The expansion of endoscopic submucosal dissection in France: A prospective nationwide survey

Efficacy and Safety of ClearCut™ Knife H-type in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastric Neoplasms: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective treatment for early gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, this is a time-consuming procedure requiring various devices. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ClearCut™ Knife H-type, which is an integrated needle-tipped and insulated-tipped (IT) knife.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2020 and September 2021, 99 patients with gastric epithelial neoplasms scheduled for ESD at three tertiary care hospitals were randomly assigned to H-knife (ClearCut™ Knife H-type) or IT-knife (conventional IT knife) groups. Procedure times, therapeutic outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients (50 in the H-knife group and 48 in the IT-knife group) were analyzed. The median total procedure time was 11.9 minutes (range, 4.4-47.2 minutes) in the H-knife group and 12.7 minutes (range, 5.2-137.7 minutes) in the IT-knife group (P=0.209). Unlike the IT-knife group, which required additional devices in all cases, no additional devices were used in the H-knife group (P<0.001). En-bloc resection was performed for all lesions in both groups. The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between groups (4.0% in the H-knife group vs. 8.3% in the IT-knife group; P=0.431).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed hybrid device, the ClearCut™ Knife H-type, had comparable efficacy to the conventional IT knife for gastric ESD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0005164.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Fibrin Glue to Prevent Bleeding After Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the efficacy of fibrin glue for preventing postendoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) bleeding in high-risk patients for bleeding (expected iatrogenic ulcer size ≥40 mm or receiving antithrombotic therapy).

METHODS

A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial was performed at 4 tertiary medical centers in South Korea between July 1, 2020, and June 22, 2022. Patients with gastric neoplasm and a high risk of post-ESD bleeding were enrolled and allocated at 1:1 to a control group (standard ESD) or a fibrin glue group (fibrin glue applied to iatrogenic ulcers after standard ESD). The primary outcome was overall bleeding events within 4 weeks. The secondary outcomes were acute bleeding (within 48 hours post-ESD) and delayed bleeding (48 hours to 4 weeks post-ESD).

RESULTS

In total, 254 patients were randomized, and 247 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat population (125 patients in the fibrin glue group and 122 patients in the control group). Overall bleeding events occurred in 12.0% (15/125) of the fibrin glue group and 13.1% (16/122) of the control group ( P = 0.791). Acute bleeding events were significantly less common in the fibrin glue group than in the control group (1/125 vs 7/122, P = 0.034). Delayed bleeding events occurred in 11.2% (14/125) in the fibrin glue group and 7.3% (9/122) in the control group ( P = 0.301).

DISCUSSION

This trial failed to show a preventive effect of fibrin glue on overall post-ESD bleeding in high-risk patients. However, the secondary outcomes suggest a potential sealing effect of fibrin glue during the acute period.

Non-cardia early gastric cancer in Central Vietnam: noticeable uncommon background mucosa and results of endoscopic submucosa dissection

Background and study aims  Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of malignancy-related death in Vietnam, with increasing incidence of non-cardia early gastric cancer (N-EGC). Data on accurate diagnosis of EGC and treatment by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Vietnam are very sparse. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of N-EGC and evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of ESD in Central Vietnam. Patients and methods  We prospectively enrolled patients with N-EGC detected by magnified chromoendoscopy from December 2013 to August, 2018 in Central Vietnam. Selected cases of N-EGC received standardized ESD technique and have been following up carefully as in protocol. Results  Among 606 GC patients, 46 had N-GEC and underwent ESD. The depth of invasion was pT1a in 33 (71.7 %), pT1b1 in 10 (21.7 %), and pT1b2 in three cases (6.6 %). Mild chronic atrophic gastritis, most being C2 (63 %), and gastritis-like EGC that did not appear malignant was the predominant type. ESD achieved a 97.8 % en bloc resection rate; the mean procedure time was 76 ± 22 minutes (range 24-155), and mean endoscopic tumor size was 23 ± 5 mm (range 13-52) and ESD sample size was 28 ± 7 mm (range 16.5-60). Complications consisted of two patients with bleeding and one with a minor perforation, all of which were successfully managed by endoscopy. The longest and the mean follow-up times were 84 and 64 months, respectively, with no recurrence. Conclusions  A significant proportion patients with N-EGC have a background mucosa of mild chronic atrophic gastritis. Our results 7 years after starting ESD demonstrate early promising outcomes with the procedure.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Europe: Results of 1000 Neoplastic Lesions From the German Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables the curative resection of early malignant lesions and is associated with reduced recurrence risk. Due to the lack of comprehensive ESD data in the West, the German ESD registry was set up to evaluate relevant outcomes of ESD.

