Advances in diagnostic endoscopy for duodenal, including ampullary, adenoma

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.

Radiation-free endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenoma: experience from a Chinese tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

Conventional endoscopic papillectomy (ESP) for ampullary adenoma is performed as a hybrid endoscopy and fluoroscopy guided procedure. In this study, we report our preliminary experience of non-radiation ESP.

METHODS

The present method includes endoscopic snare resection, non-radiation endoscopic biliary and pancreatic stenting and endoclipping. Data from ten patients who underwent non-radiation ESP due to ampullary adenoma were collected. Procedure details, adverse events and follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Complete resection was accomplished in all patients, with en bloc resection and piecemeal resection in nine and one patient(s), respectively. Both biliary and pancreatic stenting and biliary stenting alone were achieved in eight and two patients, respectively. Endoclipping was performed in all patients. Hyperleukocytosis and hyperamylasemia occurred in two and one patient(s), respectively. No other complications occurred. No lesion residual or recurrence occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation-free ESP can be technically feasible and safely executed by experienced endoscopists. Our study provides a novel strategy for endoscopic resection of major papilla adenoma.

Novel clip device for prevention of bleeding after endoscopic papillectomy

Objectives

Recently, a novel clip device, SureClip^® (Micro‐Tech Co. Ltd., Nanjing, China), has been developed, which improved rotation and reopening performance. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the SureClip^® in prophylactic closure of the mucosal break after endoscopic papillectomy (EP) for ampullary neoplasm.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 patients who underwent EP for ampullary neoplasms between October 2009 and March 2020. Prophylactic closure after resection was performed using the conventional clip between 2014 and 2018, and with the SureClip^® after 2019. The baseline characteristics, techniques, outcomes, and complications of EP were analyzed.

Results

The median age of the patients (25 males and 15 females) was 70 years. The en block resection rate was 82.5% and the curative resection rate was 80.0%. Histologically, 11 (27.5%) patients had malignancy. Prophylactic closure was performed in 29 (72.5%) patients (17 conventional clips, 12 SureClip^®). Complications occurred in 18 (45.0%) patients, including postprocedure bleeding in 9 (22.5%) patients. However, no postprocedure bleeding was observed in the patients who received prophylactic closure using the SureClip^® (p = 0.038). All other factors were not significantly correlated with postprocedure bleeding. The duration of hospital stay after EP was significantly shorter in patients treated with the SureClip^® compared to those treated with a conventional clip or without clips (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In the present study, prophylactic clipping of the mucosal break using the SureClip^® was effective in preventing bleeding after EP.

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.

Endocytoscopic observation with methylene blue staining for duodenal neoplasms associated with familial adenomatous polyposis

Duodenal cancer is a leading cause of death after colectomy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Detailed endoscopic evaluation of duodenal lesions with potential for carcinoma development is therefore mandatory. Here we investigated the features of duodenal lesions in FAP patients using an endocytoscopy system (ECS). We retrospectively reviewed duodenal lesions in 15 cases of FAP using an ECS (GIF-H290EC) with methylene blue (MB) as the vital dye. With reference to the Spigelman classification, we investigated the number of lesions using white light (WL), narrow-band imaging (NBI), and MB staining. Using the maximum magnification power of the ECS we investigated the histology (duct openings or finger-like projections) and grade of dysplasia (presence or absence of enlarged oval-shaped nuclei) of the lesions. The number of duodenal lesions increased in ascending order of WL, NBI, and MB (P < 0.05). Among 51 MB-unstained lesions, 46 (90.2%) were proven to be duodenal neoplasms histologically. Duct openings were seen in 90.2% of tubular adenomas and tubulovillous adenomas. Finger-like projections were seen in 33.3% of tubular adenomas and in 88.2% of tubulovillous adenomas. Enlarged oval-shaped nuclei were observed in 100% of duodenal cancers, 33.3% of high-grade adenomas, and 9.4% of low-grade adenomas. MB staining allows more accurate detection of duodenal neoplasms in comparison to conventional WL and NBI observation. In cases of FAP, use of the maximum magnification power of the ECS may allow selection of lesions with high malignant potential.

A Comprehensive Approach to the Management of Benign and Malignant Ampullary Lesions: Management in Hereditary and Sporadic Settings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review was to examine the historical roots of endoscopic management of ampullary lesions and explore emerging data on improved techniques, technologies, and outcomes. Of specific interest was answering whether there exists a reasonable body of data to support one resection technique or strategy above others.

