Endosonography-assisted diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

Differentiating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors From Leiomyomas of Upper Digestive Tract Using Convolutional Neural Network Model by Endoscopic Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and leiomyomas are the most common submucosal tumors of the upper digestive tract, and the diagnosis of the tumors is essential for their treatment and prognosis. However, the ability of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) which could correctly identify the tumor types is limited and closely related to the knowledge, operational level, and experience of the endoscopists. Therefore, the convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to assist endoscopists in determining GISTs or leiomyomas with EUS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model based on CNN was constructed according to GoogLeNet architecture to distinguish GISTs or leiomyomas. All EUS images collected from this study were randomly sampled and divided into training set (n=411) and testing set (n=103) in a ratio of 4:1. The CNN model was trained by EUS images from the training set, and the testing set was utilized to evaluate the performance of the CNN model. In addition, there were some comparisons between endoscopists and CNN models.

RESULTS

It was shown that the sensitivity and specificity in identifying leiomyoma were 95.92%, 94.44%, sensitivity and specificity in identifying GIST were 94.44%, 95.92%, and accuracy in total was 95.15% of the CNN model. It indicates that the diagnostic accuracy of the CNN model is equivalent to skilled endoscopists, or even higher than them.

CONCLUSION

While identifying GIST or leiomyoma, the performance of CNN model was robust, which is highlighting its promising role in supporting less-experienced endoscopists and reducing interobserver agreement.

A deep learning-based system to identify originating mural layer of upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors under EUS

Background and Objective

EUS is the most accurate procedure to determine the originating mural layer and subsequently select the treatment of submucosal tumors (SMTs). However, it requires superb technical and cognitive skills. In this study, we propose a system named SMT Master to determine the originating mural layer of SMTs under EUS.

Materials and Methods

We developed 3 models: deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) 1 for lesion segmentation, DCNN2 for mural layer segmentation, and DCNN3 for the originating mural layer classification. A total of 2721 EUS images from 201 patients were used to train the 3 models. We validated our model internally and externally using 283 images from 26 patients and 172 images from 26 patients, respectively. We applied 368 images from 30 patients for the man-machine contest and used 30 video clips to test the originating mural layer classification.

Results

In the originating mural layer classification task, DCNN3 achieved a classification accuracy of 84.43% and 80.68% at internal and external validations, respectively. In the video test, the accuracy was 80.00%. DCNN1 achieved Dice coefficients of 0.956 and 0.776 for lesion segmentation at internal and external validations, respectively, whereas DCNN2 achieved Dice coefficients of 0.820 and 0.740 at internal and external validations, respectively. The system achieved 90.00% accuracy in classification, which is comparable with that of EUS experts.

Conclusions

Our proposed system has the potential to solve difficulties in determining the originating mural layer of SMTs in EUS procedures, which relieves the EUS learning pressure of physicians.

Endoscopic full‑thickness resection with clip‑ and snare‑assisted traction for gastric submucosal tumours in the fundus: A single‑centre case series

Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (Eo-EFTR) has been recognized as a feasible therapy for gastrointestinal submucosal tumours (SMTs) originating deep in the muscularis propria layer; however, Eo-EFTR is difficult to perform in a retroflexed fashion in the gastric fundus. As a supportive technique, clip- and snare-assisted traction may help expose the surgical field and shorten the operation time in endoscopic resection of difficult regions. However, the application of clip- and snare-assisted traction in Eo-EFTR of SMTs in the gastric fundus is limited. Between April 2018 and December 2021, Eo-EFTR with clip- and snare-assisted traction was performed in 20 patients with SMTs in the gastric fundus at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. The relevant clinical data were collected retrospectively for all of the patients and analysed. All 20 patients underwent Eo-EFTR successfully without conversion to open surgery or severe adverse events. The en bloc resection rate and R0 resection rate were both 100%. Two patients had abdominal pain and fever after the operation, and five patients had fever, which recovered with medical therapy. No complications, such as delayed bleeding or delayed perforation, were observed. The postoperative pathology indicated that 19 cases were gastrointestinal stromal tumours and one case was leiomyoma. During the follow-up, no residual tumour, local recurrence or distant metastasis was detected by endoscopy or abdominal computed tomography. In conclusion, Eo-EFTR with clip- and snare-assisted traction appears to be a relatively safe and effective treatment for gastric SMTs in the fundus. However, prospective studies on a larger sample size are required to verify the effect of the clip- and snare-assisted traction in Eo-EFTR.

