Ligation-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection of gastric heterotopic pancreas

Esophageal Atresia and Gastric Ectopic Pancreas: Is There a Real Association?

OBJECTIVE

 Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is a condition in which there is well-differentiated pancreatic tissue that lacks any anatomic or vascular contact with the pancreatic gland. It normally arises from the stomach but can be found in other locations. Although it is usually asymptomatic, obstructive symptoms, bleeding, or malignant degeneration can occur. The incidence is very low, but it is significantly more common in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of HP in patients with and without EA and to compare the results in both groups.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

 We conducted a 2-year prospective study in pediatric patients who benefited from an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were divided into two groups: group "A" comprised patients with EA and group "B" those without EA. The variables analyzed were the clinical presentation, presence of HP, location, associated malformations, genetic disorders, and management.

RESULTS

 A total of 192 consecutive patients were included in the study: 51 (26.6%) in group A and 141 (73.4%) in group B. Indications for endoscopy in group B were eosinophilic esophagitis in 37 (19.2%) patients, celiac disease in 23 (11.95%) patients, and other disorders in 81 (42.2%) patients. Gastric HP was found in seven patients, all of them in group A. All lesions were hosted in the prepyloric antrum. The prevalence of HP in groups A and B was 13.7 and 0%, respectively (p < 0.05). Female gender was predominant in patients with AE and HP, this result being statistically significant (p = 0.044). No other associated malformation or genetic syndrome studied showed association with HP. Only one patient debuted with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and required excision, while six patients were asymptomatic. The mean follow-up was 54 months (range: 45-78 months).

CONCLUSION

 The incidence of gastric HP is more common in patients with EA, with the female gender being a risk factor for their association. Active search and follow-up is recommended as it may become symptomatic anytime and need resection.

Clinical classification of symptomatic heterotopic pancreas of the stomach and duodenum: A case series and systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is an aberrant anatomic malformation that occurs most commonly in the upper gastrointestinal tract. While the majority of heterotopic pancreatic lesions are asymptomatic, many manifest severe clinical symptoms which require surgical or endoscopic intervention. Understanding of the clinical manifestations and symptoms of HP is limited due to the lack of large volume studies in the literature. The purpose of this study is to review symptomatic cases at a single center and compare these to a systematic review of the literature in order to characterize common clinical manifestations and treatment of this disease.

AIM

To classify the common clinical manifestations of heterotopic pancreas.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of pathologic samples containing heterotopic pancreas from 2000-2018. Review was limited to HP of the upper gastrointestinal tract due to the frequency of presentation in this location. Symptomatic patients were identified from review of the medical records and clinical symptoms were tabulated. These were compared to a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed and Embase searches for papers pertaining to heterotopic pancreas. Publications describing symptomatic presentation of HP were selected for review. Information including demographics, symptoms, presentation and treatment were compiled and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patient were identified with HP at a single center, with six of these identified has having clinical symptoms. Clinical manifestations included, gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric ulceration with/without perforation, pancreatitis, and gastric outlet obstruction. Systemic review of the literature yielded 232 publications detailing symptomatic cases with only 20 studies describing ten or more patients. Single and multi-patient studies were combined to form a cohort of 934 symptomatic patients. The majority of patients presented with abdominal pain (67%) combined with one of the following clinical categories: (1) Dyspepsia, (n = 445, 48%); (2) Pancreatitis (n = 260, 28%); (3) Gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 80, 9%); and (4) Gastric outlet obstruction (n = 80, 9%). The majority of cases (n = 832, 90%) underwent surgical or endoscopic resection with 85% reporting resolution or improvement in their symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Heterotopic pancreas can cause significant clinical symptoms in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Better understanding and classification of this disease may result in more accurate identification and treatment of this malformation.

Endoscopic and Endosonographic Features of Histologically Proven Gastric Ectopic Pancreas by Endoscopic Resection

Backgrounds/Aims

Distinguishing gastric ectopic pancreas (GEP) from malignant tumors is relatively difficult. This study evaluated the endosonography findings of pathologically proven GEP.

