Ligation-assisted endoscopic submucosal resection following unroofing technique for small esophageal subepithelial lesions originating from the muscularis propria

BACKGROUND The majority of esophageal subepithelial lesions originating from the muscularis propria(SEL-MPs)are benign in nature,although a subset may exhibit malignant characteristics.Conventional endoscopic resection techniques are time-consuming and lack efficacy for small SEL-MPs.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ligation-assisted endoscopic submucosal resection(ESMR-L)following unroofing technique for small esophageal SEL-MPs.METHODS From January 2021 to September 2023,17 patients diagnosed with esophageal SEL-MPs underwent ESMR-L following unroofing technique at the endoscopy center of Shenzhen People’s Hospital.Details of clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 50.12±12.65 years.The mean size of the tumors was 7.47±2.83 mm and all cases achieved en bloc resection successfully.The average operation time was 12.2 minutes without any complications.Histopathology identified 2 Lesions(11.8%)as gastrointestinal stromal tumors at very low risk,12 Lesions(70.6%)as leiomyoma and 3 Lesions(17.6%)as smooth muscle proliferation.No recurrence was found during the mean follow-up duration of 14.18±9.62 months.CONCLUSION ESMR-L following roofing technique is an effective and safe technique for management of esophageal SEL-MPs smaller than 20 mm,but it cannot ensure en bloc resection and may require further treatment.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration vs fine needle biopsy for pancreatic masses,subepithelial lesions,and lymph nodes

Endoscopic ultrasound tissue acquisition,in the form of both fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)and fine needle biopsy(EUS-FNB),is utilized for pancreatic mass lesions,subepithelial lesions,and lymph node biopsy.Both procedures are safe and yield high diagnostic value.Despite its high diagnostic yield,EUS-FNA has potential limitations associated with cytological aspirations,including inability to determine histologic architecture,and a small quantitative sample for further immunohistochemical staining.EUS-FNB,with its larger core biopsy needle,was designed to overcome these potential limitations.However,it remains unclear which technique should be used and for which lesions.Comparative trials are plagued by heterogeneity at every stage of comparison;including variable needles used,and different definitions of endpoints,which therefore limit generalizability.Thus,we present a review of prospective trials,systematic reviews,and meta-analyses on studies examining EUS-FNA vs EUSFNB.Prospective comparative trials of EUS-FNA vs EUS-FNB primarily focus on pancreatic mass lesions,and yield conflicting results in terms of demonstrating the superiority of one method.However,consistent among trials is the potential for diagnosis with fewer passes,and a larger quantity of sample achieved for next generation sequencing.With regard to subepithelial lesions and lymph node biopsy,fewer prospective trials exist,and larger prospective studies are necessary.Based on the available literature,we would recommend EUS-FNB for peri-hepatic lymph nodes.

Endoscopic Treatment of 14 Cases of Small Subepithelial Lesions in the Gastrointestinal Tract Using a Combined Snare, Long Lucency Cap, and Argon Plasma Coagulation Technique

Subepithelial lesions(SEL)of the digestive tract refer to a series of benign and malignant subepithelial masses that appear smooth or rough under gastrointestinal endoscopy.Endoscopic resection of subepithelial lesions in the digestive tract is widely recognized due to its advantages of minimal trauma and rapid recovery.This paper reports and summarizes the experiences of using the combined snare,long lucency cap,and argon plasma coagulation technique to remove small subepithelial lesions in 14 patients.

Gastric metastasis from ovarian adenocarcinoma presenting as a subepithelial tumor and diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition

We describe an uncommon case of a patient with a metastatic adenocarcinoma of ovarian origin presented as a gastric subepithelial tumor(SET) and that was diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle biopsy(EUS-FNB). Malignant gastric lesions are rarely metastatic and the primary tumor is mainly breast, lung, esophageal cancer or cutaneous melanoma. Gastric metastasis from ovarian cancer is unusual, presenting synchronously with the primary tumor but also several years later than the initial diagnosis. From an endoscopic point of view, gastric metastasis does not present specific features. They may mimic both a primary gastric tumor or, less frequently, an SET.This case demonstrates the importance of EUS-FNB in distinguishing SETs and how this may alter treatment and prognosis.

