Management of complications following endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer

Endoscopic treatment should be considered for early gastric cancer(EGC)and gastric precancerous lesions.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was developed for en bloc removal of a large gastric neoplasm and has been developed following improvements in electrical equipment for hemostasis and dissection and with advances in various knives,hemostatic forceps and endoscopic equipment.ESD is currently the treatment of choice for precancerous lesions or EGC showing mucosal invasion.Hemorrhage and perforation are major complications of ESD for EGC.We describe the complication of ESD procedures in gastric lesions for endoscopists who are relatively inexperienced in ESD and who may lack optimal access to ESD education and facilities.     

How to establish endoscopic submucosal dissection in Western countries

Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) has been invented in Japan to provide resection for cure of early cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. Professional level of ESD requires excellent staging of early neoplasias with image enhanced endoscopy(IEE) to make correct indications for ESD,and high skills in endoscopic electrosurgical dissection. In Japan,endodiagnostic and endosurgical excellence spread through personal tutoring of skilled endoscopists by the inventors and experts in IEE and ESD. To translocate this expertise to other continents must overcome two fundamental obstacles:(1) inadequate expectations as to the complexity of IEE and ESD; and(2) lack of suitable lesions and master-mentors for ESD trainees. Leading endoscopic mucosal resection-proficient endoscopists must pioneer themselves through the long learning curve to proficient ESD experts. Major referral centers for ESD must arise in Western countries on comparable professional level as in Japan. In the second stage,the upcoming Western experts must commit themselves to teach skilled endoscopists from other referral centers,in order to spread ESD in Western countries. Respect for patients with early gastrointestinal cancer asks for best efforts to learn endoscopic categorization of early neoplasias and skills for ESD based on sustained cooperation with the masters in Japan. The strategy is discussed here.     

Safe procedure in endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal tumors focused on preventing complications

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is efficient for en bloc resection of large colorectal tumors. However, it has several technical difficulties, because the wall of the colon is thin and due to the winding nature of the colon. The main complications of ESD comprise postoperative perforation and hemorrhage, similar to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). In particular, the rate of perforation in ESD is higher than that in EMR. Perforation of the colon can cause fatal peritonitis. Endoscopic clipping is r...     

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in special locations

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is considered one of the most challenging endoscopic procedures for novice endoscopists. When compared with the stomach, the colon and rectum have a narrower tubular lumen, greater angulation at the flexures, and a thinner muscle layer. These factors make endoscopic control and maneuverability difficult. ESD of the colorectum was considered more difficult than gastric and esophageal ESD. However, with learning from the experts, practicing, and selecting an appropriate technique,most of colorectal ESD could be performed successfully. Nevertheless, some colorectal locations are extremely specialized either from unique anatomy or given unstable scope position. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to provide endoscopists with an overview of the techniques and outcomes associated with ESD at these special colorectal locations. ESD at the discussed special locations of the ileo-colo-rectum was found to be feasible, and outcomes were comparable to those of ESD performed in non-special locations of the ileocolo-rectum. Practice for skill improvement and awareness of the unique characteristics of each special location is the key to performing successful ESD.     

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection under general anesthesia

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) under general anesthesia.METHODS: From January 2011 to July 2014, 206 consecutive patients had undergone ESD under general anesthesia for neoplasms of the stomach, esophagus, and colorectum were enrolled in this retrospective study. The efficacy and safety of ESD under general anesthesia were assessed.RESULTS: The en bloc resection rate of esophageal, gastric, and colorectal lesions was 100.0%, 98.3%, and 96.1%, respectively. The complication rate of perforation and bleeding were 0.0% and 0.0% in esophageal ESD, 1.7% and 1.7% in gastric ESD, and 3.9% and 2.0% in colorectal ESD, respectively. No cases of aspiration pneumonia were observed. All complications were managed by conservative treatment, with no surgical intervention required.CONCLUSION: With the cooperation of an anesthesiologist, ESD under general anesthesia appears to be a useful method, decreasing the risk of complications.     

