Novel per-oral endoscopic myotomy method preserving oblique muscle using two penetrating vessels as anatomic landmarks reduces postoperative gastroesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the main concerns related to peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The two penetrating vessels (TPVs) that are found at the boundary between the circular and oblique muscles in the posterior cardia wall have been suggested to be a good indicator of the optimal distal extent of POEM. However, the effect of performing myotomy using the TPVs as an anatomical reference on the frequency of post-POEM GER has not been studied. METHODS: This study involved consecutive patients who underwent POEM for the treatment of achalasia between April 2015 and June 2017. All enrolled patients underwent POEM in the 5 o'clock position and were divided into two groups: the conventional line group (CL group, n = 31), in which the TPVs were not exposed during submucosal tunnel dissection in the cardia, and the TPVs line group (TPVs group, n = 83), in which the TPVs were exposed and gastric myotomy was performed along the right side of the TPVs to preserve the oblique muscle. Examinations for post-POEM GER were conducted 3 months after the POEM. RESULTS: The frequency of grade B or higher reflex esophagitis was 26/83 (31.3%) in the TPVs group and 18/31 (58.1%) in the CL group (P = 0.017). Nine of 83 patients (10.8%) had GER symptoms in the TPVs group, and six of 31 (19.4%) had GER symptoms in the CL group (P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: The novel myotomy method preserving oblique muscle using TPVs as anatomical landmarks significantly reduced the frequency of post-POEM GER.

New report preparation system for endoscopic procedures using speech recognition technology.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: We developed a new reporting system based on structured data entry, which selectively extracts only endoscopic findings from endoscopists' oral statements and automatically inputs them into appropriate columns in real time during endoscopic procedures. METHODS: We compared the time for endoscopic procedures and report preparation (ER time) by using an esophagogastroduodenoscopy simulator in three groups: one preparing reports using a mouse after endoscopic procedures (CE group); a second group preparing reports by using voice alone during endoscopic procedures (SR group); and the final group preparing reports by operating the system with a foot switch and inputting findings using voice during endoscopic procedures (SR + FS group). For the SR and SR + FS groups, we identified the recognition rates of the speech recognition system. RESULTS: Mean ER times for cases with three findings each were 162, 130 and 119 seconds in the CE, SR and SR + FS groups, respectively. The mean ER times for cases with six findings each were 220, 144 and 128 seconds, respectively. The times in the SR and SR + FS groups were significantly shorter than that in the CE group ( P  < 0.017). The recognition rate of the SR group for cases with three findings each was 98.4 %, and 97.6 % in the same group for cases with six findings each. The rates in the SR + FS group were 95.2 % and 98.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our reporting system was demonstrated to allow an endoscopist to efficiently complete the report in real time during endoscopic procedures.

Peranal endoscopic myectomy (PAEM) for rectal lesions with severe fibrosis and exhibiting the muscle-retracting sign.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic submucosal dissection has enabled complete tumor resection and accurate pathological assessment in a manner that is less invasive than surgery, the complete resection of lesions with severe fibrosis in the submucosal layer and exhibiting the muscle-retracting sign is often difficult. We have devised a new method, peranal endoscopic myectomy (PAEM), for rectal lesions with severe fibrosis, in which dissection is performed between the inner circular and outer longitudinal muscles, and have examined the usefulness and safety of this new technique. METHODS: All of the patients who underwent PAEM in our hospital and affiliated hospitals between July 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: 10 rectal lesions were treated with PAEM. En bloc resection with a negative vertical margin was achieved in eight patients (80 %), whose lesions were mucosal (n = 2), shallow submucosal (n = 1), deep submucosal (n = 4), and muscle invasive (n = 1). The clinical course of all patients after PAEM was favorable. In patients who underwent additional surgery, anus preservation was achieved on the basis of the pathological results from PAEM. CONCLUSIONS: PAEM for lesions with severe fibrosis exhibiting the muscle-retracting sign appears to be both safe and useful.

A case of Jackhammer esophagus caused by eosinophilic esophagitis in which per-oral endoscopic myotomy resulted in symptom improvement.

