How to Perform a High-Quality Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

High Quality Barrett's Esophagus Examination and Endoscopic Eradication Therapy

A high-quality examination (HQE) for Barrett's esophagus (BE) involves a 10-step approach including advanced imaging with virtual chromoendoscopy, adherence to biopsy protocols, documentation of landmarks, and use of high-definition white light in order to maximize diagnostic yield. For dysplastic BE and BE-related neoplasia, multimodal endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) has become the cornerstone of treatment, proving to be both efficacious and safe in numerous studies. By implementing principles of an HQE and utilizing EET as indicated, clinicians can improve outcomes in BE and reduce progression of disease to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Exploring different techniques for endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastrointestinal lesions: a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has revolutionized the management of early gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms by enabling en bloc resection with high R0 rates. Several modifications of conventional ESD (C-ESD) have been introduced, including pocket-creation (PCM-ESD), tunnel (T-ESD), traction-assisted (TA-ESD), and saline immersion therapeutic endoscopy (SITE-ESD) methods.

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across main databases through February 2025 using keywords related to ESD, with studies selected based on their relevance. While no single technique has demonstrated superior efficacy and safety across different GI regions, a tailored and integrative approach to different techniques could enhance effectiveness. PCM-ESD and T-ESD are particularly advantageous circumferential lesions in the esophagus and rectum, whereas TA-ESD significantly reduces procedure time, particularly in colonic lesions. Moreover, PCM-ESD has demonstrated higher effectiveness for colorectal lesions compared to C-ESD. SITE-ESD has shown benefits in colorectal resections by improving trimming, submucosal space visualization and coagulation control.Advanced traction systems and resection tools has optimized ESD performance. However, selecting the most appropriate approach requires careful consideration of lesion characteristics (particularly fibrosis and location).

EXPERT OPINION

While conventional ESD remains the foundation, TA and SITE are expected to become the preferred approach in select GI regions during the following years.

Poor agreement between biopsies and endoscopic submucosal dissection specimens of Esophageal and Gastric Epithelial Lesions in a western setting

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic forceps biopsy is the primary method for obtaining mucosal tissues, but can lead to false negatives.

AIMS

To assess the agreement between endoscopic biopsies and submucosal dissection specimens in esophageal and gastric epithelial lesions and to identify factors associated.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study using data from the Spanish national multicenter endoscopic submucosal dissection register. Patients, lesions and technical characteristics were prospectively collected. Prognostic factors for discrepancies were analyzed.

RESULTS

604 endoscopic submucosal dissection with previous biopsies were performed between January 2016 and December 2023 across 32 centers. 48.7% presented disagreement between biopsies and endoscopic submucosal dissection; specifically, 40.4% were underestimated by endoscopic biopsy. Carcinoma was detected in 270 endoscopic submucosal dissection specimens, with 54.8% not suspected on the initial biopsy. The carcinomas already diagnosed with the biopsy presented more submucosal and lymphovascular invasion. Notably, a larger lesion (≥ 22 mm) was a significant predictor for histological upstaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of disagreement between endoscopic forceps biopsy and endoscopic submucosal dissection highlights biopsies limitations in accurately diagnosing esophageal and gastric epithelial lesions. In this setting, endoscopic submucosal dissection should be used not only as a treatment option, but also as a valuable diagnostic tool.

Prospective single-arm trial on feasibility and safety of an endoscopic robotic system for colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

The development of the EndoMaster "Endoluminal Access Surgical Efficacy" (EASE) system aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) through two flexible robotic arms. This is the first clinical trial to evaluate the performance of colorectal ESD using EndoMaster.

METHOD

Patients with early mucosal colorectal neoplasia that was not suitable for en bloc resection with snare-based techniques were recruited. The EndoMaster EASE robotic system consisted of an independently designed flexible robotic platform with two robotic arms. The primary outcome was the complete resection rate using EndoMaster. Secondary outcomes included operating time, hospital stay, procedure-related complications, and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

43 patients underwent robotic ESD, with a median robotic dissection time of 49 minutes. The technical success rate was 86.0%, while en bloc resection rate among cases with technical success was 94.6%. The complete resection rate was 83.8% and the median size of specimen was 35 mm (range 15-90 mm). The median hospital stay was 2 (range 1-7) days and there was one delayed bleed after 4 days, which was controlled endoscopically. One patient sustained perforation during the procedure, which was completely closed using clips without sequelae. Two patients were treated by salvage surgery.

CONCLUSION

This first clinical trial confirmed the safety and efficacy of performing colorectal ESD using the EndoMaster EASE robotic system.

