Dehiscence following successful endoscopic closure of gastric perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection

Gastric perforation is one of the most serious complications that can occur during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). In terms of the treatment of such perforations, we previously reported that perforations immediately observed and successfully closed with endoclips during endoscopic resection could be managed conservatively. We now report the first case in our medical facility of a gastric perforation during ESD that was ineffectively treated conservatively even after successful endoscopic closure. In December 2006, we performed ESD on a recurrent early gastric cancer in an 81-year-old man with a medical history of laparotomy for cholelithiasis. A perforation occurred during ESD that was immediately observed and successfully closed with endoclips so that ESD could be continued resulting in an en-bloc resection. Intensive conservative management was conducted following ESD, however, an endoscopic examination five days after ESD revealed dehiscence of the perforation requiring an emergency laparotomy.     

Treatment of gastric remnant cancer post distal gastrectomy by endoscopic submucosal dissection using an insulation-tipped diathermic knife

AIM： To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection using an insulation-tipped diathermic knife （IT-ESD） for the treatment of patients with gastric remnant cancer. METHODS： Thirty-two patients with early gastric cancer in the remnant stomach, who underwent distal gastrectomy due to gastric carcinoma, were treated with endoscopic mucosal resection （EMR） or ESD at Sumitomo Besshi Hospital and Shikoku Cancer Center in the 10-year period from January 1998 to December 2007, including 17 patients treated with IT-ESD. Retrospectively, patient backgrounds, the one-piece resection rate, complete resection （CR） rate, operation time, bleeding rate, and perforation rate were compared between patients treated with conventional EMR and those treated with IT-ESD. RESULTS： The CR rate （40% in the EMR group vs 82% in the IT-ESD group） was significantly higher in the IT-ESD group than in the EMR group; however, the operation time was significantly longer for the IT- ESD group （57.6 ± 31.9 min vs 21.1 ± 12.2 min）. No significant differences were found in the rate of underlying cardiopulmonary disease （IT-ESD group, 12% vs EMR group, 13%）, one-piece resection rate （100% vs 73%）, bleeding rate （18% vs 6.7%）, and perforation rate （0% vs 0%） between the two groups. CONCLUSION： IT-ESD appears to be an effective treatment for gastric remnant cancer post distal gastrectomy because of its high CR rate. It is useful for histological confirmation of successful treatment. Thelong-term outcome needs to be evaluated in the future.     

Rescue endoscopic band ligation of iatrogenic gastric perforations following failed endoclip closure

Iatrogenic gastric perforation is one of the most serious complications during therapeutic endoscopy,despite significant advances in endoscopic techniques and devices.This case study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of the rescue endoscopic band ligation (EBL) technique in iatrogenic gastric wall perforation following the failure of primary endoclip closure.Five patients were enrolled in this study.These patients underwent emergency endoscopy following the onset of acute gastric wall perforation during endoscopic procedures.The outcome measurements were primary technical success and immediate or delayed procedure-related complications.Successful endoscopic closure using band ligation was reported in all patients,with no complication occurring.We conclude that EBL may be a feasible and safe alternate technique for the management of acute gastric perforation,especially in cases where closure is difficult with endoclips.     

Endoscopic submucosal dissection allows curative resection of locally recurrent early gastric cancer after prior endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND: Repeat endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to cure locally recurrent early gastric cancer (EGC) is difficult to perform because the initial EMR causes submucosal fibrosis; however, ESD allows submucosal dissection through the fibrosis and provides an en bloc specimen. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the safety and efficacy of ESD and compare the results to historical controls. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, case-control study. PATIENTS: We used our prospectively entered database (1993-2003) to identify 64 patients who had locally recurrent EGC after EMR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We defined the resections as curative when the lateral and vertical margins were free of cancer and repeat endoscopy showed no recurrent disease. RESULTS: Among 46 patients who underwent ESD, 41 (89.1%) en bloc resections were achieved compared to none in 18 conventional procedures (P < .0001). The specimen of 1 lesion (2.4%) out of 41 en bloc resections was histologically nonevaluable, compared with 10 lesions (43.4%) in 23 piecemeal resections (P < .0001). Three residual tumors (27.3%) were found in the 11 nonevaluable specimens. Three perforations occurred during ESD; all were successfully treated endoscopically with endoclips. LIMITATIONS: The limitation of the study was retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: ESD provides high en bloc resection rate for locally recurrent EGC after previous EMR. In turn, en bloc resections allow precise histological staging to be assessed and prevent residual disease and recurrence.     

