Adenoma recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection: propensity score analysis of old and new colonoscopes and Sydney recurrence tool implementation

Incomplete mucosal layer excision during EMR: a potential source of recurrent adenoma (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Residual or recurrent adenoma (RRA) detected during surveillance is the major limitation of EMR. The pathogenesis of RRA is unknown, although thermal ablation of the post-endoscopic resection defect (PED) margin reduces RRA. We aimed to identify a feature within the PED that could be associated with RRA.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and July 2020, detailed prospective procedural data on all EMR procedures performed at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. At the completion of EMR, the PED was systematically examined for features of incomplete mucosal layer excision (IME). This was defined as a demarcated area within the PED bordered by a white electrocautery ring and containing endoscopically identifiable features suggesting incomplete resection of the mucosa including lacy capillaries and/or visible fibers of the muscularis mucosae. Areas of IME were reinjected and re-excised by snare and submitted separately for blinded specialist GI pathologist review.

RESULTS

EMR was performed for 508 large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) (median size, 35 mm). In 10 PEDs (2.0%), an area of IME was identified and excised. Histopathologic examination of areas of suspected IME demonstrated muscularis mucosae in 9 of 10 (90%), residual lamina propria in 9 of 10 (90.0%), and residual adenoma in 5 of 10 (50.0%). No RRA was detected during follow-up after re-excision of IME.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the novel finding of IME within the PED after EMR of LNPCPs. IME may contain microscopic residual adenoma and therefore is a risk for RRA during follow-up. After completion of EMR, the PED should be carefully evaluated. If IME is found, it should be excised. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01368289 and NCT02000141.).

Adenoma Recurrence after Endoscopic Piecemeal Mucosal Resection of Colorectal Flat Lesions: Applicability of the Sydney EMR Recurrence Tool in a Non-Tertiary Centre

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the treatment of choice for non-invasive colorectal flat lesions. When endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection (EPMR) is performed, endoscopic surveillance is necessary due to the risk of recurrence. The Sydney EMR Recurrence Tool (SERT) is a 0–4 scale that classifies lesions according to size, occurrence of intraprocedural bleeding (IPB) and presence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD). Our goal is to evaluate the applicability of SERT in predicting adenoma recurrence (AR) after EPMR. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a retrospective single-centre study with inclusion of lateral spreading lesions ≥20 mm, consecutively resected by EPMR from March 2010 to February 2018, with at least 1 endoscopic re-evaluation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 181 lesions were included, corresponding to 174 patients with a mean age of 68 years and male gender predominance (61%; <i>n</i> = 106). The most frequent location was the ascending colon (34%; <i>n</i> = 62). Lesions were assessed according to Paris Classification (PC): 0-IIa: 39% (<i>n</i> = 71); 0-IIb: 24% (<i>n</i> = 43); 0-IIa + Is: 23% (<i>n</i> = 42); 0-IIa + IIb: 6% (<i>n</i> = 11); 0-IIa + IIc: 2% (<i>n</i> = 3). The mean size of the lesions was 33 ± 11 mm, with 25 (14%) being ≥40 mm. IPB occurred in 9 cases (5%), and 44 lesions (24%) displayed HGD. Sixty-six lesions (36.5%) were classified as SMSA (size, morphology, site, and access score) level 4. Adjunctive therapy with argon plasma coagulation (APC) was used in 37% (<i>n</i> = 67) of cases. The 6-month AR rate was 16% (<i>n</i> = 29). According to SERT groups, the AR rate was: SERT 0: 12% (14/120); SERT 1: 17% (6/35); SERT 2: 25% (3/12); SERT 3: 30% (3/10); SERT 4: 75% (3/4). Two of the three SERT variables (size ≥40 mm and IPB) were associated with recurrence at 6 months (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). HGD and the remaining tested variables (age, gender, localization, accessibility, PC, use of APC/biopsy forceps and occurrence of delayed bleeding) were not associated with AR. SERT 0 lesions showed an inferior risk of 6-month AR (adjusted OR = 2.62; <i>p</i> = 0.035), with a negative predictive value of 88%. SMSA correlated with SERT (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) and SMSA level 4 was associated with 6-month AR (<i>p</i> = 0.007). Lesions classified both as SERT 0 and SMSA level &#x3c;4 had the lowest 6-month recurrence rate (9.2%). The 24-month recurrence rate was 23% (<i>n</i> = 41). When applying the Kaplan-Meier method, cumulative recurrence was significantly lower in SERT 0 lesions (<i>p</i> = 0.006, log-rank test). <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Resection of flat colorectal lesions by EPMR has a considerable risk of recurrence, mostly in SERT 1–4 lesions. SERT 0 lesions, especially with SMSA level &#x3c;4, show a lower risk of recurrent adenoma, which might allow longer intervals to first endoscopic surveillance in the future.

