Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time to emergency endoscopy and clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Objectives

To investigate endoscopic management and clinical outcomes in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 332 patients with non-variceal upper GI bleeding who underwent emergency upper GI endoscopy at three hospitals during the pandemic (April 2020-June 2021) and before the pandemic (January 2019-March 2020). The number of emergency upper GI endoscopies, time from hospital arrival to endoscopy, mortality within 30 days, rebleeding within 30 days, interventional radiology (IVR)/surgery requirement, composite outcome, rates of endoscopic hemostasis procedures, and second-look endoscopy were investigated using logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 152 and 180 patients underwent emergency upper GI endoscopies during and before the pandemic, respectively. The mean time from arrival to endoscopy was longer during the pandemic than before it (11.7 vs. 6.1 h, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that mortality within 30 days (odds ratio [OR]: 2.27, p = 0.26), rebleeding within 30 days (OR: 0.43, p = 0.17), IVR/surgery requirement (OR: 1.79, p = 0.33), and composite outcome (OR: 0.98, p = 0.96) did not differ significantly between the periods; conversely, endoscopic hemostasis procedures (OR: 0.38, p < 0.01) and second-look endoscopies (OR: 0.04, p < 0.01) were less likely to be performed during the pandemic than before it.

Conclusions

Although the time from arrival to endoscopy was significantly longer during the pandemic, it did not affect mortality and rebleeding.

Long-term Risks of Recurrence After Hospital Discharge for Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Large Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Currently, large, nationwide, long-term follow-up data on acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) are scarce. We investigated long-term risks of recurrence after hospital discharge for ALGIB using a large multicenter dataset.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 5048 patients who were urgently hospitalized for ALGIB at 49 hospitals across Japan (CODE BLUE-J study). Risk factors for the long-term recurrence of ALGIB were analyzed by using competing risk analysis, treating death without rebleeding as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Rebleeding occurred in 1304 patients (25.8%) during a mean follow-up period of 31 months. The cumulative incidences of rebleeding at 1 and 5 years were 15.1% and 25.1%, respectively. The mortality risk was significantly higher in patients with out-of-hospital rebleeding episodes than in those without (hazard ratio, 1.42). Of the 30 factors, multivariate analysis showed that shock index ≥1 (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.25), blood transfusion (SHR, 1.26), in-hospital rebleeding (SHR, 1.26), colonic diverticular bleeding (SHR, 2.38), and thienopyridine use (SHR, 1.24) were significantly associated with increased rebleeding risk. Multivariate analysis of colonic diverticular bleeding patients showed that blood transfusion (SHR, 1.20), in-hospital rebleeding (SHR, 1.30), and thienopyridine use (SHR, 1.32) were significantly associated with increased rebleeding risk, whereas endoscopic hemostasis (SHR, 0.83) significantly decreased the risk.

CONCLUSIONS

These large, nationwide follow-up data highlighted the importance of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment during hospitalization and the assessment of the need for ongoing thienopyridine use to reduce the risk of out-of-hospital rebleeding. This information also aids in the identification of patients at high risk of rebleeding.

Diagnostic Value of Adding Magnifying Chromoendoscopy to Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging Endoscopy for Colorectal Polyps

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study examined the additional value of magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE) on magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy (M-NBI) in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective study was conducted at 9 facilities in Japan and Germany. Patients with colorectal polyps scheduled for resection were included. Optical diagnosis was performed by M-NBI first, followed by MCE. Both diagnoses were made in real time. MCE was performed on all type 2B lesions classified according to the Japan NBI Expert Team classification and other lesions at the discretion of endoscopists. The diagnostic accuracy and confidence of M-NBI and MCE for colorectal cancer (CRC) with deep invasion (≥T1b) were compared on the basis of histologic findings after resection.

RESULTS

In total, 1173 lesions were included between February 2018 and December 2020, with 654 (5 hyperplastic polyp/sessile serrated lesion, 162 low-grade dysplasia, 403 high-grade dysplasia, 97 T1 CRCs, and 32 ≥T2 CRCs) examined using MCE after M-NBI. In the diagnostic accuracy for predicting CRC with deep invasion, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for M-NBI were 63.1%, 94.2%, 61.6%, 94.5%, and 90.2%, respectively, and for MCE they were 77.4%, 93.2%, 62.5%, 96.5%, and 91.1%, respectively. The sensitivity was significantly higher in MCE (P < .001). However, these additional values were limited to lesions with low confidence in M-NBI or the ones diagnosed as ≥T1b CRC by M-NBI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter prospective study, we demonstrated the additional value of MCE on M-NBI. We suggest that additional MCE be recommended for lesions with low confidence or the ones diagnosed as ≥T1b CRC. Trials registry number: UMIN000031129.

Updates in the Field of Submucosal Endoscopy

Submucosal endoscopy (third-space endoscopy) can be defined as an endoscopic procedure performed in the submucosal space. This procedure is novel and has been utilized for delivery to the submucosal space in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as a tumor, achalasia, gastroparesis, and subepithelial tumors. The main submucosal endoscopy includes peroral endoscopic myotomy, gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, Zenker peroral endoscopic myotomy, submucosal tunneling for endoscopic resection, and endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection. Submucosal endoscopy has been used as a viable alternative to surgical techniques because it is minimally invasive in the treatment and diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. However, there is limited evidence to prove this. This article reviews the current applications and evidence regarding submucosal endoscopy while exploring the possible future clinical applications in this field. As our understanding of these procedures improves, the future of submucosal endoscopy could be promising in the fields of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Feasibility Study of Partial Submucosal Injection Technique Combining Underwater EMR for Superficial Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and Underwater EMR have been reported as effective endoscopic treatment for superficial duodenal tumor (SDET). However, a notable problem of EMR for SDET is technical difficulty for the lesion with non-lifting sign, and it of UEMR is that en bloc resection rate is relatively low. Therefore, we performed partial submucosal injection combining UEMR (PI-UEMR). The aim of this study is to evaluate feasibility and safety of this technique for duodenal tumor.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study from tertiary care hospital. We performed PI-UEMR in patients with SDET that is 13-20 mm in diameter, or less than 13 mm with technical difficulty for EMR and UEMR from January 2019 to March 2020. Primary outcome was en bloc resection rate. Secondary outcomes were R0 resection rate, mean total procedure time, intra- and post-procedure complication.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included in this study. Mean age was 62 ± 12 years old. Three fourths lesions were located at anal side from major papilla. Median lesion size was 12 mm [IQR 10-16 mm]. Twenty-four cases were taken endoscopic biopsy in prior hospital and observed biopsy scar. En bloc resection rate was 97%. Ro resection rate was 83%. Mean total procedure time was 17 ± 12 min. And there was an only one case of complication, intra-procedure bleeding that was controllable endoscopically.

CONCLUSIONS

PI-UEMR might be very useful and safe technique of endoscopic resection for SDET including relatively large lesions.

