A Rare Gastric Subepithelial Lesion Removed through Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection: Case Report and Literature Review

Gastric subepithelial lesions are common. However, their diagnosis and management can pose a challenge. Herein, we present the case of a 49-year-old man who was incidentally discovered to have a gastric subepithelial lesion that increased in size during follow-up. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection was performed, and the tumor was successfully removed en bloc. The pathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a gastric globus tumor. Although rare, glomus tumors should be considered when gastric subepithelial lesions are discovered. Resection with an endoscopic technique can be used to preserve the stomach and can be considered an alternative to surgical removal. However, such procedures should only be performed by experienced therapeutic endoscopists.

Suitability and efficacy of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for the treatment of giant leiomyoma in the middle and lower esophagus

Esophageal leiomyoma constitutes the majority of benign esophageal tumors, and detection rates are increasing. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) is a new technique developed to treat patients with esophageal leiomyoma, but the viability of STER for treating giant esophageal leiomyoma (GEL), particularly in the lower esophagus and close to the cardia, requires verification. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of STER for the treatment of GEL. From January 2016 to April 2018, 10 patients underwent STER and endoscopic ultrasonography at the Endoscopic Center in Jianyang People's Hospital, and were found with histopathologically confirmed esophageal leiomyoma >3 cm. These cases were reviewed for successful excision, postoperative complications, and tumor recurrence. Seven of the 10 patients were men. Diagnoses of esophageal leiomyoma and negative resection margins were postoperatively confirmed in all 10 patients. All GELs were successfully excised. The mean operative time was 70.3 min (range, 28-100 min). The largest resected tumor was 14 cm. No adverse event occurred, and no delayed bleeding or associated infection. The patients were given postoperative conservative treatment and discharged. The mean hospitalization was 5.8 days (range, 3-10 d). During the scheduled follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-STER, patients reported neither abdominal discomfort nor pain. No recurrent esophageal leiomyoma was detected at the follow-ups 3 months or longer following STER. STER is an effective and safe endoscopic resection technique for treating patients with GEL. Men may be at greater risk than women of developing GEL.

Comparing about three types of endoscopic therapy methods for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer

Background: Endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE), endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) have been widely applied to upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer in recent years. But until now, there are few studies that comparing the efficacy and safety of three endoscopic therapy methods.Method: From January 2013 to August 2018, a total of 218 patients with SMTs who underwent ESE, EFTR or STER were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinicopathological characteristics, endoscopic features, complication and follow-up data were analyzed.Result: There were 114 patients underwent ESE, 61 underwent EFTR and 43 underwent STER, respectively. The en bloc and complete resection rates in STER group (83.7% and 90.0%) were significantly lower and postoperative complication rate (62.8%) was significantly higher than those of the other 2 methods. Furthermore, for lesions <40 mm, no significant differences were found in the en bloc rate, complete rate and postoperative complication rate among 3 methods. The perforation rate decreased in the order of EFTR (100%), ESE (23.7%), STER (7.0%). The median number of clips, fasting time and hospital stay were lowest in ESE group (5, 2 days, and 7 days). And the cost was highest in EFTR group ($4993.1). There were no differences in the bleeding and recurrence rates among three groups.Conclusion: For SMTs <40 mm, the efficacy among 3 ER methods are comparative. The choice of ER methods mainly based on the comprehensive consideration of lesion size, location, growth pattern and clinical experience of endoscopists. For benign SMTs ≥40 mm in stomach, ESE and EFTR becomes alternative choices.

Submucosal 1-tunnel endoscopic resection for treating upper gastrointestinal multiple submucosal tumor originating from the muscularis propria layer: A report of 12 cases