A rare case of enlarged gastric heterotopic pancreas with retention cysts: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Gastric heterotopic pancreas (HP) is usually asymptomatic and benign; however, it may become evident when it is complicated by pathological changes such as inflammation, bleeding, and malignant transformation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 43-year old man was diagnosed with gastric HP 18 years prior suffered a haemorrhage from the enlarged gastric HP with multiple cystic lesions. Although endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration showed no malignancy, he underwent a partial gastrectomy for diagnosis and treatment. Postoperative histological findings revealed ectopic pancreatic tissue with retained cysts that consisted of dilated pancreatic ducts without malignancy.

DISCUSSION

This is a first report of enlarged gastric HP due to the expansion of retained cysts. Gastric HP is rarely enlarged by pathological changes including inflammation, retention cysts, or malignant neoplasms.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic enlarged gastric HP should be respected and further examined histologically to ensure diagnostic accuracy.

Difference in Perfusion Parameters Between Gastric Cancer and Gastric Stromal Tumors: Evaluation With Oral Contrast Plus Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography

Objective: To explore the difference of perfusion parameters between gastric cancer (GC) and gastric stromal tumors (GSTs) by using oral contrast plus contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (OC+CEUS).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 149 patients with histologically confirmed gastric lesions (80 patients with GC and 69 patients with GST). OC+CEUS was performed in all patients in the GC group and the GST group before surgery. The cine loops of OC+CEUS of all cases were analyzed. The perfusion parameters including arrival time (AT), time to peak (TTP), basal intensity (BI), and peak intensity (PI) were obtained via a program designed for autotracking contrast quantification (ACQ). The between-group differences in these parameters were compared.

Results: According to time-intensity curve (TIC) analysis, high-risk GST had higher PI than low-risk GST (P < 0.05). GC had faster AT and higher PI than normal gastric wall (P < 0.05); GST had higher PI than normal gastric wall (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the GC group had faster AT and higher PI than the GST group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the difference in BI and peak time (TTP) between the groups was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: AT and PI differ significantly between the GC group and the GST group. As a new method, OC+CEUS has value for the differential diagnosis of GC and GST.

Simultaneous resections of left lung cancer and esophageal schwannoma using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report

Esophageal schwannomas are extremely rare esophageal submucosal tumors. Herein, we report a case of simultaneous resection of left lung cancer and an esophageal schwannoma with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. An asymptomatic 74-year-old woman received a diagnosis of an esophageal submucosal tumor during the preoperative assessment of a left lung cancer. The esophageal submucosal tumor arose in the left wall of the lower esophagus, and the patient was diagnosed as having a schwannoma by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. She underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the simultaneous removal of both tumors. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Thoracoscopic surgery is less invasive than thoracotomy, and this allowed the patient to undergo simultaneous operations for two tumors.

Advanced gastric cancer with features of a submucosal tumor diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and boring biopsy preoperatively: A case report and literature review

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Gastric carcinoma with features of a submucosal tumor is a rare condition.

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Gastric carcinoma with features of a submucosal tumor has unique features.

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Tissue sampling must be performed if gastric malignant submucosal tumor is suspected.

Introduction

Gastric cancer with features of a submucosal tumor (GCSMT) is rare, and the preoperative diagnosis is very difficult. We present a case of GCSMT diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and boring biopsy (deeper biopsy), successfully treated with distal gastrectomy and lymph node dissection.

