The prepurse-string suture technique for gastric defect after endoscopic full-thickness resection (with video)

Closure methods for large defects after gastrointestinal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Nowadays, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is commonly performed for the removal of large gastrointestinal lesions. Endoscopic mucosal defect closure after ESD is vital to avoid adverse events. In recent years, many innovative instruments have emerged and proved to be beneficial. In this paper, we conducted a thorough literature review and summarized the closure methods for large-size post-ESD mucosal defects over decades. We separated these methods into five categories based on the operational principle: "side closure" method, "ring closure" method, "layered closure" method, "hand suturing closure" method, and "specially designed device closure" method. Side closure with clips assisted by instruments such as threads or loops is applicable for each segment of the gastrointestinal tract to prevent postoperative bleeding. If the defect tension is too large to close with the traditional side closure methods, zigzag closure and ring closure could be applied to gather the bilateral defect edges together and achieve continuous closure. In the stomach and rectum with a high risk of submucosal dead space between the submucosa and muscular layers, side closure methods with muscle layer grasping clip or layered closure methods could enable the involvement of the deep submucosa and muscle layers. The ring closure method and specially designed devices including over-the-scope clip, Overstitch, and X-tack could resolve perforation effectively. Individual closure method requires endoscope reinsertion or sophisticated operation, which may be limited by the deep location and the narrow lumen, respectively. Although specially designed devices are expected to offer promising prospectives, the cost-effectiveness remains to be a problem.

Endoscopic resection of extra-luminal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors using a snare assisted external traction technique (with video)

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of the study was to explore the clinical efficacy of the novel snare assisted endoscopic resection of extraluminal growing gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (gastric GISTs) using external traction, and the secondary purpose was to compare the novel snare assisted endoscopic resection of extraluminal GISTs with the standard laparoscopic procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent novel external traction assisted endoscopic resection or laparoscopic resection for their extraluminal gastric GIST ≤5 cm in diameter.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (27 in the endoscopic group and 84 in the laparoscopic group) were included in this study. There was no significant difference in tumor diameter and complication rate between the two groups. The overall procedure time was slightly higher in the endoscopic group compared to the laparoscopic group (P = 0.034). However, postoperative hospitalization time (P < 0.001) and postoperative fasting time (P = 0.005) were shorter in the endoscopic group compared to the laparoscopic group.

CONCLUSION

Snare external traction-assisted endoscopic resection of extraluminal growing gastric GISTs is safe and effective, and it provides a new adjunctive method for endoscopic resection of GIST.

Current Status of Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Gastric Subepithelial Tumors: A Literature Review Over Two Decades

BACKGROUND

With the development of endoscopic technology and devices, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has been challengingly introduced for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). The resection and closure strategies are under investigation. This systematic review was performed to assess the current status and limitations of EFTR for gastric SETs.

SUMMARY

MEDLINE was searched using the keywords "endoscopic full-thickness resection" or "gastric endoscopic full-thickness closure" AND "gastric" or "stomach" from January 2001 to July 2022. The outcome variables were the complete resection rate, major adverse event (AE) rate including delayed bleeding and delayed perforation, and closure-associated outcomes. Among 288 studies, 27 eligible studies involving 1,234 patients were included in this review. The complete resection rate was 99.7% (1,231/1,234). The major AE rate was 1.13% (14/1,234), with delayed bleeding in two (0.16%) patients, delayed perforation in one (0.08%), panperitonitis or abdominal abscess in three (0.24%), and other AEs in eight (0.64%). Surgical interventions were required intraoperatively or postoperatively in 7 patients (0.56%). Three patients underwent intraoperative conversion to surgery, due to intraoperative massive bleeding, technical difficulty of closure, and retrieval of falling tumor in the peritoneal cavity. Postoperative surgical rescues for AEs were required in four (0.32%). Subgroup analysis of AE outcomes showed no significant differences among closure techniques consisting of endoclips, purse-string suturing, and over-the-scope clips.

KEY MESSAGES

This systematic review demonstrated acceptable outcomes of EFTR and closure for gastric SETs, indicating that EFTR is a promising forthcoming procedure.

Successful closure of a duodenal perforation caused by endoscopic ultrasound with an over-the-scope clip: a case report and literature review

Duodenal perforation is a rare but severe complication during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and typically requires surgical intervention. With the widespread clinical use of over-the-scope clips (OTSCs), we aimed to evaluate their efficacy and safety for the closure of a duodenal perforation caused by EUS-FNA. A 79-year-old woman underwent EUS-FNA for a suspected low-density nodule in the head of the pancreas. However, duodenal perforation occurred during EUS-FNA. To minimize the patient's pain postoperatively compared with surgical intervention, we used an OTSC to close the perforation immediately and administered drug treatment for 2 weeks. The patient was discharged after complete recovery. OTSC is considered an effective and safe choice for closing a perforation at the upper corner of the duodenal bulb without surgical intervention.

Feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic purse-string suture-assisted closure for mucosal defects induced by endoscopic manipulations

BACKGROUND

Large or transmural defects induced by gastrointestinal endoscopic manipulations are difficult to close, although complete closure is recommended for better recovery. Endoscopic purse-string assisted suturing (EPSS) has been used in clinical practice and has proven to be an effective and safe technique for the closure of large mucosal defects. However, details regarding the efficacy of endoscopic pre-purse-string suture (P-EPSS) are unknown, especially that it offers several advantages over conventional EPSS (C-EPSS).

AIM

To elucidate the outcomes of EPSS-assisted closure in different clinical situations, and evaluate the efficacy of P-EPSS.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included a total of 180 patients who underwent closure assisted by P-EPSS (n = 63) or C-EPSS (n = 117) between July 2014 and June 2020. The P-EPSS and C-EPSS groups were compared and the intergroup differences in aspects such as the lesion size, location, and mor-phology, incidence of complete closure, intraoperative perforation, and delayed adverse events were evaluated. Data on the features and clinical course of cases with adverse events were collected for further analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with lesion size larger than 3 cm, lesions located at the fundus of stomach, or submucosal tumors originating from the deep mucosa were more likely to undergo P-EPSS-assisted closure. The P-EPSS group showed a sign-ificantly higher proportion of intraoperative perforation (56% vs 17%) and a much shorter procedure time (9.06 ± 6.14 min vs 14.84 ± 7.25 min). Among adverse events, the incidence of delayed perforation (5% vs 4%; P = 0.82) and delayed bleeding (3% vs 4%; P = 0.96) did not differ significantly between the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that lesions with incomplete closure [odds ratio (OR) = 21.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.45-83.45; P < 0.01] or size greater than 3 cm (OR = 3.14; 95%CI: 1.08-9.18; P = 0.039) showed a statistical tendency to result in an increase in delayed adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that EPSS could achieve secure complete closure of mucosal defect. P-EPSS could shorten the procedure and yield complete closure of mucosal defects. Rather than closure-type selection, incomplete closure or lesion size larger than 3 cm were associated with worse outcomes.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection, indication, methods and perspectives

Minimally invasive surgery has emerged as the dominant theme of modern surgery, in which endoscopic surgery plays a key role. The technique of endoscopic surgery has evolved continuously with extensive research, improving the treatment modalities as well as expanding the indications for its use. As an active perforation endoscopic technique, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is mainly used in the treatment of submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the gastrointestinal tract. With decades of evolution, EFTR has gradually developed into a mature endoscopic operation. Based on clinical experience and current research, indications, techniques, clinical outcomes and future perspectives for EFTR are discussed in this paper. We performed a bibliometric study on EFTR literature and showed robust data through a brief meta-analysis on the topic.

Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection: A Systematic Review

Background Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) is an emerging therapeutic option for resecting subepithelial lesions (SELs) and epithelial neoplasms. We aimed to systematically review the techniques, applications, outcomes, and complications of EFTR.

Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed. All relevant original research articles involving EFTR were included for the review along with case report/series describing novel/rare techniques from 2001 to February 2022.

Results After screening 7,739 citations, finally 141 references were included. Non-exposed EFTR has lower probability of peritoneal contamination or tumor seeding compared with exposed EFTR. Among exposed EFTR, tunneled variety is associated with lower risk of peritoneal seeding or contamination compared with non-tunneled approach. Closure techniques involve though the scope (TTS) clips, loop and clips, over the scope clips (OTSC), full thickness resection device (FTRD), and endoscopic suturing/plicating/stapling devices. The indications of EFTR range from esophagus to rectum and include SELs arising from muscularis propria (MP), non-lifting adenoma, recurrent adenoma, and even early gastric cancer (EGC) or superficial colorectal carcinoma. Other indications include difficult locations (involving appendicular orifice or diverticulum) and full thickness biopsy for motility disorders. The main limitation of FTRD is feasibility in smaller lesions (<20–25 mm), which can be circumvented by hybrid EFTR techniques. Oncologic resection with lymphadencetomy for superficial GI malignancy can be accomplished by hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) combining EFTR and NOTES. Bleeding, perforation, appendicitis, enterocolonic fistula, FTRD malfunction, peritoneal tumor seeding, and contamination are among various adverse events. Post OTSC artifacts need to be differentiated from recurrent/residual lesions to avoid re-FTRD/surgery.

Conclusion EFTR is safe and effective therapeutic option for SELs, recurrent and non-lifting adenomas, tumors in difficult locations and selected cases of superficial GI carcinoma.

Application of a traction metal clip with a fishhook-like device in wound sutures after endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic wound suturing is an important factor that affects the ability to remove large and full-thickness lesions during endoscopic resection. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a traction metal clip with a fishhook-like device on wound sutures after endoscopic resection.

