Efficacy of an over-the-scope clip for preventing adverse events after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a prospective interventional study

BACKGROUND

Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains technically challenging, with a high risk of severe adverse events. Because exposure of the duodenal post-ESD mucosal defect to pancreatic juice and bile acid reportedly induces delayed perforation and bleeding, we examined whether defect closure using an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system was useful for preventing postoperative adverse events.

METHODS

From April 2016 to February 2017, a total of 50 consecutive patients with superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) larger than 10 mm, with no more than semi-circumferential spread, were prospectively enrolled in this study. All of the lesions were treated by experienced ESD operators and the post-ESD mucosal defect was closed using OTSCs.

RESULTS

All of the SNADETs were completely removed by ESD, with an R0 resection rate of 88.0 %. The mean procedure and closure times were 67.3 ± 58.8 minutes and 9.8 ± 7.2 minutes, respectively. Although complete defect closure was achieved in 94.0 % of the patients (47/50), two patients required surgical conversion. Delayed perforation occurred in only one patient (2.1 %), who did not have successful closure of the defect, as misplacement of the OTSC exposed the muscle layer. Meanwhile, delayed bleeding occurred in three patients (6.3 %); however, the bleeding was easily controlled using endoscopic coagulation. The mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 5.5 ± 7.2 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic defect closure using OTSCs may be effective in reducing severe adverse events after duodenal ESD.

Usefulness of a multifunctional snare designed for colorectal hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (with video)

Since colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains technically difficult, hybrid ESD was developed as an alternative therapeutic option to achieve en bloc resection of relatively large lesions. In this feasibility study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of hybrid colorectal ESD using a newly developed multifunctional snare. From June to August 2016, we prospectively enrolled 10 consecutive patients with non-pedunculated intramucosal colorectal tumors 20 - 30 mm in diameter. All of the hybrid ESD steps were performed using the "SOUTEN" snare. The knob-shaped tip attached to the loop top helps to stabilize the needle-knife, making it less likely to slip during circumferential incision and enables partial submucosal dissection. All of the lesions were curatively resected by hybrid ESD, with a short mean procedure time (16.1 ± 4.8 minutes). The mean diameters of the resected specimens and tumors were 30.5 ± 4.9 and 26.0 ± 3.5 mm, respectively. No perforations occurred, while delayed bleeding occurred in 1 patient. In conclusion, hybrid ESD using a multifunctional snare enables easy, safe, and cost-effective resection of relatively large colorectal tumors to be achieved.

STUDY REGISTRATION

UMIN000022545.

Successful endoscopic submucosal dissection of colon cancer with severe fibrosis after tattooing

Endoscopic tattooing is often used to facilitate the identification of colorectal lesions before endoscopic treatments. However, tattooing under the lesion can result in technical difficulties because of the dark endoscopic field and submucosal fibrosis. A 65-year-old man with a non-granular-type laterally spreading tumor was referred to our hospital after tattooing with India ink for surgery. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was selected for the resection of this lesion because the findings of magnifying endoscopy suggested an intramucosal cancer. Dissection around a dense section was difficult because of the dark endoscopic field and non-lifting as a result of severe fibrosis. We performed ESD using the following strategy: (1) injection with a smaller amount of indigo carmine and (2) cut and dissection from the side of the thinly tattooed area. The lesion was curatively resected en bloc without any complications. This finding suggests that endoscopic tattooing before endoscopic treatment should be performed one or two folds away from the lesion.

Safety and efficacy of simultaneous colorectal ESD for large synchronous colorectal lesions

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Multiple large colorectal lesions are sometimes diagnosed during colonoscopy. However, there have been no investigations of the feasibility of simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for multiple lesions. This study aims to reveal the strategy of simultaneous ESD for multiple large colorectal lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

246 patients who underwent ESD for 274 colorectal lesions were retrospectively evaluated in this study. Fifty-one large colorectal lesions among 23 patients were treated by ESD simultaneously (simultaneous group), and 223 patients were treated with ESD for a single lesion (single group).