Presentation of case

An 81-year-old man with a history of myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital for further examination of a gastric submucosal tumor. Endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract showed a 30-mm submucosal tumor at the lower gastric body. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor located at the lower body of the stomach and pyloric lymph node swelling. EUS-FNA and boring biopsy from the tumor revealed adenocarcinoma. Accordingly, distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection was performed. Histopathological examination showed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Postoperative diagnosis was GCSMT with lymph node metastasis (T2, N1, M0, stage IIA).

Conclusion

We report a rare case of GCSMT with lymph node metastasis. Preoperative diagnosis of GCSMT is necessary to guide surgical management. EUS-FNA and boring biopsy could aid in obtaining adequate quantities of the specimens for histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis.

Present status and perspectives of endosonography 2017 in gastroenterology

Endoscopic ultrasound has become an essential tool in modern gastroenterology and abdominal surgery. Compared with all other endoscopic methods, it has the most potential for innovation and its future looks bright. Thus, we compiled this summary of established and novel applications of endoscopic ultrasound methods to inform the reader about what is already possible and where future developments will lead in improving patient care further. This review is structured in four parts. The first section reports on developments in diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound, the second looks at semi-invasive endoscopic ultrasound, and the third discusses advances in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. An overview on the future prospects of endoscopic ultrasound methods concludes this article.

Giant gastric lipoma presenting as GI bleed: Enucleation or Resection?

INTRODUCTION

Gastric lipomas are unusual benign lesions and account for less than 1% of all tumours of the stomach and 5% of all gastrointestinal lipomas (Thompson et al.2003; Fernandez et al. 1983 [1,2]). Although predominantly asymptomatic and indolent; they may present with gastric outlet obstruction and upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding owing to size and ulceration. Only a few cases have been reported, presenting large in size with massive GI bleeding (Alcalde Escribano et al. 1989; Johnson et al. 1981 [3,4]).

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the case of a 62-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department with massive upper GI hemorrhage. He was initially resuscitated and stabilized. Later gastroscopy showed a large submucosal tumour (Fig. 1). Biopsy revealed adipose tissue. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a huge well defined oval soft tissue lesion measuring about 16×8×8cm. The mass noted a homogenous fat density arising from the posterior wall of stomach with no extramural infiltration (Fig. 2). The tumour was completely enucleated through an explorative gastrotomy incision (Fig. 4).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Massive bleeding secondary to a giant gastric lipoma is a rare finding of a rare disease. The majority of cases in the literature result in major gastric resection. Familiarity with its radiological findings and a high index of suspicion can lead to proper diagnosis in the acute setting. If malignancy is carefully ruled out, stomach preserving surgery is an optimal treatment option.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic local resection for gastric submucosal tumors: a single-center experience of 266 patients

Background

Laparoscopic resections for submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the stomach have been developed rapidly over the past decade. Several types of laparoscopic methods for gastric SMTs have been created. We assessed the short-term outcomes of two commonly used types of laparoscopic local resection (LLR) for gastric SMTs and reported our findings.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological results of 266 patients with gastric SMTs whom underwent LLR between January 2006 and September 2016. 228 of these underwent laparoscopic exogastric wedge resection (LEWR), the remaining 38 patients with the tumors near the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) or antrum underwent laparoscopic transgastric resection (LTR).

Results

All the patients underwent laparoscopic resections successfully. The mean operation times of LEWR and LTR were 90.2 ± 37.2 min and 101.7 ± 38.5 min respectively. The postoperative length of hospital stays for LEWR and LTR were 5.1 ± 2.1 days and 5.3 ± 1.7 days respectively. There was a low complication rate (4.4%) and zero mortality in our series.

Conclusion

ELWR is technically feasible therapy of gastric SMTs. LTR is secure and effective for gastric intraluminal SMTs located near the EGJ or antrum.

Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Esophagus Resected by Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Solitary fibrous tumor is one of the most common soft tissue benign tumors that occur in adults, but it rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and even more infrequently occurs in the esophagus. Only 4 cases of esophageal solitary fibrous tumors have been reported in PubMed using the search terms "solitary fibrous tumor" and "esophagus". These cases were all treated using surgical methods. Thus, we report a case of primary solitary fibrous tumor of the esophagus treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was well tolerated in this patient, suggesting that it may be a therapeutic option for primary giant esophageal neoplasms.

