早期结直肠癌及癌前病变患者经内镜下黏膜切除术与黏膜剥离术治疗的疗效比较

目的比较内镜下黏膜切除术(EMR)与内镜下黏膜剥离术(ESD)在结直肠癌前病变与早期癌患者中的应用效果。方法选取2010年1月-2015年1月该院收治的116例早期结直肠癌患者与结直肠腺瘤患者为研究对象。其中,61例患者采用EMR治疗,为EMR组,55例采用ESD治疗,为ESD组。比较EMR与ESD在结直肠癌前病变与早期癌患者中的应用效果。结果 EMR组患者的手术时间明显短于ESD组患者,两组患者的病理情况、异型增生程度的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。ESD组病变最大径≥2 cm的整块切除和病变最大径≥2 cm的组织治愈性切除的患者明显多于EMR组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。ESD组病变最大直径≥2 cm的患者明显多于EMR组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。EMR组和ESD组患者并发症总发生率分别为6.56%和23.63%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。EMR组和ESD组患者的复发率分别为5(8.20%)例和3(5.45%)例,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。ESD术后出现并发症的危险因素为操作经验和病变大小(P0.05)。结论 ESD术和EMR术均能较好的整块切除病变最大径≥2 cm的早期结直肠癌与结直肠腺瘤,术后复发率较低。ESD术相对于EMR术更适合较大的病变,但术后复发率较高,且手术医师的操作经验和病变大小为ESD术后发生并发症的危险因素,应加强监测。     

结直肠息肉伴高级别瘤变内镜下切除术后复发因素的分析

目的 探讨结直肠息肉伴高级别瘤变内镜切除术后息肉复发的危险因素,为临床监测提供参考依据.方法 收集2013年7月-2017年3月该院结直肠息肉伴高级别瘤变行内镜切除术且有术后随访资料的患者67例,统计术后复发情况,并进行回顾性分析.对患者特征和可能影响术后息肉复发的相关因素[性别、年龄、体重指数(BMI)、吸烟史、饮酒...     

内镜下黏膜切除术在消化道肿瘤中的应用

目的探讨内镜下黏膜切除术（EMR）在消化道肿瘤治疗中的价值。方法胃镜检查发现病灶后，利用超声内镜确定病变范围及浸润层次，对病灶位于黏膜及黏膜下层的消化道早期癌、癌前期病变、黏膜下肿瘤及宽基息肉的患者行EMR治疗。结果20例早期癌及中、重度异型增生者行EMR治疗，随访1-37个月，无1例复发及癌变，其中2例自行追加外科手术，术后病理均阴性。消化道黏膜下良性肿瘤8例，随访1-37个月，无1例复发。宽蒂息肉7例随访1-41个月，原部位无复发。术中并发出血2例、术后出血1例，均在内镜下或内科保守治疗止血成功。结论采用内镜下黏膜切除术治疗消化道早期癌、癌前期病变、黏膜下肿瘤及宽基息肉等，是一种可选择的、安全、有效的治疗方法，尤其适用高龄、合并有严重疾病及多次手术后不能再次外科手术的患者。     

结直肠上皮内瘤变及早期结直肠癌内镜治疗手术前后病理结果对比分析

目的探讨结直肠上皮内瘤变及早期结直肠癌内镜切除术前后病理的差异,为提高结肠镜诊断早期结直肠癌的敏感度和特异度提供参考。方法根据纳入与排除标准,确定活检及手术均由我院完成的129例病例作为研究样本。回顾性分析确诊为结直肠高级别上皮内瘤变或早期结直肠癌患者内镜下黏膜切除术(endoscopic mucosal resection,EMR)/内镜黏膜下剥离术(endoscopic submueosal dissection,ESD)标本资料及其术前病理活检资料129例,比较术前、术后病理结果差异,并分析内镜治疗手术前后病理差异的相关危险因素。比较不同部位(升结肠、横结肠、降结肠、乙状结肠、直肠)及病灶形态(带蒂、广基、侧向发育型)、病灶最长直径、性别、年龄患者的病理活检和EMR/ESD标本病理结果准确性的差异。结果结肠镜术前活检病理与内镜EMR/ESD治疗术后病理诊断符合率为17.1%(22/129),内镜治疗术后病理诊断升级者为103例(79.8%),病理诊断降级者为4例(3.1%)。各个部位轻判率分别为82.4%、80.0%、85.7%、80.9%、76.7%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。单因素Logistic回归分析结果表明:带蒂息肉患者术前活检轻判的现象更明显,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而对于病灶位置、最长直径、性别、年龄差异的患者术前活检轻判率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论术前活检病理诊断与EMR/ESD术后病理诊断的符合率较低,但其为内镜随访和手术治疗方式的选择提供一定依据;带蒂息肉患者更容易发生术前活检轻判,所以对带蒂息肉患者活检诊断上皮内瘤变,可根据情况,必要时结合窄带成像放大内镜技术,来选择EMR/ESD手术,并结合术后标本病理诊断情况来决定是否需要后续治疗及内镜随访时间。     

