内镜超声检查对食管隆起性病变的诊断价值

目的 探讨超声内镜对食管隆起性病变的诊断价值。方法 对161例食管隆起性病变患者行内镜超声检查。结果 发现黏膜下肿瘤92例，其中肌原性肿瘤86例，脂肪瘤4例，囊肿2例，息肉14例，静脉瘤（静脉曲张）34例；外压性改变21例，其中胸主动脉外压18例，纵隔肿瘤3例。结论 内镜超声检查能较清楚地显示食管壁的5层结构，比较准确地判断隆起性病变与食管壁的关系，对食管隆起性病变的诊断、鉴别诊断和指导治疗均有很大价值。     

Endoscopic resection of subepithelial tumors

Subepithelial tumors (SETs) are often incidentally found during endoscopic examinations. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a good method for differential diagnosis of SETs, but a definite diagnosis cannot be made based on EUS features alone in some cases. Periodic follow-up examinations by endoscopy and EUS remains the recommended management strategy, which involves issues related to patient compliance, cost-effectiveness, and the risk associated with repeated endoscopic procedures and delayed diagnosis of malignancy. Endoscopic resection of the SETs is another technique to treat them as well as to obtain tissue specimens for accurate histologic diagnosis. Herein, a various endoscopic techniques ranging from simple snare resection to endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection for the management of SETs will be reviewed.     

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): results and prognostic factors in 21 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic mucosectomy (EM), and to present our experience with the endoscopic removal of superficial tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study (16 men, 5 women), between September 1995 and May 1997. In 16 cases the site of the lesions was an esophageal carcinoma, in two cases a gastric carcinoma, and in three cases a sessile polyp of the duodenum with severe dysplasia. Surgery was not recommended for the patients with esophageal or gastric tumors (on account of cardiac disease, cirrhosis or poor health). All patients underwent an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examination. The lesions were classified as usT1N0 in 20 cases, and usT0N0 in one case, according to the pretreatment EUS findings. We used the technique of polypectomy after submucosal injection of 10-15 ml of saline serum. RESULTS: Complications were encountered in 2/21 patients (9.5 %). Bleeding occurred in one case, but hemostasis was achieved endoscopically. In the other case, the patient presented with a thoracic pain and was treated by morphine injection. Endoscopic resection was considered to be complete in 19/21 patients (90.4%). In the other two cases, both involving esophageal tumors, histologic examination indicated only a partial tumor removal. However, these two patients had survived with negative EUS and endoscopic biopsy findings at 18 and 22 months later, respectively. None of the patients whose resections were considered complete presented with local recurrence, but three patients developed another superficial esophageal cancer, which was also treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The mean follow-up was 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: EMR is a safe and efficient treatment of early gastrointestinal tumors. The development of high-frequency EUS probes may further improve the results of this technique in the future.     

内镜超声在食管黏膜下肿物临床诊疗中的应用价值

目的探讨内镜超声在食管黏膜下肿物(SMT)临床诊疗中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析该院113例胃镜下发现的食管SMT并行超声内镜(EUS)检查的患者,收集患者115处SMT病变的临床特点、内镜检查治疗和病理组织学结果等资料,并对术后患者进行随访。结果 SMT好发于食管上段44处(38.26%)和中段(38/115,33.04%);病理结果显示,84.35%为平滑肌瘤(97/115),另外5处食管囊肿(4.35%),5处黏膜下固有腺体增生伴导管扩张(4.35%),2处间质瘤(1.74%),2处脂肪瘤(1.74%),1处神经鞘瘤(0.87%),1处血管瘤(0.87%),1处浆液性腺瘤(0.87%),1处颗粒细胞瘤(0.87%);EUS诊断符合率分别为平滑肌瘤93.00%(93/100),食管囊肿55.50%(5/9),间质瘤0.00%(0/3),脂肪瘤100.00%(2/2),血管瘤100.00%(1/1)。EUS诊断起源于黏膜肌层者,主要选择内镜下黏膜切除术(EMR)(76.12%,51/67)和内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)(23.88%,16/67)治疗,起源于黏膜下层者,主要选择EMR(35.71%,5/14)和ESD(64.29%,9/14)治疗,起源于固有肌层或累及固有肌层者,多选择经内镜黏膜下隧道肿瘤切除术(STER)(84.85%,28/33)治疗。免疫组化结果示平滑肌瘤98.97%(96/97)平滑肌肌动蛋白(SMA)和97.94%(95/97)结蛋白(Desmin)表达阳性。结论 EUS对SMT的病理性质可进行较准确的诊断,并指导食管SMT内镜下微创手术方式的选择,能进行安全有效的治疗,但对食管间质瘤、神经鞘瘤等少见食管肿瘤的诊断具有一定的局限性。     

