Full-Thickness Resection Device for Complex Colorectal Lesions in High-Risk Patients as a Last-Resort Endoscopic Treatment: Initial Clinical Experience and Review of the Current Literature

The full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is a novel endoscopic device approved for the resection of colorectal lesions. This case-series describes the device and its use in high-risk patients with colorectal lesions and provides an overview of the potential indications in recently published data. Between December 2014 and September 2015, 3 patients underwent endoscopic full thickness resection using the FTRD for colorectal lesions: 1 case for a T1 adenocarcinoma in the region of a surgical anastomosis after recto-sigmoidectomy, 1 case for a non-lifting colonic adenoma with low-grade dysplasia in an 89-year old patient and 1 for a recurrent adenoma with high-grade dysplasia in a young patient with ulcerative rectocolitis who was under immunosuppression after renal transplantation. Both technical and clinical success rates were achieved in all cases. The size of removed lesions ranged from 9 to 30 mm. Overall, the most frequent indication in the literature has been for lifting or non-lifting adenoma, submucosal tumors, neuroendocrin tumors, incomplete endoscopic resection (R1) or T1 carcinoma. Colorectal FTRD is a feasible technique for the treatment of colorectal lesions and represents a minimally invasive alternative for either surgical or conventional endoscopic resection strategies.

Combined Endoscopic and Surgical Treatment of Severe Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient with Heart Assist Device under Therapeutic Anticoagulation

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common complication after heart assist device placement. Reasons for bleeding are multifactorial. Endoscopic therapy is the treatment of choice, whereas invasive procedures are avoided in these critically ill patients. We present the case of a 65-year-old male patient experiencing severe GI bleeding after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and right ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement with therapeutic anticoagulation. Endoscopically, multiple gastric bleeding sources were found but could not be treated effectively due to a large blood clot. A combined endoscopic and surgical treatment was initiated, including gastrotomy for blood clot removal, surgical transgastric suturing, endoscopic over-the-scope clip (OTSC) placement and hemospray application. Postoperative endoscopic visualization showed effective bleeding control. The patient unfortunately died due to causes unrelated to the treatment. This case shows that a minimal invasive combination of endoscopic and surgical techniques can be an alternative treatment for severe upper GI bleeding in critically ill and anticoagulated patients.