Benefits of endoscopic submucosal dissection according to size and location of gastric neoplasm, compared with conventional mucosal resection

Background and Aims:  To clarify optimal therapeutic strategies for early gastric cancers without vestigial remnant or recurrence, we evaluated the benefits of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) according to tumor size and location.
Methods:  From January 2000 to December 2007, a total of 328 gastric lesions were treated using conventional EMR, while 572 lesions were treated by ESD. Patients who underwent surgery on the upper gastrointestinal tract before EMR or ESD were excluded from the study. We compared tumor size, location and rates of complete resection, curative resection, postoperative bleeding, perforation and local recurrence between EMR and ESD according to tumor situation.
Results:  Overall local complete resection rate (EMR, 64.2%; ESD, 95.1%) and overall curative resection rate (EMR, 59.5%; ESD, 82.7%) were significantly higher in ESD than in EMR. No significant differences were seen in complication rates between EMR and ESD. Local recurrence was detected in 13 lesions (4.0%) of the EMR group during follow up. In contrast, no local recurrence was detected in the ESD group. For lesions 5 mm or less in diameter, complete resection rate in the EMR group was not significantly inferior to that in the ESD group at any location. However, rates were overwhelmingly better in the ESD group than in the EMR group for lesions more than 5 mm in diameter, regardless of location.
Conclusion:  We concluded that lesions exceeding 5 mm in diameter should be treated by ESD, although a high resection rate is obtained also with EMR for lesions of 5 mm or less in diameter.     

Endoscopic mucosal resection for treatment of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: In Japan, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is accepted as a treatment option for cases of early gastric cancer (EGC) where the probability of lymph node metastasis is low. The results of EMR for EGC at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, over a 11 year period are presented. METHODS: EMR was applied to patients with early cancers up to 30 mm in diameter that were of a well or moderately histologically differentiated type, and were superficially elevated and/or depressed (types I, IIa, and IIc) but without ulceration or definite signs of submucosal invasion. The resected specimens were carefully examined by serial sections at 2 mm intervals, and if histopathology revealed submucosal invasion and/or vessel involvement or if the resection margin was not clear, surgery was recommended. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy nine cancers in 445 patients were treated by EMR from 1987 to 1998 but submucosal invasion was found on subsequent pathological examination in 74 tumours. Sixty nine percent of intramucosal cancers (278/405) were resected with a clear margin. Of 127 cancers without "complete resection", 14 underwent an additional operation and nine were treated endoscopically; the remainder had intensive follow up. Local recurrence in the stomach occurred in 17 lesions followed conservatively, in one lesion treated endoscopically, and in five lesions with complete resection. All tumours were diagnosed by follow up endoscopy and subsequently treated by surgery. There were no gastric cancer related deaths during a median follow up period of 38 months (3-120 months). Bleeding and perforation (5%) were two major complications of EMR but there were no treatment related deaths. CONCLUSION: In our experience, EMR allows us to perform less invasive treatment without sacrificing the possibility of cure.     

Endoscopic resection after endoscopic hemostasis for hemorrhagic gastric cancer

A 68 years old man was referred to our hospital with symptoms of hematemesis and melena. An emergent gastroscopy showed a gastric ulcerative lesion with an exposed vessel (Forrest IIa) protruding from its base, which was located at the posterior wall of the upper portion of the gastric body. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed with endoclips and antiulcer treatment was done. Although the ulcerative lesion was healed two months after endoscopic hemostasis, the histopathological examination of the biopsy specimens revealed well differentiated adenocarcinoma (0-IIc). The tumor could be resected en-bloc by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) without any complications such as perforation or postoperative bleeding. The resected specimen showed that the resected tumor was well differentiated intramucosal adenocarcinoma (13 x 10 mm) with a clear lateral margin. There was no recurrence during 12 months follow-up after ESD treatment. Follow-up endoscopy with biopsies should be performed for accurate diagnosis of gastric ulcerative lesions and ESD after endoscopic hemostasis with endoclips was an effective method for early gastric cancer presenting with massive hemorrhage in our case.     