METHODS

The German ESD registry is a prospective uncontrolled multicenter study. During a 35-month period, 20 centers included 1000 ESDs of neoplastic lesions. The results were evaluated in terms of en bloc, R0, curative resection rates, and recurrence rate after a 3-month and 12-month follow-up. Additionally, participating centers were grouped into low-volume (≤20 ESDs/y), middle-volume (20-50/y), and high-volume centers (>50/y). A multivariate analysis investigating risk factors for noncurative resection was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates of 92.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-0.94), 78.8% (95% CI, 0.76-0.81), and 72.3% (95% CI, 0.69-0.75) were achieved, respectively. The overall complication rate was 8.3% (95% CI, 0.067-0.102), whereas the recurrence rate after 12 months was 2.1%. High-volume centers had significantly higher en bloc, R0, curative resection rates, and recurrence rates and lower complication rates than middle- or low-volume centers. The lesion size, hybrid ESD, age, stage T1b carcinoma, and treatment outside high-volume centers were identified as risk factors for noncurative ESD.

CONCLUSION

In Germany, ESD achieves excellent en bloc resection rates but only modest curative resection rates. ESD requires a high level of expertise, and results vary significantly depending on the center's yearly case volume.

Double-clip traction for colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter study of 599 consecutive cases (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is particularly challenging and limited to a few expert centers. We recently conducted a pilot study on improvement of colonic ESD with systematic use of a countertraction device (double-clip traction with rubber band [DCT-ESD]).

METHODS

A French prospective multicenter study was conducted between March 2017 and September 2019, including all consecutive cases of naive colonic ESD. Since the first case of DCT-ESD in March 2017, all cases of colonic ESD have been performed using the DCT-ESD strategy in the 3 centers involved in the study.

RESULTS

Five hundred ninety-nine lesions with a mean size of 53 mm were included in this study, resected by 5 operators in 3 centers. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates were 95.7%, 83.5%, and 81.1%, respectively. The adverse event rates were 4.9% for perforation and 4.2% for postprocedure bleeding. Between 2017 and 2019, the rates of R0 and curative resections increased significantly from 74.7% in 2017 to 88.4% in 2019 (P = .003) and from 72.6% in 2017 to 86.3% in 2019 (P = .004), respectively. Procedure duration and speed of resection were 62.4 minutes and 39.4 mm²/minute, respectively. No differences were noted between operators.

CONCLUSION

DCT-ESD is a safe and reproducible technique, with results comparable with those of the large Japanese teams with speed of resection twice as high as previously reported studies. The DCT strategy is promising, cheap, and seems to be reproducible. Physicians performing colonic ESD should be aware of this promising tool to improve their results in ESD.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of rectal tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal endoscopic microsurgery are good options for the treatment of rectal adenomas and early rectal carcinomas, but whether long-term outcomes of these procedures are comparable is not known. The aim of this study was to address this question.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study evaluating 98 consecutive procedures between June 2008 and December 2017 was performed in a tertiary cancer center. Consecutive patients who had undergone either endoscopic submucosal resection or transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal adenomas and early rectal carcinomas were evaluated, and long-term recurrence and complication rates were compared.

RESULTS

Both groups were similar regarding sex, age, preoperative surgical risk, and en bloc resection rate (95.7% in the endoscopic and 100% in the surgical group, P = 0.81). Mean follow-up period was 37.6 months. Lesions resected endoscopically were significantly larger (68.5 mm) than those resected by transanal resection (44.5 mm), P = 0.003. Curative resections occurred in 97.2% of endoscopic resections and 85.2% of the surgical ones (P = 0.04). Comparing resections that fulfilled histologic curative criteria, there were no recurrences in the endoscopic group (out of 69 cases) and two recurrences in the transanal group (8.3% of 24 cases), P = 0.06. Late complications occurred in 12.7% of endoscopic procedures and 25.9% of surgical procedures (P = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, endoscopic submucosal resection seems to have advantages over transanal endoscopic microsurgery, with similar en bloc resection rate and lower rate of late complications and recurrences. Multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to support our findings.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection versus endoscopic submucosal dissection in the treatment of colonic neoplastic lesions ≤ 30 mm-a single-center experience