A 73-year-old female with a 6-month history of progressive dysphagia and chest pain was referred to our hospital. She underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed abnormally strong contractions in the distal esophagus. Esophageal biopsy specimens showed massive eosinophil infiltration into the epithelium, and high-resolution manometry (HRM) also demonstrated abnormally strong contractions in the distal esophagus. Based on these results, she was diagnosed with Jackhammer esophagus (JHE) due to eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Treatment was started with 5 mg/day of prednisolone (PSL), and the number of peripheral blood eosinophils quickly decreased without any improvement in the patient's dysphagia. Esophageal biopsy specimens obtained after the PSL treatment showed the disappearance of eosinophils from the epithelium. However, abnormally strong contractions were still detected on HRM. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed to treat the JHE. Interestingly, the intraoperative esophageal muscle biopsy sample demonstrated massive eosinophil infiltration into the muscle layer. After the POEM, the patient's symptoms improved, and abnormal contractions were no longer detected on HRM. The current case suggests that when EoE combined with an esophageal motility disorder are refractory to steroid therapy, clinicians should be aware that motility disorders can develop due to eosinophil infiltration deep into the esophageal muscularis propria.

A novel method of endoscopic-assisted esophageal clearance in advanced achalasia.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: In order to perform peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) safely, retained liquid and food debris must be removed before the procedure is started. We developed a novel technique using a super-slim gastroscope, and a gastric tube to remove retained food debris in achalasia patients. In this study, the safety and efficacy of this novel technique were investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with achalasia were enrolled in this study and underwent this novel method for esophageal clearance. RESULTS: All patients had complete clearance of the retained food debris using this method. The median procedure time (range) was 13 (6 - 30) minutes. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) and one minor AE of mucosal erythema due to mucosal suctioning. CONCLUSION: This novel method for esophageal clearance is safe and effective in achalasia patients with large amounts of retained food debris.

Two penetrating vessels as a novel indicator of the appropriate distal end of peroral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the challenges during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is ensuring the appropriate length of myotomy on the gastric side. To determine the appropriate distal end of the gastric myotomy, we focused on the two penetrating vessels (TPVs) found in the gastric cardia during POEM. In the present study, we evaluated whether the TPVs could serve as an accurate indicator of the appropriate distal end of the gastric myotomy. METHODS: All patients who underwent POEM between March and August 2016 were included for this study. When making the submucosal tunnel in the 5 o'clock direction into the stomach, two vessels penetrating through the circular muscle along the edge of oblique muscle in the cardia can be exposed. We designated these two vessels as TPVs. The myotomy was extended until the second TPVs was exposed. The anal end of the submucosal tunnel was confirmed by the double-scope POEM technique, and the length from the gastroesophageal junction to the anal side end of the myotomy was measured by the scale on the endoscope. RESULTS: Among 37 patients who underwent myotomy in the 5 o'clock position, TPVs were found in 34 patients (91.2%). Sufficient submucosal tunneling on the gastric side was confirmed by the double-scope POEM technique in these 34 patients. Median length of the gastric myotomy was 3.0 cm (range 2-4 cm). CONCLUSION: TPVs appears to be a simple and reliable indicator to determine the appropriate distal end of myotomy.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplasms extending to the cervical esophagus.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal neoplasms extending to the cervical esophagus currently remain unknown because of the limited number of cases. We aimed to clarify the clinical outcomes of these cases. METHODS: This was a case series study conducted at a single institution that enrolled 26 consecutive patients with superficial esophageal neoplasms extending to the cervical esophagus who underwent ESD between July 2003 and December 2015. RESULTS: En bloc and complete resection rates were both 100 % and no major intraprocedural complications occurred. Thirteen patients were treated with prophylactic steroid therapy. The incidence of postoperative stricture in patients with a circumferential mucosal defect of more than three-quarters was 72.7 %. Four patients required entire circumferential resection, with perforation occurring after endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in two and EBD being required for more than 1 year in the other two. CONCLUSIONS: ESD including the cervical esophagus is technically feasible. Circumferential resection may cause refractory postoperative stricture or post-EBD perforation, so needs to be avoided where possible.

