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.

Fecal calprotectin and endoscopic scores: The cornerstones in clinical practice for evaluating mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease

Managing inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is becoming increasingly complex and personalized,considering the advent of new advanced therapies with distinct mechanisms of action.Achieving mucosal healing(MH)is a pivotal therapeutic goal in IBD management and can prevent IBD progression and reduce flares,hospitalization,surgery,intestinal damage,and colorectal cancer.Employing proactive disease and therapy assessment is essential to achieve better control of intestinal inflammation,even if subclinical,to alter the natural course of IBD.Periodic monitoring of fecal calprotectin(FC)levels and interval endoscopic evaluations are cornerstones for evaluating response/remission to advanced therapies targeting IBD,assessing MH,and detecting subclinical recurrence.Here,we comment on the article by Ishida et al Moreover,this editorial aimed to review the role of FC and endoscopic scores in predicting MH in patients with IBD.Furthermore,we intend to present some evidence on the role of these markers in future targets,such as histological and transmural healing.Additional prospective multicenter studies with a stricter MH criterion,standardized endoscopic and histopathological analyses,and virtual chromoscopy,potentially including artificial intelligence and other biomarkers,are desired.

Effect of endoscopic submucosal dissection on gastrointestinal function and nutritional status in patients with early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)endangers the survival and prognosis of patients worldwide.Improving the prognosis of patients with early GC(EGC)is crucial to prolong their survival time.AIM To analyze the effects of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)on gastrointestinal function and nutritional status in patients with EGC.METHODS Eighty patients with EGC between January 2021 and January 2024 were divided according to different surgical protocol into following two groups:42 patients who underwent ESD in the ESD group and 38 patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)in the EMR group.Two groups were compared in the operative indices,lesion resection rate,postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function,nutritional status,and incidence of surgical complications.RESULTS The overall resection rate of the lesion in the ESD group was higher.The operative bleeding volume and operation time were higher and gastrointestinal ventilation time was shorter in the ESD group than those in the EMR group(P<0.05).The nutritional statuses of the two groups decreased after operation;however,the levels of albumin,prealbumin,hemoglobin,and transferrin were higher in the ESD group than in the EMR group(P<0.05).The post-operative pepsinogen(PG)I level in the ESD group was higher than that in the EMR group,and the PG II level was lower than that in the EMR group(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications was compared between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION ESD can promote the immediate recovery of patient’s postoperative gastrointestinal function,improve their nutritional level,and signifies its application in patients with EGC.

Characteristics of early gastric tumors with different differentiation and predictors of long-term outcomes after endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract,and endosco-pic submucosal dissection(ESD)is the preferred treatment for early-stage gastric cancer.The analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of gastric mucosal tumors with different differentiation degrees and the influencing factors of long-term ESD efficacy may have certain significance for revealing the development of gastric cancer and ESD.AIM To analyze the features of gastric mucosal tumors at different differentiation levels,and to explore the prognostic factors of ESD.METHODS We retrospectively studied 301 lesions in 285 patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2014 to 2021,according to the latest Japanese guidelines(sixth edition),and divided them into low-grade intrae-pithelial neoplasia(LGIN),high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN),and computed tomography at 3,6 and 12 months after ESD.We compared clinicopathologic characteristics,ESD efficacy,and complications with different degrees of differentiation,and analyzed the related factors associated with ESD.RESULTS HGIN and differentiated carcinoma patients were significantly older compared with LGIN patients(P<0.001)and accounted for more 0-IIc(P<0.001),atrophic gastritis was common(P<0.001),and irregular microvascular patterns(IMVPs)and demarcation lines(DLs)were more obvious(P<0.001).There was more infiltration in the undifferentiated carcinoma tissue(P<0.001),more abnormal folds and poorer mucosal peristalsis(P<0.001),and more obvious IMVPs,irregular microsurface patterns and DLs(P<0.05)than in the LGIN and HGIN tissues.The disease-free survival rates at 2,5,and 8 years after ESD were 95.0%,90.1%,and 86.9%,respectively.Undifferen-tiated lesions(HR 5.066),white moss(HR 7.187),incomplete resection(HR 3.658),and multiple primary cancers(HR 2.462)were significantly associated with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Differentiations of gastric mucosal tumors have different epidemiological and endoscopic characteristics,which are closely related to the safety and efficacy of ESD.