Methods

Thirty-one patients diagnosed with GEP based on a histopathological analysis from January 2004 to July 2018 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent EUS and an endoscopic resection.

Results

Seventeen patients were female, and the median age was 41.1 years (range, 14-74). The lesions were localized most commonly in the antrum. The mean size of the GEP was 10.6 mm (range, 7-15). Superficial type lesions, lesions with heterogeneous echogenicity, mixed pattern lesions, and lesions with indistinct borders were commonly observed on EUS. Calcification, anechoic duct-like structures, and thickening of the muscularis propria were observed in some patients. Endoscopic mucosal resection (41.9%) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (58.1%) were performed. The mean procedure time was 22.5 minutes. Complete resection was achieved for 71% of patients. No statistically significant results between the endosonography findings and complete resection rates were obtained. The mean follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy duration was 4.5 months. None of the patients presented with residual lesions on subsequent endoscopy.

Conclusions

EUS can help identify the features of GEP. Careful observations of the EUS findings can avoid unnecessary removal of GEP.

Evaluation and management of a pancreatic rest noted during pre-bariatric surgery screening endoscopy

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic rest (PR) is an ectopic pancreatic lesion that is usually found incidentally on endoscopy or surgery. While most lesions do not have clinical significance, some patients are symptomatic and rarely, PR can predispose to malignancy. With the growing popularity of bariatric surgery, it has been unclear how to manage PR found on screening endoscopies, prior to bariatric surgery. Through review of the current literature, we propose an algorithm for clinicians to evaluate and manage PR found on screening endoscopies prior to bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We performed a literature search in PubMed pertaining to PR, clinical characteristics, risk of malignant transformation, endoscopic characteristics, histological descriptions, and resection techniques. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we found 33 published articles from 2001 to 2019, including case reports, case series, retrospective cohorts, and a review paper.

RESULTS

PR is commonly found incidentally in the gastric antrum. Larger lesions have a higher risk of being symptomatic or predisposing to malignant transformation. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can assist in the diagnosis of PR and guide resection technique. Certain histological characteristics, such as Heinrich class, grading of neoplasia, and genetic alterations, can determine malignancy risk of PR. Resection technique, either endoscopically or surgically, should be based on lesion size, depth of wall invasion, and the endoscopists' level of skill in endoscopic resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper evaluation and treatment of PR should be considered because of the risk for symptoms and malignant transformation. Symptomatic lesions and those at risk for malignant transformation should be considered for resection. EUS can guide the diagnosis and type of resection, either endoscopically through EMR or ESD or surgically through sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection for the Management of Heterotopic Pancreas With Cystic Degeneration

Heterotopic pancreas is pancreatic tissue present outside of the normal location of the pancreas. In the presence of cystic degeneration, heterotopic pancreas is clinically significant because of the symptoms it causes and its physical resemblance to cancerous growth. A diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas is achieved with the aid of various endoscopic techniques for tissue removal. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection has proven successful for the resection of gastric subepithelial masses. We present a 53-year-old woman undergoing submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for the resection of a subepithelial gastric cyst caused by heterotopic pancreas with cystic degeneration.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric ectopic pancreas: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimal invasive technology and could allow "en bloc" resection for superficial gastric tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ESD for gastric ectopic pancreas (EP).

METHODS

A total of 93 patients diagnosed with ectopic pancreas who underwent ESD between January 2011 and June 2017 were enrolled. The demographic, clinical, and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The average maximal diameter of lesions was 1.01 (range 0.4-3.0) cm with mean age of patients which was 39.75 (range 15-66) years. Overall, all of procedures en bloc was successful. The median operative time was 76.87 (range 30-160) min. A total of 12 patients experienced complications. In seven patients, bleeding occurred during the operation and was treated using hot biopsy forceps or metal clip. Five cases suffered from pneumoperitoneum which was managed well. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 5.7 (range 2-17) days. There was no relapse in any cases during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

ESD appears to be a safe and feasible approach for curative treatment in gastric ectopic pancreas. Larger studies are needed to identify the role and the outcomes of ESD in another center.

