Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated type early gastric cancer over 2 cm with R0 resection

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for over 2 cm in size undifferentiated type(UD type)early gastric cancer(EGC)confined to the mucosa is not only challenging,but also long-term outcomes are not well known.AIM To evaluate the long-term outcomes of ESD done for UD type EGCs confined to the mucosa over 2 cm in size and compare the results with those where the lesions were less than 2 cm.METHODS 143 patients with UD type EGC confirmed on histology after ESD at a tertiary hospital were reviewed.Cases with synchronous and metachronous lesions and a case with emergency surgery after ESD were excluded.A total of 137 cases were enrolled.79 cases who underwent R0 resection were divided into 2 cm or less(group A)and over 2 cm(group B)in size.RESULTS Among 79 patients who underwent R0 resection,the number in group A and B were 51 and 28,respectively.The mean follow-up period(SD)was 79.71±45.42 months.There was a local recurrence in group A(1/51,2%)and group B(1/28,3.6%)respectively.This patient in group A underwent surgery while the patient in group B underwent repeated ESD with no further recurrences in both patients.There was no regional lymph node metastasis,distant metastasis,and deaths in both groups.With R0 resection strategy for ESD on lesions over 2 cm,20.4%(28/137)of patients were able to avoid surgery compared with expanded indication.CONCLUSION If R0 resection is achieved by ESD,UD type EGCs over 2 cm also showed good and similar clinical outcomes as compared to lesions less than 2 cm when followed for over 5 years.With R0 resection strategy,several patients can avoid surgery.

Early gastric cancer recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection:Not to be ignored!

This editorial comments on the article“Efficacy of multi-slice spiral computed tomography in evaluating gastric cancer recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection”.We focus on the importance of paying more attention to postendoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)gastric cancer recurrence in patients with early gastric cancer(EGC)and how to manage it effectively.ESD has been a wellknown treatment and the mainstay for EGC,with the advantages of less invasion and fewer complications when compared with traditional surgical procedures.Despite a lower local recurrence rate after ESD,the problem of postoperative recurrence in patients with EGC has become increasingly non-ignorable with the global popularization of ESD technology and the increasing number of post-ESD patients.

Present situation of minimally invasive surgical treatment for early gastric cancer

Minimally invasive surgery is a kind of surgical operation,which is performed by using professional surgical instruments and equipment to inactivate,resect,repair or reconstruct the pathological changes,deformities and wounds in human body through micro-trauma or micro-approach,in order to achieve the goal of treatment,its surgical effect is equivalent to the traditional open surgery,while avoiding the morbidity of conventional surgical wounds.In addition,it also has the advantages of less trauma,less blood loss during operation,less psychological burden and quick recovery on patients,and these minimally invasive techniques provide unique value for the examination and treatment of gastric cancer patients.Surgical minimally invasive surgical techniques have developed rapidly and offer numerous options for the treatment of early gastric cancer(EGC):endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR),underwater EMR(UEMR),endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR),endoscopic submu-cosal excavation(ESE),submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection,laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery(LECS);Among them,EMR,EFTR and LECS technologies have a wide range of applications and different modific-ations have been derived from their respective surgical operations,such as band-assisted EMR(BA-EMR),conven-tional EMR(CEMR),over-the-scope clip-assisted EFTR,no-touch EFTR,the inverted LECS,closed LECS,and so on.These new and improved minimally invasive surgeries are more precise,specific and effective in treating different types of EGC.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in elderly patients

