Current state of education and training for endoscopic submucosal dissection: Translating strategy and success to the USA

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection with Rubber Bands and Clips Compared to Conventional Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The rising number of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal tumors, makes it essential to develop more effective treatment methods. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a popular intervention due to its ability to resect the tumor completely and prevent local recurrence. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of ESD with rubber bands and clips (ESD-RBC) in the treatment of various GI tumors. We systematically searched Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, and Cochrane databases until April 20, 2024. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational studies focusing on ESD-RBC alone or compared to conventional ESD (C-ESD) in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan and R software. ESD-RBC was superior to C-ESD in achieving R0 resection and en bloc resection (OR: 1.99 with 95% CI [1.17 to 3.36], P = 0.01, I2 = 0%) and (OR: 5.98 with 95% CI [2.30 to 15.55]; P = 0.0002, I2 = 0%), respectively. ESD-RBC enhanced the resection speed compared to C-ESD (MD: 8.48 mm2/min with 95% CI [3.12 to 13.83]; P < 0.00001, I2 = 89%) and shortened the procedure duration (MD: - 11.94 min with 95% CI [- 21.98 to - 1.91]; P < 0.00001, I2 = 7%). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of bleeding and delayed bleeding (OR: 1.08 with 95% CI [0.37 to 3.14]; P = 0.89, I2 = 0%) and (OR: 0.69 with 95% CI [0.20 to 2.33]; P = 0.55, I2 = 0%), respectively. The proportion of R0 resection using ESD-RBC was 90%, with 95% CI [65% to 98%] and I2 = 78%. The en bloc resection rate was 96%, with 95% CI [95% to 97%], and I2 = 0%. In addition, the raw mean (MRAW) of resection speed was 24.25 mm2/min, with 95% CI [13.48 to 35.02], and I2 = 99.4%. ESD-RBC was superior to C-ESD in achieving en bloc resection and R0 resection with a comparable risk of bleeding and delayed bleeding. In addition, ESD-RBC enhanced the resection speed and shortened the procedure duration.

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in the USA: The current state and future perspectives

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a transformative advancement in the endoscopic management of superficial gastrointestinal lesions. Initially conceived for the treatment of early gastric cancer, ESD has demonstrated proficiency in achieving en-bloc resection of superficial gastrointestinal lesions. ESD has experienced widespread acceptance in Japan and East Asia; however, its adoption in the USA remains delayed. This initial hesitancy could be attributed to procedural complexity and training demands; nonetheless, recently, ESD has been gaining popularity in the USA. This is due to the advancements in endoscopic technology, tailored training programs, and cumulative evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of ESDs. This review aimed to deliberate the historical progress, current implementation, and prospective trajectory of ESDs in the USA. With ongoing clinical research, technological integration, and educational efforts, ESD is likely to become the gold standard for managing large gastrointesitinal lesions. This progress marks an imperative step toward less invasive, more precise, and patient-centric approaches regarding advanced therapeutic endoscopy in the USA.

Intraoperative bleeding model for swine gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection via heparinization

Background and study aims: Live swine have a high degree of coagulation and aggregation and using them for training about how to manage intraoperative bleeding during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to identify the appropriate heparin dose in an intraoperative bleeding model and validate its applicability. Methods: First, we explored the dose of heparin required for a swine bleeding model in which the activated clotting time reached and maintained the upper limit of measurement (1500 s) after 10 minutes. Second, we compared intraoperative bleeding and hematoma frequency during ESD for 2-cm lesions between the heparinized bleeding model and control groups. Intraoperative bleeding was classified according to the Forrest classification. Results: The combination of a bolus (300 U/kg), continuous infusion (300 U/kg/h), and a bolus dose (150 U/kg) of heparin 10 minutes after the first infusion was identified as the dose for the bleeding model. Five ESDs were performed in each heparinized bleeding model and the control group. The median number of intraoperative bleeds was significantly higher in the heparinized model than in the control group (5 interquartile range [IQR] 4-7 vs. 3 [IQR 0-4, P = 0.028). All of the intraoperative bleeding events oozing (Forrest Ib) rather than spurting (Forrest Ia). The median number of hematomas was significantly higher in the heparinized model group than in the control group (3 [IQR 1-4] vs. 0 [IQR 0-1], P = 0.023). Conclusions: High doses of heparin significantly increased intraoperative bleeding and hematoma during swine ESD.