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (FTR) is a novel technique of endoscopic treatment of colorectal neoplastic lesions not suitable for endoscopic polypectomy or mucosal resection. FTR appears to be a reasonable alternative to technically demanding endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for lesions ≤ 30 mm. However, comparison between FTR and ESD has not been published yet and their mutual positioning in the treatment algorithm is still unclear. The purpose of the analysis was to evaluate efficacy and safety of FTR in the treatment of colorectal lesions ≤ 30 mm by comparing prospectively followed FTR cohort to retrospective ESD cohort in the setting of single tertiary endoscopy center. Primary outcomes were technical success rate, R0 resection and curative resection rate, and complication rate. A total of 52 patients in FTR and 50 patients in ESD group were treated between 2015 and 2018. Technical success rate was significantly higher in FTR group (92 vs. 74%, P = 0.01) as well as R0 resection rate (85 vs. 62%, P = 0.01) and curative resection rate (75 vs. 56%, P = 0.01). Complications occurred more frequently in ESD group (40 vs. 13%, P = 0.002), mainly due to high incidence of electrocoagulation syndrome (24 vs. 0%). Total procedure time was substantially shorter in FTR group (26.4 ± 11.0 min vs. estimated 90-240 min). Local residual neoplastic lesions were detected numerically more often in FTR group (12 vs. 5%, P = 0.12). No patient died during follow-up. Compared to ESD, FTR proved significantly higher technical success rate, higher R0 and curative resection rate, and shorter procedure time. In the FTR group, there were significantly less complications but higher incidence of local residual neoplasia. Further research including randomized trials is needed to compare both resection techniques.

Systematic Review of Innovation Reporting in Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel endoscopic procedure used to treat obesity-related comorbidities. Whilst its use is increasing in clinical practice, there is comparatively little understanding about how it has been evaluated. This study aimed to systematically summarize and appraise the reporting of ESG in the context of guidelines for evaluating innovative surgical devices and procedures.

METHODS

Systematic searches were used to identify all published studies reporting ESG insertion. Data collected included patient selection, governance arrangements, proceduralist expertise, technique description and outcome reporting.

RESULTS

Searches identified 2289 abstracts; 37 full-text papers were included (one prospective comparative cohort study, 16 retrospective cohort studies, 17 prospective cohort studies and three case reports). No randomized trials were identified. Eighteen studies were conducted prospectively. The number of patients in the included studies ranged from 1 to 1000. The lower BMI limit ranged from 27 to 35 kg/m². Research approvals were reported in 26 studies. Two studies reported on the learning curve. All studies reported some aspect of technical implementation, but many variations were noted. Suturing device used and suture pattern were the most commonly reported aspects (32 studies). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months, but was 12 months or less in 28 studies. Forty-eight different outcomes were reported across all studies.

CONCLUSION

The literature on ESG has demonstrated some progression in reporting and analysis and the next stage of assessment should be a randomized controlled trial to demonstrate efficacy.

IS ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION STILL LIMITED TO FEW TERTIARY CENTERS IN THE WEST? RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL SURVEY IN BRAZIL

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables en bloc excision of superficial neoplasms. Although ESD is widely practiced in Eastern countries like Japan, South Korea and China, its use in the West is supposed to be still limited to few tertiary centers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical practice of ESD in Brazil by means of an electronic questionnaire elaborated by the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SOBED).

METHODS

In October 2019, 3512 endoscopist members of SOBED were invited to respond to an electronic survey containing 40 questions divided into four topics: operator profile; clinical experience with ESD; adverse events and training. Informed consent was requested to all participants. The investigators reviewed all responses and considered valid if more than 50% of the questions were answered and additional information, when requested, was provided.