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.

Giant Brunner's gland hyperplasia of the duodenum successfully resected en bloc by endoscopic mucosal resection: A case report

BACKGROUND Duodenal Brunner's gland hyperplasia(BGH)is a therapeutic target when complications such as bleeding or gastrointestinal obstruction occur or when malignancy cannot be ruled out.Herein,we present a case of large BGH treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR).CASE SUMMARY An 83-year-old woman presented at our hospital with dizziness.Blood tests revealed severe anemia,esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 6.5 cm lesion protruding from the anterior wall of the duodenal bulb,and biopsy revealed the presence of glandular epithelium.Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)demonstr-ated relatively high echogenicity with a cystic component.The muscularis propria was slightly elevated at the base of the lesion.EMR was performed without complications.The formalin-fixed lesion size was 6 cm×3.5 cm×3 cm,showing nodular proliferation of non-dysplastic Brunner's glands compartmentalized by fibrous septa,confirming the diagnosis of BGH.Reports of EMR or hot snare polypectomy are rare for duodenal BGH>6 cm.In this case,the choice of EMR was made by obtaining information on the base of the lesion as well as on the internal characteristics through EUS.CONCLUSION Large duodenal lesions with good endoscopic maneuverability and no evident muscular layer involvement on EUS may be resectable via EMR.

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.

Multicenter evaluation of recurrence in endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection in the colon:A Western perspective

BACKGROUND While colon endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)is an effective technique,removal of larger polyps often requires piecemeal resection,which can increase recurrence rates.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)in the colon offers the ability for en bloc resection and is well-described in Asia,but there are limited studies comparing ESD vs EMR in the West.AIM To evaluate different techniques in endoscopic resection of large polyps in the colon and to identify factors for recurrence.METHODS The study is a retrospective comparison of ESD,EMR and knife-assisted endoscopic resection performed at Stanford University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System between 2016 and 2020.Knife-assisted endoscopic resection was defined as use of electrosurgical knife to facilitate snare resection,such as for circumferential incision.Patients≥18 years of age undergoing colonoscopy with removal of polyp(s)≥20 mm were included.The primary outcome was recurrence on follow-up.RESULTS A total of 376 patients and 428 polyps were included.Mean polyp size was greatest in the ESD group(35.8 mm),followed by knife-assisted endoscopic resection(33.3 mm)and EMR(30.5 mm)(P<0.001).ESD achieved highest en bloc resection(90.4%)followed by knife-assisted endoscopic resection(31.1%)and EMR(20.2%)(P<0.001).A total of 287 polyps had follow-up(67.1%).On follow-up analysis,recurrence rate was lowest in knife-assisted endoscopic resection(0.0%)and ESD(1.3%)and highest in EMR(12.9%)(P=0.0017).En bloc polyp resection had significantly lower rate of recurrence(1.9%)compared to non-en bloc(12.0%,P=0.003).On multivariate analysis,ESD(in comparison to EMR)adjusted for polyp size was found to significantly reduce risk of recurrence[adjusted hazard ratio 0.06(95%CI:0.01-0.57,P=0.014)].CONCLUSION In our study,EMR had significantly higher recurrence compared to ESD and knife-assisted endoscopic resection.We found factors including resection by ESD,en bloc removal,and use of circumferential incision were associated with significantly decreased recurrence.While further studies are needed,we have demonstrated the efficacy of ESD in a Western population.

Unlocking quality in endoscopic mucosal resection

A review of the development of the key performance metrics of endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR),learning from the experience of the establishment of widespread colonoscopy quality measurements.Potential future performance markers for both colonoscopy and EMR are also evaluated to ensure continued high quality performance is maintained with a focus service framework and predictors of patient outcome.