Evaluation of transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric ultrasound contrast agent for gastric cancer

Background

With the remarkable improvements in ultrasound equipment, transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric ultrasound contrast agent (TUS-OCCA) has recently been suggested to be effective in initial screening of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of TUS-OCCA for gastric cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients with gastric cancers who underwent resection in our hospital were enrolled. Before the lesion was resected, TUS-OCCA examination was performed by a skilled examiner who was blinded to the site, size, and endoscopy diagnosis of the lesion. TUS-OCCA findings were compared with those of endoscopy and pathological diagnoses as the gold standard.

Results

There were a total of 288 consecutive patients enrolled in the study, including 228 with advanced gastric cancers (T2–T4 stage), 50 with early gastric cancer (26 with stage T1b and 24 with stage T1a), and 10 with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. TUS-OCCA had a detection rate of 100 % (228/228) for advanced gastric cancers, 77 % (20/26) for stage T1b, 67 % (16/24) for stage T1a, and 60 % (6/10) for high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. The majority of patients with undetectable neoplasms using TUS-OCCA were obese (body mass index, 28.7–31.8 kg/m²). The overall accuracy of TUS-OCCA in determining the T stage of gastric cancer was 77.3 % (62.5 % for T1a, 70 % for T1b, 71.1 % for T2, 85.2 % for T3, and 73.3 % for T4).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that TUS-OCCA achieved a high detection rate for gastric cancers and was useful in assessing the degree of gastric cancer invasion.

Factors associated with endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric submucosal tumors

Objective

To identify factors that impact the procedure and treatment outcomes for endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs).

Methods

Medical records were collected for all patients with gastric SMTs who underwent EFTR procedures in Shengjing Hospital between June 2012 and April 2014. The data from each patient were reviewed, including gender, age, maximum tumor size on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), tumor location in stomach, length of EFTR procedure, pneumoperitoneum during EFTR, cost to close defects, length of hospital stay after the procedure, and procedure-related complications.

Results

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric SMTs was successfully performed in all 41 patients. Maximum size on EUS [parameter estimate (PE) = 4.443, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.191–6.695; p = 0.000] and tumor location in the greater curvature (PE = 44.441, 95 % CI 5.539–83.343; p = 0.026) were significantly associated with the length of the procedure. A pneumoperitoneum was more likely to occur during EFTR in tumors with a larger EUS size [odds ratio (OR) = 1.415, 95 % CI 1.034–1.936; p = 0.03], and less likely to occur during EFTR for tumors located in the posterior wall (OR = 0.003, 95 % CI 0–0.351; p = 0.017). The use of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays (PE = −1.006, 95 % CI −1.998 to −0.014; p = 0.047) and a higher cost of closing defects (PE = 854.742, 95 % CI 358.377–1351.107; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Endoscopic full-thickness resection is an effective and safe method for removing gastric SMTs. Tumor size on EUS and location of the tumor were associated with the duration of EFTR and the occurrence of a pneumoperitoneum during the procedure. The use of an OTSC system was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays and a higher cost of closing defects.

Schwannoma-A Rare Subepithelial Lesion of the Colon

Schwannoma is a benign tumor arising from Schwann cells that form the neural sheath. Primary schwannoma of the colon is rare and a few cases have been reported. We report a case of schwannoma of the colon and present the differential diagnosis that must be considered in the evaluation of colonic subepithelial lesions.

Clinical observations on the treatment of prolapsing hemorrhoids with tissue selecting therapy

AIM: To compare the effects and postoperative complications between tissue selecting therapy stapler (TST) and Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (M-M).