RESULTS

 En-bloc resection and curative resection rates did not differ. Compared with the single group, each procedure time was faster (31.8 ± 23.6 min vs. 45.8 ± 44.8, P  = 0.002), but total procedure time was significantly longer in the simultaneous group (70.6 ± 33.4 vs. 45.8 ± 44.8 min, P  = 0.01). Rates of adverse events including bleeding and perforation were not higher in the simultaneous group but the mean blood pressure, incidence of bradycardia and the amount of sedative drug used during ESD were significantly higher in the simultaneous group. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified non-experienced physician, lesion size ≥ 40 mm and submucosal fibrosis as an independent risk factor for procedure duration (≥ 90 min) (Odds ratio 11.852, 18.280, and 3.672; P  < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

 Simultaneous ESD for multiple synchronous colorectal lesions is safe and feasible compared with single ESD and can reduce the burden to patients, length of hospital stay and medical expense. These results need to be elucidated by further studies.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for laterally spreading tumors involving the appendiceal orifice

BACKGROUND

Since the endoscopic resection of laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) involving the appendiceal orifice remains technically difficult, such lesions are usually treated by surgical resection. However, with recent advances in endoscopic devices, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become feasible and may be safely performed even for lesions involving the appendiceal orifice. Therefore, in order to assess the validity of endoscopic treatment for such lesions, we retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of ESD.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients with LSTs extending to within 10 mm of the appendiceal orifice (Group AO) and 122 patients with cecal LSTs located away from the appendiceal orifice (Group C) who were treated between December 2011 and September 2015 were retrospectively enrolled in the present study. The indications for ESD were determined by the preoperative endoscopic diagnosis made on the basis of Kudo's pit pattern classification. Based on these preoperative endoscopic diagnoses, 8 of the 30 enrolled patients underwent surgical resection as the initial treatment, because the tumor showed deep invasion beyond the orifice and/or a VN pit pattern was visible. The treatment outcomes (en bloc R0 resection rates, tumor size, procedure time, and complication rates) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity for the cancer diagnosis were 81.8 and 94.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the en bloc R0 resection rate between Group AO and Group C (90.9 vs. 95.9%, P = 0.23). Furthermore, there were also no differences in the mean tumor size (30.0 ± 20.8 vs. 34.9 ± 14.5 mm, P = 0.17) or mean OR time (55.0 ± 39.2 vs. 58.9 ± 48.2 min P = 0.72) between the two groups. One case from Group AO (4.5%) was complicated by a perforation, which was successfully managed endoscopically.

CONCLUSIONS

Although proficiency in endoscopic techniques is required, our results indicate that LSTs involving the appendiceal orifice can be successfully treated by ESD.

Management of early gastric cancer with positive horizontal or indeterminable margins after endoscopic submucosal dissection: multicenter survey

Background and study aims Positive horizontal margins in resected specimens are sometimes encountered after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancers, and appropriate treatment strategies for these cases are not established. The aim of this study was to evaluate current empirical treatments for patients with positive horizontal or indeterminable margins after ESD. Patients and methods We performed a multicenter survey and data from 14 hospitals were collected. The pooled proportions of positive horizontal or indeterminable margins and those of patients followed up without early intervention were calculated using a logistic-normal random-effects model. For calculating pooled estimates, subgroup analyses of high- and non-high-volume centers were conducted. Results A total of 11,796 ESD cases were enrolled and 229 patients (2 %) had positive horizontal or indeterminable margins. Ninety-eight cases were treated within 30 days of ESD and 131 cases were followed up without early treatments. Pooled estimates of positive margins in high- and non-high-volume centers were 1 % (95 % CI: 1 % - 2 %) and 2 % (95 % CI: 1 % - 4 %), respectively, and were not heterogeneous (P = 0.191). The proportion of patients followed up without early intervention ranged from 30 % to 100 %. The pooled estimate was 68 % (95 % CI: 50 % - 83 %). The pooled estimates of high- and non-high-volume centers were 65 % (95 % CI: 38 % - 85 %) and 72 % (95 % CI: 44 % - 89 %), respectively, and were not heterogeneous (P = 0.692). Conclusion There was insufficient consensus regarding treatment strategies used for early gastric cancer with positive horizontal or indeterminable margins after ESD. Further studies are required to establish a consensus.

Effects of rikkunshito on quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy

We investigated the effects of rikkunshito, in combination with a proton pump inhibitor, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. The subjects were 47 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with residual symptoms such as heartburn following 8 weeks of proton pump inhibitor therapy. We administered these subjects rikkunshito in combination with a proton pump inhibitor for 6-8 weeks. We scored their symptoms of heartburn, fullness, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal pain, and surveyed their quality of life using the Reflux Esophagitis Symptom Questionnaire, comprising questions concerning daily activities, meals (changes in amount and favorite foods), and sleep (getting to sleep and early morning waking). Improvement was seen in all symptoms, and quality of life scores for meals and sleep also improved. These results indicate that combination therapy with rikkunshito and a proton pump inhibitor improves quality of life related to eating and sleep in patients with patients with proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Standardization of endoscopic resection for colorectal tumors larger than 10 mm in diameter