Expanding endoscopic boundaries:Endoscopic resection of large appendiceal orifice polyps with endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND Large appendiceal orifice polyps are traditionally treated surgically.Recently,endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)have been utilized as alternative resection techniques.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection techniques for the management of large appendiceal orifice polyps.METHODS This was a retrospective observational study conducted to assess the feasibility and safety of EMR and ESD for large appendiceal orifice polyps.This project was approved by the Baylor College of Medicine Institutional Review Board.Patients who underwent endoscopic resection of appendiceal orifice polyps≥1 cm from 2015 to 2022 at a tertiary referral endoscopy center in the United States were enrolled.The main outcomes of this study included en bloc resection,R0 resection,post resection adverse events,and polyp recurrence.RESULTS A total of 19 patients were identified.Most patients were female(53%)and Caucasian(95%).The mean age was 63.3±10.8 years,and the average body mass index was 28.8±6.4.The mean polyp size was 25.5±14.2 mm.74%of polyps were localized to the appendix(at or inside the appendiceal orifice)and the remaining extended into the cecum.68%of polyps occupied≥50%of the appendiceal orifice circumference.The mean procedure duration was 61.6±37.9 minutes.Polyps were resected via endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic submucosal dissection,and hybrid procedures in 5,6,and 8 patients,respectively.Final pathology was remarkable for tubular adenoma(n=10)[one with high grade dysplasia],sessile serrated adenoma(n=7),and tubulovillous adenoma(n=2)[two with high grade dysplasia].En bloc resection was achieved in 84%with an 88%R0 resection rate.Despite the large polyp sizes and challenging procedures,89%(n=17)of patients were discharged on the same day as their procedure.Two patients were admitted for post-procedure observation for conservative pain management.Eight patients underwent repeat colonoscopy without evidence of residual or recurrent adenomatous polyps.CONCLUSION Our study highlights how endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic submucosal dissection,and hybrid procedures are all appropriate techniques with minimal adverse effects,further validating the utility of endoscopic procedures in the management of large appendiceal polyps.

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

BACKGROUND Large or transmural defects induced by gastrointestinal endoscopic manipulations are difficult to close,although complete closure is recommended for better recovery.Endoscopic purse-string assisted suturing(EPSS)has been used in clinical practice and has proven to be an effective and safe technique for the closure of large mucosal defects.However,details regarding the efficacy of endoscopic pre-purse-string suture(P-EPSS)are unknown,especially that it offers several advantages over conventional EPSS(C-EPSS).AIM To elucidate the outcomes of EPSS-assisted closure in different clinical situations,and evaluate the efficacy of P-EPSS.METHODS This retrospective observational study included a total of 180 patients who underwent closure assisted by P-EPSS(n=63)or C-EPSS(n=117)between July 2014 and June 2020.The P-EPSS and C-EPSS groups were compared and the intergroup differences in aspects such as the lesion size,location,and morphology,incidence of complete closure,intraoperative perforation,and delayed adverse events were evaluated.Data on the features and clinical course of cases with adverse events were collected for further analysis.RESULTS Patients with lesion size larger than 3 cm,lesions located at the fundus of stomach,or submucosal tumors originating from the deep mucosa were more likely to undergo P-EPSS-assisted closure.The P-EPSS group showed a significantly higher proportion of intraoperative perforation(56%vs 17%)and a much shorter procedure time(9.06±6.14 min vs 14.84±7.25 min).Among adverse events,the incidence of delayed perforation(5%vs 4%;P=0.82)and delayed bleeding(3%vs 4%;P=0.96)did not differ significantly between the groups.Multivariate analysis revealed that lesions with incomplete closure[odds ratio(OR)=21.33;95%confidence interval(CI):5.45-83.45;P<0.01]or size greater than 3 cm(OR=3.14;95%CI:1.08-9.18;P=0.039)showed a statistical tendency to result in an increase in delayed adverse events.CONCLUSION The present study revealed that EPSS could achieve secure complete closure of mucosal defect.PEPSS could shorten the procedure and yield complete closure of mucosal defects.Rather than closure-type selection,incomplete closure or lesion size larger than 3 cm were associated with worse outcomes.