Assemblage of a functional and versatile endoscopy trainer reusing medical waste: Step-by-step video tutorial

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Robot-assisted gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection significantly improves procedure time at challenging dissection locations

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early malignant stomach lesions. However, this procedure is technically demanding and carries a high complication risk. The level of difficulty in performing ESD is influenced by the location of the lesion. In our study, we aimed to investigate and analyze the effectiveness of robot-assisted ESD for lesions situated in challenging locations within the stomach.

METHODS

We developed a gastric simulator that could be used to implement various gastric ESD locations. An EndoGel (Sunarrow, Tokyo, Japan) was attached to the simulator for the dissection procedures. Robot-assisted or conventional ESD was performed at challenging or easy locations by two ESD-trainee endoscopists.

RESULTS

The procedure time was remarkably shorter for robotic ESD than conventional dissection at challenging locations (6.2 vs. 10.2 min, P < 0.05), mainly due to faster dissection (220.3 vs. 101.9 mm2/min, P < 0.05). The blind dissection rate was significantly lower with robotic ESD than with the conventional method (17.6 vs. 35.2%, P < 0.05) at challenging locations.

CONCLUSION

The procedure time was significantly shortened when robot-assisted gastric ESD procedures were performed at challenging locations. Therefore, our robotic device provides simple, effective, and safe multidirectional traction for endoscopic submucosal dissection at challenging locations, thereby reducing difficulty of the procedure.

Endoscopic management of colorectal polyps

Colorectal polyps are premalignant lesions in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic polypectomy is an effective strategy to prevent colorectal cancer morbidity and more invasive procedures. Techniques for the endoscopic resection of polyps keep evolving, and endoscopists are required to perform the most appropriate technique for each polyp. In this review, we outline the evaluation and classification of polyps, update the recommendations for optimal treatment, describe the polypectomy procedures and their strengths/weaknesses, and discuss the promising innovative methods or concepts.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Facilitating Techniques Among Non-experts: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The dissemination of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been limited by its technical complexity and safety profile, particularly among non-experts. Various techniques and devices have facilitated the performance of ESD, but their yield and role in the path to learning ESD remain unclear.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review by querying MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society specifically for comparative studies investigating the impact of assigned ESD techniques vs. conventional techniques among non-experts in ESD (< 50 ESD procedures). Procedural outcomes of efficacy, efficiency, and safety were assessed.

RESULTS

We identified 46 studies evaluating 54 cohorts in which a total 237 non-experts performed 2461 ESDs conventionally, and 1953 ESDs using an assigned ESD technique (knives, countertraction, miscellaneous techniques). The majority of studies were from East Asia (67%), single-center (96%), observational in design (61%), in an animal model (57%), and gastric location (63%). The most studied techniques were countertraction techniques (48% cohorts) and scissor knives (15% cohorts), both of which commonly enhanced efficiency of ESD, and less so efficacy or safety. Techniques found to be beneficial in experts were more likely to be beneficial in non-experts (70% concordance) than vice versa (47% concordance).

CONCLUSION

Based on the currently available literature, countertraction techniques and scissor knives should be considered for early incorporation into ESD training by non-experts. Several aspects of ESD training remain understudied, including techniques in Western non-experts, educational resources, and several commonly cited techniques. These areas should guide future investigation to enhance the pathway to learning ESD.