Meta-analysis comparing differing methods of endoscopic therapy for colorectal lesions

AIM: To compare the outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of colorectal lesions. METHODS: An electronic systematic literature search of four computerized databases was performed in July 2014 identifying studies reporting the outcomes of colorectal ESD and EMR. The primary outcome measures were en-bloc resection rate, endoscopic clearance rate and lesion recurrence rate of the patients followed up. The secondary outcome was the complication rate (including bleeding, perforation and surgery post EMR or ESD rate). Statistical pooling and random effects modelling of the studies calculating risk difference, heterogeneity and assessment of bias and quality were performed. RESULTS: Six observational studies reporting the outcomes of 1324 procedures were included. The en-bloc resection rate was 50% higher in the ESD group than in the EMR group (95%CI: 0.17-0.83, P < 0.0001, I² = 99.7%). Endoscopic clearance rates were also significantly higher in the ESD group (95%CI: -0.06-0.02, P < 0.0001, I² = 92.5%). The perforation rate was 7% higher in the ESD group than the EMR group (95%CI: 0.05-0.09, P > 0.05, I² = 41.1%) and the rate of recurrence was 50% higher in the EMR group than in the ESD group (95%CI: 0.20-0.79, P < 0.001, I² = 99.5%). Heterogeneity remained consistent when subgroup analysis of high quality studies was performed (with the exception of piecemeal resection rate), and overall effect sizes remained unchanged for all outcomes. CONCLUSION: ESD demonstrates higher en-bloc resection rates and lower recurrence rates compared to colorectal EMR. Differences in outcomes may benefit from increased assessment through well-designed comparative studies.     

Long-term results of endoscopic removal of large colorectal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic removal of large colorectal polyps has not been widely accepted. The aims of this study were to evaluate our longterm experiences justifying endoscopic resection technique as the treatment of choice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a period of 12 years, 288 patients with a total of 302 polyps larger than 3 cm in diameter were treated endoscopically. 224 polyps were sessile and 78 pedunculated. Sessile polyps were removed using the piecemeal technique. Surgery was recommended in patients with unfavorable histology. Patients with favorable histology were followed up at 3 - 6 month intervals in the first year and then every 1 - 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients with sessile polyps were followed up for at least 6 months. Recurrence rate of 166 benign polyps was 17 % (29/166). Only two patients had malignant recurrence. 8 of 18 patients with malignant polyps underwent surgery while 10 were unfit for surgery. 8 of these patients remained free of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Previous concerns about endoscopic removal of large colorectal polyps are no longer justified. The results of this study showed that endoscopic resection of large colorectal polyps is safe and effective. In patients with high operative risk, endoscopic removal may be adequate.     

结肠镜联合腹腔镜诊治直肠癌合并结直肠息肉的探讨(附25例报告)