Hot snare polypectomy vs endoscopic mucosal resection using bipolar snare for intermediate size colorectal lesions:Propensity score matching

BACKGROUND Endoscopic resection(ER)with bipolar snare,in which the electric current only passes through the tissue between the device’s two electrodes,is a prominent method used to prevent perforation due to electricity potentially.ER using bipolar snare with or without submucosal injection enabled safe resection of colorectal lesions measuring 10-15 mm in an ex vivo porcine model.ER with bipolar snare is expected to have good treatment outcomes in 10-15 mm colorectal lesions,with high safety even without submucosal injection.However,no clinical reports have compared treatment outcomes with and without submucosal injection.AIM To compare the treatment outcomes of bipolar polypectomy with hot snare polypectomy(HSP)to those with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR).METHODS In this single-centre retrospective study,we enrolled 10-15 mm nonpedunculated colorectal lesions(565 Lesions in 463 patients)diagnosed as type 2A based on the Japan Narrow-band Imaging Expert Team classification,resected by either HSP or EMR between January 2018 and June 2021 at the National Cancer Center Hospital East.Lesions were divided into HSP and EMR groups,and propensity score matching was performed.In the matched cohort,en bloc and R0 resection rates and adverse events were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Of the 565 lesions in 463 patients,117 lesions each in the HSP and EMR groups were selected after propensity score matching.In the original cohort,there was a significant difference in antithrombotic drug use(P<0.05),lesion size(P<0.01),location(P<0.01),and macroscopic type(P<0.05)between the HSP and EMR groups.In the matched cohort,the en bloc resection rates were comparable between both groups[93.2%(109/117)vs 92.3%(108/117),P=0.81],and there was no significant difference in the R0 resection rate[77.8%(91/117)vs 80.3%(94/117),P=0.64].The incidence of delayed bleeding was similar in both groups[1.7%(2/117)].Perforation occurred in the EMR group[0.9%(1/117)]but not in the HSP group.CONCLUSION Using bipolar snare,ER of nonpedunculated 10-15 mm colorectal lesions may be performed safely and effectively,even without submucosal injection.

Is endoscopic mucosal resection-precutting superior to conventional methods for removing sessile colorectal polyps?

We reviewed a study that reported a comparative analysis of the effects of endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)precutting and conventional EMR for removing non-pedunculated,10-20 mm sized colorectal polyps.We identified some statistical deficiencies in this study.In addition,we believe that the differences between the treatments failed to achieve significance,and therefore,further analysis is required.

Endoscopic mucosal resection with double band ligation versus endoscopic submucosal dissection for small rectal neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND Endoscopic resection remains an effective method for the treatment of small rectal neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)(≤10 mm).Moreover,endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)with double band ligation(EMR-dB),a simplified modification of EMR with band ligation,is an alternative strategy to remove small rectal NETs.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and safety of EMR-dB for the treatment of small rectal NETs(≤10 mm).METHODS A total of 50 patients with small rectal NETs,without regional lymph node enlargement or distant metastasis confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound,computerized tomography scan,or magnetic resonance imaging,were enrolled in the study from March 2021 to June 2022.These patients were randomly assigned into the EMR-dB(n=25)group or endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)group(n=25).The characteristics of the patients and tumors,procedure time,devices cost,complete resection rate,complications,and recurrence outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS There were 25 patients(13 males,12 females;age range 28-68 years old)in the EMR-dB group,and the ESD group contained 25 patients(15 males,10 females;age range 25-70 years old).Both groups had similar lesion sizes(EMR-dB 4.53±1.02 mm,ESD 5.140±1.74 mm;P=0.141)and resected lesion sizes(1.32±0.52 cm vs 1.58±0.84 cm;P=0.269).Furthermore,the histological complete resection and en bloc resection rates were achieved in all patients(100%for each).In addition,there was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups.However,the procedure time was significantly shorter and the devices cost was significantly lower in the EMRdB group.Besides,there was no recurrence in both groups during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION The procedure time of EMR-dB was shorter compared with ESD,and both approaches showed a similar curative effect.Taken together,EMR-dB was a feasible and safe option for the treatment of small rectal NETs.