Clinical usefulness of red dichromatic imaging in hemostatic treatment during endoscopic submucosal dissection: First report from a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To verify the efficacy and safety of red dichromatic imaging (RDI) in hemostatic procedures during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

METHODS

This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 404 patients who underwent ESD of the esophagus, stomach, colorectum. Patients who received hemostatic treatments by RDI during ESD were defined as the RDI group (n = 204), and those who received hemostatic treatments by white light imaging (WLI) were defined as the WLI group (n = 200). The primary endpoint was a shortening of the hemostasis time. The secondary endpoints were a reduction of the psychological stress experienced by the endoscopist during the hemostatic treatment, a shortened treatment time, and a non-inferior perforation rate, in RDI versus WLI.

RESULTS

The mean hemostasis time in RDI (n = 860) was not significantly shorter than that in WLI (n = 1049) (62.3 ± 108.1 vs. 56.2 ± 74.6 s; P = 0.921). The median hemostasis time was significantly longer in RDI than in WLI (36.0 [18.0-71.0] vs. 28.0 [14.0-66.0] s; P = 0.001) in a sensitivity analysis. The psychological stress was significantly lower in RDI than in WLI (1.71 ± 0.935 vs. 2.03 ± 1.038; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the ESD treatment time between RDI (n = 161) and WLI (n = 168) (58.0 [35.0-86.0] vs. 60.0 [38.0-88.5] min; P = 0.855). Four perforations were observed, but none of them took place during the hemostatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemostatic treatment using RDI does not shorten the hemostasis time. RDI, however, is safe to use for hemostatic procedures and reduces the psychological stress experienced by endoscopists when they perform hemostatic treatment during ESD. UMIN000025134.

Endoscopic hand suturing for mucosal defect closure after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection may reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) is expected to decrease the risk of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) bleeding by closing mucosal defects. We investigated the efficacy of EHS after gastric ESD in patients with antithrombotic agents.

METHODS

In this prospective single-arm trial, patients taking antithrombotic agents for cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular disease and/or peripheral arterial disease and having <3-cm gastric neoplasms were recruited. The mucosal defects after ESD were closed by EHS in which the needle was delivered through an overtube, and the mucosal rim of the defect was continuously sutured in a linear fashion by manipulating the needle grasped with the needle holder, followed by cutting the remnant suture and retrieval of the needle. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative bleeding within 4 weeks after ESD.

RESULTS

Twenty-two lesions in 20 patients (continuing antiplatelet agents in 11, anticoagulant agents in eight, both in one) underwent ESD followed by EHS. All defects (median size, 30 mm; range, 12-51 mm) were completely closed by EHS and remained closed on postoperative day 3. The median number of stitches was six (range, 4-8) and median suturing time was 36 (range, 24-60) min. There were no adverse events during/after EHS or postoperative bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative bleeding was not observed in patients taking antithrombotic agents without perioperative cessation. EHS appears to be useful for prevention of post-gastric ESD bleeding in high-risk patients. (Clinical registration number: UMIN000024184).

Predictors of technical difficulty for complete closure of mucosal defects after duodenal endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It has been reported that the prophylactic closure of mucosal defects after duodenal endoscopic resection (ER) can reduce delayed adverse events; however, under certain circumstances, this can be technically challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the predictors of difficulty during the complete closure of mucosal defects after duodenal ER.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of duodenal lesions that underwent ER between July 2010 and May 2020. We reviewed the endoscopic images and analyzed the relationships between the degree of closure or closure time and clinical features of the lesions using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We analyzed 698 lesions. The multivariate analysis revealed that lesion location in the medial or anterior wall (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-5.85; P < .01) and a large lesion size (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.89; P = .03) were independent predictors of an increased risk of incomplete closure. Moreover, a large lesion size (β coefficient, .304; P < .01), an occupied circumference over 50% (β coefficient, .178; P < .01), intraoperative perforation (β coefficient, .175; P < .01), treatment period (β coefficient, .143; P < .01), and treatment with endoscopic submucosal dissection (β coefficient, .125; P < .01) were independently and positively correlated with a prolonged closure time in the multiple regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that lesion location in the medial or anterior wall and lesion size affected the incomplete closure of mucosal defects after duodenal ER, and lesion size, occupied circumference, intraoperative perforation, treatment period, and treatment method affected closure time.

Gastric epithelial neoplasm of fundic-gland mucosa lineage: proposal for a new classification in association with gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type

BACKGROUND

Gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type (GA-FG) is a rare variant of gastric neoplasia. However, the etiology, classification, and clinicopathological features of gastric epithelial neoplasm of fundic-gland mucosa lineage (GEN-FGML; generic term of GA-FG related neoplasm) are not fully elucidated. We performed a large, multicenter, retrospective study to establish a new classification and clarify the clinicopathological features of GEN-FGML.

METHODS

One hundred GEN-FGML lesions in 94 patients were collected from 35 institutions between 2008 and 2019. We designed a new histopathological classification of GEN-FGML using immunohistochemical analysis and analyzed via clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic evaluation.

RESULTS

GEN-FGML was classified into 3 major types; oxyntic gland adenoma (OGA), GA-FG, and gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland mucosa type (GA-FGM). In addition, GA-FGM was classified into 3 subtypes; Type 1 (organized with exposure type), Type 2 (disorganized with exposure type), and Type 3 (disorganized with non-exposure type). OGA and GA-FG demonstrated low-grade epithelial neoplasm, and GA-FGM should be categorized as an aggressive variant of GEN-FGML that demonstrated high-grade epithelial neoplasm (Type 2 > 1, 3). The frequent presence of GNAS mutation was a characteristic genetic feature of GEN-FGML (7/34, 20.6%; OGA 1/3, 33.3%; GA-FG 3/24, 12.5%; GA-FGM 3/7, 42.9%) in mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

We have established a new histopathological classification of GEN-FGML and propose a new lineage of gastric epithelial neoplasm that harbors recurrent GNAS mutation. This classification will be useful to estimate the malignant potential of GEN-FGML and establish an appropriate standard therapeutic approach.

A novel mask to prevent aerosolized droplet dispersion in endoscopic procedures during the coronavirus disease pandemic

Endoscopic procedures increase the risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to medical staff, because aerosols are generated during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. There have been several reported studies on devices for infection prevention; however, few reports have validated them. Therefore, we developed a novel mask to prevent the diffusion of aerosol droplets from patients undergoing endoscopy.We compared microdroplet dispersion during coughing episodes when using the novel mask with microdroplet dispersion when using the conventional mouthpiece alone.The mean number of microdroplets was significantly smaller in the group that used the novel mask (57.9 ± 122.91 vs 933.6 ± 119.80 droplets; P = .01).The novel mask may aid in reducing the degree of exposure of medical personnel to microdroplets and the risk of subsequent infection.

Risk Factors for Late Rebleeding of Colonic Diverticular Bleeding in Elderly Individuals

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics of colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) in elderly individuals.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study was conducted at a single tertiary center. A total of 519 patients (356 men and 163 women; mean age of 73.1 ± 12.5 years) with CDB and hospitalized between January 2004 and May 2019 were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups: the elderly (274 individuals aged ≥75 years; mean age, 82.1 ± 5.3 years) and non-elderly (245 individuals aged <75 years; mean age, 63.0 ± 10.3 years) groups. Primary outcomes were early and late rebleeding rates, and secondary outcomes were the risk factors for late rebleeding in elderly individuals. Rebleeding occurring within 30 days of hospitalization was defined as early rebleeding, whereas rebleeding occurring after 31 days was defined as late rebleeding.