Two traction methods that can facilitate esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Different traction devices that can provide a visual field and attain appropriate tension at the dissection plane during endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) have been developed. Clip-with-line(CWL) is a classic traction device that can offer per-oral traction toward the direction where the line is drawn. A multicenter randomized controlled trial(CONNECT-E trial) comparing the conventional ESD and CWL-assisted ESD(CWL-ESD) for large esophageal tumors was conducted in Japan. This study showed th...     

Impact of tumor location on clinical outcomes of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection

AIM: To determine whether there is a correlation between the location of the lesion and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) outcome.METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2010, ESD of 1443 gastric tumors was performed. En bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, procedure time and complication rate were analyzed according to the tumor location.RESULTS: The rates of en bloc resection and complete resection were 91% (1318/1443) and 89% (1287/1443), respectively. The post-ESD bleeding rate was 4.3%, and perforation rate was 2.7%. Tumors located in the upper third of the stomach were associated with a longer procedure time and significantly higher rates of incomplete resection, piecemeal resection, and perforation than tumors below the upper third of the stomach. Posterior wall lesions had significantly longer procedure times and higher rates of incomplete resection and piecemeal resection than lesions in other locations. In multivariate analysis, posterior wall lesions and upper third lesions were significantly associated with incomplete resection and perforation, respectively. In post-ESD bleeding analysis, location was not a significant related factor.CONCLUSION: More advanced endoscopic techniques are required during ESD for lesions located in the upper third or posterior wall of the stomach to decrease complications and improve therapeutic outcomes.     

内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)治疗消化道病变

目的探讨内镜下黏膜剥离术(endoscopic submucosal dissection,ESD)治疗消化道病变的疗效、安全性及并发症防治。方法回顾性分析ESD方法治疗29例(共31块)消化道病变的内镜下手术情况、并发症及治疗、预后情况。结果术中出血2例,1例创面小动脉出血,内镜下钛夹止血,另1例胃黏膜下持续出血,形成血肿,中转开腹行胃窦切除术;1例直肠管状腺瘤ESD术后7天大出血,经肛门缝扎止血;术中发现肠壁穿孔1例,中转开腹行肠壁修补术。29例患者均痊愈出院,无1例留下后遗症,平均住院时间5 d。随访2～27个月未见复发。结论 ESD治疗消化道病变是安全的,可以一次性完整切除较大病变,提供完整的病理学资料,且术后不易复发。缺点是操作时间长,技术难度较大,并发症较EMR多。     

内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗消化道黏膜下肿瘤的疗效分析

目的探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)治疗消化道黏膜下肿瘤(submucosal tumor,SMT)的疗效及安全性。方法选取我院2008年3月-2011年6月经胃肠镜检查发现消化道黏膜下肿瘤48例,回顾性分析48例患者资料,包括患者的基本情况、病变部位、大小、治疗经过以及病理结果等,统计并发症发生情况及术后随访结果。结果病灶直径为0.8～5.8 cm,平均(3.3±0.75)cm,ESD手术时间为27～167 min,平均(71.0±22.6)min,ESD完整切除病灶45例(45/48,93.75%),穿孔3例(3/48,6.25%),其中1例大出血,1例食管患者ESD术后出现食管狭窄,经内镜下球囊扩张食管狭窄消失。所有病人均完成了术后6个月的内镜随访,1例患者见肿瘤复发。结论 ESD技术对较大病变可以整块切除,并提供完整的病理诊断资料;消化道SMT行ESD术是安全、有效的。     

Future directions of duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic therapies for lesions of the duodenum are technically more difficult than those for lesions of the other parts of the gastrointestinal tract due to the anatomical features of the duodenum, and the incidence rate of complications such as perforation and bleeding is also higher. These aforementioned trends were especially noticeable for the case of duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD). The indication for ESD of duodenal tumors should be determined by assessment of the histopathology, macroscopic morphology, and diameter of the tumors. The three types of candidate lesions for endoscopic therapy are adenoma, carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. For applying endoscopic therapies to duodenal lesions, accurate preoperative histopathological diagnosis is necessary. The most important technical issue in duodenal ESD is the submucosal dissection process. In duodenal ESD, a short needle-type knife is suitable for the mucosal incision and submucosal dissection processes, and the Small-caliber-tip Transparent hood is an important tool. After endoscopic therapies, the wound should be closed by clipping in order to prevent complications such as secondary hemorrhage and delayed perforation. At present, the criteria for selection between ESD and EMR vary among institutions. The indications for ESD should be carefully considered. Duodenal ESD should have limitations, such as the need for its being performed by experts with abundant experience in performing the procedure.     