改良的圈套器行内镜黏膜下剥离术切除结直肠息肉及黏膜下肿瘤的疗效评价

目的探讨改良的圈套器行内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)切除结直肠息肉及黏膜下肿瘤的安全性、有效性。方法回顾性研究2014年12月-2016年5月利用改良的圈套器完成ESD切除结直肠息肉、神经内分泌肿瘤(NETs)和间质瘤患者的临床资料,探讨改良的圈套器进行ESD术治疗结直肠病变的安全性、有效性、治疗时间和并发症等,并与HOOK刀完成ESD术进行比较。结果共20例病例24处入选并完成ESD术,其中16例病例共20处病灶均顺利完成改良的圈套器行ESD术(实验组),4例病灶采用传统HOOK刀完成ESD术(对照组)。两组手术成功率均为100.0%,病灶整块切除率100.0%(24/24);实验组息肉长径为1.2~4.0 cm,平均长径(2.4±0.9)cm,对照组息肉长径为1.5~3.0 cm,平均长径(2.2±0.6)cm;实验组手术时间为45.0~120.0 min,平均时间(83.3±23.9)min,对照组手术时间45.0~80.0 min,平均时间(66.2±15.4)min,与对照组比较,实验组耗时长,差异具有统计学意义(P=0.038)。术后病理:结直肠腺瘤15例(其中3例腺瘤伴局部腺体高级别上皮内瘤变),增生性息肉1例,高级别上皮内瘤变1例,NETs 2例共4处病灶,间质瘤1例,两组中除1例来源于固有肌层间质瘤全层切除术以外,无1例出现出血、穿孔、感染等并发症,无1例术中、术后转外科治疗。结论改良的单圈套器能够安全、有效地完成ESD术切除巨大结直肠息肉及黏膜下肿瘤,拓展了圈套器在内镜切除术中的使用方法及适应证,但需要更长时间来完成手术。     

内镜经黏膜下隧道肿瘤切除术治疗颈部食管黏膜下良性肿瘤策略和并发症分析

目的评估内镜经黏膜下隧道肿瘤切除术(STER)治疗颈部食管黏膜下肿瘤的可行性及安全性。方法收集2017年1月至2018年1月本院收治的12例颈部食管黏膜下良性肿瘤并接受STER治疗的患者资料,分析其整块切除率、治愈性切除率、手术及住院时间、术后相关并发症。结果 12例颈部食管黏膜下肿瘤均行STER治疗,男7例,女5例,年龄(58.3±11.6)岁,病灶距门齿(19.41±0.51)cm,切除瘤体直径(16.25±6.44)mm,手术时间为(45.00±6.57)min,整块切除率91.67%(11/12),治愈性切除率100%(12/12)。术中出血1例(8.33%,1/12),无穿孔,术后有8例(66.67%,8/12)出现不同程度发热,有9例(75.00%,9/12)出现咽喉部不适或胸骨后烧灼不适,住院时间为(8.17±1.11)d,术后随访未发现病变残留、复发及食管狭窄。结论 STER治疗颈部食管黏膜下良性肿瘤是安全有效的治疗方法。     