Results

The early rebleeding rates were 30.6% and 33.1% (p = 0.557) in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively. The late rebleeding rates were 42.3% and 30.6% (p = 0.005) in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively. The 3-year recurrence-free survival was 63.6% in the elderly group and 75.6% in the non-elderly group (log-rank test: p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [odds ratio (OR), 3.55], chronic kidney disease (OR, 2.89), and presence of bilateral diverticula (OR, 1.83) as the independent risk factors for late rebleeding in elderly individuals.

Conclusions

Elderly individuals with CDB require careful follow-up even after discharge. Furthermore, it is important to consider discontinuing NSAIDs to prevent rebleeding.

Water pressure method for duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is considered technically challenging and has a high risk of adverse events. However, we recently made some progress with the ESD technique and device by introducing 2 features: a water pressure (WP) method and a second-generation ESD knife (DualKnife) with a water jet function (DualKnife J). The present study aimed to assess whether these changes improved the clinical outcomes of duodenal ESD.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study. Among all patients who underwent ESD for superficial duodenal epithelial tumors from June 2010 to December 2018, patients in whom a single expert performed the procedure were included in this study. Various factors, including the use of the WP method and ESD devices (DualKnife or DualKnife J) and the treatment phase (early, mid, and late), were analyzed to determine whether they were associated with intraprocedural perforation and procedure time. Treatment phase was assigned by dividing the study population equally into 3 subgroups according to the treatment phase.

RESULTS

The procedure time was significantly shorter, and the proportion of patients with intraprocedural perforations was the lowest in the late phase. Multivariate analysis of the use of the WP method revealed that it significantly decreased the intraprocedural perforation rate (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.96), and analysis of the use of both the WP method (β coefficient, -0.40; P < .01) and the DualKnife J (β coefficient, -0.10; P = .032) revealed they were independently and negatively correlated with procedure time.

CONCLUSION

The present study reveals that the WP method significantly reduced the intraprocedural perforation rate and that both the WP method and the DualKnife J significantly shortened procedure times for duodenal ESD.

Demarcated redness associated with increased vascular density/size: a useful marker of flat-type dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background and study aims  Recent advances in endoscopic equipment and diagnostic techniques have improved the detection of dysplasia in the inflamed mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it remains difficult to endoscopically identify flat-type dysplasia which has been formerly recognized as invisible dysplasia. Patients and methods  In this retrospective, single-center study, we endoscopically identified 10 cases of flat-type-predominant dysplasia by targeted biopsy among 38 intramucosal dysplasia lesions from patients with UC who underwent surgical or endoscopic resection from 2007 to 2017. Their endoscopic and histological features were examined, including color changes, intramucosal vascular density/size, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Results  All flat-type-predominant dysplasias were endoscopically recognized as demarcated red-colored areas and histologically diagnosed as low- (LGDs) or high-grade dysplasias (HGDs). Immunohistochemical examination using resected specimens revealed that flat-type dysplasia was characterized by significantly increased CD34-positive vascular density (LGDs, 1.7-fold, P < 0.01; HGDs, 2.2-fold, P  < 0.01) and size (LGDs, 1.03-fold, P  < 0.01; HGDs, 1.11-fold, P  < 0.01) in the mucosa, compared to adjacent non-neoplastic areas. Increased numbers of vessels were observed at the base of the mucosa in LGDs, whereas HGDs contained increased/enlarged vessels throughout the mucosa. Moreover, VEGF expression was elevated in all dysplastic epithelia. Conclusions  Demarcated red-colored areas, histologically characterized by an increased vascular density/size in the mucosa, are an endoscopic sign of formerly invisible flat-type dysplasia in patients with UC and should be considered for targeted biopsy. Prospective studies focusing on the mucosal color change for their early detection would be desirable in the future.

Risk factors of interventional radiology/surgery for colonic diverticular bleeding

Background and Aim

Colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) stops spontaneously, but sometimes, excessive bleeding does not allow hemostasis and requires interventional radiology (IR)/surgery. We examined risk factors in patients who required IR/surgery for CDB and late recurrent bleeding rate after IR/surgery.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study was conducted at a tertiary center. We included 608 patients who required hospitalization for CDB. Patients were investigated for risk factors using logistic regression analysis. We also investigated early and late recurrent bleeding rates following IR/surgery.

Results

In 261 patients (42.9%), the bleeding source was identified, and endoscopic hemostasis was performed; 23 (3.8%) required IR/surgery. In multivariate analysis, shock state with a blood pressure of ≤90 mmHg (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 20.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.08-79.5), positive extravasation on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (P < 0.001; OR 9.5, 95% CI 2.85-31.4), two or more early recurrent bleeding episodes (P = 0.002; OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.14-25.4), and right colon as the source of bleeding (P = 0.023; OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.25-14.0) were independent risk factors requiring IR/surgery. Early recurrent bleeding was observed in 0% and 28.0% patients (P < 0.001) in the IR/surgery and no IR/surgery groups, respectively, whereas late recurrent bleeding rate was observed in 43.4% and 30.7% patients (P = 0.203) in the IR/surgery and no IR/surgery groups, respectively. Four patients who required surgery experienced late recurrent bleeding at a site different from the initial CDB.

Conclusions

Although IR/surgery is an effective hemostatic treatment wherein endoscopic treatment is unsuccessful, late recurrent bleeding cannot be prevented.

Non-Invasive Early Molecular Detection of Gastric Cancers

Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant source of global cancer death with a high mortality rate, because the majority of patients with GC are diagnosed at a late stage, with limited therapeutic choices and poor outcomes. Therefore, development of minimally invasive or noninvasive biomarkers which are specific to GC is crucially needed. The latest advancements in the understanding of GC molecular landscapes and molecular biological methods have accelerated attempts to diagnose GC at an early stage. Body fluids, including peripheral blood, saliva, gastric juice/wash, urine, and others, can be a source of biomarkers, offering new methods for the early detection of GC. Liquid biopsy-based methods using circulating sources of cancer nucleic acids could also be considered as alternative strategies. Moreover, investigating gastric juices/washes could represent an alternative for the detection of GC via invasive biopsy. This review summarizes recently reported biomarkers based on DNA methylation, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA, or extracellular vesicles (exosomes) for the detection of GC. Although the majority of studies have been conducted to detect these alterations in advanced-stage GC and only a few in population studies or early-stage GC, some biomarkers are potentially valuable for the development of novel approaches for an early noninvasive detection of GC.

Feasibility study comparing underwater endoscopic mucosal resection and conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor < 20 mm

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has been reported as an alternative to conventional EMR for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADET). However, the detailed outcomes are unclear. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between UEMR and EMR for SNADET <20 mm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study using a prospective maintained database. From November 2017 to December 2018, 104 consecutive cases of attempted UEMR for SNADET <20 mm were prospectively allocated. A total of 240 cases of attempted EMR were chosen as historical controls. We compared technical success rate, defined as the resection rate without conversion to ESD; en bloc resection rate; R0 resection rate; and adverse event rate. Next, multivariate analyses were constructed to identify predictors of conversion to ESD, piecemeal resection, and RX or R1 (RX/R1) resection.