Solutions for submucosal injection: What to choose and how to do it

During the past decades, endoscopic resection techniques have gradually improved and gained more importance for the management of premalignant lesions and early cancers. These endoscopic resection techniques can be divided in 3 major groups: snare polipectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The use of submucosal injection is essential for the majority of EMR techniques and is an integral part of ESD, whereas during polipectomy it is not crucial in most cases except to prevent bleeding in large polyps and/or those with large stalks as an alternative to mechanical methods. Injection provides a lifting up effect of the lesion separating it from the muscular layer, thereby reducing thermal injury and the risk of perforation and bleeding while also facilitating en-bloc resection by improving technical feasibility. With this work, we aim to review the most common endoscopic resection techniques and the importance of submucosal injection in each one of them. For that, we present some of the most commonly used submucosal injection solutions, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages. We also discuss, based on current recommendations and our own experience, how and when to preform submucosal injection, depending on lesions features and endoscopic resection technique that´s being used, to assure complete resection and to prevent associated adverse events. Finally, we also present and discuss some new proposed submucosal injection solutions, endoscopic resection techniques and devices that may have a major impact on the future of therapeutic endoscopy.

Ectopic pancreas mimicking gastric submucosal tumour treated using robotic surgery

Gastric ectopic pancreas presenting as a submucosal tumour accounts for approximately 11% of all endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) examinations. Definitive diagnosis through endoscopy is difficult, even with EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy for histological examination. For symptomatic patients or those with uncertain diagnosis, complete surgical resection is the primary strategy for treatment and diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of gastric ectopic pancreas treated using robotic surgery.

Gastric Heterotopic Pancreas: Computed Tomography With Clinicopathologic Correlation

Asymptomatic heterotopic pancreas (HP) is benign and can be monitored long term without further intervention. Heterotopic pancreas is sometimes surgically resected because it can be difficult to distinguish HP from neoplastic submucosal masses such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Although it is not very common, HP should be considered in the differential diagnosis when diagnosing extramucosal gastric masses to avoid unnecessary intervention. We review gastric HP with pathologic correlation to help with diagnosing HP on computed tomography.

Minimally Invasive Management of Ectopic Pancreas

BACKGROUND

The management of ectopic pancreas is not well defined. This study aims to determine the prevalence of symptomatic ectopic pancreas and identify those who may benefit from treatment, with a particular focus on robotically assisted surgical management.

METHODS

Our institutional pathology database was queried to identify a cohort of ectopic pancreas specimens. Additional clinical data regarding clinical symptomatology, diagnostic studies, and treatment were obtained through chart review.

RESULTS

Nineteen cases of ectopic pancreas were found incidentally during surgery for another condition or found incidentally in a pathologic specimen (65.5%). Eleven patients (37.9%) reported prior symptoms, notably abdominal pain and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common locations for ectopic pancreas were the duodenum and small bowel (31% and 27.6%, respectively). Three out of 29 cases (10.3%) had no symptoms, but had evidence of preneoplastic changes on pathology, while one harbored pancreatic cancer. Over the years, treatment of ectopic pancreas has shifted from open to laparoscopic and more recently to robotic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience is in line with existing evidence supporting surgical treatment of symptomatic or complicated ectopic pancreas. In the current era, minimally invasive and robotic surgery can be used safely and successfully for treatment of ectopic pancreas.

Gastric heterotopic pancreas masquerading as a stromal tumor: A case report

Heterotopic pancreas (HP), a rare condition that is generally asymptomatic, is an aberration in the developmental profile of the pancreas. While it can occur in any location in the gastrointestinal tract, it is most typically found in the antrum of the stomach and is usually wrongly considered to be a submucosal tumor (SMT). Despite advances in diagnostic modalities, a HP still poses a diagnostic dilemma to clinicians. Invasive surgery or endoscopic resection have often been inappropriately applied in cases of an ectopic pancreas due to the difficulty in distinguishing it from neoplastic SMTs, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The present study reports the unusual case of a middle-aged female with an SMT at the lesser curve of the mid-body of the stomach, which was initially diagnosed as a GIST through endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography. However, following removal by endoscopic submucosal dissection, this lesion was finally histopathologically confirmed as an HP. Therefore, although it is rare, the possibility of an HP should always be considered when diagnosing an extramucosal gastric mass. The precise pre-operative diagnosis of this entity may avoid unnecessary extensive treatment intervention.