BACKGROUND With advancements in the development of endoscopic technologies,the endo-scopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has been one of the gold-standard therapies for early gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety ESD in the treatment of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in the elderly patients.METHODS Seventy-eight elderly patients with early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University were se-lected and classified into two groups according to the different surgical therapies they received between January 2021 and June 2022.Among them,39 patients treated with ESD were included in an experimental group,and 39 patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)were included in a control group.We compared the basic intraoperative conditions,postoperative short-term recovery,long-term recovery effects and functional status of gastric mucosa between the two groups;the basic intraoperative conditions included lesion resection,intra-operative bleeding and operation time;the postoperative short-term recovery assessment indexes were length of hospital stay and incidence of surgical complic-ations;and the long-term recovery assessment indexes were the recurrence rate at 1 year postoperatively and the survival situation at 1 year and 3 years postoper-atively;and we compared the preoperative and predischarge serum pepsinogen I(PG I)and PG II levels and PG I/PG II ratio in the two groups before surgery and discharge.RESULTS The curative resection rate and the rate of en bloc resection were higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The intraoperative bleeding volume was higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The operation time was longer in the experimental group than that in the control group,and the rate for base residual focus was lower in the experimental group than that of the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).The length of hospital stay was longer in the experi-mental group than in the control group,and the incidence of surgical complications,1-year postoperative recu-rrence rate and 3-year postoperative survival rate were lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).However,the difference in the 1-year postoperative survival rate was not statistically significant between the two groups(P>0.05).Before discharge,PG I and PG I/PG II ratio were elevated in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the above indexes were higher in the experimental group than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Moreover,before discharge,PG II level was lower in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the level was lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with EMR,ESD surgery is more thorough.It reduces the rate of base residual focus,recurrence rate,surgical complications,and promotes the recovery of gastric cells and glandular function.It is safe and suitable for clinical application.

Editorial article to:Animal experimental study on magnetic anchor technique-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer

In this editorial we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2023;15(11):634-680.Gastric cancer(GC)remains the fifth most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.The overall prevalence of GC has declined,although that of proximal GC has increased over time.Thus,a significant proportion of GC cases and deaths can be avoided if preventive interventions are taken.Early GC(EGC)is defined as GC confined to the mucosa or submucosa.Endoscopic resection is considered the most appropriate treatment for precancerous gastrointestinal lesions improving patient quality of life,with reduced rates of complications,shorter hospitalization period,and lower costs when compared to surgical resection.Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)and endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection(ESD)are representative endoscopic treatments for EGC and precancerous gastric lesions.Standard EMR implies injection of a saline solution into the sub-mucosal space,followed by excision of the lesion using a snare.Complete resection rates vary depending on the size and severity of the lesion.When using conventional EMR methods for lesions less than 1 cm in size,the complete resection rate is approximately 60%,whereas for lesions larger than 2 cm,the complete resection rate is low(20%-30%).ESD can be used to remove tumors exceeding 2 cm in diameter and lesions associated with ulcers or submucosal fibrosis.Compared with EMR,ESD has higher en bloc resection rates(90.2%vs 51.7%),higher complete resection rates(82.1 vs 42.2%),and lower recurrence rates(0.65%vs 6.05%).Thus,innovative techniques have been introduced.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer:It is time to consider the quality of its outcomes

Endoscopic resection,particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),is widely used as a standard treatment modality for early gastric cancer(EGC)when the risk of lymph node metastasis is negligible.Compared with surgical gastrectomy,ESD is a minimally invasive procedure with additional advantages,such as preservation of the entire stomach and maintenance of the patient’s quality of life.However,not all patients achieve curative resection after ESD of EGC.Several patients require surgical gastrectomy after ESD to achieve a curative treatment.Additional surgery after ESD,owing to non-curative resection,places considerable emotional and financial burdens on patients.Recently,as the number of endoscopists performing ESD has increased,the rate of non-curative resection after ESD has increased correspondingly.In order to decrease the non-curative resection rate,as well as determine the ideal rate of non-curative resection after ESD,it is time to consider quality indicators for the outcomes of ESD for EGC.