RESULTS

A total of 155 (4.4%) qualified responses entered the study. ESD has been practiced in 22 of 26 Federation States and majority of respondents (32.2%) have 10 to 20 years of practice. ESD has been performed more frequently in private hospitals (101 individuals, 66.9%) and private ambulatory centers (41 individuals, 27.1%). ESD was performed mainly in the stomach (72%), followed by the rectum (57%) and 80% of the individuals reported less than 25 operations. Twenty-four (15.4 %) individuals reported perforation and 4 (2.5%) of them reported postoperative deaths. Approximately a quarter of responders denied hands-on training in models or visit to training centers.

CONCLUSION

ESD appears to be practiced throughout the country, not only in tertiary or academic institutions and mainly in private practice. Most operators received limited training and still are at the beginning of their learning curve. The reported adverse events and mortality rates appear to be higher than Eastern reports.

A novel self-assembling peptide for hemostasis during endoscopic submucosal dissection: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

 Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is associated with a risk of bleeding. Bleeding is usually treated with diathermy, although this does carry a risk of mucosal thermal injury. Purastat is a topical hemostat that may be effective in controlling bleeding during ESD, thereby reducing the use of heat therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the reduction in heat therapy used in the interventional group (Purastat) compared with the control group. The secondary aims were to compare the procedure length, time for hemostasis, delayed bleeding rate, adverse events, and wound healing between the groups.

METHODS

 This was a single-center randomized controlled trial of 101 patients undergoing ESD. Participants were randomized to a control group where diathermy was used to control bleeding or an interventional group where Purastat could be used. Follow-up endoscopy was performed at 4 weeks to assess wound healing.

RESULTS

 There was a significant reduction in the use of heat therapy for intraprocedural hemostasis in the interventional group compared with controls (49.3 % vs. 99.6 %, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the procedure length, time for hemostasis, and delayed bleeding rate between the groups. Complete wound healing at 4 weeks was noted in 48.8 % of patients in the interventional group compared with 25.0 % of controls (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

 This study has demonstrated that Purastat is an effective hemostat that can reduce the need for heat therapy for bleeding during ESD. It may also have a role in improving post-resection wound healing.

Current status and trend in training for endoscopic submucosal dissection: A nationwide survey in Korea

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used, the current status and trend in its training have yet to be fully evaluated. We aimed to investigate how ESD endoscopists have been trained in actual clinical practice.

METHODS

Endoscopists aged <45 years who have completed a gastroenterology fellowship or were currently in a fellowship for ≥2 years were included. We conducted a nationwide survey on the ESD training experiences of these endoscopists.

RESULTS

Among 79 young Korean endoscopists invited to participate in the survey, 68 (86.1%) trained in 24 major hospitals responded to the questionnaire. Twenty, 25, and 23 participants belonged to the second-year fellow, <5 years after training, and ≥5 years after training groups, respectively. Sixty-nine percent of the participants observed ≥50 ESD cases before starting ESD under supervision by an expert endoscopist. Additionally, 22% experienced ≥20 supervised ESDs during the training period. The proportion of the participants who underwent a hands-on course differed among the groups (≥5 years after training, 13.0%; <5 years after training, 40.0%; and second-year fellow, 50.0%; P = 0.027). ESD under supervision, observation, and hands-on course were the preferred methods for learning ESD (91.1%, 80.9%, and 35.3%, respectively). Overall, 42.6% of the participants were satisfied with their training program. More experience in supervised ESD (≥20 cases) was associated with an increased satisfaction (odds ratio, 6.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-36.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Observation and performance of ESD under the supervision of an expert endoscopist are the primary methods for learning ESD. Hands-on course program has been used more frequently in recent years.

Future of Endoscopy: Brief review of current and future endoscopic resection techniques for colorectal lesions

Endoscopic treatment of colorectal lesions has seen major developments in the last decade. It is now considered curative for intramucosal and superficial submucosal cancers. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection in expert hands has very good outcomes with low complication rates but recurrence and inadequate treatment of early cancers remain an issue. This has led to a technical evolution that can lead to one piece resection of neoplasia. This includes a range of techniques from knife assisted snare resection (KAR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to full thickness resections. This article reviews all the resection techniques and the evidence base behind them.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines for esophageal cancer

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines. These guidelines present recommendations in response to 18 clinical questions concerning the preoperative diagnosis, indications, resection methods, curability assessment, and surveillance of patients undergoing endoscopic resection for esophageal cancers based on a systematic review of the scientific literature.