高频小探头超声辅助内镜下治疗上消化道黏膜下肿瘤

目的探讨高频小探头超声辅助内镜下高频电凝电切圈套切除术治疗上消化道黏膜下肿瘤的安全性和疗效。方法治疗前经高频小探头超声评估和未经评估的分别为84例和110例，采用高频电凝电切圈套切除术治疗直径0．5～3．0cm上消化道黏膜下肿瘤，严密观察有无出血、穿孔等并发症，切除组织全部送组织病理学检查，术后定期门诊随访。结果经高频小探头超声评估后内镜下高频电凝电切圈套切除术治疗成功率100％（84／84），无1例出现大出血、穿孔等严重并发症；而未经超声内镜评估的治疗成功率85．69％（101／110），3例出现大出血，4例穿孔，两组病例随访2～60个月均未见肿瘤复发。结论高频小探头超声辅助内镜下高频电凝电切圈套切除术治疗上消化道黏膜下肿瘤是一项安全、有效的方法。     

Effectiveness of a ligating device for endoscopic surgery

A new detachable snare for hemostasis in the removal of large polyps or other elevated lesion was developed by the author (Olympus Ligating Device). It allows ligation to be performed through the channel of an endoscope using a nonconductive loop that can be detached from the ligator. At Sakura National Hospital, endoscopic ligation with this device was performed in 80 patients from May 1989 to January 1994. The purpose of the procedure was preventive hemostasis prior to the endoscopic resection of large elevated lesions in 71 patients and for control of hemorrhage in 9 patients. The elevated lesions were polyps in 69 patients and submucosal tumor in 2, being pedunculated in 36 and semipedunculated in 35. The maximum diameter of these lesions ranged from 15 to 40 mm (mean: 23 mm), being greater than 20 mm in 57 cases. The 9 patients undergoing endoscopic ligation for hemorrhage had bleeding polypectomy stumps (n = 5), bleeding polyps (n = 3), and a bleeding esophageal varix (n = 1). Endoscopic ligation achieved the complete prevention of hemorrhage following the resection of elevated lesion in 63/71 patients (88.7%) and, in combination with a HX-3L clip, allowed endoscopic resection to be performed in 70/71 patients (98.6%). In the 9 patients with bleeding lesions, complete hemostasis was achieved without complications.     

Endoscopic therapy of benign tumors of the papilla of Vater

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of endoscopic treatment in 16 patients with benign adenomas of the papilla of Vater. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved 16 patients with confirmed adenoma of the papilla of Vater. Diagnosis of adenoma was made by endoscopic findings, benign histologic findings at forceps and snare biopsy, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). The size of the tumor ranged from 2 to 7 cm. Papillectomy by diathermy snare consisted of excision of the adenoma together with the papilla of Vater. In three patients, residual tissue that could not be removed with the snare was removed using argon coagulation. RESULTS: Postpapillectomy complications included bleeding in two patients. Two patients had acute pancreatitis. No procedure-related death occurred. Follow-up duodenoscopy was performed at 6 and 12 months after papillectomy and yearly thereafter. Three patients had recurrences (benign adenoma in all cases). Two patients were treated endoscopically. One patient with extension of tumor into the distal common bile duct was referred to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection of adenomas of the papilla of Vater appears to be a viable alternative to surgical therapy, particularly in patients for whom surgery is a high-risk approach.     

食管黏膜下肿瘤的内镜下诊断与治疗

目的基于食管黏膜下肿瘤(SMTs)内镜检查及治疗手段,分析食管SMTs的临床病理学特征,同时评价食管SMTs内镜下诊治的安全性、经济性和有效性。方法选择2012年1月-2017年12月新疆医科大学第一附属医院收治的98例食管SMTs患者,并同时完善普通胃镜和超声内镜(EUS)检查,所有患者均接受内镜下治疗,所有切除的肿瘤均行病理学检查。结果共98例患者。其中,女55例(56.12%),男43例(43.88%)。肿瘤位于食管上段27例(27.55%),中段28例(28.57%),下段43例(43.88%),56例病例行内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD),25例行内镜黏膜下肿瘤挖除术(ESE),12例行内镜黏膜下隧道肿瘤切除术(STER),另3例行电凝电切除术,1例孤立性纤维性肿瘤因术中发现肿瘤基底部深转为外科手术,另1例平滑肌瘤因肿瘤体积太大致内镜操作困难,中途转胸腔镜下治疗。1例神经鞘瘤,ESD术后出现气胸、胸腔积液、术后瘘及食管狭窄等并发症,1例胸腔镜下行肿瘤摘除术的平滑肌瘤,术后发生气胸和胸腔积液,另外2例出现纵隔气肿和皮下气肿,均于术后2或3 d自行好转。病理学检查及免疫组化结果证实,最常见的食管SMTs为平滑肌瘤,共90例,占所有病例91.84%。结论食管SMTs以女性多见,好发于中下段食管,病理以平滑肌瘤最为常见;应用EUS技术能够对病变性质及组织学来源进行较准确的评估;内镜下治疗食管SMTs不仅能提供完整的病理学资料,而且有效安全。     