Associate factors for endoscopic submucosal dissection operation time and postoperative delayed hemorrhage of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is a treatment for early gastric cancer with the advantages of small invasion,fewer complications,and a low local recurrence rate.However,there is a high risk of complications such as bleeding and perforation,and the operation time is also longer.ESD operation time is closely related to bleeding and perforation.AIM To investigate the influencing factors associated with ESD operation time and postoperative delayed hemorrhage to provide a reference for early planning,early identification,and prevention of complications.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study based on the clinical data of 520 patients with early gastric cancer in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021.The baseline data,clinical features,and endoscopic and pathological characteristics of patients were collected.The multivariate linear regression model was used to investigate the influencing factors of ESD operation time.Logistic regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the influencing factors of postoperative delayed hemorrhage.RESULTS The multivariate analysis of ESD operation time showed that the maximum lesion diameter could affect 8.815%of ESD operation time when other influencing factors remained unchanged.The operation time increased by 3.766%or 10.247%if the lesion was mixed or concave.The operation time increased by 4.417%if combined with an ulcer or scar.The operation time increased by 3.692%if combined with perforation.If infiltrated into the submucosa,it increased by 2.536%.Multivariate analysis of delayed hemorrhage after ESD showed that the maximum diameter of the lesion,lesion morphology,and ESD operation time were independent influencing factors for delayed hemorrhage after ESD.Patients with lesion≥3.0 cm(OR=3.785,95%CI:1.165-4.277),lesion morphology-concave(OR=10.985,95%CI:2.133-35.381),and ESD operation time≥60 min(OR=2.958,95%CI:1.117-3.526)were prone to delayed hemorrhage after ESD.CONCLUSION If the maximum diameter of the lesion in patients with early gastric cancer is≥3.0 cm,and the shape of the lesion is concave,or accompanied by an ulcer or scar,combined with perforation,and infiltrates into the submucosa,the ESD operation will take a longer time.When the maximum diameter of the lesion is≥3.0 cm,the shape of the lesion is concave in patients and the operation time of ESD takes longer time,the risk of delayed hemorrhage after ESD is higher.

Nomogram established using risk factors of early gastric cancer for predicting the lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND For the prognosis of patients with early gastric cancer(EGC),lymph node metastasis(LNM)plays a crucial role.A thorough and precise evaluation of the patient for LNM is now required.AIM To determine the factors influencing LNM and to construct a prediction model of LNM for EGC patients.METHODS Clinical information and pathology data of 2217 EGC patients downloaded from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database were collected and analyzed.Based on a 7:3 ratio,1550 people were categorized into training sets and 667 people were assigned to testing sets,randomly.Based on the factors influencing LNM determined by the training sets,the nomogram was drawn and verified.RESULTS Based on multivariate analysis,age at diagnosis,histology type,grade,T-stage,and size were risk factors of LNM for EGC.Besides,nomogram was drawn to predict the risk of LNM for EGC patients.Among the categorical variables,the effect of grade(well,moderate,and poor)was the most significant prognosis factor.For training sets and testing sets,respectively,area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of nomograms were 0.751[95%confidence interval(CI):0.721-0.782]and 0.786(95%CI:0.742-0.830).In addition,the calibration curves showed that the prediction model of LNM had good consistency.CONCLUSION Age at diagnosis,histology type,grade,T-stage,and tumor size were independent variables for LNM in EGC.Based on the above risk factors,prediction model may offer some guiding implications for the choice of subsequent therapeutic approaches for EGC.

Factors associated with heterochronic gastric cancer development post-endoscopic mucosal dissection in early gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Endoscopic mucosal resection is an innovative method for treating early gastric cancer and has been widely used in clinical practice.AIM To analyze the factors associated with the development of heterochronic gastric cancer in patients with early gastric cancer who had undergone endoscopic mucosal dissection(EMD).METHODS A cohort of patients with early gastric cancer treated using EMD was retrospectively analyzed,and patients who developed heterochronic gastric cancer after the surgery were compared with those who did not.The effects of patient age,sex,tumor size,pathological type,and surgical technique on the development of heterochronic gastric cancer were assessed using statistical analysis.RESULTS Of the 300 patients with early gastric cancer,150 patients developed heterochronic gastric cancer after EMD.Statistical analysis revealed that patient age(P value=XX),sex(P value=XX),tumor size(P value=XX),pathological type(P value=XX),and surgical technique(P value=XX)were significantly associated with the occurrence of heterochronic gastric cancer.CONCLUSION Age,sex,tumor size,pathological type,and surgical technique are key factors influencing the occurrence of heterochronic gastric cancer after EMD in patients with early gastric cancer.To address these factors,postoperative follow-up and management should be strengthened to improve the prognosis and survival rate of patients.