Currently, several endoscopic resection (ER) methods for colorectal tumors are available, including polypectomy, conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and modified ER. In the present review, we mainly focus on the current status of ER for colorectal tumors as well as the report from the Endoscopic Forum Japan (EFJ) 2016, which was held in Tokyo in August 2016. The proposed ER methods for colorectal tumors larger than 10 mm in diameter are as follows. (i) Pedunculated-type tumor is an indication for polypectomy, regardless of size. (ii) Non-pedunculated-type tumor larger than 20 mm in diameter is an indication for ESD in which en bloc resection using conventional EMR is difficult or impossible. (iii) Non-pedunculated-type tumor from 10 mm to 20 mm in diameter is an indication for conventional EMR. However, ESD or modified ER methods are acceptable according to the procedure and the condition of the tumor.

Effects of rikkunshito on quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy

We investigated the effects of rikkunshito, in combination with a proton pump inhibitor, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. The subjects were 47 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with residual symptoms such as heartburn following 8 weeks of proton pump inhibitor therapy. We administered these subjects rikkunshito in combination with a proton pump inhibitor for 6–8 weeks. We scored their symptoms of heartburn, fullness, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal pain, and surveyed their quality of life using the Reflux Esophagitis Symptom Questionnaire, comprising questions concerning daily activities, meals (changes in amount and favorite foods), and sleep (getting to sleep and early morning waking). Improvement was seen in all symptoms, and quality of life scores for meals and sleep also improved. These results indicate that combination therapy with rikkunshito and a proton pump inhibitor improves quality of life related to eating and sleep in patients with patients with proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Surveillance of patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus: A multicenter prospective cohort study in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in cases with long-segment Barrett's esophagus (BE) has not been investigated in Japan. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of EAC in Japanese cases with long-segment BE prospectively.

METHODS

This is a multicenter prospective cohort study investigating the incidence rate of EAC in patients with BE with a length of at least 3 cm. Study subjects received index esophagogastroduodenoscopy at the time of enrollment, and they were instructed to undergo yearly follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Patients in whom EAC was diagnosed in the endoscopic examinations underwent subsequent treatment, and their prognosis was observed.

RESULTS

Of 215 enrolled patients, six (2.8%) were initially diagnosed with EAC at the enrollment. Among the remaining 209 patients, 132 received at least one follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy. In this follow-up, three EACs developed in 251 observed patient-years (incidence rate: 1.2% per year). Most of the EACs detected at the initial endoscopic examination (5/6, 83%) were already at advanced stages. Meanwhile, all the three lesions detected in the follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopies were identified as early cancers and subjected to curative resection.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of EAC in Japanese cases with long-segment BE was calculated to be 1.2% in a year.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Superficial Esophageal Neoplasms Is Feasible and Not Riskier for Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has rarely been reported for the treatment of cirrhotic patients.

AIM

To report the results of ESD treatment of superficial esophageal neoplasms (SENs) for cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

Forty patients with 50 consecutive SENs undergoing 46 sessions of ESD were retrospectively reviewed. The cirrhotic group included eight patients (11 SENs) with liver cirrhosis consisting of six patients classified as Child-Pugh class A liver cirrhosis and two patients classified as class B liver cirrhosis. Four patients (6 SENs) had coexisting esophageal varices. Parameters were compared between the cirrhotic patients and the non-cirrhotic controls (32 patients, 39 SENs).

RESULTS

Platelet counts of the cirrhotic group were significantly lower, while international normalized ratio was significantly higher. When the cirrhotic group and non-cirrhotic group were compared, the mean tumor length (4 vs. 3.7 cm, p = 0.56) and median procedure time (15.1 vs. 11.5 min/cm², p = 0.30) were similar. The en bloc resection rates were 81.8 and 89.7 % (p = 0.60). Within the cirrhotic group, both lesions without en bloc resection were patients with esophageal varices. The rates of submucosal disease for the cirrhotic group and non-cirrhotic groups were 54.5 and 25.6 % (p = 0.064), respectively, while the R0 resection rates were 77.8 and 94.3 % (p = 0.16), respectively. The two lesions without R0 resection in cirrhotic group had positive vertical but not horizontal margins due to submucosal invasion. Intraprocedural bleeding occurred more frequently in cirrhotic patients than non-cirrhotic patients (18.2 vs. 0 %, p = 0.045). None of the patients suffered from esophageal perforation, postoperative bleeding, or death that was related to the ESD.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal ESD seems to be safely and can be effectively performed on cirrhotic patients, particularly those without severe liver dysfunction.