METHODS: Four hundred and eighty patients with severe prolapsing hemorrhoids, who were admitted to the Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital between 2009 and 2012, were randomly divided into observation (n = 240) and control (n = 240) groups. Hemorrhoidectomies were performed with TST in the observation group and with the M-M technique in the control group. The therapeutic effects, operation security, and postoperative complications in the two groups were compared. The immediate and long-term complications were assessed according to corresponding criteria. Pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale. The efficacy was assessed by specialized criteria. The follow-up was conducted one year after the operation.

RESULTS: The total effective rates of the observation and control groups were 99.5% (217/218) and 98.6% (218/221) respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.322). Their were significant differences between observation and control groups in intraoperative blood loss (5.07 ± 1.14 vs 2.45 ± 0.57, P = 0.000), pain (12 h after the surgery: 5.08 ± 1.62 vs 7.19 ± 2.01, P = 0.000; at first dressing change: 2.64 ± 0.87 vs 4.34 ± 1.15, P = 0.000; first defecation: 3.91 ± 1.47 vs 5.63 ± 1.98, P = 0.001), urine retention (n = 22 vs n = 47, P = 0.001), anal pendant expansion after the surgery (2.35 ± 0.56 vs 5.16 ± 1.42, P = 0.000), operation time (18.3 ± 5.6 min vs 29.5 ± 8.2 min, P = 0.000), and the length of hospital stay (5.3 ± 0.6 d vs 11.4 ± 1.8 d, P = 0.000). Moreover TST showed significant reductions compared to M-M in the rates of long-term complications such as fecal incontinence (n = 3 vs n = 16, P = 0.003), difficult bowel movement (n = 1 vs n = 9, P = 0.011), intractable pain (n = 2 vs n = 12, P = 0.007), and anal discharge (n = 3 vs n = 23, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: TST for severe prolapsing hemorrhoids is a satisfactory technique for more rapid recovery, lower complication rates, and higher operation security.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection with defect closure using an over-the-scope clip for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria

Background

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a mini-invasive technique for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria, which enables a full-thickness resection of tumors and can provide a complete basis for pathological diagnosis. Gastric fistula closure after EFTR is a challenge for endoscopists. In this study, we introduced EFTR with fistula closure using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria.

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of fistula closure with OTSC by a retrospective analysis on the cases of EFTR with defect closure using OTSC for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria in our hospital.

Methods

The patients were selected who underwent EFTR for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria (tumor diameter ≤2 cm) in our hospital from October 2013 to March 2014. After a full-thickness resection of tumors, the bilateral gastric mucous membranes of defect were clamped using twin graspers and then drawn into the transparent cap of OTSC, and the OTSC was released to close the defect after full suctioning. The success rate of defect closure with OTSC was observed, and the endoscopic follow-up was performed at 1 week, 1 and 6 months after operation to check OTSC closure.

Results

Totally 23 patients were included into the study. The full-thickness resection rate of gastric tumors in the muscularis propria was 100 % (23/23), the success rate of defect closure was 100 %, and the average time of defect closure was 4.9 min (range 2–12 min). All patients experienced no postoperative complications such as bleeding and perforation. The postoperative follow-up time was 1–6 months (mean 3 months), and no OTSC detachment was found.

Conclusions

OTSC can be used to perform EFTR with defect closure for gastric tumors in the muscularis propria (tumor diameter ≤2 cm). It is simple, convenient, safe and effective.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-015-4076-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Endoscopic versus open resection for small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: safety and outcomes