RESULTS

Technical success rate of UEMR was significantly higher than that of EMR (87% and 70%, P < 0.01). En bloc resection and R0 resection rates of UEMR were significantly lower than those of EMR (en bloc resection: 87% vs 96%, P < 0.01; R0 resection: 67% vs 80%, P = 0.05). Concerning adverse events, there were no significant differences. In multivariate analyses, attempted EMR, lesion size and depressed type were independent predictors of conversion to ESD. Attempted UEMR was an independent predictor of piecemeal resection and RX/R1 resection.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicated that UEMR could be a feasible endoscopic resection method for SNADET (UMIN000025442).

Endoscopic suturing promotes healing of mucosal defects after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: endoscopic and histologic analyses in in vivo porcine models (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic suturing of mucosal defects after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is expected to prevent postoperative adverse events. We aimed to endoscopically and histologically evaluate the healing process of post-ESD mucosal defects closed with endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) in in vivo porcine models.

METHODS

Twelve mucosal defects (2 cm in size) were created in 2 pigs (6 defects per pig). Initially, 2 defects were created: one was closed with EHS (sutured group) and the other was kept open (control group). On postoperative days (PODs) 7 and 14, 2 additional defects were created in each session, and they were treated in the same manner as in the initial procedure. On POD 21, the entire stomach, with the 6 lesion sites, was extracted for histologic evaluation after endoscopic observation.

RESULTS

Endoscopically, all sutured sites remained closed in all sessions (PODs 7, 14, and 21). Histologically, on POD 14, the epithelium and muscularis mucosae were appropriately connected. The mucosae were covered with the epithelium without inversion of the mucosal edge in the sutured group, whereas the ulcer bed was exposed in the control group. Furthermore, the degree of neovascularity and fibroblasts in the submucosa was smaller in the sutured group than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that endoscopic suturing promotes healing of post-ESD mucosal defects histologically in in vivo porcine models. Thus, endoscopic mucosal closure after ESD might be clinically useful for the prevention of delayed perforation/bleeding if secure suturing is performed endoscopically.

Management of perforation related to endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial duodenal epithelial tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is being performed more frequently as a local treatment for superficial duodenal epithelial tumors (SDETs). However, ESD for SDETs is technically difficult because of specific anatomic features that increase the risk of perforation and often require surgery. This study was performed to evaluate the management of ESD-related perforation in patients with SDETs.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ESD for SDETs from July 2010 to December 2018 were studied. We collected data on complete closure, insertion of endoscopic nasobiliary and pancreatic duct drainage (ENBPD) tubes, and additional interventions. We also evaluated clinical outcomes, including the fasting period, hospital stay, and maximum serum C-reactive protein level.

RESULTS

ESD was completed in 264 patients with SDETs. Perforation was observed in 36 patients, including 4 patients with delayed perforation. Among 32 patients with intraoperative perforation, complete closure was achieved in 13 patients. Compared with patients without complete closure, the fasting period and hospital stay were significantly shorter and the maximum serum C-reactive protein level was significantly lower in patients with complete closure, which were equivalent to those in patients without perforation. In patients without complete closure for mucosal defect, no additional interventions were required when an ENBPD tube was inserted, whereas 2 patients without ENBPD tube insertion underwent additional interventions such as percutaneous drainage and a surgical operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Perforation associated with ESD for SDETs required complex conservative management with complete closure or insertion of an ENBPD tube.

How I do it: Endoscopic diagnosis for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors

There are no reports on detailed endoscopic diagnosis of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADET) except for relatively small case series. Herein, we conducted a prospective observational study to investigate the relationship between endoscopic findings and histopathological diagnosis of SNADET. A total of 163 SNADET diagnosed using magnified endoscopic examination with image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE-ME) were prospectively registered in this study. We investigated location, size, macroscopic type, color, and IEE-ME findings including surface structure (closed- or open-loop) and presence of white opaque substance (WOS) in SNADET. We analyzed association between these findings and histopathological diagnosis of SNADET based on the Vienna classification (VCL) using logistic regression analysis. In univariate analysis, lesion size, superficial structure, and WOS deposition showed statistical significance, and the oral side of the lesion location showed statistical tendency for association with VCL C4/5. In multivariate analysis, lesion size (odds ratio [OR], 2.92; 95% CI, 1.94-4.39; P < 0.05) and negative WOS (OR, 5.59; 95% CI, 1.72-18.1; P < 0.05) were significantly associated with VCL C4/5 lesions. Superficial structures with a closed-loop pattern on the surface showed statistical tendency for predicting VCL C4/5 lesions (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.86-5.37; P = 0.10). Based on these findings, we concluded that negative WOS by IEE-ME and lesion size were independent predictors of VCL C4/5 SNADET. These factors may help us to understand of pathophysiology of SNADET and to select appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies: A retrospective study in Japan

BACKGROUND

The ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs) and food bolus impaction (FBI) in the digestive tract are commonly encountered clinical problems. Methods to handle such problems continue to evolve offering advantages, such as the avoidance of surgery, reduced cost, improved visualization, reduced morbidity, and high removal success rate. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the endoscopic management of FBs in Japan.

AIM

To elucidate level of safety and efficacy in the endoscopic management of FBs and FBI.

METHODS

A total of 215 procedures were performed at Keio University Hospital between November 2007 and August 2018. Data were collected from medical charts, and endoscopic details were collected from an endoscopic reporting system. Procedures performed with a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope were only taken into account. Patients who underwent a technique involving FB or FBI from the digestive tract were only included. Data on patient sex, patient age, outpatient, inpatient, FB type, FB location, procedure time, procedure type, removal device type, success, and technical complications were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the 215 procedures, 136 (63.3%) were performed in old adults (≥ 60 years), 180 (83.7%) procedures were performed in outpatients. The most common type of FBs were press-through-pack (PTP) medications [72 (33.5%) cases], FBI [47 (21.9%)], Anisakis parasite (AP) [41 (19.1%) cases]. Most FBs were located in the esophagus [130 (60.5%) cases] followed by the stomach [68 (31.6%) cases]. AP was commonly found in the stomach [39 (57.4%) cases], and it was removed using biopsy forceps in 97.5% of the cases. The most common FBs according to anatomical location were PTP medications (40%) and dental prostheses (DP) (40%) in the laryngopharynx, PTP (48.5%) in the esophagus, AP (57.4%) in the stomach, DP (37.5%) in the small intestine and video capsule endoscopy device (75%) in the colon. A transparent cap with grasping forceps was the most commonly used device [82 (38.1%) cases]. The success rate of the procedure was 100%, and complication were observed in only one case (0.5%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of FBs and FBI in our Hospital is extremely safe and effective.

Feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasia at anastomotic sites: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Metachronous colorectal lesions sometimes occur at anastomotic sites following colorectal surgery, which increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, these lesions are difficult to treat even with minimally invasive methods such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ESD for colorectal lesions at anastomotic sites following colorectal surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 11 patients with post-surgical colorectal lesions at anastomotic sites who later underwent ESD from May 2010 to April 2019 at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. We examined the patients' background (tumor location, macroscopic type, tumor size, histological type, and depth of invasion) and treatment outcomes (procedure duration, en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, and adverse events).