METHODS

From July 2020 to April 2021, patients who met the enrollment criteria were treated with a fishhook-like device during the operation to suture the postoperative wound (group A). Patients with similar conditions and similar size wounds who were treated with a "purse-string suture" to suture the wounds were retrospectively analyzed as the control group (group B). Difference in the suture rate, adverse events, time required for suturing, and number of metal clips were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The time required for suturing was 7.72±0.51 minutes in group A and 11.50±0.91 minutes in group B. This difference was statistically significant (F=13.071, p=0.001). The number of metal clamps used in group A averaged 8.1 pieces/case, and the number of metal clamps used in group B averaged 7.3 pieces/case. This difference was not statistically significant (F=0.971, p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The traction metal clip with the fishhook-like device is ingeniously designed and easy to operate. It has a good suture effect on the wound after endoscopic submucosal dissection and effectively prevents postoperative adverse events.

Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection without laparoscopic assistance for gastric submucosal tumors: A systematic review and pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (Eo-EFTR) is emerging as a promising minimally invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of deep gastric submucosal tumors (G-SMTs). However, literature concerning this subject is heterogeneous and data mostly come from relatively small retrospective studies.

AIMS

We aimed to perform a pooled analysis of published data with regard to gastric Eo-EFTR, providing a pooled estimate of technical and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies published from 1998 to 2020. The primary outcomes were complete resection and surgical conversion rates. The secondary outcomes were overall and selected major adverse events rates. The Forest plots on primary and secondary endpoints were produced based on fixed and random effect models.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies including 952 Eo-EFTR-treated G-SMTs were included. The pooled estimate of the complete resection rate and surgical conversion rates was 99.3% and 0.09%, respectively. The pooled estimate of overall major adverse events, delayed bleeding, delayed perforation and peritonitis, abdominal abscess and/or abdominal infection was 0.29%, 0.14%, 0.14%, and 0.12%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Gastric Eo-EFTR has a high rate of complete resection with a low surgical conversion rate. It appears to be relatively safe and might represent a non-inferior minimally invasive alternative to surgery in selected cases.

Closure techniques in exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection: Overview and future perspectives in the endoscopic suturing era

Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) without laparoscopic assistance is a minimally invasive natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery technique that is emerging as a promising effective and safe alternative to surgery for the treatment of muscularis propria-originating gastric submucosal tumors. To date, various techniques have been used for the closure of the transmural post-EFTR defect, mainly consisting in clip- and endoloop-assisted closure methods. However, the recent advent of dedicated tools capable of providing full-thickness defect suture could further improve the efficacy and safety of the exposed EFTR procedure. The aim of our review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the different closure methods adopted in gastric-exposed EFTR without laparoscopic assistance, also considering the recent advent of flexible endoscopic suturing.

Efficacy and safety of gastric exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection without laparoscopic assistance: a systematic review

Background and study aims  Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (Eo-EFTR) without laparoscopic assistance is a minimally invasive natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) technique that has shown promising efficacy and safety in resection of gastric submucosal tumors (G-SMTs) arising from muscularis propria (MP). However, data on the efficacy and safety of gastric Eo-EFTR mostly come from relatively small retrospective studies and concern regarding its use still exists. The aim of our systematic review was to assess the efficacy and safety of gastric Eo-EFTR without laparoscopic assistance. Methods  A detailed MEDLINE and EMBASE search was performed for papers published from January 1998 to November 2019 and reporting on gastric Eo-EFTR without laparoscopic assistance. The search strategy used the terms "endoscopic full thickness resection" and "gastric" or "stomach". The primary outcomes were complete resection and surgical conversion rates. The secondary outcomes were overall major adverse events, delayed bleeding, delayed perforation, peritonitis, abdominal abscess and/or abdominal infection and successful Eo-EFTR. Results  Fifteen Asian studies were included in our final review, providing data on 750 Eo-EFTR-treated G-SMTs. The per-lesion rate of complete resection and surgical conversion were 98.8 %\0.8 %, respectively. The per-lesion rate of major adverse events, delayed bleeding, delayed perforation and peritonitis, abdominal abscess and/or abdominal infection was 1.6 %\0.5 %\0.1 %\0.9 %, respectively. The per-lesion rate of successful Eo-EFTR (i. e. complete tumor resection and effective endoscopic defect closure) was 98.3 %. Conclusions  Eo-EFTR without laparoscopic assistance appears to be highly effective and safe NOTES for removing deep G-SMTs, particularly those arising from MP layer.

Endoscopic resection for subepithelial lesions-pure endoscopic full-thickness resection and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) are the frontier of therapeutic endoscopic. These two methods rely on the skillset and equipment of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) while going beyond the boundaries of the gastrointestinal lumen. They are both representatives of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, with STER being a direct off-shoot of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Both techniques are designed for the removal of gastrointestinal tumors originating from the muscularis propria but tend to be used in different organs and come with respective challenges. In this review we will go over the history, indication, technique and literature of these two techniques.