Clinical outcomes of deep invasive submucosal colorectal cancer after ESD.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a reliable method that can replace surgery under certain conditions. However, limited information is available on the clinical course of T1b colorectal cancer (CRC) after ESD. The aim of the study was to clarify the feasibility of ESD for T1b CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and two patients with 312 T1 CRC were identified in this retrospective cohort study. All patients were treated with ESD, other endoscopic treatments, or surgery. In this study, we (I) investigated the en bloc resection rate of ESD and (II) compared the overall survival (OS) rate for patients who underwent ESD with additional surgery (Group A) and surgery without upfront endoscopic resection (Group B) for T1b CRC. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the en bloc resection rates between T1b and T1a CRC (100 vs. 98.7%), but the en bloc R0 resection rate was significantly lower in T1b CRC than in T1a CRC (64.7 vs. 97.4%). Regarding complications, perforations occurred in 2.9% of patients with T1b CRC, which was not significantly different from the rate of 5.3% in patients with T1a CRC. No significant differences were observed in the OS or recurrence-free survival (RFS) curves between Groups A and B (OS rates at 5 years: 92.3 vs. 88.9%, RFS rates at 5 years: 81.4 vs. 85.3%). Similarly, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate of Group A was identical to that of Group B (both 100%). CONCLUSIONS: ESD for T1b CRC before surgery is a possible strategy because of the low rate of complications and favorable long-term outcomes.

Enormous postoperative perforation after endoscopic submucosal dissection for duodenal cancer successfully treated with filling and shielding by polyglycolic acid sheets with fibrin glue and computed tomography-guided abscess puncture.

A female in her 70s underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for screening, and a 0-IIa lesion measuring approximately 15 mm was detected in the descending portion of the duodenum. Due to the malignant potency of the lesion, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed. Microperforation occurred during ESD. The lesion was removed en bloc and the post-ESD ulcer bed was closed with clips. The next day, the patient had abdominal pain and computed tomography (CT) revealed a small amount of free air in the retroperitoneal space. Since there were no findings to suggest panperitonitis, conservative medical management including fasting and antibiotics was continued. Abdominal pain subsequently improved. However, EGD on the 8th day after ESD for follow-up showed shedding of the post-ESD ulcer that penetrated the retroperitoneal space. A surgical approach was not indicated because a few days may have already passed since postoperative perforation occurred and the spread of inflammation to the retroperitoneum was suspected. In an attempt to promote closure of the perforated cavity, we patched polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue to the cavity wall on days 17, 18, and 20 after ESD. The formation of granulation tissue was detected in the cavity one week later. CT showed an abscess in the right retroperitoneum, for which CT-guided abscess puncture was performed. Thereafter, the cavity gradually decreased. After the initiation of oral intake on postoperative day (POD) 63, the general condition of the patient was stable and she was discharged on POD 87. Polyglycolic acid sheets with fibrin glue and CT-guided abscess puncture were useful for closing the large cavity that developed after duodenal postoperative perforation.

Efficacy of a Novel Narrow Knife with Water Jet Function for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

BACKGROUNDS: With respect to the knife's design in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), diameter, water jet function, and electric power are important because these relate to efficient dissection. In this study, we analyzed a novel, narrow ball tip-typed ESD knife with water jet function (Flush knife BT-S, diameter: 2.2 mm, length: 2000 mm, Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan) compared to a regular diameter knife (Flush knife BT, diameter: 2.6 mm, length: 1800 mm). METHODS: In laboratory and clinical research, electric power, knife insertion time, vacuum/suction amount with knife in the endoscopic channel, and water jet function were analyzed. We used a knife 2.0 mm long for BT-S and BT knives. RESULTS: The BT-S showed faster mean knife insertion time (sec) and better vacuum amount (ml/min) compared to the BT (insertion time: 16.7 versus 21.6, p < 0.001, vacuum amount: 38.0 versus 14.0, p < 0.01). Additionally, the water jet function of the BT-S was not inferior. In 39 colorectal ESD cases in two institutions, there were mean 4.7 times (range: 1-28) of knife insertion. Suction under knife happened 59% (23/39) and suction of fluid could be done in 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the narrow knife allows significantly faster knife insertion, better vacuum function, and effective clinical results.