A novel endoscopic suturing technique using a specially designed so-called "8-ring" in combination with resolution clips (with videos)

BACKGROUND: Although EMR has been proven to be a safe procedure, the risk of hemorrhage and perforation increases with the size of the resected lesion. To overcome such complications, we previously reported a technique using an endoloop and metal clips to close large mucosal defects after EMR. This procedure, however, requires a 2-channel colonoscope, which is not always available. OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to demonstrate the feasibility of mucosal defect closure by using a conventional single-channel colonoscope, a specially designed figure-of-8-shaped stainless steel ring (8-ring) and resolution clips. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: Private outpatient clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 10 patients with 10 lesions underwent this procedure for closure after EMR. INTERVENTION: After EMR, a Resolution clip (Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass) was placed through 1 hole of the 8-ring and then attached to normal mucosa near 1 side of the resection site. Another resolution clip was inserted through the remaining hole of the device and clipped in the normal mucosa on the other side, thus providing complete closure. To strengthen the closure, conventional endoclips were also placed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical feasibility of endoscopic closure of the mucosal defect after EMR and complications associated with endoscopic procedures. RESULTS: Mean size of resected lesion was 16.3 mm. All the defects were successfully closed without any complication such as delayed bleeding or perforation. LIMITATIONS: Further study is needed to examine the maximum size of defects that can be closed with this method. CONCLUSIONS: Defects after EMR can be treated successfully with this simple technique.     

Clinical experience of esophageal perforation occurring with endoscopic submucosal dissection

Esophageal perforation occurring during or after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a rare, but serious complication. However, reports of its characteristics, including endoscopic imaging and management, have not been fully detailed. To analyze and report the clinical presentation and management of esophageal perforations occurred during or after EMR/ESD. Four hundred seventy‐two esophageal neoplasms in 368 patients were treated (171 EMR; ESD 306) at Northern Yokohama Hospital from 2003 to 2012. Esophageal perforation occurred in a total of seven (1.9%) patients, all of whom were male and had undergone ESD. The etiology of perforation was: three (42.9%) intraoperative; three (42.9%) balloon dilatation for stricture prevention; one (14.2%) due to food bolus impaction. All cases were managed non‐operatively based on the comprehensive assessment of clinical severity, extent of the injury, and the time interval from perforation to treatment onset. Conservative management included (i) bed rest and continuous monitoring to determine the need for operative intervention; (ii) fasting and intravenous fluid infusion/ tube feeding; and (iii) intravenous antibiotics. All defects closed spontaneously, save one case where closure was achieved by endoscopic clipping. Surgery was not required. Conservative management for esophageal perforation during advanced endoscopic resection is may be possible when there is no delay in diagnosis or treatment. Decision‐making should be governed purely by multidisciplinary discussion.     

内镜下全层切除术联合OTSC吻合系统在治疗胃间质瘤中的应用研究

目的探究内镜下全层切除术(EFTR)联合OTSC吻合系统治疗胃间质瘤的安全性及有效性。 方法回顾性分析2016年9月至2018年10月经宁夏回族自治区人民医院行EFTR联合OTSC夹闭系统治疗胃间质瘤24例临床资料。 结果24例患者中,成功切除率及闭合率为100%,闭合穿孔直径最小为0.3 cm×0.3 cm,闭合穿孔直径最大为4.3 cm×3.8 cm,平均(2.5 ±1.5)cm,术中有少量渗血,均予以氩离子凝固术(APC)电凝止血,平均操作时间(45±60)min,术后平均住院时间为(3±5)d。术后无气胸、发热,无发生迟发性出血、消化道瘘、继发性胸腹腔感染及其它严重并发症。术后第1、3、6个月随访复查胃镜,观察创面愈合情况,病变均无复发现象,24例病理提示梭形细胞肿瘤及结合免疫组织化学诊断为间质瘤,位于胃底、胃窦及胃体;均为极低度、低度侵袭危险性,建议患者定期复查胃镜。 结论EFTR联合OTSC吻合系统治疗胃间质瘤是一种安全、有效的技术,值得在临床上推广使用。     