LEARNING CURVE IN ESOPHAGEAL ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION BY WESTERN ENDOSCOSPISTS TRAINED IN JAPAN: EXPERIENCE IN LATIN AMERICA

•This study aimed to assess the learning curve effect on patient's clinical outcome for EESD. Retrospective observational study, enrolling patients that underwent EESD from 2009 to 2021, divided in 2 groups. Mean procedure time was 111.8 min and 103.6 min for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.004). The learning curve in esophageal ESD could be overcomed effectively and safely by an adequately trained Western endoscopist. Background - Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (EESD) is a complex and time-consuming procedure at which training are mainly available in Japan. There is a paucity of data concerning the learning curve to master EESD by Western endoscopists. Objective - This study aimed to assess the learning curve effect on patient's clinical outcome for EESD. Methods - This is a retrospective observational study. Enrolling patients that underwent EESD from 2009 to 2021. The analysis was divided into two periods; T1: case 1 to 49 and T2: case 50 to 98. The following features were analyzed for each group: patients and tumors characteristics, en-bloc, complete and curative resection rates, procedure duration and adverse events rate. Results - Ninety-eight EESD procedures were performed. Mean procedure time was 111.8 min and 103.6 min for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.004). En bloc resection rate was 93.8% and 97.9% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.307). Complete resection rate was 79.5% and 85.7% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.424). Curative resection rate was 65.3% and 71.4% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.258). Four patients had complications; three during T1 period and one during T2 period. Overall mortality rate: 0%. Conclusion - The esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection could be performed effectively and safely by an adequately trained Western endoscopist.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection training: evaluation of an ex vivo training model with continuous perfusion (ETM-CP) for hands-on teaching and training in China

BACKGROUND

The existing ex vivo models of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) cannot simulate intraoperative hemorrhage well. We aimed to establish an ESD training method by applying an ex vivo training model with continuous perfusion (ETM-CP).

METHODS

Four training sessions were conducted for 25 novices under the guidance of 2 experts. Eventually, 10 novices completed ESD operations on a total of 89 patients after the training. The resection effectiveness, resection speed, complication rate, and novice performance before and after the training were compared. The data regarding the effects of the training and the model were gathered through a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

In terms of the simulation effect of the model, ETM-CP was evaluated as similar to the live pig in all aspects (P > 0.05). The questionnaire analysis revealed that the ESD theoretical knowledge, skill operation, and self-confidence of novices were improved after the training (P < 0.05). The resection time per unit area had a correlation with the number of training periods (rs = - 0.232). For novice performance, the resection time per unit area was shortened (P < 0.05). There was no difference in patient performance between the novice group and the expert group after the training in terms of en bloc resection, R0 resection, complication rate, endoscopic resection bleeding (ERB) score, muscularis propria injury (MPI) score, and resection time per unit area (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The ETM-CP is effective for ESD training.

Telementoring for endoscopic submucosal dissection in vivo training

The provision of endoscopic training was significantly disrupted during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It is difficult to provide training on endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to the complexity of the procedure and the shortage of local trainers. We have designed and conducted a simulation training course with telementoring, incorporating the concept of rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP). After a short tutorial on basic setup and maneuvering, the participants undergo 2 h of training on a live anesthetized pig to acquire the necessary skills for ESD. Two overseas experts were involved virtually in real time as telementors. A video camera was set up at each station, and both external and endoscopic views were transmitted live between the animal laboratory and telementors via the Zoom application. The overseas experts actively engaged in the simulation by giving live feedback and instructions to participants using visual aids supported by the meeting application. The training model utilized the concept of RCDP, where repeated immediate feedback and discussion would be carried out to enhance the efficiency of learning. Eighteen trainees were invited to participate in the course, six of them instructed by overseas telementors. Four ESD procedures were performed by participants under telementoring and achieved 100% en bloc resection without perforation. The times required for each ESD were similar with telementoring than that of on-site mentors. The establishment of telementoring has enabled knowledge and skill transfer of complex endoscopic procedures of ESD. With the limitations of international travel, this could be an alternative model allowing remote training, particularly when local experts are not readily available.

Advanced Endoscopic Resection Techniques: Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection

Endoscopic resection is first-line therapy in the management of superficial neoplasms throughout the gastrointestinal tract, as well as an increasingly viable therapeutic alternative in the resection of selected small deep lesions throughout the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The mainstay of therapy has traditionally been endoscopic snare polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection. However, recent innovative advancements in therapeutic endoscopy have provided for the ability to resect large superficial lesions and selected subepithelial lesions in en bloc and margin-negative fashion. In this review, we discuss the current state of the art in advanced endoscopic resection techniques including endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic full-thickness resection.