Gastric ectopic pancreas combined with synchronous multiple early gastric cancer: A rare case report

BACKGROUND A large percentage of patients with ectopic pancreas are asymptomatic.When present,the symptoms are typically non-specific.These lesions are predominantly located in the stomach and benign in nature.Synchronous multiple early gastric cancer(SMEGC)(two or more simultaneous malignant lesions with early gastric cancer)is relatively rare and particularly easy to overlook during endoscopic examination.The prognosis of SMEGC is generally poor.We report a rare case of ectopic pancreas with concomitant SMEGC.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old woman presented with paroxysmal upper abdominal pain.On initial investigations,she tested positive for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).She underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy which revealed a 1.5 cm×2 cm major lesion at the greater curvature and a 1 cm minor lesion at the lesser curvature of the stomach.On endoscopic ultrasound,the major lesion showed hypoechoic changes,uneven internal echoes and unclear boundaries between some areas and the muscularis propria.Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed to excise the minor lesion.A laparoscopic resection was chosen for the major lesion.On histopathological examination,the major lesion contained high grade intraepithelial neoplasia with a small focus of cancer.A separate underlying ectopic pancreas was found under this lesion.The minor lesion contained high grade intraepithelial neoplasia.In this case,the patient was diagnosed with SMEGC with concomitant ectopic pancreas in the stomach.CONCLUSION Patients with atrophy,H.pylori,and other risk factors should be carefully investigated to avoid missing other lesions including SMEGC and ectopic pancreas.

Outpatient hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection with SOUTEN for early gastric cancer,followed by endoscopic suturing of the mucosal defect:A case report

BACKGROUND Although endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is becoming more common for early gastric cancer,it requires more advanced techniques and a longer treatment duration than endoscopic mucosal resection.Hybrid ESD using a multifunctional snare(SOUTEN)has been reported to be effective for colorectal lesions,as it can reduce treatment duration.Endoscopic suturing of post-ESD mucosal defects has been reported to reduce the incidence of ESD-related complications.CASE SUMMARY This study reports outpatient hybrid ESD for early gastric cancer using SOUTEN,followed by endoscopic suturing of post-ESD mucosal defects in an 86-year-old man.On referral for ESD,a 10-mm flat,depressed lesion was found on the posterior wall of the gastric antrum,the depth of which was expected to be mucosal.Given his history of delirium,we performed outpatient endoscopic treatment.The procedure used was hybrid ESD using SOUTEN to reduce the duration of treatment and endoscopic suturing of post-ESD mucosal ESD defects to reduce complications.The procedure time was 62 min and the lesion was completely resected based on histopathological examination,with no reported postoperative complications.CONCLUSION This safe and useful procedure may be especially important for outpatient endoscopic treatment.

The Effect of Partial Gastrectomy in the Treatment of Early Gastric Cancer and Its Impact on the Gastrointestinal Function of Patients

Objective:To investigate the impact of partial gastrectomy on gastrointestinal function in the treatment of patients with early gastric cancer.Methods:A sample of 20 patients with early-stage gastric cancer treated from January 2022 to January 2023 was randomly divided into two groups.Group A underwent partial gastrectomy,while Group B underwent distal subtotal gastrectomy.Surgical outcomes,complication rates,BMI indices,and quality of life were compared.Result:All surgical outcomes of patients with early gastric cancer in group A were better than those in group B(P<0.05);the postoperative complication rate for early gastric cancer in group A was lower than that in group B(P<0.05);the BMI index for patients with early gastric cancer in group A was higher than that in group B at different times(P<0.05);the postoperative quality of life(SF-36)score of group A for early gastric cancer was higher than that of group B(P<0.05).Conclusion:Partial gastrectomy for patients with early gastric cancer can increase BMI,optimize surgical outcomes,improve gastric function,and enhance the quality of life for gastric cancer patients.

Predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer

AIM: To analyze the predictive factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer (EGC). METHODS: Data from patients surgically treated for gastric cancers between January 1994 and December 2007 were retrospectively collected. Clinicopathological factors were analyzed to identify predictive factors for LNM. RESULTS: Of the 2936 patients who underwent gas-trectomy and lymph node dissection, 556 were diag-nosed with EGC and included in this study. Among these, 4.1% of patients had mucosal tumors (T1a) with LNM while 24.3% of patients had submucosal tumorswith LNM. Univariate analysis found that female gen-der, tumors ≥ 2 cm, tumor invasion to the submucosa, vascular and lymphatic involvement were significantly associated with a higher rate of LNM. On multivariate analysis, tumor size, lymphatic involvement, and tumor with submucosal invasion were associated with LNM. CONCLUSION: Tumor with submucosal invasion, size ≥ 2 cm, and presence of lymphatic involvement are predictive factors for LNM in EGC.

Construction and external validation of a nomogram that predicts lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer patients using preoperative parameters

Objective: To create a nomogram to predict the incidence of lymph node metastasis(LNM) in early gastric cancer(EGC) patients and to externally validate the nomogram.Methods: To construct the nomogram,we retrospectively analyzed a primary cohort of 272 EGC patients.Univariate analysis and a binary logistic regression were performed.A nomogram predicting the incidence of LNM in EGC patients was created.The discrimination ability of the nomogram was measured using the concordance index(c-index),and the nomogram was also calibrated.Then,another prospective cohort of 81 patients was analyzed to validate the nomogram.Results: In the primary cohort,LNM was pathologically confirmed in 37(13.6%) patients.In multivariate analysis,the presence of an ulcer,the maximum lesion diameter observed via gastroscopy,the thickness of the lesion observed via endoscopic ultrasonography,and the presence of enlarged lymph nodes on computed tomography(CT) were independent risk factors for LNM.A nomogram was then created based on the regression model with the c-index of 0.905,and the calibration curve of the nomogram fell approximately on the ideal 45-degree line.The cut-off score of the nomogram was 110,and the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive and negative predictive values of the nomogram in the primary cohort were 81.1%,86.0%,47.6% and 96.7%,respectively,and in the prospective validation cohort were 75.0%,91.0%,60.0% and 95.5%,respectively.The calibration curve of the external validation cohort was almost on the 45-degree line.Conclusions: We developed an effective nomogram predicting the incidence of LNM for EGC patients.

Prognostic role of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer

Objective： To clarify the relationship between clinicopathological features and lymph node metastasis and to propose the potential indications of lymph node metastasis for prognosis in early gaswic cancer （EGC） patients. Methods： We retrospectively observed 226 EGC patients with lymph node resection, and analyzed the associations between lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological parameters using the chi-square test in univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis in multivariate analysis. Overall survival analysis was determined using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. We conducted multivariate prognosis analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results： Of all the EGC patients, 7.5% （17/226） were histologically shown to have lymph node metastasis. The differentiation, lymphovascular invasion and depth of invasion were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in EGC. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were significantly lower in patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without and the patients also had shorter progress-free survival time. Lymph node metastasis and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for EGC. The status of the lymph nodes was a significant factor in predicting recurrence or metastasis after surgery. Conclusions： The undifferentiated carcinoma and lymphovascular and/or submucosal invasion were associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis in EGC patients, whom need to perform subsequent D2 lymphadenectomy or laparoscopic lymph node dissection and more rigorous follow-up or additional chemotherapy/radiation after D2 gastrectomy for poor prognosis and high recurrence/metastasis rate.