目的探讨直肠癌合并结直肠息肉的发生情况及腹腔镜结肠镜对直肠癌合并结直肠息肉的处理方法。方法回顾分析2003年1月～2006年12月该院25例直肠癌合并结直肠息肉行腹腔镜结肠镜处理患者的临床资料。结果直肠癌患者结肠镜检查结直肠息肉的检出率为24.10%,显著高于同期结肠镜检查结直肠息肉检出率的12.19%(P<0.01)。直肠癌行腹腔镜直肠癌根治术。腹腔镜直肠癌根治术术前、术中行结肠镜息肉摘除16例;术前结肠镜下注射亚甲蓝标记或术中结肠镜引导,腹腔镜行直肠癌根治术的同时行含息肉的结肠部分切除5例;直肠癌合并升结肠息肉恶变行腹腔镜直肠癌根治术同时行右半结肠切除1例;息肉靠近直肠癌一并行直肠癌根治性切除3例。结直肠息肉切除率100%,未出现并发症。25例术后随访0.5年～4.0年,2例死于肿瘤转移,23例存活,无肿瘤或息肉复发。结论直肠癌患者合并结直肠息肉的发生率较高。腹腔镜直肠癌根治性切除术术前或术中有必要行结肠镜检查,同时根据息肉情况选择结肠镜息肉切除或腹腔镜下息肉切除。     

内镜套帽法治疗食管早期癌及癌前病变

目的　探讨内镜套帽法切除食管早期癌及癌前病变的应用价值。方法　采用套帽法切除食管早期癌及癌前病变 5 7例 ,其中食管早期癌 33例 ,癌前病变 2 4例 ;全组术前和术后均经病理证实。结果　 5 7例中完全切除 4 8例 (84 .2 % ) ,不完全切除 9例中 1例改手术治疗 ,1例放射治疗 ,余行微波或氩离子凝固治疗 ;重度不典型增生灶 2 1例中 ,术后病理灶性癌变 6例 (2 8.6 % ) ;中度不典型增生灶 10例 ,术后重度不典型增生 2例 (2 0 .0 % ) ,灶性癌变 1例(10 .0 % ) ;1例术中出血 ,无穿孔、狭窄发生 ;随访 5年以上 12例 ,>3～ 5年 11例 ,1～ 3年 2 3例 ,不足 1年 11例 ,1例术后复发 ,非癌死亡 3例。结论　套帽法完全切除率较高 ,操作较简单 ,优于其他方法 ;病灶显示及切除技巧是影响完全切除的主要因素 ;中度不典型增生短期复查无好转和重度不典型增生 ,应采用内镜治疗 ;内镜黏膜切除治疗在食管癌防治策略中具有重要价值和意义     

Mucosectomy for high‐grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus

Reports on the natural history of high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) are sometimes contradictory, but suggest that 10–30% of patients with HGD in Barrett's esophagus (BE) will develop a demonstrable malignancy within five years of the initial diagnosis. Surgery has to be considered the best treatment for HGD or superficial carcinoma, but is contraindicated in patients with severe comorbidities. Non‐surgical treatments such as intensive endoscopic surveillance, endoscopic ablative therapies, and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) have been proposed. EMR is a newly developed procedure promising to become a safe and reliable non‐operative option for the endoscopic removal of HGD or early cancer within BE. It is important to assess the depth of invasion of the lesion and lymph node involvement before choosing EMR. This technique permits more effective staging of disease obtaining a large sample leading to a precise assessment of the depth of malignant invasion. Complications such as bleeding and perforation may occur, but can be treated endoscopically. Trials are needed to compare endoscopic therapy with surgical resection to establish clear criteria for EMR and ablative therapies.     

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual/local recurrence of early gastric cancer after endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a widely accepted treatment for early gastric cancer; however, incomplete resection with residual local disease and recurrences continues to be a difficult problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for residual/local recurrent early gastric cancer lesions after EMR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The en bloc resection rate, histologically complete resection rate, complications, and local recurrence were assessed in 15 patients who underwent ESD for residual/local recurrent early gastric cancer lesions after EMR. RESULTS: The nonlifting sign after injection of a glycerin solution was positive due to scar formation in all cases. En bloc resection was attempted in all cases, with a complete resection rate of 93.3 % (14 of 15). The lesion was completely resected with histologically adequate margins in the 14 patients who received complete en bloc resection. The average operation time was 85.4 +/- 52.9 min, and the mean follow-up period for all patients was 18.1 +/- 7.4 months. Major bleeding during the procedure in one case was the only complication (one of 15, 6.7 %). None of the patients experienced recurrence of early gastric cancer after ESD. CONCLUSIONS: ESD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for residual/local recurrent early gastric cancer lesions after EMR, and it is useful for histological confirmation of successful treatment.     