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic and Surgical Management of Rectal Neoplasia

Rectal cancer demonstrates a characteristic natural history in which benign rectal neoplasia precedes malignancy. The worldwide burden of rectal cancer is significant, with rectal cancer accounting for one-third of colorectal cancer cases annually. The importance of early detection and successful management is essential in decreasing its clinical burden. Minimally invasive treatment of rectal neoplasia has evolved over the past several decades, which has led to reduced local recurrence rates and improved survival outcomes. The approach to diagnosis, staging, and selection of appropriate treatment modalities is a multidisciplinary effort combining interventional endoscopy, surgery, and radiology tools. This review examines the currently available minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical management options of rectal neoplasia.

Pilot prospective study on formal training in per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) during advanced endoscopy fellowship

Background and study aims  Gastroenterology societies have recently proposed core curricula for training in per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) based on expert opinion with limited data on its applicability for advanced endoscopy fellowship (AEF) trainees. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility of a structured POEM training curriculum during a dedicated AEF and the trainee's performance during independent practice. Methods  This was a single-center prospective study evaluating a trainee's performance of POEM using a structured assessment tool (POEMAT) to assess core cognitive and technical skills. The trainee's performance was then prospectively assessed during the first 12 months of independent practice. Results  The trainee, who had not prior background in submucosal endoscopy, first observed 22 POEM cases followed by 35 hands-on procedures during his advanced endoscopy fellowship. Based on the POEMAT, submucosal entry and mucosal incision closure were the most challenging technical aspects, while cognitive skills were uniformly attained early in training. Overall, the trainee was able to cross the threshold for competence in his POEMAT performance score in 15 of his last 18 cases (83.3 %). The trainee performed 16 POEMs (baseline mean Eckardt 7.2) in his first 12 months of independent practice. Mean procedural time was 79.8 minutes (interquartile range: 67-94 minutes minutes) with no adverse events. Clinical success (Eckardt score < 3) was achieved in 100 % of the cases at a median follow-up of 20 weeks. Conclusions  Results from this pilot study support the adoptability of the recently proposed core curricula for POEM training within the context of a dedicated AEF and provide a potential blueprint for future studies of performance in POEM among trainees.

The learning experience for endoscopic submucosal dissection in a non-academic western hospital: a single operator's untutored, prevalence-based approach

BACKGROUND

Studies of learning experience in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) commonly originate from the East. Little is known about the performance of ESD in low-volume western centers. Furthermore, it is unclear whether ESD can be self-taught without a tutored approach.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive ESDs, performed in an untutored prevalence-based fashion by a single operator at a private Greek hospital from 2016-2020. Out of 60 lesions, standard ESD was applied for 54 and enucleation for 6; 41 were mucosal and 19 submucosal; 3 esophageal, 24 gastric, one duodenal, 12 colonic, and 20 rectal.

RESULTS

Pathology revealed carcinoma (n=14), neuroendocrine tumor (n=7), precancerous lesion (n=27), or other submucosal tumors (n=12). The rates of en bloc and R0 resection were 98% and 91%, respectively. The median resection speed was <3 cm2/h for the first 20 cases, but improved progressively to ≥9 cm2/h after 40 cases. Two patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for colonic perforation, and one received a blood transfusion because of delayed bleeding (serious adverse event rate: 5%). No deaths occurred. The median hospital stay was 1.3 days. Variables associated with improvement in ESD speed during the second period of the study were the application of countertraction and the experience acquired through other endosurgical techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD was safe and effective in a low-volume center, with an acceptable adverse events rate. At least 40 mixed cases were needed to achieve a high resection speed. Additive experience gained through other endosurgical procedures probably contributed to the improvement in performance.

Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) compared with conventional ESD for colorectal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is increasingly utilized to overcome the complexity of conventional ESD. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of hybrid ESD for treatment of colorectal lesions.