Transperineal core-needle biopsy of a rectal subepithelial lesion guided by endorectal ultrasound after contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report

BACKGROUND Rectal subepithelial lesions(SELs) are commonly seen in endoscopic examination, generally manifested as bumps with a smooth surface. Precise preoperative diagnoses for rectal SELs are difficult because abnormal tissues are not easily to be obtained by regular endoscopic forceps biopsy. Traditional guidance modalities of preoperative biopsy, including endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, and transabdominal ultrasound, are often unsatisfactory. An updated, safe, and effective biopsy guidance method is required. We herein report a new biopsy guidance modality—endorectal ultrasound(ERUS) combined with contrastenhanced ultrasound(CEUS).CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old woman complained of a mass inside the rectovaginal space for 9 years, which became enlarged within 1 year. A rectal SEL detected by endoscopy was suspected to be a gastrointestinal stromal tumor or exophytic uterine fibroid. Pathological diagnosis was difficult because of unsuccessful transabdominal core needle biopsy with insufficient tissues, as well as vaginal hemorrhage. A second biopsy was suggested after multiple disciplinary treatment discussion, which referred to a transperineal core needle biopsy(CNB) guided by ERUS combined with CEUS. Adequate samples were procured and rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was proved to be the pathological diagnosis. Imatinib was recommended for first-line therapy by multiple disciplinary treatment discussion. After the tumor shrunk, resection of the rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was performed through the posterior vaginal wall. Adjuvant therapy was applied and no recurrence or metastasis has been found by the last follow-up on December 13, 2019.CONCLUSION Transperineal CNB guided by ERUS and CEUS is a safe and effective preoperative biopsy of rectal SELs yet with some limitations.

Recent advances and current challenges in endoscopic resection with the full-thickness resection device

Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR)has emerged as a viable technique in the management of mucosal and subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract(GIT)not amenable to conventional therapeutic approaches.While various devices and techniques have been described for EFTR,a single,combined fullthickness resection and closure device(full-thickness resection device,FTRD system,Ovesco Endoscopy AG,Tuebingen,Germany)has become commercially available in recent years.Initially,the FTRD system was limited to use in the colorectum only.Recently,a modified version of the FTRD has been released for EFTR in the upper GIT as well.This review provides a broad summary of the FTRD,highlighting recent advances and current challenges.

Endoscopic ultrasound artificial intelligence-assisted for prediction of gastrointestinal stromal tumors diagnosis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Subepithelial lesions(SELs)are gastrointestinal tumors with heterogeneous malignant potential.Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)is the leading method for evaluation,but without histopathological analysis,precise differentiation of SEL risk is limited.Artificial intelligence(AI)is a promising aid for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions in the absence of histopathology.AIM To determine the diagnostic accuracy of AI-assisted EUS in diagnosing SELs,especially lesions originating from the muscularis propria layer.METHODS Electronic databases including PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library were searched.Patients of any sex and>18 years,with SELs assessed by EUS AIassisted,with previous histopathological diagnosis,and presented sufficient data values which were extracted to construct a 2×2 table.The reference standard was histopathology.The primary outcome was the accuracy of AI for gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST).Secondary outcomes were AI-assisted EUS diagnosis for GIST vs gastrointestinal leiomyoma(GIL),the diagnostic performance of experienced endoscopists for GIST,and GIST vs GIL.Pooled sensitivity,specificity,positive,and negative predictive values were calculated.The corresponding summary receiver operating characteristic curve and post-test probability were also analyzed.RESULTS Eight retrospective studies with a total of 2355 patients and 44154 images were included in this meta-analysis.The AI-assisted EUS for GIST diagnosis showed a sensitivity of 92%[95%confidence interval(CI):0.89-0.95;P<0.01),specificity of 80%(95%CI:0.75-0.85;P<0.01),and area under the curve(AUC)of 0.949.For diagnosis of GIST vs GIL by AI-assisted EUS,specificity was 90%(95%CI:0.88-0.95;P=0.02)and AUC of 0.966.The experienced endoscopists’values were sensitivity of 72%(95%CI:0.67-0.76;P<0.01),specificity of 70%(95%CI:0.64-0.76;P<0.01),and AUC of 0.777 for GIST.Evaluating GIST vs GIL,the experts achieved a sensitivity of 73%(95%CI:0.65-0.80;P<0.01)and an AUC of 0.819.CONCLUSION AI-assisted EUS has high diagnostic accuracy for fourth-layer SELs,especially for GIST,demonstrating superiority compared to experienced endoscopists’and improving their diagnostic performance in the absence of invasive procedures.