Preoperative Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio Cannot Predict Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer：a Single Institution Investigation in China

In the present study,we aimed at exploring the applied value of preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio（NLR） and platelet lymphocyte ratio（PLR） in the prediction of lymph node metastasis（LNM） and prognosis in patients with early gastric cancer（EGC）.We retrospectively analyzed a total of 248 consecutive patients who underwent curative gastrectomy to be identified T1 stage gastric adenocarcinoma between January 1,2010 and May 1,2016 in a single institution.According to median preoperative NLR and PLR value,we divided the patients into four groups：high NLR ≥1.73 and low NLR 〈1.73,high PLR ≥117.78 and low PLR〈 117.78.Furthermore,to evaluate the relationship between preoperative NLR and PLR values,we categorized patients according to cutoff preoperative NLR-PLR score of 2 [high NLR（≥1.73） and high PLR（≥117.78）],1 [either high NLR or high PLR],and 0 [neither high NLR nor high PLR].Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 20.0 software.The results showed that the preoperative NLR or PLR values,lower or higher,could not predict the LNM in patients with EGC（both P=0.5440.05）.The invasive depth of tumor was significantly correlated with LNM of EGC（P〈0.001）.Kaplan-Meier plots illustrated that preoperative NLR and PLR values were not associated with overall survival（OS） in patients with EGC.It was concluded that the preoperative NLR and PLR may be the predictors for LNM and prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer;nevertheless,they cannot predict LNM and prognosis in patients with EGC.

Clinicopathological features of early gastric cancers arising in Helicobacter pylori uninfected patients

BACKGROUND Persistent Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection causes chronic inflammation,atrophy of the gastric mucosa,and a high risk of developing gastric cancer.In recent years,awareness of eradication therapy has increased in Japan.As H.pylori infections decrease,the proportion of gastric cancers arising from H.pylori uninfected gastric mucosa will increase.The emergence of gastric cancer arising in H.pylori uninfected patients though rarely reported,is a concern to be addressed and needs elucidation of its clinicopathological features.AIM To evaluate the clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer in H.pyloriuninfected patients.METHODS A total of 2462 patients with 3375 instances of early gastric cancers that were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection were enrolled in our study between May 2000 and September 2019.Of these,30 lesions in 30 patients were diagnosed as H.pylori-uninfected gastric cancer(Hp UIGC).We defined a patient as H.pylori-uninfected using the following three criteria:(1)The patient did not receive treatment for H.pylori,which was determined by investigating medical recordsand conducting patient interviews;(2)Lack of endoscopic atrophy;and(3)The patient was negative for H.pylori after being tested at least twice using various diagnostic methods,including serum anti-H.pylori-Ig G antibody,urease breath test,rapid urease test,and microscopic examination.RESULTS The frequency of Hp UIGC was 1.2%(30/2462)for the patients in our study.The study included 19 males and 11 females with a mean age of 59 years.The location of the stomach lesions was divided into three sections;upper third(U),middle third(M),lower third(L).Of the 30 lesions,15 were U,1 was M,and 14 were L.Morphologically,17 lesions were protruded and flat elevated type(0-I,0-IIa,0-IIa+IIc),and 13 lesions were flat and depressed type(0-IIb,0-IIc).The median tumor diameter was 8 mm(range 2-98 mm).Histological analysis revealed that22 lesions(73.3%)were differentiated type.The Hp UIGC lesions were classified into fundic gland type adenocarcinoma(7 cases),foveolar type welldifferentiated adenocarcinoma(8 cases),intestinal phenotype adenocarcinoma(7 cases),and pure signet-ring cell carcinoma(8 cases).Among 30 Hp UIGCs,24 lesions(80%)were limited to the mucosa;wherein,the remaining 6 lesions showed submucosal invasion.One of the submucosal invasive lesions showed more than 500μm invasion.The mucin phenotype analysis identified 7 Hp UIGC with intestinal phenotype and 23 with gastric phenotype.CONCLUSION We elucidated the clinicopathological characteristics of Hp UIGC,revealing recognition not only undifferentiated-type but also differentiated-type.In addition,intestinal phenotype tumors were also observed and could be an important tip.