Long-term follow up of endoscopic resection for type 3 gastric NET

AIM:To clarify the short and long-term results and to prove the usefulness of endoscopic resection in type 3gastric neuroendocrine tumors(NETs).METHODS:Of the 119 type 3 gastric NETs diagnosed from January 1996 to September 2011,50 patients treated with endoscopic resection were enrolled in this study.For endoscopic resection,endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)or endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was used.Therapeutic efficacy,complications,and follow-up results were evaluated retrospectively.RESULTS:EMR was performed in 41 cases and ESD in 9 cases.Pathologically complete resection was performed in 40 cases(80.0%)and incomplete resection specimens were observed in 10 cases(7 vs 3 patients in the EMR vs ESD group,P=0.249).Upon analysis of the incomplete resection group,lateral or vertical margin invasion was found in six cases(14.6%)in the EMR group and in one case in the ESD group(11.1%).Lymphovascular invasions were observed in two cases(22.2%)in the ESD group and in one case(2.4%)in the EMR group(P=0.080).During the follow-up period(43.73;13-60 mo),there was no evidence of tumor recurrence in either the pathologically complete resection group or the incomplete resection group.No recurrence was reported during follow-up.In addition,no mortality was reported in either the complete resection group or the incomplete resection group for the duration of the follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Less than 2 cm sized confined submucosal layer type 3 gastric NET with no evidence of lymphovascular invasion,endoscopic treatment could be considered at initial treatment.     

Clinicopathologic features and treatment of residual early cancers after endoscopic mucosal resection of the stomach

GOALS: We sometimes encounter residual or recurrent cancers after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinicopathologic characteristics of and optimal treatment for the residual cancers after EMR. STUDY: Seventy-four patients with early gastric cancer were treated with EMR between 1994 and 2004. These patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: the curative group (n=59) and the noncurative group (n=15). The clinicopathologic data were compared between the 2 groups and the outcomes of additional therapy were reviewed. RESULTS: In the noncurative group, the tumors were located significantly frequently on the upper or middle third of the stomach compared with the curative group (P<0.05). The number of fragments in EMR was significantly larger in the noncurative group than in the curative group (P<0.05). Fifteen patients required additional treatment because of the residual cancer. Nine (75%) of 12 patients requiring surgery underwent laparoscopic surgery. Three patients were treated by endoscopic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: EMR with a single fragment and with a sufficient margin is useful for the complete resection of early gastric cancer. When residual cancer occurs, laparoscopic gastrectomy may be a good alternative.     

内镜下黏膜切除术治疗老年及老年前期胃肠道息肉的临床研究

目的探讨内镜下黏膜切除术（endoscopic mucosal resection,EMR）对老年及老年前期胃及大肠息肉的治疗效果,并对其临床病理特征、适应证、并发症等进行讨论。方法 2003年10月至2009年10月共完成老年及非老年胃息肉及大肠息肉EMR手术1076例;对切除标本进行病理检查,记录术中及术后发生的并发症及处理情况,术后定期内镜随访1-60月。结果 348处胃息肉经首次或再次EMR治疗病变均完整清除,病理示炎性息肉、增生性息肉、腺瘤性息肉分别占62.6%（218/348）,27.9%（97/348）,9.5%（33/348）。935处大肠息肉中892处病变经首次或再次EMR治疗病变完整清除,治愈率为95.4%;23处病变（2.5%）术后病理示浸润癌再追加外科开腹手术。病理示炎性息肉、增生性息肉、腺瘤性息肉、腺瘤癌变分别占29.1%（272/935）,20.9%（195/935）,46.2%（432/935）,3.9%（36/935）,随年龄的增加,腺瘤性息肉的比例逐渐升高（P〈0.01）。术中出血52例（4.8%）,均内镜下止血;术后迟发出血（〉24 h）21例（2.0%）,其中15例经内镜下止血,6例经输血及内科保守治疗后止血。无穿孔、感染等并发症发生。随访期间所有病例均无复发。结论 EMR是一种安全和微创的内镜治疗手段,对老年及老年前期胃及大肠息肉治疗的疗效优于传统的内镜下治疗方法。     