Efficacy of forced coagulation with low high-frequency power setting during endoscopic submucosal dissection.

AIM: To investigated the hemostatic ability of the S and F1-10 methods in clinical and ex vivo studies. METHODS: The hemostatic abilities of the two methods were analyzed retrospectively in all six gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection cases. The treated vessel diameter, compressed vessel frequency, and bleeding frequency after cutting the vessels were noted by the recorded videos. The coagulation mechanism of the two power settings was evaluated using the data recording program and histological examination on macro- and microscopic levels in the ex vivo experiments using porcine tissues. RESULTS: F1-10 method showed a significantly better hemostatic ability for vessels ≥ 2 mm in diameter and a trend of overall better coagulation effect, evaluated by the bleeding rate after cutting the vessels. F1-10 method could sustain electrical current longer and effectively coagulate the tissue wider and deeper than the S method in the porcine model. CONCLUSION: F1-10 method is suggested to achieve a stronger hemostatic effect than the S method in clinical procedures and ex vivo models.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy using FlushKnife BT: a single-center series.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an evolving new treatment strategy for achalasia. Although several kinds of electrosurgical knives have been used in performing POEM, the best device has yet to be determined. The FlushKnife BT is a waterjet-emitting short needle-knife with a small ball tip (BT) that offers the potential to perform all aspects of POEM with a single device. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficiency of the FlushKnife BT for POEM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 54 consecutive patients with achalasia and other spastic esophageal motility disorders, such as jackhammer esophagus or distal esophageal spasm, who underwent POEM between January 2016 and August 2016, were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: The median operation time was 73.0 minutes (range 39 - 184 minutes). All procedures were completed using only the FlushKnife BT without changing to any other electrosurgical instrument. The median number of additional submucosal injections with an injection needle was 0 (range 0 - 1). Endoscopic vessel sealing was performed a mean of 3 times (range 0 - 7). The median number of bleeding episodes requiring treatment with hemostatic forceps was 0 (range 0 - 5). There were no significant adverse events. Seven of 52 patients (13.5 %) reported symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn or acid reflux at 3 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The FlushKnife BT enabled POEM to be performed with very few device exchanges, either for re-injection or to control intraoperative bleeding. In this uncontrolled case series, the ability of the FlushKnife BT to perform nearly all aspects of the POEM procedure seems to make it particularly well suited to this procedure.

Gastric plexiform fibromyxoma resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection after observation of chronological changes: A case report.

A 66-year-old man was diagnosed with a gastric submucosal tumor. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed an iso/hypoechoic mass in the third layer. No malignant cells were detected in a histological examination. Yearly follow-up endoscopy and EUS showed the slow growth of the tumor. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed and a glistening tumor was resected. The lesion showed a multinodular plexiform growth pattern consisting of spindle cells with an abundant fibromyxoid stroma that was rich in small vessels. The tumor was diagnosed as plexiform fibromyxoma (PF) by immunohistochemistry. Although difficulties are associated with reaching a diagnosis preoperatively, chronological changes on EUS may contribute to the diagnosis of PF. ESD may also be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of PF.

First reported case of per anal endoscopic myectomy (PAEM): A novel endoscopic technique for resection of lesions with severe fibrosis in the rectum.

Background and study aims A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with a rectal tumor extending through the submucosal layer. The patient refused surgery and therefore endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was pursued. The lesion exhibited the muscle retraction sign. After dissecting circumferentially around the fibrotic area by double tunneling method, a myotomy was performed through the internal circular muscle layer, creating a plane of dissection between the internal circular muscle layer and the external longitudinal muscle layer, and a myectomy was completed. The pathologic specimen verified T1b grade 1 sprouting adenocarcinoma with 4350 µm invasion into the submucosa with negative resection margins.