Nasal flap preservation in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction

AIM:To compare surgical outcomes between the conventional endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR)and a modified endoscopic DCR for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction(NLDO),and evaluate factors associated with the surgical success rate.METHODS:Medical records of patients who underwent primary DCR surgery between January 2016 and July 2020 at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye and Ear International Hospital,Lebanon were reviewed.RESULTS:The study group consisted of 50 consecutive modified endoscopic DCR and the control group consisted of 138 consecutive conventional endoscopic DCR.The success rates at 1y were 98.0%(49 out of 50)for modified DCR,significantly higher compared to 84.8%(117/138)for the conventional DCR;there was no significant difference in the success rate throughout the years in terms of both surgical techniques.The modified surgery vs traditional[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=14.96]and having an adjunctive septoplasty surgery vs not(aOR=3.99)were significantly associated with higher odds of success.CONCLUSION:Mucosal flap preservation and apposition shows significant improvement in the surgical success rate.Moreover,there is no statistically significant difference found in terms of complication rate and mean operative time between the conventional and the modified techniques.

Endoscopic ultrasound features of rectal melanoma:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Rectal mucosal melanoma is a rare and highly aggressive disease.Common symptoms include anal pain,an anal mass,or bleeding.As such,the disease is usually detected on rectal examination of patients with other suspected anorectal diseases.However,due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms,melanoma of the rectal mucosa is easily misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY This report describes the case of a 58-year-old female patient who presented with a history of blood in her stool for the prior one or two months,without any identifiable cause.During colonoscopy,a bulge of approximately 2.2 cm×2.0 cm was identified.Subsequently,the patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)to characterize the depth of invasion of the lesions.EUS suggested a hypoechoic mucosal mass with involvement of the submucosal layer and heterogeneity of the internal echoes.Following surgical intervention,the excised tissue samples were examined and confirmed to be rectal malignant melanoma.The patient recovered well with no evidence of recurrence during follow-up.CONCLUSION This case shows that colonoscopy with EUS and pathological examination can accurately diagnose rare cases of rectal mucosal melanoma.

Efficacy and safety of 0.4 percent sodium hyaluronate for endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric neoplasms