RECENT FINDINGS

Review of recent literature suggests the continued use of endoscopic ampullectomy is a safe and effective means of curative treatment of ampullary adenomas. Complications are relatively infrequent and complete endoscopic resection is possible in a majority of cases, with proper patient and lesion selection. Greater than 2 decades of experience with endoscopic ampullectomy have shown this to be a viable, well-tolerated, and highly effective means of treating ampullary adenomas. While few concrete guidelines exist to advise endoscopists on the ideal technique for resection, experience, patient selection, and prior planning can greatly influence the technical and clinical success of endoscopic ampullectomy.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for superficial non-ampullary duodenal tumors

Background and study aims  Because superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) are relatively rare, studies evaluating the outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER) for SNADETs are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical validity of ER for SNADETs. Patients and methods  The study participants included 163 consecutive patients (108 men; mean age, 61.5 ± 11.3 years) with 171 SNADETs, excluding patients with familial adenomatous polyposis resected by ER, at Hiroshima University Hospital between May 2005 and September 2016. Clinicopathological features and the outcomes of ER for 171 cases were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, the prognosis of 135 patients with more than 12 months' follow-up was analyzed. Results  Mean diameter of SNADETs was 10.7 ± 7.2 mm. Most of the SNADET cases were classified as category 3 (71 %, 121/171), but some were category 5 (2 %, 3/171). En bloc resection rates were 93 % (146/157), 100 % (7/7), and 86 % (6/7) in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), polypectomy, and in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) cases, respectively. Complete resection rates were 90 % (141/157), 100 % (7/7), and 71 % (5/7) in EMR, polypectomy, and ESD cases, respectively. Emergency surgery was performed in two patients with intraoperative perforation and in two with delayed perforation without artificial ulcer bed closure after ER. Since endoscopic closure of ulcer by clipping was performed, delayed perforation has not occurred. Local recurrence occurred in 1.2 %, but no metastasis to lymph nodes or other organs occurred after ER. No patient died of primary SNADETs. Conclusion  Our data supported the clinical validity of ER for SNADETs. However, delayed perforation should be given much attention.

Endoscopic resection of advanced ampullary adenomas: a single-center 14-year retrospective cohort study

Background

Endoscopic ampullectomy has been recognized as a safe and reliable means to resect selective tumors of the ampulla of Vater and is associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates compared to surgical resection. Success rates range from 42 to 92%, with recurrences reported in up to 33%. Studies on endoscopic resection of advanced lesions such as those with intraductal extension of adenoma (IEA) and lateral spreading adenomas (LSA) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the technical success, complications, and recurrence of endoscopic resection of ampullary adenomas, including advanced lesions.

Methods

All patients referred to the Erasmus Medical Center for endoscopic resection of an ampullary lesion were retrospectively identified between 2002 and 2016. Endoscopic success was defined as complete excision of the adenoma, irrespective of the number of attempts, in the absence of recurrence.

Results

We included 87 patients with a median age of 65 years. Of these, 56 patients (64%) had an adenoma confined to the ampulla (ACA), 20 patients (23%) had an LSA, and 11 patients (13%) were treated for an IEA. The median lesion sizes were 24.6 mm, 41.4 mm, and 16.3 mm, respectively (P < 0.001). Complications occurred in 22 patients (25.3%), of which hemorrhage was most prevalent (12.6%), followed by perforation (8.1%). Complications were equally divided (P = 0.874). The median follow-up duration was 21.1 months (12–45.9) for ACA, 14.7 months (4.2–34.5) for LSA, and 5.8 months (3.7–22.0) for IEA (P = 0.051). Endoscopic resection was curative in 87.5% of patients with an ACA, 85% in patients with an LSA, and in only one patient with an IEA (P < 0.001). Recurrence occurred in 10 patients (11.5%) (P = 0.733).

Conclusion

Endoscopic ampullectomy is safe and highly successful in selected patients with an adenoma with or without lateral spreading. Outcomes of endoscopic treatment adenomas with an intraductal extension are less favorable and in these cases surgery should be considered.

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.