Endoscopic submucosal resection with double ligation technique for treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: It is difficult to achieve complete endoscopic resection of rectal carcinoid tumors without any procedure-related complications. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal resection with double ligation (ESMR-DL) for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven rectal carcinoid tumors (in 11 patients) were resected by ESMR-DL between November 2001 and April 2004, using a conventional single-channel endoscope with an attached band-ligator device. The lesion was aspirated into the ligator device and an elastic band was placed around the base; a detachable snare was then used to ligate the stalk below the elastic band; and snare resection was performed above the elastic band. The resected specimens were examined with respect to size, histological atypia, depth of invasion, and the histological appearance of the resection margins. RESULTS: All the lesions were excised completely without any complications. There was no tumor invasion beyond the submucosal layer and there was no evidence of atypia in any of the specimens. Tumor diameter varied from 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm (average 6.2 mm). None of the 11 specimens showed histopathological evidence of tumor involvement at the resection margins. There were no immediate or late complications (bleeding or perforation) after ESMR-DL. There was no local recurrence and there were no distant metastases in any patients during the mean follow-up period of 18 months. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic submucosal resection with double ligation is a useful and safe method for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors.     

超声内镜在上消化道黏膜隆起型病变诊断和治疗中的应用

目的探讨超声内镜在上消化道黏膜隆起型病变的诊断和内镜治疗中的价值。方法运用超声内镜检查114例上消化道黏膜隆起型病变,并对其中26例进行超声内镜引导下病变切除术。结果黏膜隆起病变性质以间质瘤最常见,占51.8%,其次,壁外压迫占21.9%,较少见有恶性肿瘤、脂肪瘤、异位胰腺、囊肿等。对26例黏膜下肿瘤进行切除,超声诊断和病理符合率达77.0%。手术并发症少见。结论超声内镜可初步定性上消化道黏膜隆起型病变,对黏膜下肿瘤的治疗选择有指导作用;超声内镜引导下内镜切除黏膜下间质瘤安全、有效。     

Use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided injection in endoscopic resection of solid submucosal tumors.

AIMS: Submucosal tumor (SMT) is a common disease. We used endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided puncture to inject saline before resection of SMTs, and evaluated the usefulness of this method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We selected 16 symptomatic patients with solid SMTs in the upper gastrointestinal tract, confirmed by endoscopy and EUS. We first used EUS-guided puncture to inject saline to separate the submucosal lesions from the deeper normal tissues. Lesions in the muscularis mucosa and submucosa were then removed directly by snare cauterization. Lesions in the muscularis propria were treated by means of a two-step approach: first, we incised the superficial tissue of the tumors using an electrosurgical needle, and second, we enucleated SMTs as much as possible by tightening the snare around them and creating pseudo-stalks. After snare excision of SMTs, the cleavages of the superficial tissues were closed using metal clips. RESULTS: Among the 16 patients, one lesion was in the muscularis mucosa, six were in the submucosa, and nine were in muscularis propria. All the lesions were resected thoroughly. No perforation occurred nor had any recurrences been observed at follow-up of 12 - 17 months. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided puncture to inject saline before resection is a safe and accurate procedure in the treatment of submucosal tumors.     