Recent updates and current issues of sentinel node navigation surgery for early gastric cancer

With the increase in the incidence of early gastric cancer(EGC),several endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches,such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and function-preserving gastrectomy,have been accepted as standard treatments.Sentinel node navigation surgery(SNNS)is an ideal surgical option for preservation of most parts of the stomach and consequent maintenance of normal gastric function to improve quality of life in patients with EGC.Although many previous studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the sentinel node concept in gastric cancer,the clinical application of SNNS is debatable.Several issues regarding technical standardization and oncological safety need to be resolved.Recently several studies to resolve these problems are being actively performed,and SNNS might be an important surgical option in the treatment of gastric cancer in the future.

Early gastric cancer:A challenge in Western countries

Early gastric cancer(EGC)is an invasive carcinoma involving only the stomach mucosa or submucosa,independently of lymph node status.EGC represents over 50%of cases in Japan and in South Korea,whereas it accounts only for approximately 20%of all newly diagnosed gastric cancers in Western countries.The main classification systems of EGC are the Vienna histopathologic classification and the Paris endoscopic classification of polypoid and non-polypoid lesions.A careful endoscopic assessment is fundamental to establish the best treatment of EGC.Generally,EGCs are curable if the lesion is completely removed by endoscopic resection or surgery.Some types of EGC can be resected endoscopically;for others the most appropriate treatment is surgical resection and D2 lymphadenectomy,especially in Western countries.The favorable oncological prognosis,the extended lymphadenectomy and the reconstruction of the intestinal continuity that excludes the duodenum make the prophylactic cholecystectomy mandatory to avoid the onset of biliary complications.

Histopathological validation of magnifying endoscopy for diagnosis of mixed-histological-type early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The undifferentiated-type(UDT)component profoundly affects the clinical course of early gastric cancers(EGCs).However,an accurate preoperative diagnosis of the histological types is unsatisfactory.To date,few studies have investigated whether the UDT component within mixed-histological-type(MT)EGCs can be recognized preoperatively.AIM To clarify the histopathological characteristics of the endoscopically-resected MT EGCs for investigating whether the UDT component could be recognized preoperatively.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study.First,we attempted to clarify the histopathological characteristics of the endoscopically-resected MT EGCs with emphasis on the UDT component.Histopathological examination investigated each lesion’s UDT component:(1)Whole mucosal layer occupation of the UDT component;(2)UDT component exposure to the surface of the mucosa;and(3)existence of a clear border between the differentiated-type and UDT components.Then,preoperative endoscopic images with magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging(ME-NBI)were examined to identify whether the endoscopic UDT component finding was recognizable within the area where it was present in the histopathological examination.The preoperative biopsy results and comparative relationships between endoscopic and histopathological findings were also examined.RESULTS In the histopathological examination,the whole mucosal layer occupation of the UDT component and exposure of the UDT component to the mucosal surface were observed in 67.3%(33/49)and 79.6%(39/49)of samples,respectively.A clear distinction of the border between the differentiated-type and UDT components could not be drawn in 65.3%(32/49)of MT lesions.In the endoscopic examination,the preoperative endoscopic images showed that only 24.5%(12/49)of MT EGCs revealed the UDT component within the area where it was present histopathologically.Histopathological UDT predominance was the single significant factor associated with the presence of the endoscopic UDT component finding(61.5%vs 11.1%,P=0.0009).Only 26.5%(13/49)of the lesions were diagnosed from the pretreatment biopsy as having a UDT component.Combined results of the pretreatment biopsy and ME-NBI showed the preoperative presence of the UDT component in 40.8%(20/49)of MT EGCs.CONCLUSION Recognition of a UDT component within MT EGCs is difficult even when pretreatment biopsy and ME-NBI are combined.Endoscopic resection plays a significant role in both treatment and diagnosis.