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 66 years. There were two lesions in the transverse colon, six in the rectum, one in the anal canal, and two in the ileal pouch. The median tumor size was 25 mm. The macroscopic types were the protruded type (1 lesion) and the flat or depressed type (10 lesions). The pathological diagnoses were adenoma (4 lesions), intramucosal cancer (corresponding to high-grade dysplasia) (6 lesions), and muscularis propria cancer (1 lesion). The median procedure duration was 50 min; en bloc resection rate was 88.9% and R0 resection rate was 66.7%. The only adverse event was delayed post-ESD bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

A high en bloc resection rate without perforation was achieved with ESD for lesions at anastomotic sites. Although ESD for lesions at anastomotic sites is a technically challenging procedure because of severe submucosal fibrosis, this approach could prevent the need for repeated surgical resection.

Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection for incompletely resected esophageal or gastric neoplasms (case series)

Background and study aims  Given that positive lateral margins indicate possible residual carcinoma, salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) should be considered for curative therapy. Presence of submucosal fibrosis, however, makes the procedure difficult to perform. We present our case series to discuss the feasibility of salvage ESD and the timing of the procedure.

Predictors of technical difficulty with duodenal ESD

Background and study aims  Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is still considered technically challenging; however, few studies have objectively analyzed predictors of the technical difficulty. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to elucidate predictors of the technical difficulty of duodenal ESD. Patients and methods  This was a retrospective observational study. From June 2010 to June 2017, a total of 174 consecutive patients with superficial duodenal epithelial neoplasia who underwent ESD were included in this study. We tried to identify predictors for technical difficulty of ESD by defining technical difficulty as either procedure time > 100 minutes or intraprocedural perforation. Moreover, we constructed a scoring system consisting of factors that were significant in the multivariate analysis. Results  The proportion of patients with technical difficulty was 34.5 %. In the multivariate analysis, lesion location in flexural part [odds ratio (OR), 2.61; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.02 - 6.68], larger lesion size (> 40 mm) (OR, 5.26; 95% CI, 2.15 - 12.9), and occupied circumference > 50 % of the duodenum (OR, 5.80; 95 % CI, 1.83 - 18.4) were associated with technical difficulty. Conclusion  A lesion location in flexural part, lesion size >40 mm and occupied circumference > 50 % were risk factors for technical difficulty of duodenal ESD.

Dual red imaging: a novel endoscopic imaging technology visualizing thick blood vessels in the gastrointestinal wall

Background  Dual red imaging (DRI), a novel image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) technology, has the potential to improve the visibility of blood vessels in deeper tissue using 600 nm and 630 nm wavelength lights in the red band. Aim  To confirm the feasibility of DRI in visualization of vessels in deeper tissue and identify pathologically the features of blood vessels visualized by DRI. Methods  Study 1: visibility of blood vessels was assessed by five observers in 137 pairs of DRI and white light imaging (WLI) images. The scores for the visibility of thick blood vessels were measured for randomized images and compared with the scoring template as a reference. The difference in visibility score between DRI and WLI was compared in each pair of images. Study 2: blood vessels detected only by DRI were examined pathologically using two pig stomachs. Results  Study 1: The mean visibility scores of DRI and WLI for each observer were 1.69 - 2.26 and 1.31 - 1.67, respectively. The mean difference in visibility score and 95 % confidence interval for the five observers was 0.59 [0.46 - 0.72], 0.54 [0.40 - 0.68], 0.34 [0.18 - 0.49], 0.51 [0.36 - 0.66], and 0.71 [0.54 - 0.88]. The visibility was statistically significantly better in DRI than in WLI for all observers ( P  < 0.0001). Study 2: three blood vessels were observed only by DRI. All of these blood vessels were located at a depth of 1000 - 1500 µm from the mucosal surface. The diameter of these blood vessels exceeded 80 - 200 µm. Conclusions  DRI can feasibly detect thick blood vessels in the deep mucosa or submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastric lymphatic flows may change before and after endoscopic submucosal dissection: in vivo porcine survival models

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Standard gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is recommended following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to the risk of lymph-node metastasis for resected cancers. However, when lymphatic flows remain unchanged after ESD, a minimally invasive function-preserving surgery based on the sentinel node (SN) concept may be applicable. In this study, using porcine survival models, we aimed to investigate whether gastric lymphatic flows were modified following ESD.

METHODS

Twelve pigs, each with one simulating lesion 3 cm in size, were used. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluid was endoscopically injected into the submucosa in four quadrants surrounding the lesion. Following laparoscopic observation of lymphatic flows, the lesions were resected by ESD. After 4 weeks, ICG fluid was injected in four quadrants surrounding the scar and lymphatic flows were observed in the same manner as the initial procedure. The distribution of lymphatic flows, including stained SNs, was compared.

RESULTS

In ten lesions (83.3%), the distribution of flows remained unchanged. However, in one lesion, the flow along the right gastric epiploic artery (R-GEA) disappeared on the lesser curvature of the middle stomach. In addition, in one lesion, the flow along R-GEA emerged on the lesser curvature of the lower stomach.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that, despite ESD, lymphatic flows remained unchanged in most parts of the stomach. The SN concept may be applied after ESD, except for lesions on the lesser curvature. However, in the case of the lesser curvature, special care must be given to the SN concept.

Current Status and Challenges of Endoscopic Treatments for Duodenal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Superficial tumors of the duodenum, other than ampullary tumors, have been traditionally considered rare. However, reports of this kind of tumor have increased in recent times, and the demand for minimally invasive treatments have also increasing.

SUMMARY

Adenomas and intramucosal carcinomas are target lesions for treatment. A preoperative diagnosis has not been established, but unnecessary biopsies increase the difficulty of treatment and should be avoided. Cold snare polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and underwater EMR are treatment options for small lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection enables secure resection even for large lesions, but it is technically demanding and associated with a higher complication rate. After endoscopic resections, exposure of digestive juices is believed to cause delayed complications. To prevent these complications, several closing and covering methods are proposed, with favorable clinical results. Key message: A treatment method should be chosen based on each patient's situation. With any of the treatment methods, post-resection measures are required to prevent delayed complications. Secure closure of resection wounds seems promising.

Haemostasis treatment using dual red imaging during endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients scheduled to undergo oesophageal, gastric and colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are to be investigated to verify the efficacy of dual red imaging (DRI) for establishing haemostasis during ESD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The trial is designed as a multicentre, open-label randomised, parallel-group, controlled intervention study. Registered patients will be randomly assigned to DRI and white light imaging (WLI) groups. In the DRI group, the mucosal incision and submucosal dissection will be performed by WLI, and haemostasis will be managed by DRI when bleeding occurs. In the WLI group, the mucosal incision and submucosal dissection are to be performed by WLI and the haemostasis management is to be performed by WLI. The primary endpoint is the time from the recognition of bleeding up to the achievement of complete haemostasis (haemostasis time). The secondary endpoints are the operation time, the proportion of cases in which perforation occurs, and the psychological stress experienced by the endoscopist during haemostasis treatment.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial was approved by the Keio University Review Board for Clinical Trials (5 December 2016).