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of submucosal 1-tunnel endoscopic resection (1-tunnel STER) for the treatment of multiple upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (GI-SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer.A total of 12 patients with multiple upper GI-SMTs (no less than 2 SMTs) who underwent 1-tunnel STER from April 2013 to October 2017 were included. Clinical data on general characteristics, operation-related parameters, adverse events, and follow-up results were recorded and analyzed.All 12 patients underwent 1-tunnel STER successfully, and the mean operation time was 92.1 ± 40.8 minutes. A total of 30 SMTs were resected, out of which 27 were in the esophagus and 3 were in the stomach. The mean diameter was 15.0 ± 8.2 mm (range, 3-38 mm). All the SMTs were resected en bloc uneventfully. The SMTs comprised 28 leiomyomas and 2 gastric stromal tumors (low risk). No recurrence was noticed during a mean follow-up of 24.9 ± 15.3 months (range, 1-52 months).One-tunnel STER may serve as a feasible and effective technique for the treatment of multiple upper GI-SMTs originating from the MP layer. A large-scale prospective study is warranted for a confirmative conclusion.

Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection for Large and Irregular Submucosal Tumors Originating from Muscularis Propria Layer in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

BACKGROUND

The majority of submucosal tumors (SMTs) are benign. However, large SMTs with irregular outer shapes are proved to harbor a higher risk for malignancy. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) has emerged as a feasible technique for resecting SMTs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of STER for large and irregular SMTs with a diameter no <35 mm originating from the muscularis propria layer, and to share the technical skills of STER for complete and en bloc resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reported 10 cases in which the new technique of STER was performed to remove large and irregular SMTs with a diameter no <35 mm of upper gastrointestinal tract in our hospital between April 2014 and April 2017.

RESULTS

All 10 (100%) patients underwent STER successfully, with a mean operation time of 156 minutes. Among the 10 SMTs, 3 (30%) were located in the esophagus, 7 (70%) were in the cardia. All the SMTs had a maximum diameter no <35 mm, ranging from 35 to 100 mm. The mean size was 57.2 mm. En bloc resection was achieved in 8 (80%) of the tumors. Only two (20%) of the SMTs were resected into more than one piece. Complication occurred in 1 (10%) of the patients as a representation of pneumothorax. No recurrence was noted during a median follow-up of 15 months.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, STER may be an effective and safe technique resecting large and irregular SMTs with a diameter no >40 mm in transverse diameter and no >100 mm in longitudinal diameter.

Giant gastric lipoma successfully removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection: case report and systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Gastric lipomas are rare adipose tumors that constitute less than 1% of gastric tumors. While lipomas generally do not need removal unless symptomatic, endoscopic resection has been proposed as safe for gastric lipomas smaller than 2 cm. Yet, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment method for larger lipomas. We report a case of a giant 7-cm gastric lipoma successfully removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and systematically review the literature for gastric lipomas removed by ESD.

METHODS

Systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus databases, up to 15 February 2018, using combinations of relevant terms.

RESULTS

We report a 55-year-old male with known gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma, who sought medical attention due to chronic heartburn and asthma exacerbations. These symptoms were attributed to a large 7 cm × 3 cm gastric lipoma that caused gastric outlet obstruction. The lipoma was safely removed by ESD, allowing quick recovery and alleviation of symptoms. In our review, we identified 20 gastric lipomas treated with ESD, with 15 (75%) being 2 cm or larger. The average size of the lipomas was 4 cm (range: 1.2-9 cm). All lipomas were limited to the submucosa, with 80% of the tumors located in the antrum. Three lipomas were removed by submucosal tunneling. All tumors were successfully removed en bloc and no major complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the conclusion that ESD may be a safe alternative to conventional surgery for removal of large symptomatic gastric lipomas.

Recent Advances in Third-Space Endoscopy

The capabilities of interventional gastrointestinal endoscopy have significantly increased over the past several decades. Improvements in devices and techniques have eased the transfer of novel concepts from bench to bedside. The concept of submucosal endoscopy with mucosal flap safety valve has enabled endoscopists to securely use submucosal space, or third space. Peroral endoscopic myotomy was the initial procedure performed utilizing submucosal space in patients with achalasia. Subsequently, this technique has been used successfully for removal of subepithelial tumors from the esophagus and the stomach. All third-space endoscopy procedures use a similar technique-a submucosal tunnel is created, and then a myotomy is performed or a subepithelial tumor is dissected away from the initial site of the mucosal incision. The other potential indications for third-space endoscopy include refractory gastroparesis, Zenker diverticulum, and restoration of completely obstructed esophageal lumen. Although the emerging data look promising for peroral endoscopic myotomy and pyloromyotomy, randomized studies with long-term follow-up are lacking. Submucosal endoscopy is largely safe, and the occurrence of major adverse events is uncommon. Therefore, the majority of third-space endoscopy procedures can be performed in an endoscopy suite. The most frequently encountered adverse events during submucosal endoscopy include those related to insufflation, bleeding, and perforations.