Poor results of 5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for residual high-grade dysplasia and early cancer in barrett esophagus after endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of residual high-grade dysplasia or early cancer (HGD/EC) after endoscopic resection in Barrett esophagus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study patients were separated into group A, with proven residual HGD/EC, and group B with possible HGD/EC (positive lateral margins in the endoscopic resection specimen, without HGD/EC in the remaining Barrett esophagus). PDT treatment consisted of 5-aminolevulinic (5-ALA) photosensitization (40 mg/kg) followed by illumination of the Barrett esophagus with a total light dose of 100 J/cm (2). Complete remission was defined as the absence of HGD/EC in biopsies taken in two consecutive follow-up endoscopies. The percentage regression of Barrett esophagus, as well as the recurrence rate of HGD/EC, was calculated. RESULTS: 20 patients underwent PDT (group A, 11; group B, 9). Mild complications were seen in 4/26 procedures. The overall success rate was 15/20 (75 %). There was a significant difference in success rate between group A (55 %) and group B (100 %); P = 0.03. All patients had residual Barrett esophagus after PDT; the median regression percentage was 50 % (IQR 25 - 70 %). Recurrence of HGD/EC occurred in four patients (two each in groups A and B) after a median follow up of 30 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this selected group of patients, the addition of 5-ALA-PDT after endoscopic resection for HGD/EC had a disappointing success rate in patients who had residual HGD/EC after endoscopic resection. Most patients undergoing 5-ALA-PDT have residual Barrett mucosa after PDT and 5-ALA-PDT does not seem to prevent recurrences during follow-up.     

内镜下治疗246例大肠有蒂大息肉的临床分析

目的 探讨如何选择大肠有蒂大息肉圈套电切除方式.方法 回顾性分析2016年1月-2020年1月246例(259枚息肉)在厦门市中医院行大肠有蒂大息肉(直径≥1.0 cm)圈套电切除治疗患者的内镜和病理资料,统计内镜下黏膜切除术(EMR)组、钛夹组和尼龙绳组内镜下治疗操作成功率、息肉整块切除率、完整切除率、治愈性切除率和...     

内镜下黏膜切除术和内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗结肠粗蒂性息肉的疗效分析

目的 比较内镜下黏膜切除术（EMR）和内镜黏膜下剥离术（ESD）治疗结肠粗蒂性息肉,分析两种术式的术中及术后疗效,为内镜下诊疗提供参照。方法 临床病例随机分组分成EMR组、ESD组,按照随机分组表每组各50例,详细收集病灶大小、出血风险、手术时间、病理切缘阳性率、随访差异等相关临床数据。结果 ESD组手术时间明显长于EMR组（P<0.05）,ESD组术中出血（13/50）发生率明显高于EMR组（1/50）。 结论 对于蒂部直径大于1.0 cm的结肠粗蒂息肉,EMR和ESD均为安全、有效的治疗方法,在操作简易程度和出血概率方面EMR组存在一定的优势。     

Mucosectomy for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Reports on the natural history of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) are sometimes contradictory, but suggest that 10-30% of patients with HGD in Barrett's esophagus (BE) will develop a demonstrable malignancy within five years of the initial diagnosis. Surgery has to be considered the best treatment for HGD or superficial carcinoma, but is contraindicated in patients with severe comorbidities. Non-surgical treatments such as intensive endoscopic surveillance, endoscopic ablative therapies, and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) have been proposed. EMR is a newly developed procedure promising to become a safe and reliable non-operative option for the endoscopic removal of HGD or early cancer within BE. It is important to assess the depth of invasion of the lesion and lymph node involvement before choosing EMR. This technique permits more effective staging of disease obtaining a large sample leading to a precise assessment of the depth of malignant invasion. Complications such as bleeding and perforation may occur, but can be treated endoscopically. Trials are needed to compare endoscopic therapy with surgical resection to establish clear criteria for EMR and ablative therapies.     