How Is Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastrointestinal Lesions Being Implemented? Results from an International Survey

Background and Study Aim

Superficial gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms can be treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and/or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). These techniques are widely used in Eastern countries; however, its use in the West is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current implementation of ESD in Western countries.

Methods

Western endoscopists (n = 279) who published papers related to EMR/ESD between 2005 and 2017 were asked to complete an online survey from December 2017 to February 2018.

Results

A total of 58 endoscopists (21%) completed the survey. Thirty performed ESD in the esophagus (52%), 45 in the stomach (78%), 36 in the co-lorectum (62%), and 6 in the duodenum (10%). The median total number of lesions ever treated per endoscopist was 190, with a median number per endoscopist in 2016 of 41 (7 [IQR 1-21], 6 [IQR 4-16], and 28 [5-63] in the esophagus, in the stomach, and in the colon and rectum, respectively). En bloc resection rates were 97% in the esophagus, 95% in the stomach, and 84% in the colorectum. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 88, 91, and 81%, respectively. Curative rates were 69, 70, and 67%, respectively. Major complications (perforation or delayed bleeding) occurred more often in colorectal ESD (12 vs. 6% in the esophagus and 7% in the stomach). In the upper GI tract, the majority of resected lesions were intramucosal adenocarcinoma (59% in the esophagus; 47% in the stomach), while in the colorectum the majority were adenomas (59%).

Conclusion

ESD seems to be performed by a large number of centers and endoscopists. Our results suggest that ESD is being successfully implemented in Western countries, achieving a good rate of efficacy and safety according to European guidelines.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for suspected early gastric cancer: absolute versus expanded criteria in a large Western cohort (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective, minimally invasive, surgery-sparing technique for the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). It is not well established whether EGC within the Japanese expanded criteria can be safely and effectively treated using ESD in the West. We describe the outcomes of ESD for endoscopically suspected, biopsy specimen-confirmed EGC and its adenomatous precursor lesions (pEGC) using the Vienna classification of dysplasia in a Western cohort.

METHODS

Prospective data were collected on all pEGCs undergoing ESD at a single expert endoscopy center. Outcomes were compared among pEGC, satisfying the Japanese absolute and expanded criteria, those outside criteria, and those specimens that contained low-grade dysplasia (LGD) only. Specialist GI pathologists reviewed and classified all ESD specimens. Patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Over 71 months, 135 pEGCs in 121 patients (mean age, 72.0 years; 61.2% men) underwent ESD. Median pEGC size was 20 mm (interquartile range, 15-30), and 62 (45.9%) satisfied the expanded clinical criteria. Perforation occurred in 1.5% and postprocedural bleeding in 5.2%. Forty-two pEGCs (31.1%) contained LGD only. Rates of en bloc and R0 resection were 94.8% and 86.7%, respectively. One hundred seven pEGCs (79.2%) met the absolute or expanded criteria for endoscopic cure. Two pEGCs recurred during follow-up. Ten of 26 patients with pEGC (38.5%) outside criteria for cure underwent surgery after ESD with residual tumor detected in 3 specimens. Fifteen patients with outside criteria for pEGCs did not undergo surgery because of frailty or their expressed wish. Eleven of 15 patients have so far undergone first surveillance with 1 of 11 experiencing endoscopic and histologic recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD is a safe and effective treatment for pEGCs in a Western context. Patients who either decline or are too frail for surgery, with outside criteria resections, may benefit from ESD for local disease control. Large Western studies of ESD for pEGCs are required to define long-term patient outcomes and surveillance guidelines, particularly where pathology shows LGD or high-grade dysplasia only. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02306707.).

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early oesophageal squamous cell neoplasia at a Western centre

Background and aims

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is the reference treatment for early oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, data from Western centres are scarce.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study from a prospectively collected database at a tertiary care centre in France. All consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included. The main outcome was the curative resection rate. Secondary outcomes were en-bloc resection rates, histologically complete resection rates, morbidity, recurrence-free and overall survival.