Adverse events and residual lesion rate after cold endoscopic mucosal resection of serrated lesions ≥10 mm

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cold EMR is being increasingly used for large serrated lesions. We sought to measure residual lesion rates and adverse events after cold EMR of large serrated lesions.

METHODS

In a single academic center, we retrospectively examined a database of serrated class lesions ≥10 mm removed with cold EMR for safety and efficacy.

RESULTS

Five hundred sixty-six serrated lesions ≥10 mm in size were removed from 312 patients. We successfully contacted 223 patients (71.5%) with no reported serious adverse events that required hospitalization, repeat endoscopy, or transfusion. The residual lesion rate per lesion at first follow-up colonoscopy was 18 of 225 (8%; 95% confidence interval, 5-12.1). Lesions with residual were larger at polypectomy compared with lesions without recurrence (median, 23 mm versus 16 mm, P = .017).

CONCLUSION

Cold EMR appears to be safe and effective for the removal of large serrated lesions.

Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Polyps Resected Using Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (UEMR) Compared to Conventional Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (CEMR)

Objective

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is reported to be superior to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CMER) for the complete resection of large polyps and may offer increased procedural efficiency.

Aims

To compare recurrence rates and adverse events between UEMR and CEMR and define risk factors related to recurrence. Also, to assess recurrence rates in piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) based on the number of pieces resected.

Methods

We identified all patients with large polyps treated using the UEMR technique at Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA, USA between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017 with follow-up through October of 2018. We matched the UEMR patients with patients treated using the CEMR technique (1:2 matching, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the cumulative risks of polyp recurrence. The Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to assess risk factors for developing polyp recurrence.

Results

Sixty-eight patients (mean age: 63.4 ± 12.5 years; 52.9% males) with polyps removed using the UEMR technique (Group 1) were matched with 122 patients (mean age: 64.4 ± 10.0 years; 51.6% males) who had polyps removed using CEMR (Group 2). Polyps resected in fewer pieces (≤ 3) had lower recurrence rates compared to the ones resected in >3 pieces. Right colon polyps removed using UEMR had a lower recurrence rate compared to right colon polyps resected using CEMR. Polyp size and a high degree of dysplasia were associated with a high risk of polyp recurrence after resection. Completing advanced endoscopy training was also associated with a lower risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

UEMR had a lower recurrence rate compared with CEMR for right colon polyps. Factors associated with recurrence included the degree of training, high-grade dysplasia, and polyp size.

The risk of residual or recurring adenoma after piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps is predictable

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE

Piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection is a safe and effective procedure for the management of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps. Its major limitation is the possibility of residual or recurrent adenoma and the consequent need for scheduled surveillance colonoscopies, with the implied burden for the patient and health systems. We aimed to evaluate if the Size/Morphology/Site/Access (SMSA) and Sydney EMR Recurrence Tool (SERT) scores are effective in predicting residual/recurrent adenoma after piecemeal endoscopic resection of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps.

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study of piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-pedunculated colonic polyps performed in a tertiary center. SMSA and SERT scores were calculated in the index colonoscopy and evaluated regarding the ability to predict residual/recurrent adenoma.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-eight procedures were included. Lesions mean size was 31.6 ± 10.1 mm. 65.8% were flat and 61.4% were located in the right colon. Residual/recurrent adenoma was present in 17 (10.8%) cases. SMSA 2 and SERT 0 lesions had 0.0% and 5.7% of residual/recurrent adenoma rate at 6 months, respectively, while SMSA 3-4 and SERT 1-4 lesions had a 11.5% and 14.8% rate, respectively, at 6 months. SMSA grade 2 and SERT grade 0 had a negative predictive value of 100% and 94%, respectively, for residual/recurrent adenoma. SMSA score had an area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve of 0.732 (P = 0.003), while SERT score had a value of 0.730 (P = 0.002) for residual/recurrent adenoma.

CONCLUSION

SMSA and SERT scores are effective tools to identify lesions with a low risk of residual/recurrent adenoma.