Tunneled or pocket creation method versus conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Tunneled endoscopic submucosal dissection (T-ESD) and pocket creation-method ESD (PCM-ESD) are considered to have technical advantages over conventional ESD (C-ESD). However, data comparing these techniques for ESD of gastric lesions are limited.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane databases were reviewed for relevant studies from their inceptions to October 31, 2023. Studies comparing T-ESD or PCM-ESD (T/PCM-ESD) with C-ESD for gastric lesions were included. The primary outcomes were dissection speed and en-bloc resection. Secondary outcomes were R0 resection, recurrence, perforation, and post-ESD bleeding. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Eight observational studies (359 patients with T/PCM-ESD, 670 patients with C-ESD) were included. T/PCM-ESD was associated with a significantly faster dissection speed (mean difference, 4.42 mm2/min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05-6.79; I2 = 79%). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of en-bloc resection (risk ratio [RR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; I2 = 0%), R0 resection (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.07; I2 = 0%), and recurrence (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.14-3.84; I2 = 0%). Although T/PCM-ESD was associated with a significantly lower risk of perforation (RR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.80; I2 = 0%), post-ESD bleeding rates were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

T/PCM-ESD facilitates faster and safer gastric ESD than C-ESD, with similar en-bloc resection, R0 resection, and recurrence rates. A future randomized controlled control trial is required.

Learning curve of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection of an endoscopist experienced hands-on training in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection is a technically demanding procedure with a steep learning curve. In Japan, the National Cancer Center Hospital allows overseas doctors to participate in hands-on training. We aimed to assess the colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection performance and learning curve of an endoscopist who participated in hands-on training.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis using a prospectively collected database, 100 consecutive superficial colorectal tumors from 100 patients treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection by a colorectal surgeon between January 2020 and May 2024 were included. The cases were grouped into three learning periods: phase I (the initial 30 cases under local expert supervision before training in Japan), phase II (the middle 30 cases), and phase III (the last 40 cases). The primary outcome was resection speed.

RESULTS

The median resection speed was 5, 11.7, and 13.2 cm2/h in phases I, II, and III, respectively. In matched data, the resection speeds in phases II and III were higher than that in phase I (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). En bloc and R0 resection rates were 99% and 95%, respectively. The en bloc resection, R0 resection, and complication rates were not different between phases. Cumulative sum analysis of the resection speed revealed that proficiency was achieved after 36 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

An endoscopist who underwent a tutored approach and hands-on training in Japan achieved the proficiency benchmarks for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection after 36 cases. However, the endoscopist's extensive experience before training may contribute to excellent outcomes.

Endoscopic hand suturing using a modified through-the-scope needle holder for mucosal closure after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Prospective multicenter study (with video)

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) is a novel technique for closing a mucosal defect after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We investigated the technical feasibility of colorectal EHS using a modified flexible through-the-scope needle holder.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter study conducted at two referral centers between June 2022 and April 2023. This study included colorectal neoplasms 20-50 mm in size located in the sigmoid colon or rectum. A modified flexible through-the-scope needle holder, with an increased jaw width to facilitate needle grasping, was used for colorectal EHS. The primary end-points were sustained closure rate on second-look endoscopy (SLE) performed on postoperative days 3-4 and suturing time for colorectal EHS. Secondary end-points included complete closure rate and delayed adverse events.

RESULTS

We enrolled 20 colorectal neoplasms in 20 patients, including four patients receiving antithrombotic agents. The tumor location was as follows: lower rectum (n = 8), upper rectum (n = 2), rectosigmoid colon (n = 4), and sigmoid colon (n = 6), and the median mucosal defect size was 37 mm (range, 21-65 mm). The complete closure rate was 90% (18/20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 68.3-98.8%]), and the median suturing time was 49 min (range, 23-92 min [95% CI 35-68 min]). Sustained closure rate on SLE was 85% (17/20 [95% CI 62.1-96.8%]). No delayed adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

EHS demonstrated a high sustained closure rate. Given the long suturing time and technical difficulty, EHS should be reserved for cases with a high risk of delayed adverse events.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery Versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Rectal Lesions: A Community Hospital Experience