DISCUSSION

This will be the first multicentre collaborative research using DRI for haemostasis treatment during ESD. When the safety and simplicity of DRI as a treatment for haemostasis during ESD can be proven, the ESD procedure can be simplified and disseminated more widely in clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000025134.

Treatment Results of Endoscopic Mucosal Resection with a Ligation Device for Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Objective The vertical margin of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) removed by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is often tumor-positive. We examine the treatment results of endoscopic mucosal resection with a ligation device (EMR-L) for the removal of duodenal NETs located in the submucosal layer without metastasis. EMR-L can be performed with less technical skill, and the ligation device reduces the rate of positive vertical margin. Methods Ten consecutive patients with 10 duodenal NETs resected by EMR-L were enrolled. All of the lesions were located in the submucosal layer, were assessed to be free of metastasis, and were confirmed to be NETs pathologically by an endoscopic biopsy. The endoscopic results, pathological results, and prognosis were all examined. Results The en bloc resection rate and endoscopic complete resection rate were both 100%. Complete resection was achieved pathologically in 7 lesions (70.0%). The vertical margins were negative in all cases. Lymphatic vessel invasion was observed in three patients, all of whom underwent additional surgery with lymph node dissection (one of them also exhibited blood vessel invasion and a positive horizontal margin). No evidence of residual tumors or lymph node metastasis was observed in any of the patients. No recurrence was observed in any of the 10 patients (mean follow-up period: 18.6 months). One patient (10.0%) experienced intraoperative bleeding. Perforation occurred in 1 patient (10.0%), but the condition was managed well by conservative therapy. Conclusion EMR-L was an acceptable method for endoscopically resecting submucosal duodenal NETs, and the NETs resected by EMR-L were tumor-negative in the vertical margins.

Inadequate steroid injection after esophageal ESD might cause mural necrosis

Background and study aims  Locoregional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) injection is increasingly used for prevention of stricture after extensive endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal neoplasia. However, the safety of intramural TAC injection has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical courses and histopathological changes after TAC injection into the muscle layer in a porcine model. Methods  Three pigs were subjected to ESD under general anesthesia. Two artificial 30-mm lesions were created at the oral and anal ends of the esophagus in each pig. TAC was injected into the muscle layer of the artificial oral ulcers (TAC group) and saline was injected into the muscle layer of the artificial anal ulcers (control group). Endoscopic, macroscopic, and histopathological evaluations were performed. Results  The artificial ulcers remained open at sacrifice on day 28 post-ESD in the three ulcers injected with TAC. Esophageal wall perforation and abscess spreading to the mediastinum were observed in two of the three ulcers in the TAC group. The abscesses involved the lungs, bronchi, and aortic adventitia. Severe inflammatory cell infiltration in the muscularis propria layer and significant muscularis propria degradation were observed in all three ulcers in the TAC group. Conclusions  This study suggests that TAC may cause deep mural damage when it is injected into the muscularis propria. Care should be taken not to inject TAC into the muscle layer when it is used to prevent post-ESD stricture formation.

Clinical impact of closure of the mucosal defect after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Delayed adverse events (bleeding or perforation) are major concerns associated with duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of prophylactic closure of the mucosal defect after duodenal ESD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from a university hospital. One hundred sixty-eight patients (173 lesions) who underwent duodenal ESD between July 2010 and June 2017 were included in this study. The study participants were divided into 3 subgroups according to the degree of closure: complete group, incomplete group, and unclosed group. The proportion of delayed adverse events, maximum serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP), and total length of hospital stay were compared among these subgroups. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to identify the risk factors for delayed adverse events.

RESULTS

The proportion of delayed adverse events in the complete group, incomplete group, and unclosed group were 1.7%, 25%, and 15.6%, respectively. The difference between the complete group and the other groups was significant (P < .01). The maximum serum CRP level was much lower (1.51 ± 2.18 mg/dL vs 6.28 ± 10.0 mg/dL, P < .01), and the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the complete group than in the incomplete/unclosed group (median [range] 5 [5-14] days vs 8 [4-59] days, P < .01). Multivariate analysis revealed that complete closure had a significant decrease in delayed adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 0.055; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.29; P < .01), and a lesion located distal from the descending part showed a statistical tendency to an increase in delayed adverse events (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 0.85-23.6; P = .08).

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that complete closure of the mucosal defect after duodenal ESD significantly decreased the number of delayed adverse events and improved other outcomes.

Outcomes of endoscopic resection for superficial duodenal epithelial neoplasia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is an invasive procedure, and endoscopic resection (ER) is an alternative therapy. However, details regarding the outcomes of ER are unknown, especially for superficial duodenal epithelial neoplasia (SDET). The aim of this study was to elucidate the outcomes of ER for SDET and to compare EMR with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study. From June 2010 to June 2017, 320 cases of endoscopically resected SDET (146 EMR-treated cases and 174 ESD-treated cases) were included in this study. We analyzed the proportions of en bloc resection, R0 resection, perforation, and bleeding as outcomes of ER and compared outcomes between the EMR and ESD groups. Next, we collected data on the features and clinical course of cases with adverse events.

RESULTS

The proportions of en bloc resection and R0 resection among all cases were 96.6% and 83.4%, respectively. In over 95% of cases, ESD achieved en bloc resection, regardless of lesion size. The incidences of perforation and bleeding were 8.8% and 3.4%, respectively, and the former was largely successfully managed by conservative treatment. The mortality rate was 0%, and all patients were discharged with a median hospital stay of 8.5 days (range, 4-52 days). Evaluation of the hospital stay duration according to lesion circumference revealed a significantly longer duration for lesions present on the medial wall than for other lesions (median 41 vs 7 days, P = .0331).

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that ER achieved secure en bloc resection, with the treatment type (ESD or EMR) selected according to the lesion size. A lesion located on the medial wall was associated with worse outcomes, such as prolonged hospital stay after perforation.

A Gastric Follicular Lymphoma Presenting as a Submucosal Tumor with a Diagnosis Determined by Endoscopic Resection

We herein report the case of 74-year-old man with gastric follicular lymphoma resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A submucosal tumor 7 mm in diameter was detected at the gastric middle body. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a homogenous hypoechoic tumor localized in the submucosa. The tumor was removed by ESD immediately, before further tumor growth would preclude endoscopic resection. The pathological findings indicated follicular lymphoma (FL) with negative horizontal and vertical margins. The clinical stage of FL was confirmed to be stage I by extensive work-up procedures, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and colonoscopy. The patient remains in complete remission without any treatment.

Endoscopic string clip suturing method: a prospective pilot study (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We developed a suturing method with string and clips for a single-channel endoscope. The feasibility of the string clip suturing method is evaluated in this prospective pilot study.

METHODS

This study involved 10 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for a duodenal tumor. Polyester string was tied to the arm of a partially out thrust clip. The clip and string can be passed through the instrument channel (3.2 mm) of a single-channel endoscope. The clip with string was placed at the distal edge of the large mucosal defect. A second clip was hooked on the string and placed on the opposite side. Both clips were gathered by pulling the free end of the string, and additional clips were placed to achieve complete closure. This method was compared with that for the previous 10 patients without mucosal closure after duodenal ESD.

