Postoperative pneumocranium after endoscopic transnasal optic canal decompression

Dear Editor,We present the first time,a case of a patient developed cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leak and pneumocranium following optic canal decompression(OCD).INTRODUCTION Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy(ITON)impairs visual functions and quality of life.Endoscopic transnasal optic canal decompression(ETOCD)is one of the standard treatment strategies for the ITON.During the ETOCD,the optic nerve sheath are usually incised for sufficient decompression of optic nerve after removal of optic canal,which is associated with complications like CSF leakage,ophthalmic artery injury,and optic nerve injury[1].Generally,the mild CSF leak is common and can heal spontaneously using conventional treatment,the severe CSF leak requires surgical repair[2].

Root canal therapy combined with endoscopic sinus surgery for odontogenic sinusitis:Efficacy comparison in a cohort study

BACKGROUND Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis,often triggered by dental issues like periapical periodontitis,significantly contributes to chronic sinusitis,mainly affecting adults around 50 years old,emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect and clinical value of root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery compared with simple root canal the-rapy in the treatment of severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by peria-pical periodontitis.METHODS The clinical data,diagnosis,and treatment of 200 patients with severe odonto-genic maxillary sinusitis caused by periapical periodontitis from October 2020 to October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,63 patients were treated with simple root canal therapy as the control group,and 137 patients were treated with root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery as the observation group.The therapeutic effect,Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score,paranasal sinus Lund-Mackay score,complication rate,recurrence rate,and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS First,we compared the effective rates:23 cases were cured,22 were improved,and 8 were ineffective in the control group,yielding a total effective rate of 84.90%.Meanwhile,97 cases were cured,34 improved,and 6 were ineffective in the observation group,resulting in a total effective rate of 95.62%.The observation group had a higher total effective rate compared with the control group(P<0.05).Second,we compared the Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score.Before treatment,no significant difference(P>0.05)was observed in this score between the two groups.After treatment,the Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score decreased in both groups.The Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score of the observation group at 3 and 6 mo after treatment was lower compared to that of the control group(P<0.05).Third,we compared the Lund–Mackay score of paranasal sinuses.Before treatment,there was no significant difference in this score between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinuses decreased in both groups.The Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinuses in the observation group at 3 and 6 mo after treatment were lower compared to those of the control group(P<0.05).Fourth,we compared the incidence and recurrence rate of complications.Three months after treatment,no significant difference was found in the incidence and recurrence rate of complications between the observation group(6.56%)and the control group(9.52%)(P>0.05).However,6 mo after treatment,the incidence and recurrence rate of complications in the observation group(2.91%)was significantly higher compared to that of the control group(12.69%)(P<0.05).Fifth,we compared patient satisfaction.Six months after treatment,the patient satisfaction of the observation group(93.43%)was significantly better than that of the control group(84.12%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery has a good therapeutic effect on severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by periapical periodontitis,and it can reduce the injury of maxillary sinus mucosa and bone,and significantly reduce the incidence of complications and recurrence rate.Meanwhile,it has high patient satisfaction and remarkable therapeutic effect,which is suggested to be popularized and applied in clinic.

Efficacy of adjuvant mitomycin-C and triamcinoloneimpregnated nasal packing for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

●AIM:To compare the success rate and complications of adjuvant use of mitomycin C and triamcinoloneimpregnated biodegradable nasal packing(TABP)in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR).And to evaluate the efficacy of combining intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP for endoscopic DCR.●METHODS:A total of 198 eyes of 148 patients who underwent endoscopic DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were retrospectively analysed.The patients were randomly divided into three groups:Group A included patients treated without intraoperative mitomycin C but with TABP,Group B included patients treated without triamcinolone but with intraoperative mitomycin C and normal saline-impregnated nasal packing,and Group C included patients treated with intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP.●RESULTS:The results revealed no significant difference in the overall success rates between Groups A(86.8%)and B(89.2%;P=0.377).However,Group C(97.5%)showed a significantly higher overall success rate than Groups A and B.The incidence of granulomas was significantly lower in group C(5%)than in Groups A(20.8%)and B(15.2%;P=0.009).Other complications,such as crust,synechiae,and revision surgery,did not differ significantly among the three groups.●CONCLUSION:The combination of intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP effectively prevents granulomas and enhances surgical success rate.Additionally,there is no statistically significant difference observed between the use of mitomycin C or TABP alone.

Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with the Use of Radiofrequency (RF) Surgical Technique

Endonazal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with radiofrequency (RF) surgical technique is a procedure selected for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has the high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR radiofrequency RF operative technique. The modified endonasal RF-coagulation technique was performed in patients aged 18 - 85 (women-80, men-35) from 2017 to 2023. All patients suffered from chronic dacryocystitis. They had been administered the course of traditional conservative treatment and were provided with the ophthalmologist’s and otorhinolaryngology’s consultations prior to the surgery. In order to verify the diagnosis, the patients were conducted the CT-scan examination of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as well as the endoscopy of nasal cavity. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with RF coagulator proved to be effective in 80% of patients;Over 3 - 4 years following the surgery, the recurrence was manifested in 8 patients after 6 months and in 12 patients, after a year. The above mentioned surgical treatment is administered by minimally invasive surgical method. At the same time, the long-term, for about 1 year, implantation of silicone drainage in the nasolacrimal ducts significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. At the present stage, the endoscopic Endo-DCR surgery is being improved, and the diverse treatment methods, including radiofrequency (RF) in endonasal endoscopic microsurgical techniques, are being studied and introduced into practice.

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.

Nasal cavity fungus ball discovered accidentally:A case report

BACKGROUND Fungal balls within the nasal cavity are an exceedingly rare clinical entity,typically presenting with nonspecific symptoms or being identified incidentally.CASE SUMMARY This report presents an incidental discovery of a fungal ball in the nasal cavity during routine imaging,with no associated clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION This case underscores the importance of considering the possibility of asympto-matic presentations of nasal fungal balls,which may be detected incidentally during imaging evaluations.

Endoscopic techniques for the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions

Pancreatic cysts are mostly incidental findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans,with few patients presenting with abdominal pain or other symptoms.The accurate diagnosis of cysts is important as management depends on the type(neoplastic or non-neoplastic).Cross-sectional imaging is fast being replaced with endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)and various techniques based on that such as EUS-guided fine needle aspiration,EUS-guided needle confocal laser endomicroscopy,EUS-through-the-needle biopsy,and contrast-enhanced EUS.Clinical studies have reported varying diagnostic and adverse event rates with these modalities.In addition,American,European,and Kyoto guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts have provided different recommendations.In this editorial,we elaborate on the clinical guidelines,recent studies,and comparison of different endoscopic methods for the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts.

Kangfuxin solution alleviates esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection:A natural ingredient strategy

