Colonic endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with the over-the-scope device (FTRD): a short case series

How to Learn and Perform Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Full-Thickness Resection in the Colorectum in the United States

Pioneered in Japan to address the limitations of endoscopic mucosal resection in the stomach, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been applied throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the colorectum. ESD is technically challenging and has been slowly gaining traction in the West. However, for the committed and resourceful endoscopist, proficiency in ESD can still be achieved. Moreover, improvement in techniques and devices are likely to ease the learning curve while improving procedural duration, safety, and efficacy of colorectal ESD. This article reviews challenges and methods in learning ESD in the United States and provides a primer on performing ESD and full-thickness resection in the colorectum.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: is it feasible?

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a new technique for the resection of colonic lesions with limitations for other techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to fibrosis, the location of the lesion or invasion depth. In addition, techniques such as ESD require a long learning curve and unfortunately they are not fully implemented in Western countries. EFTR has numerous indications, which are expanding daily. The Full-Thickness Resection Device® (FTRD) is a promising tool, although it has many limitations and is associated with some risks. One of the main limitations of this resection device is the size of the lesion and it is not recommended for the resection of lesions > 30 mm. Furthermore, tumor size is directly related to the "en bloc" resection rate. On the one hand, this case report suggests that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can modify the lesion size and larger lesions become candidates for EFTR in a second attempt. On the other hand, the concomitant use of systemic anticancer therapy could be a contraindication for the use of FTRD® as it may be associated with late perforations. It is necessary to establish the time between the use of chemotherapy and the use of FTRD® in order to avoid complications. These considerations must be analyzed in future prospective studies.

Clinical guidelines for endoscopic mucosal resection of non-pedunculated colorectal lesions

This document summarizes the contents of the Clinical Guidelines for the Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Non-Pedunculated Colorectal Lesions that was developed by the working group of the Spanish Society of Digestive Endoscopy (GSEED of Endoscopic Resection). This document presents recommendations for the endoscopic management of superficial colorectal neoplastic lesions.