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.     

Clinical outcomes of cap-assisted endoscopic resection for small rectal subepithelial tumors

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic resection and the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for managing small rectal subepithelial tumors (SETs).Patients and methodsPatients with small rectal SETs ≤ 10 mm in diameter were enrolled in this study at our hospital from October 2014 to December 2017. First, EUS was performed to evaluate the lesions. Then, cap-assisted endoscopic resection was performed by suctioning the SET into a transparent cap, ligating with a metal snare and then resecting the tumor. The wound was closed using endoclips if necessary.ResultsForty patients were enrolled in the study. EUS showed lesions originating from muscularis mucosa or submucosa with an average diameter of 5.4 × 3.1 mm. The en bloc resection rate was 85.0% obtained by cap-assisted endoscopic resection, with a mean total procedure time of 17.6 min. No immediate perforation happened. Immediate bleeding occurred in five patients; all cases were managed successfully by endoscopy. No delayed bleeding was observed. Pathology examination showed that 70.0% of the lesions were neuroendocrine tumors (G1). One case of recurrence was seen in follow-up; it was managed successfully by endoscopic submucosal dissection. There was no tumor recurrence in a median follow-up period of 41 months in the remaining 39 patients.ConclusionsMost small rectal SETs arising from the muscularis mucosa or submucosa are neuroendocrine tumors and require proper treatment. Cap-assisted endoscopic resection is simple, effective and safe for resecting such lesions, and EUS is useful for case screening.     

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for treating early gastric cancer: Comparison with endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting (EMR-P)

BackgroundTo achieve en bloc resection for large lesions, endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting and endoscopic submucosal dissection techniques have been developed.AimTo compare endoscopic submucosal dissection with endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting in terms of the clinical efficacy and safety.Patients and methods346 consecutive patients underwent their first endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting (103 patients) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (243 patients) for early gastric cancer and their clinical outcomes were compared.ResultsFor early gastric cancer ≥20 mm endoscopic submucosal dissection group demonstrated significantly higher en bloc resection and en bloc plus R0 resection rate compared with endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting group. For early gastric cancer with size of 10–19 mm, endoscopic submucosal dissection group also showed significantly higher en bloc resection rate. For early gastric cancer <20 mm, however, en bloc plus R0 resection rate for endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting group was comparable to that for endoscopic submucosal dissection group. In case of R0 resection of intramucosal differentiated cancer, neither group showed local recurrence during the median 29 and 17 months of follow-up. Two groups did not show significant difference in the bleeding or perforation rates.ConclusionFor early gastric cancer <20 mm endoscopic mucosal resection after circumferential precutting may be considered as an alternative choice to endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, for early gastric cancer ≥20 mm endoscopic submucosal dissection should be considered as the first choice for treating early gastric cancer.     

A randomised study of hydro-jet vs. needle injection for lifting colorectal lesions prior to endoscopic resection

BackgroundSubmucosal lifting of lesions prior to endoscopic resection is crucial to reduce complications and improve the technical feasibility of the procedure.AimTo compare a self-assembled hydro-jet system vs. standard needle injection for tissue elevation prior to endoscopic resection of colorectal lesions.MethodsRandomised study performed at a single tertiary care institution. Consecutive patients with colonoscopic diagnosis of sessile polyps or non-polypoid lesions >5 mm or laterally spreading tumours. Outcome measures: successful elevation, time to proper elevation, completeness of excision, cautery damage, and general histological diagnostic quality (blinded pathologic assessment).Results79 patients were randomised to hydro-jet (40 patients, group A) and needle (39 patients, group B) elevation. Successful elevation was achieved in 97.5% and 94.8%, respectively. Time to proper elevation was 8 ± 5 s vs. 18 ± 3 s (p < 0.05). In group A, histology showed selective accumulation of fluid in the submucosa with intact collagen fibres. Damage to muscularis mucosa was never noted in the specimens of group A and in 7 cases of group B (p < 0.01). Artefacts from “cautery effect” were very limited. Radial margins of resection could be adequately evaluated in all cases and were negative.ConclusionsThe hydro-jet system is as effective and safe as standard needle injection for tissue elevation prior to endoscopic resection of colorectal lesions, but it is significantly faster.     

