Usefulness of tunnel dissection for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

A promising Forcep Strip Method for gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria

BACKGROUND

Subepithelial tumors (SETs) originating from the muscularis propria layer are unlikely to be resected completely and safely. We developed the Forcep Strip Method (FSM) for the resection of SETs in the stomach.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the FSM.

METHODS

Endoscopic SET resection using electrical forceps was performed in 11 consecutive patients with clinical indications for lesion removal. Following injection around the tumor, the adjacent mucosa or submucosa was grasped with the hot forceps and pulled away to form a "tent". The tumor was dissected from the muscularis propria layer and carefully removed using coagulating forceps.

RESULTS

The FSM was successful in 10 of the 11 patients in the series; one patient required surgery due to respiratory depression during the procedure. The complete resection rate was 100% and no major complications including bleeding and perforation occurred. Mean procedure time was 39.3 ± 14.7 min, mean hospitalization time was 5.0 ± 1.2 days, and mean tumor size was 17.1 ± 4.7 mm.

CONCLUSION

FSM was found to be an easy, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of gastric SETs originating from the muscularis propria layer.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection of esophageal submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer: A retrospective analysis

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for esophageal submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria layer.

METHODS: Between April 2012 and August 2013, 5 patients with esophageal SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer were treated by STER. The key steps were as follows: (1) creating a submucosal tunnel to uncover the tumor; (2) resecting the tumor en bloc by endoscopic resection techniques; and (3) closing the mucosal incision site after the tumor was removed.

RESULTS: STER was successfully performed in all 5 cases (success rate: 100%). The mean tumor size was 1.6 cm (range, 1.0-2.5 cm). The mean procedure time was 108.6 min (range, 80-138 min). The average hospital stay was 5.8 d (range, 5-7 d). The mean number of clips used was 7 (5-9). Pathological diagnosis of the tumors was leiomyoma (4/5) and mesenchymal tumor (1/5) with lateral and basal resection margins free of tumor tissue. During the procedure, one patient developed subcutaneous emphysema, who recovered after conservative treatment. No residual or recurrent tumors were detected during the 6-mo (4 patients) and 12-mo (1 patient) follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: STER seems to be a safe and effective procedure for treatment of esophageal SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer, but its indications need to be further investigated.