Expansion of the indications for endoscopic mucosal resection in patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a minimally invasive local treatment for superficial esophageal carcinoma (SEC). The use of EMR in patients with m3 or sm1 SEC remains controversial, however. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the histopathological risk factors for lymph-node metastasis and recurrence in patients with m3 or sm1 SEC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study subjects were 43 patients with m3 or sm1 esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas: 23 patients were treated surgically (the surgery group), and 20 were treated by EMR (the EMR group). We assessed the following variables of the specimens resected by surgery or EMR: tumor depth, maximal surface diameter of the tumor (superficial size), maximum diameter of tumor invasion at the lamina muscularis mucosae (LMM invasion width), and lymphatic invasion. The relationships of these variables to lymph-node metastasis and recurrence were examined. RESULTS: In the surgery group, lymph-node metastasis was found in four patients, all of whom had tumors with lymphatic invasion, a superficial size of at least 25 mm, and an LMM invasion width of at least 2500 microm. In the EMR group, no patient met all three of these criteria, and there was no evidence of lymph-node metastasis or distant metastasis on follow-up after EMR (median follow-up 39 months). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with m3 or sm1 SEC, tumors that have lymphatic invasion, larger superficial size, and wider LMM invasion are associated with a high risk for lymph-node metastasis. EMR might be indicated for the treatment of patients with m3 or sm1 SECs without these characteristics.     

结直肠息肉样病变内镜活检和内镜切除术后病理差异分析*

目的探讨结直肠息肉样病变的内镜活检病理与内镜切除术后病理的差异,分析其相关危险因素以及内镜活检的局限性。方法回顾性分析结直肠息肉样病变52例,内镜活检病理包括增生性息肉、炎性息肉以及腺瘤伴低级别上皮内瘤变(LGIN)或高级别上皮内瘤变(HGIN)。所有患者根据内镜下分型及大小选择不同的内镜下切除方式:圈套器高频电切除术、内镜下黏膜切除术(EMR)以及内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)。统计患者的临床资料、镜下特点、活检病理及内镜切除术后的病理差异,分析病理结果发生显著差异的危险因素。结果52例患者中,24例的活检病理与内镜切除病理存在差异,总体差异率为46.2%。其中增生性息肉、炎性息肉、LGIN以及HGIN活检与内镜切除病理的差异率分别为20.0%、42.9%、44.4%及54.5%。直径大于2.0 cm和病变表面充血是影响病理学差异的关键因素(P<0.05)。结论内镜活检对于结直肠息肉样病变性质的判断有一定的局限性,应警惕其对结直肠癌前病变及癌变的延迟诊治以及漏诊。     

What are the appropriate indications for endoscopic mucosal resection for early gastric cancer? Analysis of 256 endoscopically resected lesions

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Although endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early gastric cancer (EGC) without ulceration or scarring has been very popular in Japan and thought to be beneficial, curability by EMR is still lower than that for surgical resection. We investigated patients whose EGCs were resected endoscopically in order to identify the factors affecting curability by EMR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated retrospectively 256 EGC lesions (251 patients) which were subjected to EMR between 1989 and 1998 with respect to patient profile, macroscopic type, location, maximum diameter of tumors, resection method and histological typing. The prognoses of the patients were also investigated as far as possible. RESULTS: The curative total resection rate for EMR of EGC was 74.2 %. Concerning the factors affecting curability, the size of the lesion (over 15 mm), the method of resection (divisional resection), and histological typing (poorly differentiated) had a statistically significant effect on the complete resection rate. Multivariate analysis of the factors confirmed these results. Submucosal invasion was suspected in 16 patients after EMR, but submucosal cancer was found in only one patient after further surgery. Where there was recurrence, the longest recurrence-free period after EMR of EGC was 48 months, whereas the mean recurrence-free period was 195.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate indication for EMR for EGC is thought to be an intramucosal differentiated-type adenocarcinoma without ulceration or scarring, and no more than 15 mm in size regardless of macroscopic type. Periodic follow-up for at least 5 years is necessary.     

Évolution favorable à long terme des patients traités par résection muqueuse endoscopique pour une dysplasie de haut grade ou un cancer épidermoïde superficiel de l’œsophage

Introduction

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a curative treatment of early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, long-term outcome, and survival of EMR.

Patients and methods

Forty-four patients were treated by EMR between February 1998 and October 2005 for an early SCC of the esophagus. The technique of EMR was carried out by suction and section with cap or traction and section, or by the combination of both.