Repeat endoscopic submucosal dissection for recurrent gastric cancers after endoscopic submucosal dissection

AIM: To clarify the safety and efficacy of repeat endoscopic submucosal dissection (re-ESD) for locally recurrent gastric cancers after ESD.METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed of the therapeutic efficacy, complications and follow-up results from ESD treatment for early gastric cancers in 521 consecutive patients with 616 lesions at St. Luke`s International Hospital between April 2004 and November 2012. In addition, tumor size, the size of resected specimens and the operation time were compared between re-ESD and initial ESD procedures. A flex knife was used as the primary surgical device and a hook knife was used in cases with severe fibrosis in the submucosal layer. Continuous variables were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and are expressed as medians (range). Categorical variables were analyzed using a Fisher’s exact test and are reported as proportions. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value less than 0.05.RESULTS: The number of cases in the re-ESD group and the initial ESD group were 5 and 611, respectively. The median time interval from the initial ESD to re-ESD was 14 (range, 4-44 mo). En bloc resection with free lateral and vertical margins was successfully performed in all re-ESD cases without any complications. No local or distant recurrence was observed during the median follow-up period of 48 (range, 11-56 mo). Tumor size was not significantly different between the re-ESD group and the initial ESD group (median 22 mm vs 11 mm, P = 0.09), although the size of resected specimens was significantly larger in the re-ESD group (median 47 mm vs 34 mm, P < 0.05). There was a non-significant increase observed in re-ESD operation time compared to initial ESD (median 202 min vs 67 min, respectively, P = 0.06).CONCLUSION: Despite the low patient number and short follow-up, the results suggest that re-ESD is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment for recurrent gastric cancer after ESD.     

内镜黏膜下剥离术后发热相关危险因素分析

目的探讨消化道黏膜或黏膜下病变经内镜下黏膜剥离术后发热情况及其相关危险因素。方法回顾分析自2009年11月至2012年4月间270例因消化道黏膜或黏膜下病变行内镜下黏膜剥离术（ESD）患者的相关临床、内镜及病理资料,统计分析以下相关因素：（1）患者相关因素：如性别、年龄、糖尿病史、呼吸系统等其他慢性病史,吸烟史、过敏史、术前预防性使用抗生素情况、白细胞计数。（2）病变相关因素：病变位置、病变大小、浸润深度。（3）操作相关因素：麻醉方式、是否整块切除、术中出血量、操作时间、是否穿孔。结果纳入研究者总共有病例270例,病变275处。56例患者发生ESD术后发热,发生率为20．7％,其中31例（55．4％）在术后24h内发生,发热持续时间为1—8d,平均（1．7±1．4）d,通过单因素及多因素分析,术中穿孔（OR值7．121,95％ CI： 1．740～29．151）及病变位于食管（OR值0．181,95％CI：0．091—0．361）是ESD术后发热的相关危险因素。结论术中穿孔及病变位于食管是ESD术后发热的危险因素,对于食管病变及术中出现穿孔的病例,应警惕术后发热,并予相应处理。     

Training in endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) represents an important advancement in the therapy of early neoplastic gastrointestinal lesions by providing higher en-bloc curative resection rate with lower recurrence compared to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and by sparing the involved organ and protecting patient’ s quality of life. Despite these advantages ESD is associated with long procedure times and a higher rate of complications, making ESD a challenging procedure which requires advanced endoscopic skills. Thus, there has been a recognized need for structured training system for ESD to enhance trainee experience and, to reduce the risks of complications and inadequate treatment. ESD has a very flat learning curve. However, we do not have uniformly accepted benchmarks for competency. Nevertheless, it appears that, in Japan, more than 30 supervised gastric ESD procedures are required to achieve technical proficiency and minimize complications. A number of training algorithms have been pro-posed in Japan with the aim to standardize ESD training. These algorithms cannot be directly applied in the West due to substantial differences including the availability of highly qualified mentors, the type of pathology seen, choice of devices, and trainee’s background. We propose a training algorithm for Western physicians which integrates both hands-on training courses, animal model work as well as visits to expert centers. No specific preceptor training programs have been yet developed but there is a consensus that these programs are important for permeation of ESD worldwide.     