Usefulness of a novel slim type FlushKnife-BT over conventional FlushKnife-BT in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

AIM: To investigated the usefulness of a novel slim type ball-tipped FlushKnife (FlushKnife-BTS) over ball-tipped FlushKnife (FlushKnife-BT) in functional experiments and clinical practice. METHODS: In order to evaluate the functionality of FlushKnife-BTS, water aspiration speed, resistance to knife insertion through the scope, and waterjet flushing speed were compared between FlushKnife-BTS and BT. In clinical practice, esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) performed using FlushKnife-BTS or BT by an experienced endoscopist between October 2015 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment speed and frequency of removing and reinserting the knife to aspirate fluid and air during ESD sessions were analyzed. RESULTS: Functional experiments revealed that water aspiration speed by the endoscope equipped with a 2.8-mm working channel with FlushKnife-BTS was 7.7-fold faster than that with conventional FlushKnife-BT. Resistance to knife insertion inside the scope with a 2.8-mm working channel was reduced by 40% with FlushKnife-BTS. The waterjet flushing speed was faster with the use of FlushKnife-BT. In clinical practice, a comparison of 6 and 7 ESD using FlushKnife-BT and BTS, respectively, revealed that the median treatment speed was 25.5 mm2/min (range 19.6-30.3) in the BT group and 44.2 mm2/min (range 15.5-55.4) in the BTS group (P = 0.0633). However, the median treatment speed was significantly faster with FlushKnife-BTS when the resection size was larger than 1000 m2 (n = 4, median 24.2 mm2/min, range 19.6-27.7 vs n = 4, median 47.4 mm2/min, range 44.2-55.4, P = 0.0209). The frequency of knife replacement was less in the BTS group (median 1.76 times in one hour, range 0-5.45) than in the BT group (7.02 times in one hour, range 4.23-15) (P = 0.0065). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that FlushKnife-BTS enhances the performance of ESD, particularly for large lesions, by improving air and fluid aspiration and knife insertion during ESD and reducing the frequency of knife removal and reinsertion.

Efficacy of a new hemostatic forceps during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Currently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely accepted standard treatment for early gastric cancer, but one challenging aspect of ESD is hemostasis. We developed a new hemostatic forceps (FD-Y0007) with the aim of achieving more effective hemostasis and investigated the hemostatic ability of the FD-Y0007 during gastric ESD in humans. METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial, which was conducted at a cancer referral center. Sixty-six patients who were scheduled to undergo ESD were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the Coagrasper or the FD-Y0007, which was used for hemostasis throughout the case. The primary end point was the time required to obtain hemostasis, which was measured for the first episode of bleeding during each case. RESULTS: Hemostasis time for the first bleeding episode during ESD was 73.0 s for the Coagrasper and 21.5 s for the FD-Y0007 (P < 0.001). When all episodes of bleeding were included, hemostasis time was 56.8 s in the Coagrasper group and 25.5 s in FD-Y0007group (P < 0.0001). The frequency of adverse events (perforation: 3.4% vs 7.1%; delayed bleeding: 0% vs 0%) was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the Coagrasper, the FD-Y0007 efficiently reduces the hemostatic time during gastric ESD with no increase in adverse events.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of cecal lesions in proximity to the appendiceal orifice.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is performed for treatment of various gastrointestinal lesions; however, the cecum in proximity to the appendiceal orifice remains a challenging area. We reviewed our experience with cecal ESD near the appendiceal orifice in order to clarify whether this procedure is a safe and effective therapeutic option. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ESD for lesions within approximately 12 mm of the appendiceal orifice at Kobe University Hospital and an affiliated hospital between January 2003 and December 2014. Lesions were classified as: Type 0, proximity to the appendiceal orifice but does not reach it; Type 1, reaches border of the appendix, but does not enter orifice; Type 2, enters orifice, and transition to normal appendiceal mucosa is discernible on inspection of the appendiceal lumen; and Type 3, enters orifice deeply and tumor edge cannot be observed. ESD was not performed for Type 3 lesions unless appendectomy was performed prior to ESD. RESULTS: A total of 76 lesions satisfied the inclusion criteria (47 Type 0 lesions, 20 Type 1, 6 Type 2, and 3 Type 3). En bloc resection was achieved in 72 lesions (94.7 %). Median specimen size was 49 mm (range 15 - 114 mm), and median tumor size was 35.5 mm (10 - 110 mm). One patient experienced postoperative bleeding, which was treated by endoscopic hemostasis. Another patient who experienced intraoperative perforation and was treated by clip closure later developed appendicitis; he underwent emergency ileocecal surgical resection. Another patient experienced postoperative appendicitis and recovered with antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ESD in close proximity to the appendiceal orifice seems safe and effective.