Long-term outcome of early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection: Expanded indication is comparable to absolute indication

BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection has become widely used for early gastric cancer with an expanded indication, although there is no strong consensus. We aimed to compare the clinical and long-term oncological outcome after endoscopic submucosal dissection according to indication.MethodsRetrospective review of 1152 patients with 1175 lesions who had undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer at tertiary educational hospital in Korea, between March 2005 and November 2011. Of these, 366 and 565 lesions were included in the absolute and expanded indication groups, respectively.ResultsEn bloc resection rates were not significantly different between the absolute and expanded indication groups. The complete resection rate was higher in the absolute indication group versus the expanded indication group (94.8% vs. 89.9%, respectively; P = 0.008). In the expanded indication group, complete resection rate was higher in the differentiated versus undifferentiated tumour subgroups (92.9% vs. 78.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). Recurrence rates were 7.7% in the absolute indication group vs. 9.3% in the expanded indication group (P = 0.524). Disease-free survival was not significantly different between the two indication groups (P = 0.634).ConclusionsEndoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer with expanded indication is a feasible approach to disease management. Periodic endoscopic follow-up is necessary to detect cancer recurrence.     

Endolifter,una nueva herramienta para una segura y rápida disección endoscópica submucosa

BackgroundThe effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is similar to that of surgery in the treatment of early lesions. The technique requires a high level of technical skill. Training on biologic models and the mastering of accessories facilitate ESD.AimsThe aim was to evaluate the usefulness of the Endolifter in facilitating tissue exposure during ESD in an in vivo porcine model performed at the experimental surgery laboratory of the School of Medicine at the Universidad de São Paulo in Brazil.Material and methodA study with an experimental design employing an in vivo porcine model was conducted on 5 Yorkshire pigs weighing 20-25 kg. ESDs were performed using the Endolifter. Mucosal layer dissection was carried out with a dual knife and IT knife and all the endoscopic procedures were performed by a single expert endoscopist.ResultsA total of 25 ESDs were performed, with a technical success rate of 100%. The mean dissection time was 12.34 min (range: 10.40-14.50  min) and the mean lesion size was 2.7 cm (range: 2.3-3.2 cm). There were no episodes of bleeding or perforations during the procedures.ConclusionsThe Endolifter enables rapid and effective ESDs to be carried out. It is an applicable and easy-to-use device that can be manipulated by a single operator.     

Safe endoscopic treatment of large colonic lipomas using endoscopic looping technique

PurposeColonic lipomas are benign, submucosal tumours that are usually asymptomatic. Typically, they are incidentally diagnosed during colonoscopy. Due to a low prevalence, the natural history of lipomas remains largely unknown. While large (>2 cm) lesions can cause symptoms and complications, their endoscopic treatment is not routinely recommended because of prior reports of a high rate of perforation.MethodsWe used a standardized technique of polypectomy, using endoscopic looping to resect large colonic lipomas in 8 patients and followed their clinical outcomes.ResultsThe mean lipoma size was 3.8 ± 1.2 cm (range 2.5–6 cm). No patient developed bleeding or perforation. On follow-up (mean = 13.5 months, range 2–29), there was one small residual lesion.ConclusionColonic lipomas larger than 2 cm can be safely and efficaciously removed using endoloop assisted polypectomy technique.     

Comparative performance of novel solutions for submucosal injection in porcine stomachs: An ex vivo study

BackgroundSubmucosal injection of normal saline (NS) is commonly used during endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) but is quickly absorbed. Sodium hyaluronate (SH) produces longer lasting mucosal elevation but is expensive.AimsTo evaluate the performance of novel solutions for submucosal injection in comparison with NS and SH.MethodsOne ml of the following solutions was injected in the submucosa of fresh specimens of porcine stomachs: NaCl 0.9%, SH 0.4%, human albumin 25%, two artificial tears solutions, namely, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 0.3%/dextran 70.1% and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 1.4%, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 6% and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 50%. The time until the disappearance of the mucosal elevation was recorded in a blind manner.ResultsThe median duration of mucosal elevation was significantly longer with HPMC/dextran, PVA, HES, PEG and SH (29, 26, 38, 31.5, and 41.5 min, respectively) compared with NS (12 min) (p < 0.05 for each comparison). There were no significant time differences between SH and HPMC/dextran, HES and PEG (p > 0.05).ConclusionsNovel viscous or hypertonic solutions for submucosal injection, perform better than normal saline and equally well as sodium hyaluronate in porcine stomachs in vitro.     

Endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric submucosal tumors arising from the muscularis propria layer

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) arising from the muscularis propria.METHODS: A total of 35 gastric SMTs arising from the muscularis propria layer were resected by EFR between January 2010 and September 2013. EFR consists of five major steps: injecting normal saline into the submucosa; pre-cutting the mucosal and submucosal layers around the lesion; making a circumferential incision as deep as the muscularis propria around the lesion using endoscopic submucosal dissection and an incision into the serosal layer around the lesion with a Hook knife; a full-thickness resection of the tumor, including the serosal layer with a Hook or IT knife; and closing the gastric wall with metallic clips.RESULTS: Of the 35 gastric SMTs, 14 were located at the fundus, and 21 at the corpus. EFR removed all of the SMTs successfully, and the complete resection rate was 100%. The mean operation time was 90 min (60-155 min), the mean hospitalization time was 6.0 d (4-10 d), and the mean tumor size was 2.8 cm (2.0-4.5 cm). Pathological examination confirmed the presence of gastric stromal tumors in 25 patients, leiomyomas in 7 and gastric autonomous nerve tumors in 2. No gastric bleeding, peritonitis or abdominal abscess occurred after EFR. Postoperative contrast roentgenography on the third day detected no contrast extravasation into the abdominal cavity. The mean follow-up period was 6 mo, with no lesion residue or recurrence noted.CONCLUSION: EFR is efficacious, safe and minimally invasive for patients with gastric SMTs arising from the muscularis propria layer. This technique is able to resect deep gastric lesions while providing precise pathological information about the lesion. With the development of EFR, the indications of endoscopic resection might be extended.     

Feasibility of electrocautery snaring as the final step of endoscopic submucosal dissection for stomach epithelial neoplasms

BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a novel endoluminal technique that permits the resection of gastric neoplasms.AimTo analyse the feasibility of snaring as the final step of ESD.Patients and methodsOne hundred and ninety-nine consecutive gastric neoplasms resected by four ESD experts from January 2004 to May 2007 were investigated. Forty-five (22.6%) were finally resected finally using a snare. Rates of en bloc resection, complete (R0 plus en bloc) resection, mean operation time, and complications were assessed between the snaring and the non-snaring groups.ResultsEn bloc resection rate was significantly lower and delayed bleeding rate was significantly higher in the snaring group than in the non-snaring group (91.1% [41/45] vs. 100% [154/154], 11.1% [5/45] vs. 1.9% [3/154], respectively), although complete resection rate (86.7% [39/45] vs. 92.9% [143/154]) and mean operation time (70.2 min vs. 75.8 min) were not significantly different between the two groups. Six perforation cases (3 [6.7%] in the snaring group, 3 [1.9%] in the non-snaring group) were observed, but snaring did not lead to perforation in any case. When the subjects were divided into small (≤2 cm) and large (>2 cm) tumours, en bloc resection rate in large tumours was still significantly different between the groups (76.9% [10/13] vs. 100% [67/67]), whereas in small tumours it was no longer significantly different (96.9% [31/32] vs. 100% [87/87]).ConclusionsSnaring may facilitate successful ESD for smaller tumours, but multiple-piece resection should be taken into account especially for larger tumours.     

环扫超声内镜术前评估对食管上皮下肿物内镜治疗的意义

目的探讨环扫超声内镜(EUS)术前评估对食管上皮下肿物内镜治疗的意义。方法选取内镜发现食管上皮下肿物并行内镜下或外科手术治疗的患者30例,麻醉状态下行环扫EUS术前评估。食管上皮下肿物内镜下治疗可选择不同内镜下手术方式,黏膜肌层病变非气管插管麻醉行内镜下黏膜切除术(endoscopic mucosal resection,EMR);黏膜下层、固有肌层病变气管插管麻醉行内镜黏膜下隧道肿瘤切除术(submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection,STER)或外科手术。结果20例术后诊断为黏膜肌层病变中,19例术前环扫EUS明确诊断,1例术前诊断为固有肌层病变;8例术后诊断为固有肌层病变及2例黏膜下层病变中,术前环扫EUS均明确诊断。Weighted Kappa评价显示,点估计0.92268,95%CI估计0.77431~1.00000,提示环扫EUS诊断与术后内镜下诊断一致性优秀。结论环扫EUS对食管上皮下肿物层次定位有较高的可靠性,对手术方式及麻醉方式的选择有指导意义。检查可在患者麻醉状态下完成,检查过程较舒适。     