RESULTS

Mean size of resected specimens was 39.1 ± 12.4 mm. The success rate of the string clip suturing method was 100% (10/10). The mean procedure time was 23.4 ± 13.8 minutes. Perforation during ESD occurred in 1 patient and was successfully closed by this method. None of the treated patients developed serious adverse events after the procedure. Compared with the no-suture group, the length of stay was significantly shorter (P = .038).

CONCLUSION

The string clip suturing method appears to be a safe and effective method for closure of large mucosal defects. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000023698.).

Rebamipide solution: a novel submucosal injection material to promote healing speed and healing quality of ulcers induced by endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Rebamipide is administered perorally to protect the gastric mucosa. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel rebamipide solution as a submucosal injection material for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using an in vivo porcine model.

METHODS

An endoscopist blinded to the test agents performed ESDs of hypothetical 30 mm lesions using a 2% rebamipide solution at 2 sites (rebamipide group) and a saline solution at 2 other sites (control group) in the stomachs of 8 pigs. The technical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The gastric ulcer stages were evaluated by endoscopy once weekly for 4 weeks after the ESD to determine the healing score (1-6). The pigs were killed at 1 week (n = 2), 2 weeks (n = 2), and 4 weeks (n = 4) after the ESD for pathologic evaluation of ESD-induced ulcers and scarring.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in any of the technical outcomes between the 2 groups, and no adverse events related to the ESD in any of the animals. The healing score was significantly higher in the rebamipide group than in the control group at 2 weeks (P = .027), 3 weeks (P = .034), and 4 weeks (P = .012). In the histopathologic assessment, fibrosis was significantly less extensive in the rebamipide group than in the control group at 2 weeks (P = .02) and 4 weeks (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The rebamipide solution appeared to promote both the speed and quality of healing of ESD-induced ulcers by suppressing fibrosis.

Potential for peritoneal cancer cell seeding in endoscopic full-thickness resection for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

During endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for cancers, whether exposure of the lumen to the abdominal cavity during the procedure is acceptable is controversial because of the potential risk of tumor cell seeding. To assess the possibility of transplantation as a result of contact with tumor cells during the procedure, we prospectively investigated the ability of cancer cells to be detached by touching the tumor surface.

METHODS

In 48 patients with a single early gastric cancer resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection, stamp cytology was performed by touching the surface of the specimens to glass slides. Samples were obtained from cancerous and noncancerous areas, constituting the study and control groups, respectively. The detection rate of malignant class IV or V (C-IV/C-V) samples was investigated with Papanicolaou staining. The rate of CD44v9-positive cases, a cancer stem cell marker, was assessed in C-IV/C-V samples with immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Detection rates of C-IV/C-V samples in the cancerous group (53/192 slides, 27.6%) differed significantly from those of the C-IV/C-V samples in the noncancerous group (0/96 slides, 0%). Among the 53 slides of C-IV/C-V samples in the cancerous group, CD44v9 cells were expressed in 18 slides (34.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, in early gastric cancers are easily detached via contact with the tumor surface. In EFTR, a nonexposure approach is recommended to avoid the risk of iatrogenic cancer cell seeding via contact with and transplantation of cancer cells.

Endoscopic hand-suturing for defect closure after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: a pilot study in animals and in humans

Background and study aims Mucosal suturing enables reliable and optimal defect closure after endoscopic treatments. We developed and investigated the feasibility of endoscopic hand-suturing (EHS) after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in porcine in vivo models and in human clinical cases. Patients and methods EHS involving continuous suturing of the mucosal layers using a through-the-scope needle-holder and absorbable barbed suture, was performed after gastric ESD in six live pigs and in eight consecutive patients. Success rates, adverse events, and suture maintenance were subsequently investigated. Results EHS was successfully completed in all six pigs and eight patients (100 %) without severe adverse events. However, at 1 week postoperatively the suture closures had not been maintained in all six porcine cases and in the first four clinical cases. In the later four clinical cases, wider and tight suturing of the mucosal edges ensured that the defects remained closed until postoperative week 4. Conclusion EHS is a feasible procedure that may facilitate secure and refined endoscopic surgeries. Mucosal closure in such cases can be maintained using firm suturing.Clinical trial number: UMIN000017125.

Accuracy of biopsy for the preoperative diagnosis of superficial nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic biopsy sampling for the diagnosis of duodenal adenocarcinoma is not perfect. We investigated the accuracy of biopsy specimen diagnoses of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (NADETs).

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data were retrospectively reviewed for 95 superficial NADETs from 95 patients who underwent endoscopic resection. Preoperative diagnoses based on biopsy specimens were compared with histologic diagnoses of resected specimens.

RESULTS

Among the 21 lesions with biopsy specimen diagnoses of carcinoma, 12 (57.1%) were histologically diagnosed as adenomas after resection. Among the 74 lesions with biopsy specimen diagnoses of adenoma, 15 (20.3%) were histologically diagnosed as carcinomas after resection. The duodenal biopsy specimen predicted final histologic diagnoses of carcinoma with a sensitivity of 37.5% (95% CI, 18.8-59.4), specificity of 83.1% (95% CI, 72.3-91.0), accuracy of 71.6% (95% CI, 61.4-80.4), positive predictive value of 42.9% (95% CI, 21.8-66.0), and negative predictive value of 79.7% (95% CI, 68.8-88.2). Among 61 cases considered suitable for EMR, treatment modality was converted from EMR to endoscopic submucosal dissection because of the nonlifting sign in 15 cases (24.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of duodenal biopsy sampling was relatively low. Duodenal biopsy sampling may induce unexpected fibrosis. New endoscopic modalities that can improve preoperative diagnosis yield of NADETs are eagerly awaited.

Gastric ESD may be useful as accurate staging and decision of future therapeutic strategy

Background and study aims We sometimes perform gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for total pathologic diagnosis when preoperative diagnosis is difficult. In the present study we analyzed the treatment outcomes and adverse events of diagnostic ESD for early gastric cancer (EGC). Patients and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive cases of EGC in 18 patients with a suspected out-of-indication diagnosis who underwent diagnostic ESD, between June 2010 and November 2014. The following parameters were examined: the average length of the longer axis of the lesion; the procedure time; the rates of en bloc resection (ER), complete en bloc resection (CER), and curative resection (CR) as treatment outcomes; and the rates of perforation, delayed bleeding, aspiration pneumonia, disease-related death, and emergency surgery as adverse events. Results The treatment outcomes were as follows: average length of the longer axis of the lesion, 27.4 ± 10.0 mm; procedure time, 87.0 ± 43.1 minutes; ER rate, 18/18 (100.0 %); CER rate, 13/18 (72.2 %); CR rate, 4/18 (22.2 %). CR rate was achieved 37.5 % for the lesions which preoperative diagnosis was more than 30 mm (> 30 mm) in diameter differentiated type with mucosal layer/submucosal layer 1 invasion and ulceration positive. The adverse events (AEs) were perforation in 1 of 18 (5.5 %) patients and delayed bleeding in 1 of 18 (5.5 %). There were no other AEs. Conclusions Diagnostic ESD may be acceptable for future therapeutic strategy when we unconfirmed the pre ESD diagnosis because of lower rate of adverse events and high rate of ER.