内镜下黏膜下肿块切除对食管胃黏膜下病变的诊疗价值

目的探讨内镜下黏膜下切除治疗食管胃黏膜下隆起性病变的诊断、治疗价值及安全性。方法今年以来该科内镜检查发现食管胃黏膜下隆起性病变20例，结合超声内镜检察结果，在内镜下确定食管胃黏膜下隆起性病变可移动后，于病变基底部注射1：10000肾上腺素盐水，使病变基底部与胃壁基层分离，用圈套器套取病变，采用混合电凝电切切除隆起性病变。结果18例病人获得有效的病理诊断，大多数患者病变获得有效切除。结论对于食管、胃黏膜下隆起性病变行胃镜下切除术具有良好的诊断与治疗价值，特别对恶性和潜在恶性问质瘤的早期诊断与治疗，安全性较好。     

Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography with a microprobe in the diagnosis of aortoesophageal fistula

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is very rare and is associated with a high mortality rate. AEF manifests with massive gastrointestinal bleeding and is difficult to diagnose from endoscopic findings and clinical features. We encountered a patient with an AEF that was promptly diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) using a microprobe. A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hematemesis. Endoscopic examination revealed a submucosal tumor (SMT)-like lesion 2 cm in diameter 25 cm from the dental arch. EUS with a 20-MHz microprobe revealed a blood vessel-like structure with hypoechoic flowing contents and a high echoic area suggestive of a thrombus protruding into the esophageal lumen. AEF resulting from a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm was suggested from the EUS findings and was definitely diagnosed by computed tomography. Graft replacement of the descending aorta was successfully performed. The patient is now in good health 6 years after the first admission. This is the first report of a case of AEF diagnosed by EUS with a microprobe.     

Distant lymph node metastases in esophageal cancer: impact of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy in patients with esophageal carcinoma where distant lymph nodes which were possibly metastatic were visualized using EUS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of 198 patients (150 men, mean age 66 years) examined over a 4-year period by EUS for local staging of esophageal cancer (121 squamous cell carcinomas and 77 adenocarcinomas), there was EUS visualization of distant lymph nodes in 40 (20%). EUS-guided biopsy was carried out in the latter patients, of cervical nodes with mediastinal tumors (n = 19), of celiac nodes with cervical tumors (n = 2) or superior mediastinal tumors (n = 9), and upper mediastinal lymph nodes in the case of distal adenocarcinomas (n = 10). RESULTS: On EUS-guided biopsy, results were positive in 31 patients, eight were correctly negative (as confirmed by surgery), and in one patient there was a technical failure, with positive findings on subsequent surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of malignant lymph nodes were therefore 97% and 100% respectively. The positive results of EUS-guided biopsy modified the tumor staging in 31 of these cases (77.5%), proving distant lymph node metastasis which is classified as stage M1. With regard to actual clinical management, surgery was withheld from 24 patients (60% of 40 cases) who were then treated with concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided biopsy of distant lymph nodes was indicated in 20% of patients with esophageal cancers, and the biopsy results led to upgrading of the tumor stage in about 80% of cases and influenced the treatment decision in about 60%.     

Endoscopic diagnosis of early-stage primary esophageal small cell carcinoma: Report of two cases

BACKGROUNDPrimary esophageal small cell carcinoma (PESCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, and its detailed clinical behaviors have remained virtually unknown. Because of the rapid tumor progression, the diagnosis of esophageal small cell carcinoma at early stage is extremely difficult in clinical practice. Currently, only a handful of PESCC cases have been reported.CASE SUMMARYCase 1: A 62-year-old man was diagnosed with an esophageal submucosal tumor by endoscopy. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a 0.8 cm low echo nodule in the muscularis mucosa. As the patient refused to undergo endoscopic resection, neoplasia was detected by endoscopy 1 year later. Case 2: A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed as having an esophageal submucosal tumor by endoscopy at a local hospital. About 2 wk later, we performed endoscopic ultrasonography and found a 1 cm low echo nodule in the muscularis mucosa; the submucosal was thinner than normal but still continuous; mucosal hyperemia and erosion were found on the surface of the tumor. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed and the histopathological finding showed a small cell carcinoma invading the submucosal layer.CONCLUSIONEarly esophageal small cell carcinoma shows submucosal infiltrating growth with a hypoechoic mass in the muscularis mucosa as diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography. It is easily misdiagnosed as submucosal masses. Endoscopic manifestations should be identified and pathological biopsies should be employed. ESD may be performed to provide an opportunity for early treatment of PESCC.     