An explorative data-analysis to support the choice between hepatic resection and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundWhether to prefer hepatic resection or radiofrequency ablation as first line therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma is a matter of debate.AimsTo compare outcomes of resection and ablation, in the treatment of early hepatocellular carcinoma, through a decision-making analysis.MethodsData of 388 cirrhotic patients undergoing resection and of 207 undergoing radiofrequency ablation were reviewed. Two distinct regression models were devised and used to perform sensitivity and probabilistic analyses, to overcome biases of covariate distributions.ResultsActuarial survival curves showed no difference between resection and ablation (P = 0.270) despite the fact that ablated patients were older, with worse liver function and smaller, unifocal tumours (P < 0.05), suggesting a complex, non-linear relationship between clinical, tumoral variables and treatments. Sensitivity and probabilistic analyses suggested that the superiority of resection over ablation decreased at higher Model for-End stage Liver Disease scores, and that ablation provided better results for smaller tumours and higher Model for-End stage Liver Disease scores. In patients with 2–3 tumours up to 3 cm, the two treatments produced opposite comparative results in relation to the Model for-End stage Liver Disease score.ConclusionsThe superiority, or the equivalence, of resection and ablation depends on the non-linear relationship existing between treatment, tumour number, size and degree of liver dysfunction.     

Diagnosis of submucosal tumor of the upper GI tract by endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: Submucosal tumors are frequent findings during endoscopy, although definitive diagnosis based on histologic confirmation presents some difficulties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection based on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) findings to reach a definitive diagnosis of submucosal tumor. METHODS: Fifty-four submucosal tumors of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract were included in this study. EUS was performed to determine the layer of origin and location of the lesion and to rule out malignancy. En bloc resection was attempted for lesions originating in the muscularis mucosa or submucosa. For tumors originating in the muscularis propria, we performed partial resection limited to the covering mucosa to expose the lesion and obtained a sample with standard biopsy forceps. RESULTS: Sufficient samples were obtained in all 54 cases. There was no perforation. Bleeding occurred in only 5 cases (9%) and was easily managed with endoscopic hemostatic methods. EUS and pathologic findings coincided in 74.1% of cases (40 of 54). Benign lesions (leiomyoma, aberrant pancreas, and others) were predominant (52 of 54), although 2 small lesions were confirmed at pathologic study to be malignant (leiomyosarcoma and leiomyoblastoma). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection based on EUS findings proved to be an effective and safe method to confirm the histologic diagnosis of submucosal tumor of the upper GI tract. Endoscopic resection should be considered a valuable choice for definitive management of benign submucosal tumors originating in the superficial layers.     

源于固有肌层的胃间质瘤行内镜下切除闭合术的可行性研究

目的 评价对来源于固有肌层的非腔内生长型胃间质瘤施行内镜下切除闭合术治疗的可行性.方法 46例患者经胃镜和超声内镜检查诊断为起源于固有肌层的非腔内生长型胃黏膜下肿瘤,采用内镜下切除闭合术切除肿瘤,行常规病理及免疫组化检查后证实为间质瘤.术后内镜随访,观察治疗效果及有无并发症.结果 46例非腔内生长型胃间质瘤经内镜下切除闭合术治疗后均完全切除,切除后2例保留完整的浆膜层,44例术中遗留切口,切口最大径1.5 cm,行钛夹夹闭切口,予抑酸、胃肠减压、静脉应用抗生素等辅助治疗.病理报告全层切除46例,肿瘤直径为0.5～3.7 cm.44例患者术后48～72 h后进食,未见明显不适;2例术后出现气腹、局限性腹膜炎,其中1例切口1.5 cm患者术后第2天切口裂开,再次钛夹夹闭裂开切口,辅助治疗10～12 d,该2例患者痊愈出院.术后6个月随访,所有患者切口均形成白色溃疡瘢痕.结论 对于非腔内生长型胃间质瘤,内镜下切除闭合术是一种安全、经济、创伤小的治疗方式,值得临床推广.     