Diagnosis of ectopic pancreas by endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration

AIM: To study the clinical, endoscopic, sonographic, and cytologic features of ectopic pancreas (EP).

METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed at an academic referral center including two hospitals. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patients referred to the University Hospital or Denver Health Medical Center Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Lab for gastroduodenal subepithelial lesions (SEL) with a final diagnosis of EP between January 2009 and December 2013 were identified. Patients in this group were selected for the study if they underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or deep biopsy. A review of the medical record was performed specifically to review the following information: presenting symptoms, endoscopic and EUS findings, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings, pathology results, procedure-related adverse events, and subsequent treatments after EUS-FNA. EUS with FNA or deep submucosal biopsy was performed in all patients on an outpatient basais by one of two physicians (Attwell A, Fukami N). Review of all subsequent clinic notes and operative reports was performed in order to determine follow-up and final diagnoses.

RESULTS: Between July 2009 and December 2013, 10 patients [3 males, 7 females, median age 52 (26-64) years] underwent EUS for a gastroduodenal SEL and were diagnosed with EP. One patient was symptomatic. Six (60%) lesions were in the antrum, 3 (30%) in the body, and 1 (10%) in the duodenum. A mucosal dimple was noted in 6 (60%). Mean lesion size was 17 (8-25) mm. Gastrointestinal wall involvement: muscularis mucosae, 10%; submucosa, 70%; muscularis propria, 60%; and serosa, 10%. Nine (90%) lesions were hypoechoic and 5 (50%) were homogenous. A duct was seen in 5 (50%). FNA was attempted in 9 (90%) and successful in 8 (80%) patients after 4 (2-6) passes. Cytology showed acini or ducts in 7 of 8 (88%). Superficial biopsies in 7 patients (70%) showed normal gastric mucosa. Deep endoscopic biopsies were taken in 2 patients and diagnostic in one. One patient (10%) developed pancreatitis after EUS-FNA. Two patients (20%) underwent surgery to relieve symptoms or confirm the diagnosis. The main limitation of the study was the fact that it was retrospective and performed at a single medical center.

CONCLUSION: EUS features of EP include antral location, mucosal dimple, location in layers 3-4, and lesional duct, and FNA or biopsy is accurate and effective.

Endosonographic features of histologically proven gastric ectopic pancreas

Gastric ectopic pancreas is an uncommon developmental anomaly and its histological diagnosis is usually difficult by using a conventional biopsy forceps. In the literature, most cases of gastric ectopic pancreas were usually diagnosed by gross pattern during endoscopic examination or features of endoscopic ultrasound. In contrast, this disease was seldom diagnosed by histology in clinical practice. Although the typical endoscopic ultrasonographic features of ectopic pancreas include heterogeneous echogenicity, indistinct borders, and a location within 2 or more layers, it can also exhibit hypoechoic homogeneous echogenicity and a distinct border within the fourth sonographic layer (muscularis propria) similar to the endoscopic ultrasonographic features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. In our study, we found that 53% of gastric ectopic pancreas originated within the fourth sonographic layer, demonstrating hypoechoic, homogeneous echogenicity, and distinct borders. Therefore, recognizing endoscopic ultrasonographic features, combining with deep biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration/core needle biopsy can prevent conducting unnecessary resection. Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for symptomatic gastric ectopic pancreas, but endoscopic resection using endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection technique provides an alternative method of removing superficial-type and deep-type gastric ectopic pancreas.