Feasibility and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for lower rectal tumors with hemorrhoids.

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for lower rectal lesions with hemorrhoids. METHODS: The outcome of ESD for 23 lesions with hemorrhoids (hemorrhoid group) was compared with that of 48 lesions without hemorrhoids extending to the dentate line (non-hemorrhoid group) during the same study period. RESULTS: Median operation times (ranges) in the hemorrhoid and non-hemorrhoid groups were 121 (51-390) and 130 (28-540) min. The en bloc resection rate and the curative resection rate in the hemorrhoid group were 96% and 83%, and they were 100% and 90% in the non-hemorrhoid group, respectively. In terms of adverse events, perforation and postoperative bleeding did not occur in both groups. In terms of the clinical course of hemorrhoids after ESD, the rate of complete recovery of hemorrhoids after ESD in lesions with resection of more than 90% was significantly higher than that in lesions with resection of less than 90%. CONCLUSION: ESD on lower rectal lesions with hemorrhoids could be performed safely, similarly to that on rectal lesions extending to the dentate line without hemorrhoids. In addition, all hemorrhoids after ESD improved to various degrees, depending on the resection range.

Endoscopic antralplasty for severe gastric stasis after wide endoscopic submucosal dissection in the antrum.

A 75-year-old female underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, revealing a widely spreading tumor occupying the anterior wall, lesser curvature, and posterior wall of the antrum and lower body. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed and resulted in more than five-sixths circumferential antral mucosal resection. One month later, she complained of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. Endoscopy showed residual food in the stomach and deformation of the antrum with traction toward the contracted scar in the lesser curvature. The pyloric ring could not be seen from the antrum although the endoscope was able to pass easily beyond the area of deformation and the pyloric ring was intact. Despite repeated endoscopic balloon dilations, the patient's symptoms remained refractory. The problem was speculated to be not due to any potential stricture but to antrum deformation resulting from the traction force toward the healing ulcer. We hypothesized that an additional countertraction force opposite the previous ESD site might resolve the problem, and ESD of approximately 2.5 cm size was performed in the greater curvature of the antrum. Along with development of a scar, traction toward the greater curvature was added, and the pyloric ring could be observed on repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The symptoms were also gradually ameliorated. Afterwards, the endoscopic findings have now been unchanged during 7 years of follow-up.

Feasibility and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for lesions involving the ileocecal valve.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been applied to treat early colorectal cancers. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical course of ESD for lesions involving the ileocecal valve (ICV) by evaluating the successful resection rates, and the risk and frequency of adverse events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of ESD on 38 ICV lesions was compared with the outcome of 132 cecal lesions that did not involve the ICV or appendiceal orifice during the same study period. The factors related to longer procedure time, postoperative stricture development, and tumor recurrence were investigated for ESD of ICV lesions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the ICV and non-ICV groups in the en block resection rates. The median procedure time was significantly longer in the ICV group than in the non-ICV group, with a point estimate of the difference of 37 minutes (95 % confidence interval [CI] 20.00 to 56.00; P  < 0.01). None of the patients developed symptomatic post-ESD stricture or tumor recurrence. ESD procedure duration was ≥ 120 minutes in 16 lesions and < 120 minutes in 22 lesions of the ICV group. A specimen diameter of ≥ 40 mm and tumor extension into terminal ileum were factors related to a longer procedure time (odds ratio [OR] 8.40, 95 %CI 1.53 to 46.10, P = 0.01; OR 10.60, 95 %CI 2.17 to 51.40, P  < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: ICV lesions can be resected by ESD without major adverse events or causing symptomatic stricture development. However, ESD for ICV lesions should be performed only by expert endoscopists, as the procedure requires accomplished endoscopic skill and experience.