Predictors of bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection of gastric tumors

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection has been increasingly used to treat gastric tumors. Bleeding is the major complication of endoscopic mucosal resection. This study evaluated risk factors for bleeding associated with endoscopic mucosal resection. METHODS: Four hundred seventy-seven patients who underwent endoscopic mucosal resection of gastric tumors during the past 10 years were studied retrospectively. Bleeding encountered during endoscopic mucosal resection was termed immediate; bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection was termed delayed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for determination of the factors related to delayed bleeding. One case of perforation was excluded. RESULTS: Delayed bleeding occurred in 25 (5.3%) of 476 patients. The only factor found to be significantly different between cases with and without delayed bleeding was the occurrence of immediate bleeding during endoscopic mucosal resection (p < 0.001). Sites where immediate bleeding occurred were not the same as those where delayed bleeding arose. There were no significant differences in other factors. CONCLUSIONS: When immediate bleeding occurs during endoscopic mucosal resection, there is an increased risk of delayed bleeding.     

The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on gastric ulcer healing after endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND AND AIM: It remains unclear whether Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy accelerates the healing of acute gastric ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of gastric tumor. We examined the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on ulcer healing after EMR. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who underwent successful H. pylori eradication therapy before EMR were followed prospectively. Patients underwent endoscopic examination 1 or 2 months after EMR, during which the ulcer status and reduction rate were assessed. The effect of H. pylori eradication on the quality of ulcer healing was also evaluated. Six patients in whom eradication therapy failed and 26 patients who underwent EMR without eradication therapy served as control subjects. RESULTS: Endoscopically, 18 (75%) of 24 ulcers in the eradication group were at the healing stage 1 month after EMR. The ulcer reduction rates were 85.0 +/- 2.6% and 96. 9 +/- 1.1% at 1 and 2 months after EMR, respectively. Ulcer stage and reduction rate did not differ significantly between the eradication group and control group. However, we frequently observed a better quality of ulcer healing in the eradication group than in the control groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: H. pylori eradication therapy does not accelerate ulcer healing after EMR but may improve the quality of ulcer healing of gastric ulcer after EMR.     

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers: experience from a new endoscopic center in Taiwan

GOAL: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancers (EGCs) at a new endoscopic center. BACKGROUND: ESD is a novel technique that can facilitate en-bloc resection of EGCs, but seldom reported outside Japan. STUDY: A total of 25 consecutive patients (25 lesions) underwent ESD from June 2004 to March 2006. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A underwent ESD from June 2004 to May 2005 (introduction stage) and group B from June 2005 to March 2006. The following data were obtained: tumor size, tumor location, operative time, and major complication. RESULTS: The complete resection was achieved in 20 lesions (success rate 80%). Four out of 10 lesions from group A were removed by conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) piecemeally after ESD failure. Conversely, 14 patients from group B (n=15) were resected by ESD en-bloc (success rate 93.3%). One patient with microscopic residual tumor after ESD was further treated by surgical resection. The time required for resection was significantly longer in group A when compared with group B (130.5 min vs. 81.5 min, P<0.05). Postoperative complication rate between the 2 groups were similar. One patient with piecemeal EMR recurred in follow-up, and was further treated successfully by EMR. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is an ideal method for EGC treatment, but it may result in a risk of complication. The complete resection rate can be improved by endoscopist's experience. Sophisticated endoscopic hemostasis and clipping skills are essential prior ESD procedures. Conventional EMR techniques are also obligatory during the beginning period.     