Background: To compare tumor margins and surgical outcomes between transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for large or malignant rectal adenomatous polyps. Methods: Single institution retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TAMIS or ESD surgery. Results: In total, 30 consecutive patients with similar demographics who underwent either TAMIS (n = 19) or ESD (n = 11) were included. The median (interquartile range, IQR) tumor distances from the anal verge for TAMIS and ESD were 5 cm (3.5-8) and 3 cm (2-4.25) (P = 0.016). Four in TAMIS and two in ESD occupied more than half of the circumference of the bowel lumen. Five (four in situ and one stage 1) in TAMIS and two (one in situ and one stage 1) in ESD were malignant. The median specimen length, width, and height were 3.2 cm, 2.6 cm, and 1.0 cm and 3.5 cm, 2.0 cm, and 0.3 cm for TAMIS and ESD, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in tumor circumference, malignant ratios, or specimen sizes. Resection margins were involved in two of the ESD, while none of the TAMIS were involved (P = 0.041). The median (IQR) operative time was 72 (62-89) minutes and 120 (90-180) minutes for TAMIS and ESD (P = 0.005). The median (IQR) follow-up time was 3.3 (0.3-11.7) and 0.9 (0.3-15.4) months for TAMIS and ESD. There were no morbidities, no mortalities, or local recurrences among the two groups. Conclusions: Both TAMIS and ESD were found to be feasible and safe in community hospital practice. Operative time was shorter, and there were no involved margins in TAMIS (versus ESD).

Lesion size affects the risk of technical difficulty in gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection

Current evidence shows an inter-country inconsistency in the effect of lesion size on the technical difficulty of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to evaluate the specific correlation and quantify the ensuing risks. This retrospective study consisted of 405 ESD cases with gastric single lesion from April 2015 to April 2023. The correlation and risk prediction of lesion size with technical difficulty was explored to provide further clinical evidence. An additive generalized model and recursive algorithm were used to describe the non-linear association, and a linear two-piece regression was constructed to analyze the inflection point. Subgroup analysis and interaction were used to explore intergroup characteristics. Overall, difficult cases had larger lesion sizes, and the more significant the increase, the higher the risk of technical difficulty. In the full model, after adjusting for all covariates, each 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and one standard increase in lesion size increased the risk of technical difficulty by 8%, 26%, 42%, 72%, and 125%, respectively. There is a nonlinear positive correlation between lesion size and risk of technical difficulty, and the premeditated inflection point was 40 (mm) via two-piecewise linear regression and recursive algorithm. Subgroup analysis showed a stronger correlation between lesion size and difficult ESD in the upper site and submucosal fibrosis groups. Available evidence suggests that lesion size as a risk signal nonlinearly increases the technical difficulty of gastric ESD procedure, especially in cases of upper site and submucosal fibrosis, which deserves further investigation.

Comparing general anaesthesia versus sedation for endoscopic submucosal dissection: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced endoscopic procedure for management of gastrointestinal tumours. ESD is usually performed under sedation. However, the use of general anaesthesia (GA) has been hypothesised to improve ESD outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare GA against sedation in ESD. A systematic literature search was performed on Cochrane Library, EMBASE and MEDLINE using the terms "General Anaesthesia", "Sedation" and "Endoscopic submucosal dissection". Original articles comparing GA versus sedation in ESD were included. The risk of bias and level of evidence were assessed by validated methods. This review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021275813). 176 articles were found in the initial literature search, and 7 articles (comprising 518 patients receiving GA and 495 receiving sedation) were included. Compared with sedation, GA was associated with higher en-bloc resection rates in oesophageal ESD (RR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00-1.10; I 2 = 65%; P = 0.05). GA patients also trended towards lower rates of gastrointestinal perforation in all ESD procedures (RR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.21-1.82; I 2 = 52%; P = 0.06). Rates of intra- procedural desaturation and post-procedural aspiration pneumonia were lower in GA patients than in patients under sedation. The included studies had a moderate to high risk of bias, and the overall level of evidence was low. GA appears safe and feasible for ESD, yet high-quality trials will be required before GA can be regularly implemented for ESD.

Colon Polypectomy with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection

Endoscopic resection has become the gold standard for the management of most of the large colorectal polyps. Various endoscopic resection techniques include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). ESD is a minimally invasive method for the resection of advanced lesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to achieve en-bloc resection. While, EFTR is more commonly used in lesions with suspected deeper submucosal invasion, lesions originating from muscularis propria, or those with advanced fibrosis. This article reviews the indications, technique, and adverse events for use of ESD and EFTR in the colon.

Diagnosis and treatment of colorectal tumors: Differences between Japan and the West and future prospects

Dye‐based chromoendoscopy has long been used routinely for endoscopic diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors including colorectal tumors in Japan. In the West, on the other hand, dye‐based chromoendoscopy was not so commonly used. However, with the development of narrow band imaging (NBI), image‐enhanced endoscopy diagnosis has rapidly increased in the West.