Current status of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for gastrointestinal submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer

Gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs) have been increasingly identified via the use of endoscopic ultrasonography, and removal is often recommended for SMTs that are >2 cm in diameter or symptomatic. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER), also known as submucosal endoscopic tumor resection, endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection or tunneling endoscopic muscularis dissection, is a novel endoscopic technique for treating gastrointestinal SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer, and has been demonstrated to be effective in the removal of SMTs with a decreased rate of recurrence by clinical studies. STER may be performed for patients with esophageal or cardia SMTs, and its application has expanded beyond these types of SMTs due to modifications to the technique. The present study reviewed the applications, procedure, efficacy and complications associated with STER.

Endoscopic resection of gastric submucosal tumors: A comparison of endoscopic nontunneling with tunneling resection and a systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIM

Endoscopic tunneling resection is a relatively novel endoscopic technology for removing gastric submucosal tumors. Our study aimed to compare the differences between tunneling and nontunneling resection for gastric submucosal tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Resections of gastric submucosal tumors (n = 97) performed from 2010 to 2015 at our endoscopy center were reviewed, and PubMed was searched for clinical studies on gastric submucosal tumor resection by endoscopic nontunneling and tunneling techniques.

RESULTS

At our endoscopy center, nontunneling (Group 1) and tunneling resection (Group 2) were performed for 78 and 19 submucosal tumors, respectively; median tumor diameters were 15 and 20 mm (P = 0.086), median procedural times were 50 and 75 min (P = 0.017), successful resection rates were 94.9% (74/78) and 89.5% (17/19) (P = 0.334), and en bloc resection rates were 95.9% (71/74) and 94.1% (16/17) (P = 0.569) in the Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Postoperative fever, delayed hemorrhage and perforation, hospitalization time, and hospitalization expense were statistically similar between the 2 groups. A literature review on gastric submucosal tumor resection suggested that the en bloc resection rates of the two methods for tumors with a median diameter of 15-30 mm were also high, and there were no relapses during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Both endoscopic nontunneling and tunneling resection seem to be effective and safe methods for removing relatively small gastric submucosal tumors. Compared with endoscopic nontunneling, tunneling resection does not seem to have distinct advantages for gastric submucosal tumors, and has a longer mean operative time.

Submucosal tunnelling endoscopic resection (STER) for the treatment of a case of huge esophageal tumor arising in the muscularis propria: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic Interventional Treatment is of little trauma and less complications in the treatment of esophageal tumor and leads to faster recovery and fewer days of hospitalization. This study was aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic interventional therapy for huge esophageal tumor arising in the muscularis propria.

METHODS

The patient was treated by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER).

RESULTS

The huge esophageal tumor was resected completely by STER technique, with little trauma and less complications. The size of the resected tumor was 5.5×3.5×3.0 cm.

CONCLUSION

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection is a safe and efficient technique for treating Huge Esophageal Tumor originating from muscularis propria layer.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for simultaneous esophageal and cardia submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer (with video)

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) is a new treatment technique for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMT) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer. In contrast to conventional endoscopic resection, the new therapy can maintain the mucosal integrity of the digestive tract, which effectively prevents mediastinitis and peritonitis. STER, although a known method, has not been widely adopted because of technical difficulties. Here, we describe the case of a 30-year-old patient presenting with two separate SMT originating from the esophageal and cardia MP layer. A 2-cm longitudinal mucosal incision was made approximately 5 cm proximal to the esophageal SMT, and the esophageal and cardia SMT were dissected successively in the same submucosal tunnel. In the relevant literature, this is the first case of STER for resecting esophageal and cardia SMT using the same submucosal tunnel.