Endoscopic resection has been performed to treat small gastric neoplasms. However, this technique for small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) remains controversial. This study aims to compare the safety and surgical outcomes of endoscopic versus open resection of small gastric GISTs.The medical records of 54 consecutive gastric GISTs patients with tumor size of ≤2 cm, who were surgically treated with endoscopic resection (endoscopic group) or open surgery (laparotomy group) in a single institution from March 2010 to June 2014, were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical and tumor characteristics, surgical safety, and tumor-related outcomes were evaluated.Of 54 patients, 32 and 22 patients underwent endoscopic resection and laparotomy, respectively. Patients who underwent endoscopic resection yielded a significantly shorter hospital stay compared with patients who underwent laparotomy (P < 0.001). Compared with patients in the endoscopic group, patients in the laparotomy group had more intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001), had longer nasogastric tube retention (P < 0.001), and required longer operative time (P < 0.001). More laparotomy patients required postoperative analgesic drugs than those in the endoscopic group (n = 9 vs 4; P = 0.016). Gastric perforation occurred in 1 case during operation in the endoscopic group. Patients who underwent these 2 procedures did not differ with respect to tumor size (P = 0.168), perioperative transfusion (P = 1.000), reoperation (P = 1.000), early satiety (P = 0.560), and postoperative bleeding (P = 1.000). With a median follow-up time of 34.5 months, 1 high-risk patient in each group experienced tumor recurrence/metastasis postoperatively.The endoscopic procedure allows safe resection with good surgical outcomes for small gastric GISTs compared with laparotomy. Moreover, larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm endoscopic application for small gastric GISTs.

Management of isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection

AIM: To evaluate our experience of the clinical management of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD).

METHODS: From January 2008 to July 2013, 18 patients with ISMAD were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 patients who received conservative therapy, 9 patients who received reconstruction with bare stents, and 2 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The decision to intervene was based on anatomic suitability, patient comorbidities and symptoms.

RESULTS: Intestinal ischemia-related symptoms completely resolved in 7 patients who received conservative therapy. Stent placement was successful in 9 patients. Of the 9 patients who received endovascular stenting, abdominal pain was alleviated after the procedure and gradually disappeared within 3 d. Follow-up computed tomography and computed tomography angiography were available in all patients during the first month and the first year after the procedure, which revealed patent stent and patent involved superior mesenteric artery branches with complete obliteration of the dissection lesion. In the 2 patients who underwent surgical treatment, good clinical efficacy was also observed.

CONCLUSION: ISMAD may be managed successfully in a variety of ways based on the clinical symptoms. ISMAD should be treated by conservative management as the first-line option, however, in those with bowel necrosis or imminent arterial rupture during conservative therapy, endovascular or surgical therapy is indicated.

Lipoma of the small intestine treated with endoscopic resection

We report a case of lipoma of the small intestine that was treated by endoscopic resection. A 79-year-old man who complained of tarry stool was diagnosed as having jejunal tumor at a neighboring clinic. Computed tomography (CT) and enteroscopy demonstrated an ulcerating jejunal mass. Because the tumor was considered to be the source of bleeding, we removed it under double-balloon endoscopy with a SB knife without any procedure-related complications. Histological examination revealed that the tumor was composed of mature adipose tissue, compatible with lipoma. SB knife, a scissors-type device for submucosal dissection, may be more appropriate than snare polypectomy for removal of small bowel tumors, because it can control bleeding readily and satisfactorily. Our experience suggests that submucosal dissection may be an appropriate procedure for removal of lipomas of the intestine. Endoscopic resection with SB knife and double-balloon endoscopy is a potential option to avoid surgical resection in the management of tumors of the small intestine.

The role of hemoclips reinforcement in the ligation-assisted endoscopic enucleation for small GISTs in gastric fundus

Background. Endoscopic ultrasonography- (EUS-) assisted band ligation has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) apart from the relatively high risk of the postligation perforation of the gastric fundus. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of hemoclip reinforcement in treating small GISTs in the gastric fundus. Method. During a standard endoscopy, a transparent cap attached to the endoscopic tip was placed over the lesion to exert sustained maximal aspiration before a rubber band was released. Once a definite ligation was confirmed by EUS, the tumor was enucleated. Four to 6 hemoclips were placed on the folds around the ligation band to reduce the tension of the ligation site. Results. The small GISTs were resected completely in 192 patients. Two cases of delayed perforation were found 72 hours after the procedure and successfully treated with an ordinary conservative method. Conclusion. Hemoclip-reinforced endoscopic band ligation with systematic follow-up using EUS appears to be a simple and effective technique for the resection of small GISTs in the gastric fundus.