Results

Fifty-six cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (49 patients; mean age 61.5 ± 10 years; 36 men) were included. En-bloc, histologically complete and curative resection rates were 98%, 86% and 71%, respectively. Fifteen (30%) patients received an additional treatment after endoscopic submucosal dissection, nine treated by chemoradiotherapy, four by surgery and two by further endoscopic submucosal dissection. Within a mean follow-up of 21 ± 15 months, recurrences occurred in 14 (29%) patients (four local, eight metachronous and three distant recurrences). Eight patients died during follow-up, of which two (4%) patients died from oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Factors significantly associated with mortality in this series were: moderate or poor differentiation of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.02) and recurrence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Moderately or poorly differentiated cancer is a major prognostic factor and should probably be taken into account when indicating an additional treatment after endoscopic submucosal dissection. Close endoscopic follow-up is essential considering the high recurrence rate.

British Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy Quality Improvement Programme (BSG EQIP): Implementing new endoscopic techniques and technologies into clinical practice

Endoscopy has rapidly evolved from a diagnostic modality to a therapeutic tool with the advent of new technologies (medical devices or imaging) and techniques (types of procedures). Although the rapid advancement of technology is welcomed, this can pose its own problems if there is no robust system in place to assess the safety and efficacy of new endoscopic devices or practices or guide its use among clinicians prior to adoption. This is unlike the rigorous process that medical drugs need to go through from preclinical to clinical phases of development, often with controlled trials being conducted prior to integration of a new drug into clinical practice. In this review, we will identify the problems related to implementation of new technologies and techniques as well as propose solutions. We will outline the use of comparative effectiveness studies as a model for assessing new technologies and provide a structured pathway to support clinicians in their endeavour to introduce new devices or procedures in their clinical practice safely. We will also discuss the role of the British Society of Gastroenterology in risk stratifying new techniques and supporting clinicians in setting up national registries, training and business case development. This review will provide a framework for improving the quality and safety of our current practice of implementing new endoscopic technologies and techniques in the National Health Service.

Application of a self-assembling peptide matrix prevents esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection in a pig model

Introduction

Circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows to treat large esophageal superficial neoplasms, however with a high occurrence of severe esophageal strictures. In a previous work, we demonstrated that the application of a prototype of self-assembling peptide (SAP) matrix on esophageal wounds after a circumferential-ESD delayed the onset of esophageal stricture in a porcine model. The aim of this work was to consolidate these results using the commercialized version of this SAP matrix currently used as a hemostatic agent.

Animals and methods

Eleven pigs underwent a 5 cm-long circumferential esophageal ESD under general anesthesia. Five pigs were used as a control group and six were treated with the SAP. In the experimental group, 3.5 mL of the SAP matrix were immediately applied on the ESD wound. Stricture rates and esophageal diameter were assessed at day 14 by endoscopy and esophagram, followed by necropsy and histological measurements of inflammation and fibrosis in the esophageal wall.

Results

At day 14, two animals in the treated group had an esophageal stricture without any symptom, while all animals in the control group had regurgitations and an esophageal stricture (33 vs. 100%, p = 0.045). In the treated group, the mean esophageal diameter at day 14 was 9.5 ± 1 mm vs. 4 ± 0.6 mm in the control group (p = 0.004). Histologically, the neoepithelium was longer in the SAP treated group vs. the control (3075 μm vs. 1155μm, p = 0.014). On immunohistochemistry, the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin was lower in the treated vs. control group.

Conclusion

Apposition of a self-assembling peptide matrix immediately after a circumferential esophageal ESD reduced by 67% the occurrence of a stricture at day 14, by promoting reepithelialization of the resected area.

European experience of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a systematic review of clinical efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced method allowing en bloc resection of large and complex lesions in colon and rectum. Herein, the European experience of colorectal ESD was systematically reviewed in the medical literature to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of colorectal ESD in Europe.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed for full-text studies including more than 20 cases of colorectal ESD emanating from European centres was performed. Data were independently extracted by two authors using predefined data fields, including efficacy and safety.

RESULTS

We included 15 studies containing a total of 1404 colorectal ESD cases (41% in the colon) performed between 2007 and 2018. Lesion size was 40 mm (range 24-59 mm) and procedure time was 102 min (range 48-176 min). En bloc resection rate was 83% (range 67-93%) and R0 resection rate was 70% (range 35-91%). Perforation rate was 7% (range 0-19%) and bleeding rate was 5% (range 0-12%). The percentage of ESD cases undergoing emergency surgery was 2% (range 0-6%). Additional elective surgery was performed in 3% of all cases due to histopathological findings showing deep submucosal invasion or more advanced cancer. The recurrence rate was 4% (range 0-12%) after a median follow-up time of 12 months (range 3-24 months).

CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that ESD is effective and safe for treating large and complex colorectal lesions in Europe although there is room for improvement. Thus, it is important to develop standardized and high-quality educational programs in colorectal ESD in Europe.

Impact of a dedicated multidisciplinary meeting on the management of superficial cancers of the digestive tract

Background  The recent development of endoscopic resection for superficial gastrointestinal cancers could justify the need for a dedicated oncological multidisciplinary meeting (MDM). The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of the dedicated MDM on the management of superficial cancers of the digestive tract. Methods  A dedicated MDM was developed at our tertiary referral center. A retrospective review of the MDM conclusions for all patients referred from March 2015 to March 2017 was performed. Outcomes measurements were the outcomes of endoscopic resection, and the concordance rate between the MDM recommendations, European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines, and final patient management. Results  In total, 153 patients with a median age of 69 years were included. Half of the patients had major comorbidities. The mean lesion size was 25 mm, and R0 and curative resection rate were 73.9 % and 56.9 %, respectively. Forty-three patients had an indication for surgery after endoscopic resection. The concordance rate between ESGE guidelines and MDM recommendation was 92.2 %, and 12 patients did not receive the treatment recommended due to comorbidities. Conclusion  A MDM dedicated to superficial tumors helped tailor the ESGE guidelines to each patient in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.

ESD versus EMR in non-ampullary superficial duodenal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed as an option for treatment of esophageal, gastric and colorectal lesions. However, there is no consensus on the role of ESD in duodenal tumors.

METHODS

 This systematic review and meta-analysis compared ESD and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in sporadic non-ampullary superficial duodenal tumors (NASDTs), including local experience. We conducted a search in PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane library up to August 2017 to identify studies that compared both techniques reporting at least one main outcome (en-bloc/complete resection, local recurrence). Pooled outcomes were calculated under fixed and random-effect models. Subgroup analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

 A total of 753 patients presenting with 784 NASDTs (242 ESD, 542 EMR) in 14 studies were included. Tumor size (MD: 5.88, [CI95 %: 2.15, 9.62], P  = 0.002, I 2  = 79 %) and procedure time (MD: 65.65, [CI95 %: 40.39, 90.92], P  < 0.00001, I 2  = 88 %) were greater in the ESD group. En-bloc resection rate was significantly higher in Asian studies (OR: 2.16 [CI95 %: 1.15, 4.08], P  = 0.02, I 2 : 46 %). ESD provided a higher complete resection rate (OR: 1.63 [I95 %: 1.06, 2.50], P  = 0.03, I 2 : 59 %), but there was no risk difference in the risk of local recurrence (RD: - 0.03 [CI95 %: - 0.07, 0.01], P  = 0.15, I 2 : 0 %) or delayed bleeding. ESD was associated with an increased number of intraoperative perforations [RD: 0.12 (CI95 %: 0.04, 0.20), P  = 0.002, I 2 : 56 %] and emergency surgery for delayed perforations. The inclusion of eligible studies was limited to retrospective series with inequalities in comparative groups.

CONCLUSIONS

 Duodenal ESD for NASDTs may achieve higher en-bloc and complete resections at the expense of a greater perforation rate compared to EMR. The impact on local recurrence remains uncertain.

Efficacy of a three-day training course in endoscopic submucosal dissection using a live porcine model: a prospective evaluation

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is currently regarded as the method of choice for the resection of superficial tumours. The objective of our study was to evaluate prospectively the efficiency of an endoscopic submucosal dissection training course using live anaesthetised pigs.

Methods

Fourteen novice endoscopists participated in three gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection training courses on anaesthetised pigs. Each trainee resected five 'fake' antral lesions. Resected specimen sizes, endoscopic submucosal dissection speeds and the complication rate were evaluated prospectively.

Results

Among the 70 procedures performed, 58 could be analysed. There was a strong increase in endoscopic submucosal dissection speed (from 9.7 mm²/minute to 30.4 mm²/minute) during the sessions, marked between the first two endoscopic submucosal dissections compared with the fourth and fifth. There was a significant relation between the surface area of the resected lesion and procedure speed (P < 0.0001). The complication rate was 8.6%.