Endoscopic resection for superficial colorectal neoplasia in Italy: A prospective multicentre study

BackgroundSince there are few prospective studies on colorectal endoscopic resection to date, we aimed to prospectively assess safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection in a cohort of Italian patients.MethodsProspective multicentre assessment of resection of sessile polyps or non-polypoid lesions ≥ 10 mm in size or smaller (if depressed). Outcome measures included complete excision, morbidity, mortality, and residual/recurrence at 12 months.ResultsOverall, 1012 resections in 928 patients were analysed (62.4% sessile polyps, 28.8% laterally spreading tumours, 8.7% depressed non-polypoid lesions). Lesions were prevalent in the proximal colon. Enbloc resection was possible in 715/1012 cases (70.7%), whereas piecemeal resection was required in 297 (29.3%). Endoscopically complete excision was achieved in 866 cases (85.6%). Adverse events occurred in 83 (8.2%), and no deaths occurred. Independent predictors of 12-month residual/recurrence were the location of the lesion in the proximal colon (OR 2.22 [95% CI 1.16–4.26]; p = 0.015) and piecemeal endoscopic resection (OR 2.76 [95% CI 1.56–4.87]; p = 0.0005). Limitations of the study were: potential expertise bias, no data on eligible and potentially resectable excluded lesions, high percentage of lesions < 20 mm, follow-up limited to 1 year.ConclusionIn this registry study the endoscopic resection of colorectal lesions was safe and achieved high rates of long-term endoscopic clearance.     

Colonic endoscopic mucosal resection of large polyps: Is it safe in the very elderly?

BackgroundOutcomes on colon endoscopic mucosal resection in the very elderly patient population are unknown.AimsAims of this study were to evaluate the outcomes and safety of colon endoscopic mucosal resection in this target population.MethodsObservational, retrospective study of patients ≥80 years of age that underwent colon endoscopic mucosal resection ≥2 cm. Demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, procedural data, and surgical treatment data were collected.ResultsOne-hundred-and-thirty-one colon endoscopic mucosal resections were performed on 99 patients ≥80 years of age with a mean age of 84. The majority of American Society of Anesthesiologists class was II. Mean lesion size was 3.3 cm (range, 2–12.5 cm), more procedures were performed in the right colon and adenoma/tubulovillous adenoma was the most common pathology. En bloc resection was performed on 26.7% of polyps (N = 35). Eight procedure-related adverse events (8/131, 6.1%) occurred. No anaesthesia related adverse events or deaths occurred. Six patients required a colonic operation, and overall, 94% of the patient cohort evaded a colon operation.ConclusionsColon endoscopic mucosal resection in very elderly patients can be performed at experienced endoscopy centres with a low rate of complications and offers these patients a non-surgical option of management of colorectal lesions.     

What is the next step for gastric atypical epithelium on histological findings of endoscopic forceps biopsy?

BackgroundGastric atypical epithelium on endoscopic biopsy is borderline lesions between benign and malignant. Definitive management of this lesion remains debatable.AimsWe aimed to analyze the final histological diagnosis for atypical epithelium on endoscopic biopsy and to examine the discrepancy rate between the final histological diagnosis and the initial endoscopic assessment.MethodsThis retrospective study finally enrolled 24 cases proven atypical epithelium on initial histology of an endoscopic biopsy. Of 24 cases, endoscopic submucosal dissection (n = 22), operation (n = 1) and follow-up biopsy without endoscopic submucosal dissection (n = 1) were performed.ResultsOf the 24 cases, early gastric cancer (n = 15, 62%) and adenoma (n = 7, 30%) lesions were finally diagnosed in 22 cases. Age, sex, endoscopic results and number of biopsy did not significantly influence the result of final outcome. Between the initial endoscopic assessment and the final histological diagnosis, 12 cases (50%) showed a concordant diagnosis, but eight (33%) and four cases (17%) showed upgraded and downgraded diagnoses, respectively.ConclusionsOf atypical epithelium cases, the rate of malignant and premalignant lesions was 92% and it was difficult to distinguish between malignant and benign lesions using the initial endoscopic findings. Therefore, endoscopic submucosal dissection can be considered in patients with atypical epithelium on endoscopic biopsy.     

Do we need to conduct full-thickness closure after endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric submucosal tumors?