内镜黏膜下剥离术和内镜隧道技术对胃异位胰腺的诊治价值

目的 探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)和内镜隧道技术(STER)在胃异位胰腺诊断及治疗中的临床价值.方法 2009年10月至2013年3月胃镜疑诊为胃异位胰腺并强烈要求内镜切除的患者40例住院接受ESD或STER,切除标本行病理学检查明确诊断,随访观察治疗效果和安全性.结果 术后病理确诊胃异位胰腺25例,其中位于胃窦20例,胃底体交界3例,胃体2例;胰腺组织成团块状20例,散在分布状5例;25例中21例施行ESD术,4例行STER术,完整切除率88％ (22/25),余3例剥离后有少许组织残留.术后迟发性出血1例(4％),予多枚钛铗止血成功无需另加手术,无术中及术后穿孔.术后随访1 ～30个月未见复发.结论 ESD能完整大块的切除病变组织,不仅能提供标本获得准确的病理学诊断,同时起到微创治疗的作用,是胃异位胰腺有效且安全的诊治手段,内镜隧道剥离切除术可能为胃异位胰腺的诊治提供一种新的方法.     

Worldwide experiences of endoscopic submucosal dissection: not just Eastern acrobatics

The high incidence of gastric cancer has led to the initiation of cancer screening programs.As a result,the number of early gastric cancer cases has increased and consequentially,the cancer mortality rate has decreased.Moreover,the development of minimally invasive endoscopic treatment has been introduced for these early lesions.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is now recognized as one of the preferred treatment modalities for premalignant gastrointestinal epithelial lesions and early gastric cancer wi...     

Assessment of the validity of the clinical pathway for colon endoscopic submucosal dissection

AIM: To determine the effective hospitalization period as the clinical pathway to prepare patients for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study which included 189 patients consecutively treated by ESD at the National Cancer Center Hospital from May 2007 to March 2009. Patients were divided into 2 groups; patients in group A were discharged in 5 d and patients in group B included those who stayed longer than 5 d. The following data were collected for both groups: mean hospitalization period, tumor site, median tumor size, post-ESD rectal bleeding requiring urgent endoscopy, perforation during or after ESD, abdominal pain, fever above 38 ℃, and blood test results positive for inflammatory markers before and after ESD. Each parameter was compared after data collection. RESULTS: A total of 83% (156/189) of all patients could be discharged from the hospital on day 3 postESD. Complications were observed in 12.1% (23/189) of patients. Perforation occurred in 3.7% (7/189) of patients. All the perforations occurred during the ESD procedure and they were managed with endoscopic clipping. The incidence of post-operative bleeding was 2.6% (5/189); all the cases involved rectal bleeding. We divided the subjects into 2 groups: tumor diameter ≥ 4 cm and 4 cm; there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.93, χ 2 test with Yates correction). The incidence of abdominal pain was 3.7% (7/189). All the cases occurred on the day of the procedure or the next day. The median white blood cell count was 6800 ± 2280 (cells/μL; ± SD) for group A, and 7700 ± 2775 (cells/μL; ± SD) for group B, showing a statistically significant difference (P = 0.023, t-test). The mean C-reactive protein values the day after ESD were 0.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL and 0.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.54, t -test). CONCLUSION: One-day admission is sufficient in the absence of complications during ESD or early postoperative bleeding.     