The most critical difference between Japan and the West is the histopathological evaluation of the lesions, which determines a major cause of differences in diagnostic and treatment strategies. In the West, intramucosal adenocarcinoma is not diagnosed until the cancer has invaded submucosal layer. In Japan, on the other hand, cancer is mainly diagnosed based on nuclear and structural atypia, and thus intramucosal adenocarcinoma is diagnosed in lesions that correspond to high‐grade adenoma in the West.

In the West, since intramucosal carcinoma is not diagnosed by pathology, all benign adenomas are treated by piecemeal endoscopic resection, and only cancer invading the superficial submucosal layer is indicated for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Because of the risk of lymph node metastasis in the deep submucosal invasion, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines state that only superficial submucosal cancer is an indication for ESD. Unfortunately, it is impossible to selectively extract only superficial submucosal invasive cancer even with the use of magnified NBI and pit pattern observation. Therefore, we think that pathologists need to diagnose intramucosal adenocarcinoma with the potential to invade the submucosal layer based on the nuclear and structural atypia. Consequently, intramucosal adenocarcinoma and superficial submucosal cancers should be considered for en‐bloc ESD.

Endoscopic management of difficult laterally spreading tumors in colorectum

Due to the advent of the screening programs for colorectal cancer and the era of quality assurance colonoscopy the number the polyps that can be considered difficult, including large (> 20 mm) laterally spreading tumors (LSTs), has increased in the last decade. All LSTs should be assessed carefully, looking for suspicious areas of submucosal invasion (SMI), such as nodules or depressed areas, describing the morphology according to the Paris classification, the pit pattern, and vascular pattern. The simplest, most appropriate and safest endoscopic treatment with curative intent should be selected. For LST-granular homogeneous type, piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection should be the first option due to its biological low risk of SMI. LST-nongranular pseudodepressed type has an increased risk of SMI, and en bloc resection should be mandatory. Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection is useful in situations where submucosal injection alters the operative field, e.g., for the resection of scar lesions, with no lifting, adjacent tattoo, incomplete resection attempts, lesions into a colonic diverticulum, in ileocecal valve and lesions with intra-appendicular involvement. Endoscopic full thickness resection is very useful for the treatment of difficult to resect lesions of less than 20 up to 25 mm. Among the indications, we highlight the treatment of polyps with suspected malignancy because the acquired tissue allows an exact histologic risk stratification to assign patients individually to the best treatment and avoid surgery for low-risk lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is the only endoscopic procedure that allows completes en bloc resection regardless of the size of the lesion. It should therefore be indicated in the treatment of lesions with risk of SMI.

The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and early gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is recognized as a definite carcinogen for gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with gastric cancer varies widely among studies and no meta-analysis on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in early gastric cancer (EGC) has been performed. We aimed to review systematically the relationship between H. pylori infection and EGC, and different types of EGC.

METHODS

Observational studies reporting raw data on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in EGC and controls, or comparing different types of EGC, conducted in adult populations, and published in the English language were identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 2006.

RESULTS

Of 87 relevant studies, 19 case-control studies met inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 studies compared EGC (N = 2,722) and non-neoplasm controls (N = 13,976) or advanced gastric cancer (AGC) (N = 1,130), 9 studies compared the intestinal-type (I-EGC) and diffuse-type (D-EGC) of EGC, and 2 studies compared the differentiated-type (DF-EGC) and undifferentiated-type (UDF-EGC) of EGC and were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in patients with EGC (87.3%) than in non-neoplasm controls (61.4%) (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.15-5.33, P < 0.00001). However, significant heterogeneity was seen (P < 0.00001). Four large sample (N > or = 100) studies (N = 2,060) may result in the heterogeneity, but the conclusion remained unchanged when sensitivity analysis was made with the other 11 homogeneous small sample studies alone, in which the prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in EGC (N = 662) than that in controls (N = 5,898) (87.8%vs 68.6%, P < 0.00001), and the odds ratio (OR 3.28, 95% CI 2.34-4.61) was similar to the large sample studies alone (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.14-10.12). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in EGC was significantly higher than in AGC (6 studies) (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.75-2.59) and 16-fold higher in patients with DF-EGC than in those with UDF-EGC (OR 16.53, 95% CI 2.64-103.43). No significant difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection was seen between the patients with I-EGC and D-EGC types (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.26-2.18).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that H. pylori infection is strongly associated with early gastric cancer when compared with non-neoplasm controls or advanced gastric cancer. To determine more accurately the effect size of H. pylori in EGC, age-matched normal controls or adjusting for age in the analysis should be considered in H. pylori-related gastric cancer case-control studies.