Learning curve for endoscopic submucosal dissection of esophageal neoplasms

There is a significant learning curve for endoscopic submucosal dissection of esophageal neoplasms that has not been fully characterized. This retrospective study included 33 consecutive superficial esophageal neoplasms for analysis of the learning curve for esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection based on a single, novice endoscopist's experience. The study was divided into three periods (T1, T2, and T3) of 10 endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures in chronological order, with 13 procedures in the last period. Patient factors (age, sex, coexistent esophageal varices, or submucosal fibrosis) and tumor factors (location at upper esophagus, involving >3/4 esophageal circumference) for endoscopic submucosal dissection were not statistically different between the periods. The mean procedure time was 74.6 min/cm(2) , 23.4 min/cm(2) , and 10.5 min/cm(2) for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The procedure time decreased over time (P = 0.02) and post hoc test revealed significant difference was only between T3 and T1 (P = 0.019). The en bloc resection rate was 50%, 100%, and 92.3% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively (P for trend = 0.015). R0 resection rate was 40%, 100%, and 84.6% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively (P for trend = 0.023). Two patients had complications: each one patient in T1 and T3 period experienced major bleeding during the procedure (P for trend = 0.875). None of the patients had esophageal perforation. The results of the study concluded that at least 30 cases of endoscopic submucosal dissection of esophageal neoplasms are needed for a novice endoscopist to gain early proficiency in this technique.

Novel technique of endoscopic full-thickness resection for superficial nonampullary duodenal neoplasms to avoid intraperitoneal tumor dissemination

Recently, laparoscopic and/or endoscopic full-thickness resection (FTR) has been reported to be a useful technique for the treatment of superficial duodenal neoplasms (SDNs). In the current study, we evaluated clinical outcomes in 5 consecutive patients who underwent resection of nonampullary SDNs using laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection with ligation Device (LAEFTR-L), which is an alternative FTR method developed to avoid peritoneal dissemination. Using a snare technique with a ligation band, the duodenal lesions were easily resected. The provisional and additional sutures for the resected site prevented delayed perforation and bleeding and they also protected the abdominal cavity from direct exposure to malignant cells. Complete resection could be achieved and FTR was histologically confirmed in all cases. The mean operation time was 173 minutes (range 138 - 217 minutes). Mean diameter of the resected specimen was 24 mm (range 18 - 32 mm). No adverse events (AEs) were observed. LAEFTR-L, which can achieve complete resection of nonampullary SDNs without severe AEs and peritoneal dissemination, could be a useful technique for the treatment of such lesions.

TP53 mutation at early stage of colorectal cancer progression from two types of laterally spreading tumors

Although most sporadic colorectal cancers (CRC) are thought to develop from protruded adenomas through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, some CRC develop through flat lesions, so-called laterally spreading tumors (LST). We previously analyzed epigenetic aberrations in LST and found that LST are clearly classified into two molecular subtypes: intermediate-methylation with KRAS mutation and low-methylation with absence of oncogene mutation. Intermediate-methylation LST were mostly granular type LST (LST-G) and low-methylation LST were mostly non-granular LST (LST-NG). In the present study, we conducted a targeted exon sequencing study including 38 candidate CRC driver genes to gain insight into how these genes modulate the development of LST. We identified a mean of 11.5 suspected nonpolymorphic variants per sample, including indels and non-synonymous mutations, although there was no significant difference in the frequency of total mutations between LST-G and LST-NG. Genes associated with RTK/RAS signaling pathway were mutated more frequently in LST-G than LST-NG (P = 0.004), especially KRAS mutation occurring at 70% (30/43) of LST-G but 26% (13/50) of LST-NG (P < 0.0001). Both LST showed high frequency of APC mutation, even at adenoma stage, suggesting its involvement in the initiation stage of LST, as it is involved at early stage of colorectal carcinogenesis via adenoma-carcinoma sequence. TP53 mutation was never observed in adenomas, but was specifically detected in cancer samples. TP53 mutation occurred during development of intramucosal cancer in LST-NG, but during development of cancer with submucosal invasion in LST-G. It is suggested that TP53 mutation occurs in the early stages of cancer development from adenoma in both LST-G and LST-NG, but is involved at an earlier stage in LST-NG.