New hope for esophageal stricture prevention:A prospective singlecentertrial on acellular dermal matrix

BACKGROUNDGiven the high incidence of esophageal cancer in China,an increasing number ofpatients there are undergoing endoscopic mucosal dissection(ESD).Although the5-year survival rate after ESD can exceed 95%,esophageal stricture,the mostcommon and serious postoperative complication,affects the long-term prognosisof patients and the quality of life.Autologous mucosal grafts have proven to besuccessful in preventing stricture after ESD for early esophageal cancer.AIMTo examine the viability of acellular dermal matrix(ADM)as an alternative to autologous mucosa for the prevention of stricture after ESD.METHODSThis is a prospective,single-center,controlled study.Consecutive patients who underwent ESD surgery and werewilling to undergo autologous mucosal transplantation were recruited between January 1 and December 31,2017.Consecutive patients who underwent ESD surgery and were willing to undergo ADM transplantation wererecruited between January 1 to December 31,2019.A final three-year follow-up of patients who receivedtransplants was conducted.RESULTSBased on the current incidence of esophageal stricture,the sample size required for both the autologous mucosalgraft group and the ADM group was calculated to be 160 cases.Due to various factors,a total of 20 patients withautologous mucosal grafts and 25 with ADM grafts were recruited.Based on the inclusion exclusion andwithdrawal criteria,9 patients ultimately received autologous mucosal grafts and completed the follow-up,while11 patients received ADM grafts and completed the follow-up.Finally,there were 2 cases of stenosis in theautologous mucosal transplantation group with a stenosis rate of 22.22%and 2 cases of stenosis in the ADMtransplantation group with a stenosis rate of 18.18%,with no significant difference noted between the groups(P=0.94).CONCLUSIONIn this prospective,single-center,controlled trial,we compared the effectiveness of autologous mucosatransplantation and ADM for the prevention of esophageal stricture.Due to certain condition limitations,we wereunable to recruit sufficient subjects meeting our target requirements.However,we implemented strict inclusion,exclusion,and withdrawal criteria and successfully completed three years of follow-up,resulting in valuableclinical insights.Based on our findings,we hypothesize that ADM may be similarly effective to autologousmucosal transplantation in the prevention of esophageal stricture,offering a comparable and alternative approach.This study provides a new therapeutic idea and direction for the prevention of esophageal stricture.

Effectiveness and safety of over-the-scope clip in closing perforations after duodenal surgery

BACKGROUND Endoscopic resection of duodenal subepithelial lesions(SELs)is a difficult procedure with a high risk of perforation.At present,dealing with perforation after endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs is still considered a great challenge.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an over-the-scope clip(OTSC)in the treatment of perforation post-endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs.METHODS From May 2015 to November 2019,18 patients with perforation following endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs were treated with OTSCs.Data comprising the rate of complete resection,closure of intraprocedural perforation,delayed bleeding,delayed perforation,and postoperative infection were extracted.RESULTS The rate of complete removal of duodenal SELs and successful closure of the perforation was 100%.The median perforation size was 1 cm in diameter.Seventeen patients had minor intraoperative bleeding,while the remaining 1 patient had considerable amount of bleeding during the procedure.Seven patients had postoperative abdominal infections,of which 1 patient developed an abscess in the right iliac fossa and another patient developed septic shock.All 18 patients recovered and were discharged.No delayed bleeding or perforation was reported.The mean time taken to resume normal diet after the procedure was 6.5 d.The mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.5 d.No residual or recurrent lesions were detected during the follow-up period(15-66 mo).CONCLUSION Closing a perforation after endoscopic resection of duodenal SELs with OTSCs seems to be an effective and reasonably safe therapeutic method.

Early gastric cancer presenting as a typical submucosal tumor cured by endoscopic submucosal dissection:A case report

BACKGROUND Submucosal tumor(SMT)-like gastric cancer is rare,and almost all cases undergo curative surgical treatment because the submucosal layer is usually deeply invaded by tumor cells or because histopathologic types of SMT-like gastric cancer are undifferentiated or poorly differentiated.No report has been issued on an SMT-like gastric cancer cured by endoscopic resection alone or on changes in the endoscopic features of this type of tumor over several years.CASE SUMMARY We describe an exceptional case of a 53-year-old male with a 1.5 cm-sized SMTlike lesion covered by normal-appearing mucosa discovered by esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)at the gastric antrum.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)visualized a homogeneous,well-circumscribed hypoechogenic lesion arising from the second sonographic layer with associated subtle obliteration of the third sonographic layer.Initial endoscopic biopsy was negative for neoplasm.The patient refused to undergo an invasive procedure and was subsequently lost to follow-up.Three years after initial detection,EGD revealed the lesion had become markedly erythematous,and at 4 years after initial EGD it had increased in size to 1.8 cm and developed a central ulcer and a heterogeneous EUS echo.Finally,endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was performed,and histopathologic examination revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma had minutely invaded the submucosal layer(invasion depth 169μm)but without lymphovascular invasion and with negative resection margins.Fortunately,no additional surgical treatment was required.He has been followed for 4 years after ESD without any evidence of local or distant recurrence.CONCLUSION This report describes an extremely rare case of early gastric cancer presenting as SMT that was cured by ESD after a treatment delay of 4 years and the endoscopic changes that occurred during this period.The report highlights the importance of considering the possibility of gastric cancer when SMT is encountered in clinical practice.