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium hyaluronate solution(SH) in endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) of gastric neoplasms.METHODS:A prospective multicenter randomized,double blind,controlled trial was designed and utilized in this study.A total of 76 patients with 5-20 mm sized gastric neoplasms were enrolled at three academic hospitals in South Korea from June 2011 to October 2011.Patients were randomly assigned to the 0.4% sodium hyaluronate or control groups.All lesions underwent endoscopic ESD.ESD was performed with 0.4%SH and normal saline(NS) solution for submucosal injection.Efficacy was assessed using en bloc resection and the number of additional injections.Secondary evaluation variables were the volume of injection material,steepness of mucosal elevation,bleeding rate,procedural time and operator satisfaction.Finally,the safety was assessed by analyzing adverse events during the study.RESULTS:The usefulness rate in the 0.4%SH group and the controlled group had statistically significant difference under intention to treat(ITT) analysis(90.91% vs 61.11% P = 0.0041).Under per protocol(PP),the usefulness rate is statistically significant different(93.10% vs 61.76%,P = 0.0036).The difference in volume of the solution injected between 0.4%SH group and the controlled group and NS group was also statistically significant under intention to treat and per protocol analysis(ITT:0.03 ± 0.02 mL vs 0.06 ± 0.03 mL,P = 0.0003,PP:0.03 ± 0.02 mL vs 0.06 ± 0.03 mL,P = 0.0004).Satisfaction above the grade good was significantly higher in the SH group under intention to treat and per protocol analysis(ITT:90.91% vs 61.11%,P = 0.0041,PP = 93.11% vs 61.77%,P = 0.0022).Adverse events above grade 3 were not noticed in either group.All adverse events were treated and were judged as not associated with the submucosal injection solutions.CONCLUSION:0.4%SH solution is a safe and effective agent that doesn't cause any significant adverse events and is useful for submucosal injection during ESD.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs endoscopic mucosal resection for early gastric cancer: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) for early gastric cancer(EGC).METHODS: Computerized bibliographic search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Schol-ar and Cochrane library databases. Quality of each included study was assessed according to current Co-chrane guidelines. Primary endpoints were en bloc re-section rate and histologically complete resection rate. Secondary endpoints were length of procedure, post-treatment bleeding, post-procedural perforation and re-currence rate. Comparisons between the two treatment groups across all the included studies were performed by using Mantel-Haenszel test for fixed-effects mod-els(in case of low heterogeneity) or DerSimonian and Laird test for random-effects models(in case of high heterogeneity).RESULTS: Ten retrospective studies(8 full text and 2 abstracts) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall data on 4328 lesions, 1916 in the ESD and 2412 in the EMR group were pooled and analyzed. The mean operation time was longer for ESD than for EMR(stan-dardized mean difference 1.73, 95%CI: 0.52-2.95, P =0.005) and the "en bloc " and histological complete re-section rates were significantly higher in the ESD group [OR = 9.69(95%CI: 7.74-12.13), P < 0.001 and OR = 5.66,(95%CI: 2.92-10.96), P < 0.001, respectively]. As a consequence of its greater radicality, ESD provided lower recurrence rate [OR = 0.09,(95%CI: 0.05-0.17), P < 0.001]. Among complications, perforation rate was significantly higher after ESD [OR = 4.67,(95%CI, 2.77-7.87), P < 0.001] whereas the bleeding incidences did not differ between the two techniques [OR = 1.49(0.6-3.71), P = 0.39].CONCLUSION: In the endoscopic therapy of EGC, ESD showed a superior efficacy but higher complication rate with respect to EMR.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial esophageal cancer

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in treating superficial esophageal cancer (SEC).

Endoloop ligation after endoscopic mucosal resection using a transparent cap: A novel method to treat small rectal carcinoid tumors

BACKGROUND Local endoscopic resection is an effective method for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors, but remnant tumor at the margin after resection remains to be an issue.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of resection of small rectal carcinoid tumors by endoloop ligation after cap-endoscopic mucosal resection(LC-EMR) using a transparent cap.METHODS Thirty-four patients with rectal carcinoid tumors of less than 10 mm in diameter were treated by LC-EMR(n = 22) or endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)(n =12) between January 2016 and December 2017. Demographic data, complete resection rates, pathologically complete resection rates, operation duration, and postoperative complications were collected. All cases were followed for 6 to 30 mo.RESULTS A total of 22 LC-EMR cases and 12 ESD cases were enrolled. The average age was48.18 ± 12.31 and 46.17 ± 12.57 years old, and the tumor size was 7.23 ± 1.63 mm and 7.50 ± 1.38 mm, respectively, for the LC-EMR and ESD groups. Resection time in the ESD group was longer than that in the LC-EMR group(15.67 ± 2.15 min vs 5.91 ± 0.87 min; P < 0.001). All lesions were completely resected at one time. No perforation or delayed bleeding was observed in either group.Pathologically complete resection(P-CR) rate was 86.36%(19/22) and 91.67%(11/12) in the LC-EMR and ESD groups(P = 0.646), respectively. Two of the three cases with a positive margin in the LC-EMR group received transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) and tumor cells were not identified in the postoperative specimens. The other case with a positive margin chose follow-up without further operation. One case with remnant tumor after ESD received further local ligation treatment. Neither local recurrence nor lymph node metastasis was found during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION LC-EMR appears to be an efficient and simple method for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors, which can effectively avoid margin remnant tumors.