Attempted endoscopic en bloc resection of mucosal and submucosal tumors using insulated-tip knives: a pilot series

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of early gastrointestinal cancers has been shown to be effective in treating mucosal malignancies, but en bloc resection (where the entire tumor is removed in one piece) is often not achieved using conventional cap EMR. Other techniques, developed in Japan, include the application of different types of knife such as the insulated-tip instrument. We report our preliminary experience of the use of this knife, in conjunction with other techniques, in attempting en bloc resection of early mucosal cancers and adenomas and in the removal of submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the upper gastrointestinal tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients (26 men, 11 women, age range 53 - 86) were included in the study; 23 patients had 24 mucosal lesions amenable to EMR, and 14 patients had SMTs shown on endosonography to spare the muscularis propria. Lesions were located in the esophagus (n = 13), the stomach (n = 24), and the duodenum (n = 1); 40 % of the mucosal lesions were 20 mm or larger (mean size 18mm), whereas the mean size of the submucosal lesions was 23 mm. After submucosal saline injection, circumcision and dissection of the mucosal lesions was attempted with the aim of achieving en bloc resection. For SMTs, cap mucosectomy of the overlying mucosa was done first, and the tumors were then freed using saline injection, and finally resected using snare polypectomy. RESULTS: The strict aim of the study, i. e. complete tumor removal in a single piece, was achieved in only 25 % of the mucosal lesions (some failures were due to unrecognized submucosal infiltration) and 36 % of the SMTs. When a more liberal definition of success was assumed, this rate increased to 65 % for mucosal lesions (piecemeal, no tumor found at surgery or follow-up endoscopy with biopsy) and 79 % for SMTs (piecemeal). No severe complications necessitating surgery or leading to major morbidity occurred. However, clinically significant complications were found in six patients (minor perforation managed conservatively (n = 1), severe pain without perforation (n = 1), bleeding requiring reintervention (n = 3), and aspiration (n = 1)). CONCLUSIONS: Although we are convinced that methods of achieving en bloc resection of mucosal cancers and SMTs must be pursued, the insulated-tip knife in conjunction with conventional endoscopes still has limitations. Innovative endoscope design (double-channel scopes) as well as the development of new accessories will help to overcome the current limitations and further promote endoscopic tumor resection.     

Giant circumferential esophageal leiomyoma successfully treated by thoracoscopic enucleation with the patient in a prone position: A case report

Esophageal leiomyomas are common benign tumors. Although surgical resection is warranted in symptomatic patients, the procedure used to enucleate a giant, circumferential tumor is complicated. A 38-year-old man was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of submucosal esophageal tumor. An endoscopic examination revealed a protruding submucosal mass in the lower third of the esophagus. Computed tomography scans demonstrated a circumferential mass measuring 90 × 40 mm. Examination of the biopsy specimens resulted in a diagnosis of leiomyoma of the esophagus, and thoracoscopic enucleation of the tumor via the right thorax with the patient in the prone position was planned. Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining of the surgical specimen confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of benign leiomyoma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 without any complications.     

Endoscopic resection of large colonic lipomas assisted by a prototype single-use Endoloop device

Colonic lipomas are benign adipose tumors that occasionally cause symptoms. Endoscopic resection of large lipomas may be associated with the risk of hemorrhage or perforation. Experience with endoscopic resection of colonic lipomas with the assistance of a prototype single-use ligating Endoloop device, with a detachable snare unit, has not been previously reported. Three patients with a total of four large symptomatic colonic lipomas successfully underwent endoscopic resection with the aid of this device. One patient had self-limiting minor rectal bleeding which settled without consequence. All patients were well on follow-up, with resolution of their symptoms. This novel endoscopic technique should be considered during resection of large lipomas (> 10 mm diameter) to reduce the potential risk of bleeding.