Results

Forty-four patients had endoscopic treatment with resection of 49 early SCC. They were all of T1N0 stage as found by standard endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). No major complications occurred. The median endoscopic follow-up was 44 months. A curative resection (T1m1, T1m2) was achieved in 68% of cases without recurrence. Among patients with T2 lesion (16%), 6 had a radio-chemotherapy and only 1 patient died because of the metastatic evolution of esophageal cancer. The remaining 2 left patients had a complementary esophagectomy, among whom 1 died after recurrence. Eight patients had a histologically significant risk of nodes invasion (2 m3, 3 sm1, 2 sm2, and 1 sm3), and 6 had a complementary radio-chemotherapy without recurrence in the follow-up.

Conclusion

SCC of the esophagus shown usT1N0 in EUS can be treated curatively by endoscopic mucosal resection with a high rate of resecability (98%) and an acceptable complication rate. In the subgroup of 12 patients (m3 sm1, sm2, sm3 and T2) that were treated by complementary radiochemotherapy, the 5-year overall survival was 91%.     

消化道无蒂隆起性病变的内镜黏膜切除术和内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗分析

目的探讨内镜下粘膜切除术(EMR)和内镜粘膜下剥离术(ESD)治疗消化道无蒂隆起性病变包括早癌的疗效和安全性。方法对行EMR和ESD的43例消化道无蒂隆起性病变患者做回顾性分析。结果 43例无蒂隆起性病变食管11例,胃底4例,胃体8例,胃窦8例,贲门11例,直肠1例。EMR32例,ESD 11例。EMR病变长径、手术时间均明显低于ESD;EMR术后1例出血,无穿孔,ESD术后1例出血,2例穿孔,皆保守治疗后治愈。术后病理提示间质瘤6例,息肉23例,1例异位胰腺,7例上皮内瘤变,6例早癌。基底和切缘均未见病变累及。术后2月、6月随访,创面愈合,无病变残留和复发。结论 EMR和ESD治疗消化道无蒂隆起性病变安全有效,可以提供完整的病理诊断学资料。EMR和ESD可用于治疗消化道早癌。     

Circumferential endoscopic mucosal resection in Barrett's esophagus with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or mucosal cancer. Preliminary results in 21 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Treatment by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been established for early lesions in Barrett's esophagus. However, the remaining Barrett's esophagus epithelium remains at risk of developing further lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of circumferential endoscopic mucosectomy (circumferential EMR)s in removing not only the index lesion (high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) or mucosal cancer), but also the remaining Barrett's esophagus epithelium. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study (11 men, 10 women), who had Barrett's esophagus and either HGIN (n = 12) or mucosal cancer (n = 9). Of the patients, 17/21 were at high surgical risk and five had refused surgery. On the basis of preprocedure endosonography their lesions were classified as T1N0 (n = 19) or T0N0 (n = 2). The lesions and the Barrett's esophagus epithelium were removed by polypectomy after submucosal injection of 10-15 ml of saline; a double-channel endoscope was used in 15/21 cases. Circumferential EMR was performed in two sessions, the lesion and the surrounding half of the circumferential Barrett's esophagus mucosa being removed in the first session. In order to prevent the formation of esophageal stenosis, the second half of the Barrett's esophagus mucosa was resected 1 month later. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 4/21 patients (19 %), consisting of bleeding which was successfully managed by endoscopic hemostasis in all cases. No strictures were observed during follow-up (mean duration 18 months) and endoscopic resection was considered complete in 18/21 patients (86 %). For three patients, histological examination showed incomplete removal of tumor: one of these underwent surgery; two received chemoradiotherapy, and showed no evidence of residual tumor at 18 months' and 24 months' follow-up, respectively. Two patients in whom resection was initially classified as complete later presented with local recurrence and were treated again by EMR. Barrett's esophagus mucosa was completely replaced by squamous cell epithelium in 15/20 patients (75 %). CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential EMR is a noninvasive treatment of Barrett's esophagus with HGIN or mucosal cancer, with a low complication rate and good short-term clinical efficacy. Further studies should focus on long-term results and on technical improvements.