内镜黏膜下隧道法剥离术治疗早期食管癌伴黏膜下层纤维化的临床观察

目的评价内镜黏膜下隧道法剥离术（endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection,ESTD）治疗早期食管癌伴黏膜下层纤维化的效果和安全性。方法2015年6月—2018年2月间,在江苏省苏北人民医院消化内科采用ESTD或内镜黏膜下剥离术（endoscopic submucosal dissection,ESD）治疗,术后病理证实病灶＜1/3食管管周,且伴有黏膜下层纤维化的早期食管癌病例87例纳入回顾性分析,按纤维化程度分成轻度纤维化60例（ESTD 31例、ESD 29例）和重度纤维化27例（ESTD 16例、ESD 11例）,比较同一纤维化程度时两种手术方式的剥离速度、整块切除率、完全切除率,以及出血、肌层损伤、穿孔、颈部皮下气肿和术后狭窄的发生率。结果对于伴有轻度黏膜下层纤维化的早期食管癌患者,ESTD的整块切除率[96.8%（30/31）比82.8%（24/29）,P＜0.05]和完全切除率[96.8%（30/31）比75.9%（22/29）,P＜0.05]明显高于ESD,固有肌层损伤发生率明显低于ESD[6.5%（2/31）比17.2%（5/29）,P＜0.05],剥离速度、术中出血发生率、穿孔发生率、术后狭窄发生率与ESD比较差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）,两种手术方式均无术后迟发性出血和颈部皮下气肿发生。对于伴有重度黏膜下层纤维化的早期食管癌患者,ESTD的剥离速度快于ESD[（12.3±2.8）mm2/min比（7.1±3.2）mm2/min],整块切除率、完全切除率、术后狭窄发生率与ESD相近,术中出血发生率[12.5%（2/16）比54.5%（6/11）]、固有肌层损伤发生率[18.8%（3/16）比54.5%（6/11）]、穿孔发生率[6.3%（1/16）比27.3%（3/11）]、颈部皮下气肿发生率[6.3%（1/16）比27.3%（3/11）]低于ESD,两种手术方式均无术后迟发性出血发生。术后12个月2例行ESD和1例行ESTD患者局部复发,术后24个月1例行ESTD患者发生异时癌。结论ESTD能安全、有效切除伴有黏膜下层纤维化的早期食管癌。对于伴有轻度黏膜下层纤维化者,ESTD的优势主要体现在治疗效果方面;对于伴有重度黏膜下层纤维化者,ESTD的优势主要体现在治疗安全性方面。     

Peeling a giant ileal lipoma with endoscopic unroofing and submucosal dissection

Lipoma is relatively common in the colon but is less often in the small intestine. Most lipomas are incidentally detected at endoscopy and are usually small and asymptomatic. However, some of them can present with obstruction and/or intussusceptions. Surgical resection is commonly recommended to remove such significant lipomas with a limited pedicle and larger than 2 cm in size, as endoscopic resection may result in unfavorable complications such as intestinal perforations. We report a case of 62-year-old m...     

Supportive techniques and devices for endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric cancer

The indications for endoscopic treatment have expanded in recent years,and relatively intestinal-type mucosal stomach carcinomas with a low potential for metastasis are now often resected en bloc by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),even if they measure over 20 mm in size.However,ESD requires complex maneuvers,which entails a long operation time,and is often accompanied by complications such as bleeding and perforation.Many technical developments have been implemented to overcome these complications.The scope,cutting device,hemostasis device,and other supportive devices have been improved.However,even with these innovations,ESD remains a potentially complex procedure.One of the major difficulties is poor visualization of the submucosal layer resulting from the poor countertraction afforded during submucosal dissection.Recently,countertraction devices have been developed.In this paper,we introduce countertraction techniques and devices mainly for gastric cancer.     

Management of bleeding and artificial gastric ulcers associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of gastric epithelial neoplasia without lymph node metastases, spread rapidly, primarily in Japan, starting in the late 1990s. ESD enables en bloc resection of lesions that are difficult to resect using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). However, in comparison to EMR, ESD requires a high level of endoscopic competence and a longer resection time. Thus, ESD is associated with a higher risk of adverse events, including intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and gastrointestinal perforation. In particular, because of a higher incidence of intraoperative bleeding with mucosal incision and submucosal dissection, which are distinctive endoscopic procedures in ESD, a strategy for endoscopic hemostasis, mainly by thermo-coagulation hemostasis using hemostatic forceps, is important. In addition, because of iatrogenic artificial ulcers that always form after ESD, endoscopic hemostasis and appropriate pharma-cotherapy during the healing process are essential.