The utility of endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopy in the endoscopic mucosal resection of early gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopy in the endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of early gastric cancer. Patients/Methods-EMR was performed in 61 patients with early gastric cancer over the past five years. The accuracy of the assessment of the depth of cancerous invasion was studied in 49 patients who had EUS before EMR. Forty eight patients were treated with endoscopy alone; in these patients, EUS and endoscopic findings correlated with the clinical course. RESULTS: Forty six patients showed no changes in the submucosal layer or deeper structures on EUS. Pathologically these included 37 patients with mucosal cancer and nine with submucosal cancer showing very slight submucosal infiltration. Three patients showed diffuse low echo changes in the submucosal layer on EUS; pathologically, these included two with submucosal cancer and one with mucosal cancer with a peptic ulcer scar within the tumour focus. Of 48 patients receiving endoscopic treatment alone, 45 showed no tumour recurrence or evidence of metastases on EUS and endoscopy. Three cases of recurrence were observed. Two of these patients had a surgical gastrectomy, and one was re-treated endoscopically. In the former cases, the surgical results correlated well with assessment by EUS and endoscopy. In addition, the latter patient who was re-treated endoscopically after evaluation with EUS and endoscopy has so far had no recurrence. CONCLUSION: The combined use of EUS and endoscopy is effective in diagnosing the depth of cancerous invasion in patients undergoing EMR as well as in clarifying changes both within and between anatomic levels during follow up.     

内镜下黏膜切除术治疗胃肠道息肉样病变的70例临床分析

目的 探讨内镜下黏膜切除术（ endoscopic mucosal resection,EMR） 在切除胃肠道息肉中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析70例（82枚息肉）行EMR治疗胃肠道息肉的临床资料.结果 30例患者40枚胃息肉及40例患者42枚结肠息肉经EMR 治疗后,病变均完整切除,无出血、感染和穿孔等并发症发生.结论 EMR是临床上治疗胃肠道息肉的一种安全有效的内镜治疗手段,值得临床推广.     

Endoscopic closure of mucosal defects with metallic clips after endoscopic mucosal resection in patients with intramural tumors of the stomach: A retrospective study

Background: Representative complications of endoscopic mucosal resection to treat intramural gastric tumors include bleeding and perforation. The purpose of the present study was to clarify whether endoscopic closure of mucosal defects using metallic clips decreases the incidence of delayed bleeding following endoscopic mucosal resection. Patients and Methods: The records of 187 intramural tumors of the stomach in the 181 patients that were treated by endoscopic mucosal resection between 1992 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were classi?ed into two groups. The ?rst group included patients who received endoscopic mucosal resection but were not treated by endoscopic mucosal closure. The second group included patients who were treated with endoscopic mucosal closure using metallic clips after endoscopic mucosal resection. The incidences of delayed bleeding following endoscopic mucosal resection in these two groups were evaluated. Results: Delayed bleeding following endoscopic mucosal resection was observed in 13 of 96 (13.5%) of the lesions of the ?rst group. Delayed bleeding was encountered in only two of 91 (2.2%) lesions of the second group. Conclusions: Endoscopic closure of mucosal defects with metallic clips after endoscopic mucosal resection in gastric lesions was useful in decreasing the incidence of delayed bleeding following endoscopic mucosal resection.     

Factors affecting long-term clinical outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been widely accepted as a treatment option for early gastric cancer (EGC) in selected cases. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the long-term outcomes and the factors affecting the clinical outcomes, of EMR performed in EGC. METHODOLOGY: Between April 1996 and March 2005, 147 patients have undergone EMR to treat EGC at Yonsei University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. We assessed the clinical outcomes of the EMR for EGC in a long-term follow-up period. We also reviewed the medical records of the patients including demographic data, endoscopic characteristics of the lesion and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: The histopathologic evaluations after the EMR treatment showed that overall complete resection rate was 84.6% (126/149) while complete resec tion rate of 93.5% was achieved in mucosal cancers (115/123). The success of complete resection was significantly affected by endoscopic gross type (depressed lesion), the degree of differentiation, and the depth of invasion, independently. There were only 5 cases of local recurrence during the follow-up periods, and the recurred or incompletely resected lesions were successfully treated by salvage operation or endoscopic retreatment. There was no disease-related or treatment-related mortality during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: EMR is a good and safe curative treatment option with feasible clinical outcomes in patients with EGC. It must be emphasized that a proper selection of candidates is mandatory to improve the clinical outcome of EMR in EGC.