequency miniprobe ultrasound and confocal laser scanning endomicroscopic colonoscopy, that may soon become part of routine colorectal cancer management.

Minimizing endoscopic complications: colonoscopic polypectomy

Current polypectomy tools and techniques are inadequate to prevent all postpolypectomy bleeding, perforation, and postpolypectomy syndrome; however, adherence to certain principles can substantially reduce the risk of these complications. This review does not focus on technical aspects of colonoscopy that are directed toward preventing complications of failed eradication. Rather, the authors focus on the classic complications of bleeding, perforation, and their prevention. New technologies that could further reduce or eliminate perforation and bleeding after polypectomy are sorely needed.