METHODS

Search strategies were developed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Pooled proportions were calculated with rates estimated using random effects models. Measured outcomes included en bloc resection, procedure-associated complications, recurrence, and need for surgery. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare effectiveness of conventional versus hybrid ESD.

RESULTS

16 studies (751 patients) were included with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) lesion size of 27.96 (10.55) mm. En bloc resection rate was 81.63 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 72.07 - 88.44; I2  = 80.89). Complications, recurrences, and need for surgery occurred in 7.74 % (95 %CI 4.78 - 12.31; I2  = 65.84), 4.52 % (95 %CI 1.40 - 13.65; I2  = 76.81), and 3.64 % (95 %CI 1.76 - 7.37; I2  = 15.52), respectively. Mean procedure duration was 48.83 (22.37) minutes. On subgroup analyses comparing outcomes for conventional (n = 1703) versus hybrid ESD (n = 497), procedure duration was significantly shorter for hybrid ESD (mean difference 18.45 minutes; P = 0.003), with lower complication rates (P = 0.04); however, hybrid ESD had lower en bloc resection rates (P < 0.001). There was no difference in rates of recurrence or surgery (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While hybrid ESD was safe and effective for removal of colorectal lesions, with shorter procedure duration, fewer complications, and no difference in recurrence versus conventional ESD, hybrid ESD was associated with a lower en bloc resection rate.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in North America: A Large Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Asia has been shown to be superior to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and surgery for the management of selected early gastrointestinal cancers. We aimed to evaluate technical outcomes of ESD in North America.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective study on ESD across 10 centers in the United States and Canada between April 2016 and April 2020. End points included rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, curative resection, adverse events, factors associated with failed resection, and recurrence post-R0 resection.

RESULTS

Six hundred and ninety-two patients (median age, 66 years; 57.8% were men) underwent ESD (median lesion size, 40 mm; interquartile range, 25-52 mm) for lesions in the esophagus (n = 181), stomach (n = 101), duodenum (n = 11), colon (n = 211) and rectum (n = 188). En bloc, R0, and curative resection rates were 91.5%, 84.2%, and 78.3%, respectively. Bleeding and perforation were reported in 2.3% and 2.9% of the cases, respectively. Only 1 patient (0.14%) required surgery for adverse events. On multivariable analysis, severe submucosal fibrosis was associated with failed en bloc, R0, and curative resection and higher risk for adverse events. Overall recurrence was 5.8% (31 of 532) at a mean follow-up of 13.3 months (range, 1-60 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large multicenter prospective North American experience, we demonstrate that ESD can be performed safely, effectively, and is associated with a low recurrence rate. The technical resection outcomes achieved in this study are in line with the current established consensus quality parameters and further support the implementation of ESD for the treatment of select gastrointestinal neoplasms; ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT02989818.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): how do Western endoscopists value animal models?

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)was introduced in the West later than in the East. Our aim was to assess how Western endoscopists performing ESD have been trained and how they value animal models for training.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An online survey regarding training in ESD was sent to Western endoscopists who published articles on advanced resection techniques.

RESULTS

From 279 endoscopists, 58 (21%) completed the questionnaire, of which 50 confirmed performance of clinical ESD. Endoscopists had a median of 15 years of endoscopic experience (IQR 9.75-20.25) and all of them were performing conventional EMR, before starting ESD. Prior to clinical ESD, 74% (n = 37) underwent training with ex vivo models, 84% (n = 42) with live animal models and 92% (n = 46) with at least, one of the two models. After starting clinical ESD, as trainers, 52% (n = 26) were involved with ex vivo and 60% (n = 30) with live animal models. Personal usefulness of ex vivo and live animal models was rated with a median of 9 (IQR 8-10) and 10 (IQR 8-10), out of 10, respectively. Courses with ex vivo and live animal models were considered a prerequisite before clinical practice by 84% (n = 42) and 78% (n = 39), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Western endoscopists have extensive endoscopic experience before starting ESD. The majority had pre-clinical training with ex vivo and live animal models and more than half are acting as trainers of other endoscopists with these models. Animal models are considered very useful and deemed a prerequisite before clinical practice by the majority of the endoscopists.