Endoscopic slip-knot clip suturing method: prospective pilot study (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We developed a suturing method with a slip-knot string and clips for a single-channel endoscope. The feasibility of the slip-knot clip suturing method was evaluated in this clinical pilot study.

METHODS

Ten patients underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal and duodenal tumors 5 cm or less. A slip-knot loop can be tightened when tension is applied to the free end of the string. A clip and string can be passed through an instrument channel (3.2 mm) of a single-channel endoscope. The slip-knot loop is anchored onto the mucosal defect's proximal margin with the clip. Additional clips anchoring the slip-knot loop are placed at the opposite side of the margin. The slip-knot loop is tightened by pulling the string. Additional clips are placed to achieve complete closure.

RESULTS

The mean size of resected specimen was 34.4 ± 10.0 mm. The success rate of the slip-knot clip suturing method was 90% (9/10). In the first patient, the string was cut because of friction, and the patient dropped out of the study. After the failure of the first patient, we used wet string to reduce friction, and slip-knot string worked effectively. The mean procedure time was 18.2 ± 3.3 minutes.

CONCLUSION

The slip-knot clip suturing method could close large mucosal defects completely using a single-channel endoscope. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000017583.).

Laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric subepithelial tumors using a nonexposure technique

Background and study aims: To avoid bacterial contamination and tumor seeding during gastrectomy surgery, we developed a nonexposure technique for endoscopic full-thickness resection with laparoscopic assistance. The feasibility and safety of nonexposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS) for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) were investigated. Patients and methods: For protruding gastric SETs ≤ 3 cm in diameter, NEWS was performed in the following sequence: laparoscopic seromuscular incision after endoscopic submucosal injection, laparoscopic seromuscular suturing with the lesion inverted, endoscopic mucosal and submucosal incision, and transoral retrieval. Technical outcomes and postoperative courses were investigated. Results: In all 20 consecutive cases, including six SETs with ulceration, NEWS was completed (mean procedural time, 213.5 minutes) without severe intraoperative or postoperative adverse events. R0 resection and perforation rates were 100 % and 5.0 %, respectively. During the mean observational period of 10.1 months, all patients survived without recurrence or apparent discomfort during food intake. Conclusion: NEWS for gastric SETs was feasible and safe and represents a useful option for minimally invasive local resection even in cases of SETs with ulceration or cancers.

Cutting edge of endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric tumor

Recently, several studies have reported local full-thickness resection techniques using flexible endoscopy for gastric tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, gastric carcinoid tumors, and early gastric cancer (EGC). These techniques have the advantage of allowing precise resection lines to be determined using intraluminal endoscopy. Thus, it is possible to minimize the resection area and subsequent deformity. Some of these methods include: (1) classical laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS); (2) inverted LECS; (3) combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with non-exposure technique; and (4) non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery. Furthermore, a recent prospective multicenter trial of the sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) for EGC has shown acceptable results in terms of sentinel node detection rate and the accuracy of nodal metastasis. Endoscopic full-thickness resection with SNNS is expected to become a treatment option that bridges the gap between endoscopic submucosal dissection and standard surgery for EGC. In the future, the indications for these procedures for gastric tumors could be expanded.

Estimation of subepithelial lateral extent in submucosal early gastric cancer: retrospective histological analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is expected to make possible minimally invasive local resection of early gastric cancer (EGC). However, no consensus exists regarding how far an optimal safety margin should be set in determining the resection area by endoscopy. We aimed to investigate the optimal lateral margin of EGC which could be a candidate for EFTR by measuring the subepithelial extent (SE) of tumors.

METHODS

In 60 surgically resected submucosal EGCs 4 cm or smaller, 595 prepared slides which showed lateral tumor borders both on the epithelial surface and on the subepithelial layer were assessed. The distance between the epithelial and the subepithelial tumor edge was measured under microscopic observation, followed by analyses of the relationship between the measured SE and the histological characteristics.

RESULTS

The average and the median SE were 1.1 mm (standard deviation 1.8 mm) and 0.3 mm (range 0-12.3 mm), respectively. The 99th percentile was 8.8 mm. With regard to the histological type, the median SE was significantly greater in diffuse-type tumor than in intestinal-type tumor (0.9 mm vs 0 mm, p < 0.0001). With regard to the location of the subepithelilal tumor edge, the median SE was significantly greater in the submucosal layer than in the mucosal layer (2.6 mm vs 0.3 mm, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In most lesions, the SE was less than 1 cm. A safety margin may be set at 1 cm in EFTR of submucosal EGC.

Effects of preoperative proton pump inhibitor administration on bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The efficacy of using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) prior to gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to reduce gastric bleeding remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative PPI use to reduce post-ESD bleeding.

METHODS

PubMed, the Cochrane library, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database were searched to identify randomized trials eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. Data from four studies (406 patients) were combined to calculate a pooled risk difference (RD) for developing post-ESD bleeding.

RESULTS

Compared with patients who received no premedication, the pooled RD for post-ESD bleeding in patients who received preoperavive PPI was -0.027 (95% confidence interval: -0.070-0.017, p = 0.228), without significant heterogeneity. Preoperavive PPI use significantly increased gastric pH (weighted mean difference: 1.289, 95% CI: 0.227-2.352, p = 0.0174).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that premedication with PPI had no advantage for the prevention of post-ESD bleeding, despite increasing gastric pH.

Urgent computed tomography for determining the optimal timing of colonoscopy in patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) as an initial radiologic test for assessing the optimal timing of colonoscopy in patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and investigated the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced (CE) CT for detecting colonic diverticular bleeding.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 1,604 consecutive patients who visited or were referred to St. Marianna University Hospital due to acute LGIB and underwent colonoscopy within three months after presentation between September 2004 and December 2012. The clinicopathological data of the subjects were obtained from their medical records.

RESULTS

Among the 1,604 patients presenting with LGIB, 879 (55%) underwent a CT scan. Elective colonoscopy was considered in cases in which typical colonic wall thickening was observed on CT, suggesting colonic inflammation or malignancy (239 patients; 27%). The diagnoses in the elective cases included ischemic colitis (38%), infectious colitis (8%), inflammatory bowel disease (8%) and malignancy (5%). Urgent colonoscopy was performed after the CT examination in 640 cases (73%). The most common presumptive CT diagnosis was diverticulum (402/640; 63%). Of the 638 patients who underwent CE-CT, diverticula were observed in 346 cases, including 104 cases of extravasation indicating ongoing diverticular bleeding. Among these 104 patients, the site of bleeding was identified in 71 subjects (68%) during colonoscopy. The rate of detection of the bleeding source on colonoscopy was significantly higher in the patients with extravasation on CE-CT than in those without extravasation on CE-CT (68% vs. 20%, respectively; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Urgent CT is useful for determining the optimal timing of colonoscopy in cases of acute LGIB. CE-CT may be used to depict the presence and location of active hemorrhage and provides useful information for subsequent colonoscopy, especially in patients with diverticular bleeding.