Conclusion

There is a clear benefit from endoscopic submucosal dissection training courses on animal models. Improved endoscopist capability is evident from the third endoscopic submucosal dissection. These data validate the indispensable nature of dedicated training courses and echo the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy proposition for multistep learning, beginning on animal models.

Comparing outcomes for endoscopic submucosal dissection between Eastern and Western countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To compare endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) outcomes between Eastern and Western countries.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL and EBM reviews to identify studies published between 1990 and February 2016. The primary outcome was the efficacy of ESD based on information about either curative resection, en bloc or R0 resection rates. Secondary outcomes were complication rates, local recurrence rates and procedure times.

RESULTS

Overall, 238 publications including 84318 patients and 89512 gastrointestinal lesions resected using ESD were identified. 90% of the identified studies reporting ESD on 87296 lesions were conducted in Eastern countries and 10% of the identified studies reporting ESD outcomes in 2216 lesions were from Western countries. Meta-analyses showed higher pooled percentage of curative, en bloc, and R0 resection in the Eastern studies; 82% (CI: 81%-84%), 95% (CI: 94%-96%) and 89% (CI: 88%-91%) compared to Western studies; 71% (CI: 61%-81%), 85% (CI: 81%-89%) and 74% (CI: 67%-81%) respectively. The percentage of perforation requiring surgery was significantly greater in the Western countries (0.53%; CI: 0.10-1.16) compared to Eastern countries (0.01%; CI: 0%-0.05%). ESD procedure times were longer in Western countries (110 min vs 77 min).

CONCLUSION

Eastern countries show better ESD outcomes compared to Western countries. Availability of local ESD expertise and regional outcomes should be considered for decision making to treat gastrointestinal lesions with ESD.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Indications and Application in Western Endoscopy Practice

Endoscopic submucosal dissection was developed in Japan, early in this century, to provide a minimally invasive yet curative treatment for the large numbers of patients with early gastric cancer identified by the national screening program. Previously, the majority of these patients were treated surgically at substantial cost and with significant risk of short- and long-term morbidity. En-bloc excision of these early cancers, most with a limited risk of nodal metastasis, allowed complete staging of the tumor, stratification of the subsequent therapeutic approach, and potential cure. This transformative innovation changed the nature of endoscopic treatment for superficial mucosal neoplasia and, ultimately, for the first time allowed endoscopists to assert that the early cancer had been definitively cured. Subsequently, Western endoscopists have increasingly embraced the therapeutic possibilities offered by endoscopic submucosal dissection, but with some justifiable scientific caution. Here we provide an evidence-based critical appraisal of the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection in advanced endoscopic tissue resection.

Endoscopic management of colorectal adenomas

Colorectal adenomas are well known precursors of invasive adenocarcinoma. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for adenoma detection. Colonoscopy is far more than a diagnostic tool, as it allows effective treatment of colorectal adenomas. Endoscopic resection of colorectal adenomas has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Difficult resection techniques are available, such as endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic full-thickness resection. This review aims to provide an overview of the different endoscopic resection techniques and their indications, and summarizes the current recommendations in the recently published guideline of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Outcomes for Gastroesophageal Tumors in Low Volume Units: A Multicenter Survey

Background and Aims. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) outcomes have traditionally been reported from high volume centers in East Asia. Data from low volume centers in other parts of Asia remain sparse. Methods. A retrospective survey with a structured questionnaire of 5 tertiary centers in 3 countries in South East Asia was conducted. Details of training and clinical outcomes of ESD cases, with follow-up data from these centers, were analyzed. Results. Seven endoscopists from the 5 centers performed a total of 35 cases of ESD in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) over a 6-year duration. Details of the lesions excised were as follows: median size was 20 mm, morphologically 20 (68.6%) were flat/depressed and 6 (17.1%) were submucosal, and histologically 27 (77.1%) were neoplastic. The median duration of ESD procedures was 105 minutes, with an en-bloc resection rate of 91.4%. There was 1 (2.9%) case of delayed bleeding, but no perforation nor mortality in any of the cases. The recurrence rate after ESD was 5.7%. A prolonged ESD duration was influenced by a larger size of lesion (25 mm, p = 0.02) but not by factors related to the training experience of endoscopists. Conclusions. ESD in the UGIT is feasible and safe in low volume centers in Asia.