Duodenal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosed from a Biopsy Specimen of a Depressed Lesion Obtained by Magnifying Endoscopy

Biopsies are necessary for the management of duodenal tumors. However, the most suitable targets for biopsy are not known. An 82-year-old woman who regularly visited our hospital for rheumatoid arthritis underwent abdominal ultrasonography. This screening revealed a dilated pancreatic duct. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed, and dilatation of the pancreatic duct was confirmed. The patient underwent duodenoscopy to investigate the possibility of obstruction of the papilla of Vater. The examination revealed an elevated lesion around the papilla of Vater. Endoscopic ultrasonography and a 20-MHz mini-probe were used to investigate the depth of the invasion. The common bile and pancreatic ducts were intact. The mucosal and submucosal borders were indistinct; however, the border between the submucosa and muscularis propria was clear, suggesting that the muscularis propria was intact. Magnifying endoscopy was used to examine the surface of the elevated lesion, which revealed a depressed lesion. A biopsy specimen of the depressed lesion was taken, and the tumor was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma. Another biopsy specimen from a non-depressed lesion was diagnosed as an adenoma. The patient was diagnosed with duodenal adenocarcinoma, and was recommended surgery. She declined surgery and was followed up for 34 months. Because it is possible for depressed lesions of duodenal tumors to be adenocarcinomas, biopsy specimens should be obtained from depressed lesions of duodenal tumors.

Nonampullary duodenal adenoma: Current understanding of its diagnosis, pathogenesis, and clinical management

Nonampullary duodenal adenomas are relatively common in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), but nonampullary sporadic duodenal adenomas (SDAs) are rare. Emerging evidence shows that duodenal adenomas, regardless of their anatomic location and whether they are sporadic or FAP-related, share morphologic and molecular features with colorectal adenomas. The available data suggest that duodenal adenomas develop to duodenal adenocarcinomas via similar mechanisms. The optimal approach for management of duodenal adenomas remains to be determined. The techniques for endoscopic resection of duodenal adenoma include snare polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and argon plasma coagulation ablation. EMR may facilitate removal of large duodenal polyps. Although several studies have reported cases of successful ESD for duodenal adenomas, the procedure is technically difficult to perform safely because of the anatomical properties of the duodenum. Although current clinical practice recommends endoscopic resection of all large duodenal adenomas in patients with FAP, endoscopic treatment is usually insufficient to guarantee a polyp-free duodenum. Surgery is indicated for FAP patients with severe polyposis or nonampullary SDAs or FAP-related polyps not amenable to endoscopic resection. Further studies are needed to develop newer endoscopic techniques to guide diagnostic and therapeutic decisions for future management of nonampullary duodenal adenomas.

Emerging role of narrow band imaging in duodenum

Endoscopy using magnification narrow band imaging (mNBI) allows detailed assessment of mucosal surface and vascular pattern. This may help in better identification and prediction of the nature of the lesion. The role of this technology in duodenum is still evolving. Studies have shown that mNBI has high accuracy in predicting villous atrophy in the duodenum. Limited data suggests that this technique can provide additional information on duodenal polyps, nodules and ampullary tumour which can help guide their management. In this paper we describe the technique for duodenal assessment using NBI and review the existing literature evaluating its role in diagnosis of various duodenal pathologies.

Preoperative endoscopic diagnosis of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors, including magnifying endoscopy

Superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor (SNADET) is defined as a sporadic tumor that is confined to the mucosa or submucosa that does not arise from Vater's papilla, and it includes adenoma and adenocarcinoma. Recent developments in endoscopic technology, such as high-resolution endoscopy and image-enhanced endoscopy, may increase the chances of detecting SNADET lesions. However, because SNADET is rare, little is known about its preoperative endoscopic diagnosis. The use of endoscopic resection for SNADET, which has no risk of metastasis, is increasing, but the incidence of complications, such as perforation, is significantly higher than in any other part of the digestive tract. A preoperative diagnosis is required to distinguish between lesions that should be followed up and those that require treatment. Retrospective studies have revealed certain endoscopic findings that suggest malignancy. In recent years, several new imaging modalities have been developed and explored for real-time diagnosis of these lesion types. Establishing an endoscopic diagnostic tool to differentiate between adenoma and adenocarcinoma in SNADET lesions is required to select the most appropriate treatment. This review describes the current state of knowledge about preoperative endoscopic diagnosis of SNADETs, such as duodenal adenoma and duodenal adenocarcinoma. Newer endoscopic techniques, including magnifying endoscopy, may help to guide these diagnostics, but their additional advantages remain unclear, and further studies are required to clarify these issues.