Background/AimsSuccessful closure of gastric wall defects is a pivotal step for endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). Our study indicates that for submucosal tumors (SMTs) smaller than 2.5 cm, closing the mucosal layer is safe and feasible when the modified method, ZIP, is used.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 37 patients with gastric SMTs arising from the muscularis propria (MP) who underwent EFTR with defect closure of the mucosal layer. The main procedure involved: (1) making a longitudinal incision of the mucosal and submucosal layers above the lesion, (2) fully exposing the lesion and symmetrically punching holes on both sides of the incision into the submucosal layer, (3) en bloc resection of the lesion using an electrosurgical snare or knife, (4) hooking of metallic clips into the holes and clipping of the mucosal layer successively to close the gastric wall defect. This modified method was named ZIP.ResultsSuccessful complete resection by EFTR was achieved in 37 cases (100%). The median procedure time was 60 min (range: 30–120 min), whereas the closure procedure took a median of 8 min (range: 5–20 min). The median lesion size was 1.0 cm (range: 0.5–2.5 cm). No patients had severe complications. No residual lesions or tumor recurrence were found during the follow-up period.ConclusionClosing the mucosal layer of gastric wall defects after EFTR by ZIP is feasible and effective.     

Microvasculature of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction: Lesson learned from submucosal endoscopy

Advanced therapeutic endoscopy,in particular endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic submucosal dissection,per-oral endoscopic myotomy,submucosal endoscopic tumor resection opened a new era where direct esophageal visualization is possible.Combining these information with advanced diagnostic endoscopy,the esophagus is organized,from the luminal side to outside,into five layers(epithelium,lamina propria with lamina muscularis mucosa,submucosa,muscle layer,adventitia).A specific vascular system belonging to each layer is thus visible: Mucosa with the intra papillary capillary loop in the epithelium and the sub-epithelial capillary network in the lamina propria and,at the lower esophageal sphincter(LES) level with the palisade vessels; submucosa with the drainage vessels and the spindle veins at LES level; muscle layer with the perforating vessels; periesophageal veins in adventitia.These structures are particularly important to define endoscopic landmark for the gastro-esophageal junction,helpful in performing submucosal therapeutic endoscopy.     

Submucosal tunneling and endoscopic resection of submucosal tumors at the esophagogastric junction

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of submucosal tunneling and endoscopic resection(STER) for treating submucosal tumors(SMTs).METHODS: Between August 2012 and October 2013, 21 patients with SMTs originating from the muscularis propria(MP) layer at the esophagogastric junction were treated by STER of their tumors. Key steps of the procedure include:(1) mucosal incision: a 2-cm longitudinal mucosal incision was made 5 cm proximal to the tumor;(2) submucosal tunneling: a submucosal tunnel was created 5 cm proximal to and 1 to 2 cm distal to the tumor;(3) tumor resection: the SMT was resected under direct endoscopic viewing;(4) hemostasis: while finishing the tumor resection, careful hemostasis of the MP defect and the tunnel was performed; and(5) mucosal closure: the mucosal incision site was closed by using hemostatic clips. During the operation, equipment used included a cap-fitted endoscope, an insulatedtip knife, a hook knife, hemostatic forceps, an injection needle, a snare, an endoclip, and a high-frequency generator. Carbon dioxide(CO2) insufflation was achieved by using a CO2 insufflator.RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 46.2 years(range, 35-59 years), and the majority were male(18 male vs 3 female). Complete resection rate was 100%(21/21). Eighteen lesions were resected en bloc. Mean tumor size was 23 mm(range, 10-40 mm), and mean procedure time was 62.9 min(range, 45-90 min). Pathological diagnosis of these tumors included leiomyoma(15 out of 21) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor(6 out of 21). Full-thickness MP resection was performed in 9 of 21 patients(42.9%), with mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema occurring in all nine. At the completion of the procedure, all patients received closure of the incision with hemoclips. One patient required percutaneous drainage. The remaining 20patients required no further endoscopic or surgical intervention. There were no incidents of massive or delayed bleeding. The median follow-up period after the procedure was 6 mo(range, 2-14 mo). During followup, no patients were found to have residual or recurrent tumor or esophageal stricture.CONCLUSION: STER is safe, effective and feasible, which provides accurate histopathologic evaluation and curative treatment for SMTs originating from the MP layer at the esophagogastric junction.