Induction of acute ectopic pancreatitis by endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration

Ectopic pancreas rarely causes symptoms or complications. We analyzed 2 atypical cases of ectopic pancreas associated with acute ectopic pancreatitis, 1 of which was induced by endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The patients were seen at a tertiary medical center where they had undergone computed tomography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and EUS-FNA analyses. They initially received conservative medical treatment and were later treated by surgery. Both patients were diagnosed with ectopic pancreas of the stomach on the basis of computed tomography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EUS-FNA. Surgical resection cured both patients and confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic pancreas. Acute ectopic pancreatitis is an unusual complication of ectopic pancreas that can be induced by EUS-FNA and diagnosed and cured with surgery.

Endoscopic removal of symptomatic gastric heterotopic pancreas: a report of nine cases

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic removal of symptomatic gastric heterotopic pancreas (HP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2011, 9 patients with suspected symptomatic HP were enrolled in the study. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed to clarify the HP tissue location and to choose the endoscopic resection method. Endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed to remove the HP tissue. Symptoms in the enrolled patients were assessed before and after endoscopic removal of the HP tissue. Tumor pathology and complications were recorded after the treatment. A standard follow-up was scheduled at 1 week and 2 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Removal of suspected HP with endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection was successful in all 9 cases. Abdominal pain, leukocytosis, and bleeding occurred in 6 patients, 2 patients, and 1 patient, respectively, after treatment and were relieved by symptomatic treatment. There were no other unpredictable complications. The symptoms related to HP, including epigastric pain, bloating, and postprandial fullness, were relieved significantly after the treatment. During follow-up, there was no recurrence of HP in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic removal appears to be a safe and effective method to treat gastric lesions suspected to be HP with symptoms. The symptoms, such as epigastric pain, bloating, and postprandial fullness were well resolved after endoscopic treatment.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric ectopic pancreas

Patients with gastric tumors usually present with symptoms of discomfort or pain in the epigastrium, regurgitations, nausea, vomiting or melena. Treatment options include open and laparoscopic total or partial gastrectomy and recently endoscopic mucosal resection. A case of successful endoscopic submucosal dissection is described with the unusual pathological finding of heterotopic pancreatic tissue forming a gastric tumor. The 67-year-old male patient was operated on due to the initial diagnosis of gastro-intestinal stromal tumor of the gastric trunk. Two intra-operative biopsies were negative for cancer cells. Submucosal endoscopic dissection was performed with IT and Hook knives (Olympus). A literature review was performed. The operative time was 180 min with hospital stay of 6 days. During the injection of the carmine dye and the air insufflation pneumoperitoneum occurred and remained clinically silent during the observation period. The pathology result showed a heterotopic pancreatic tissue type 2 according to Heinrich's classification with microfoci of intestinal metaplasia. Preoperative diagnostics of gastric masses might be misleading and such tumors not necessarily should be excised. There are several surgical options with endoscopic submucosal dissection being probably the safest one and a non-disabling approach. Patients tolerate that kind of surgery well with good postoperative functional outcomes.

Enhanced CT and CT virtual endoscopy in diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas

AIM: To improve the diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas by the use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging and CT virtual endoscopy (CTVE).

METHODS: A total of six patients with heterotopic pancreas, as confirmed by clinical pathology and immunohistochemistry in the Sixth Affiliated People’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, were included. Non-enhanced CT and enhanced CT scanning were performed, and the resulting images were reviewed and analyzed using three-dimensional post-processing software, including CTVE.

RESULTS: Four males and two females were enrolled. Several heterotopic pancreas sites were involved; three occurred in the stomach, including the gastric antrum (n = 2) and lesser curvature (n = 1), and two were in the duodenal bulb. Only one case of heterotopic pancreas lesion occurred in the mesentery. Four cases had a solid yet soft tissue density that had a homogeneous pattern when viewed by enhanced CT. Additionally, their CT values were similar to that of the pancreas. The ducts of the heterotopic pancreas tissue, one of the characteristic CT features of heterotopic pancreas tissue, were detected in the CT images of two patients. CTVE images showed normal mucosa around the tissue, which is also an important indicator of a heterotopic pancreas. However, none of the CTVE images showed the typical signs of central dimpling or umbilication.

CONCLUSION: CT, enhanced CT and CTVE techniques provide useful information about the location, growth pattern, vascularity, and condition of the gastrointestinal wall around heterotopic pancreatic tissue.

Endoscopic mucosal resection with the grasp-and-snare technique through a double-channel endoscope in humans

BACKGROUND

EMR is being used to manage premalignant lesions of the GI tract. Lifting of the lesion is required to perform EMR. Earlier biopsy or snare may cause scarring and preclude adequate lifting.

OBJECTIVE

We report our experience with a novel grasp-and-snare EMR technique that can be used when a good lifting is not achieved or the location of the lesion is challenging for standard EMR, such as in a fold.

DESIGN

Single-center case series.

SETTING

Tertiary referral academic gastroenterology unit.

PATIENTS

Patients referred for endoscopic treatment of flat gastrointestinal polyps.

INTERVENTIONS

Single-session EMR performed with a grasp-and-snare technique through a double-channel gastroscope or colonoscope.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical success, complication rates, and recurrence rates.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients with flat gastrointestinal polyps were referred: mean age 70 years, 11 (65%) male, polyp size 0.8 to 6 cm; 13 colonic, 2 duodenal, 1 gastric, and 1 esophageal EMR performed with grasp-and-snare technique in single sessions. Six polyps (35%) did not lift after injection of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Fourteen polyps (82%) were resected completely. Two complications occurred (12%): 1 bleeding treated medically and 1 perforation treated surgically. Residual disease at 1 year was 18%, but 8 patients (47%) had not yet had their 1-year follow-up.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, uncontrolled, not randomized. Limited follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The grasp-and-snare technique can be used to perform EMR with good outcomes and low complication rates in areas where poor lifting and accessibility are problems.

Pancreatic rest resection using band ligation snare polypectomy

BACKGROUND

Although pancreatic rests have characteristic endoscopic features, confirming a histological diagnosis may be desirable to exclude other significant pathology.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation snare polypectomy (EBLSP) for removal of suspected pancreatic rests and to compare the diagnostic yield to other endoscopic tissue sampling methods.

METHODS

An electronic endoscopic report database was searched for patients referred for evaluation of incidentally found gastric antral subepithelial lesions. Tissue sampling technique, pathology, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Removal of suspected pancreatic rests with EBLSP was successful in all 21 cases without complications. Nineteen of 21 (90%) who underwent EBLSP had a histological diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas compared with 5 of 14 (36%) who underwent tissue sampling with biopsy and/or snare (P = 0.001). The endoscopic characteristics of the histology proven pancreatic rests were an antral subepithelial mass with central umbilication measuring 6-10 mm in diameter and located 2-6 cm from the pylorus in the 3-7 o'clock position.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic band ligation snare polypectomy resection of gastric antral lesions suspected to be pancreatic rests had a diagnostic yield superior to standard biopsy forceps and snare polypectomy techniques. However, because all pathologically confirmed pancreatic rests had typical endoscopic appearances of pancreatic rests, it may not be necessary to obtain histologic diagnosis for every suspected gastric antral heterotopic pancreas.

Endoscopic removal of gastric ectopic pancreas: An initial experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic usefulness and safety of endoscopic resection in patients with gastric ectopic pancreas.

METHODS: A total of eight patients with ectopic pancreas were included. All of them underwent endoscopic ultrasonography before endoscopic resection. Endoscopic resection was performed by two methods: endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) by the injection-and-cut technique or endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD).

RESULTS: We planned to perform EMR in all eight cases but EMR was successful in only four cases. In the other four cases, saline spread into surrounding normal tissues and the lesions became flattened, which made it impossible to remove them by EMR. In those four cases, we performed ESD and removed the lesions without any complications.

CONCLUSION: If conventional EMR is difficult to remove gastric ectopic pancreas, ESD is a feasible alternative method for successful removal.