BACKGROUND Esophageal stricture ranks among the most significant complications following endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).Excessive fibrotic repair is a typical pathological feature leading to stenosis after ESD.AIM To examine the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of Kangfuxin solution(KFX)in mitigating excessive fibrotic repair of the esophagus post-ESD.METHODS Pigs received KFX at 0.74 mL/kg/d for 21 days after esophageal full circumferential ESD.Endoscopic examinations occurred on days 7 and 21 post-ESD.In vitro,recombinant transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1(5 ng/mL)induced a fibrotic microenvironment in primary esophageal fibroblasts(pEsF).After 24 hours of KFX treatment(at 1.5%,1%,and 0.5%),expression ofα-smooth muscle actin-2(ACTA2),fibronectin(FN),and type collagen I was assessed.Profibrotic signaling was analyzed,including TGF-β1,Smad2/3,and phosphor-smad2/3(p-Smad2/3).RESULTS Compared to the Control group,the groups treated with KFX and prednisolone exhibited reduced esophageal stenosis,lower weight loss rates,and improved food tolerance 21 d after ESD.After treatment,Masson staining revealed thinner and less dense collagen fibers in the submucosal layer.Additionally,the expression of fibrotic effector molecules was notably inhibited.Mechanistically,KFX downregulated the transduction levels of fibrotic functional molecules such as TGF-β1,Smad2/3,and p-Smad2/3.In vitro,pEsF exposed to TGF-β1-induced fibrotic microenvironment displayed increased fibrotic activity,which was reversed by KFX treatment,leading to reduced activation of ACTA2,FN,and collagen I.The 1.5%KFX treatment group showed decreased expression of p-Smad 2/3 in TGF-β1-activated pEsF.CONCLUSION KFX showed promise as a therapeutic option for post-full circumferential esophageal ESD strictures,potentially by suppressing fibroblast fibrotic activity through modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Individualized treatment guided by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for adrenocortical oncocytoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Adrenocortical oncocytoma is a rare,mostly benign,nonfunctional tumor that is typically detected incidentally.Its diagnosis is challenging because of the absence of distinctive imaging characteristics,necessitating pathological validation.CASE SUMMARY We present a case report of a 35-year-old woman with an adrenal mass located on the left side,where endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUSFNA)was performed after comprehensive diagnostic assessment.Our results are consistent with those of previously documented cases regarding tumor demographics and anatomical location.Given the limited number of reports on this condition,long-term follow-up is crucial to enhance our understanding of its prognosis.CONCLUSION For patients with adrenocortical oncocytoma,EUS-FNA can enables collection of preoperative tissue specimens leading to suitable treatment strategies.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection in the treatment of adult cystic lymphangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Cystic lymphangioma is a rare hamartoma that is especially found in the adult gastrointestinal tract.In the early stage,most patients are asymptomatic;after the onset of symptoms,there is often no specificity regarding symptoms.CASE SUMMARY Here we report the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of an adult patient with cystic lymphangioma of the ascending colon.One patient who came to our hospital with“dull pain in the left lower abdomen for 2 days”was initially misdiagnosed with a colon cyst according to endoscopy and then underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection.The final pathological results suggested cystic lymphangioma.One year later,no recurrence was found on re-examination via colonoscopy.CONCLUSION Cystic lymphangioma in the gastrointestinal tract rarely occurs in adults and is easily misdiagnosed or missed.Endoscopy,imaging,histology,and immunohistochemical staining are useful for diagnosis.Surgical resection is the preferred treatment.

Advances and challenges in peroral endoscopic myotomy:Safety,precision,and post-procedure management

Peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)has revolutionized the treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract motility disorders,particularly achalasia.This editorial explores the efficacy,safety,and challenges of POEM,emphasizing its role as a primary treatment with excellent long-term outcomes and minimal adverse events.The evolution of POEM underscores the need for precision in myotomy techniques and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration,especially regar-ding anesthetic considerations.Despite significant advances,challenges remain in standardizing safety protocols and managing complications.As POEM appli-cations expand,precision endoscopy continues to enhance therapeutic outcomes,promising a transformative impact on gastrointestinal motility disorder manage-ment.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,endoscopic papillary balloon dilation,and laparoscopic hepatectomy for intraand extrahepatic bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones(BDSs)have a high rate of residual stones,a high risk of recurrence,and a high rate of reoperation.It is very important to take timely and effective surgical intervention for patients.AIM To analyze the efficacy,postoperative rehabilitation,and quality of life(QoL)of patients with intra-and extrahepatic BDSs treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)+endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)+laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH).METHODS This study selected 114 cases of intra-and extrahepatic BDSs from April 2021 to April 2024,consisting of 55 cases in the control group receiving laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and LH and 59 cases in the observation group treated with ERCP+EPBD+LH.Efficacy,surgical indicators[operation time(OT)and intraoperative blood loss(IBL)],postoperative rehabilitation(time for body temperature to return to normal,time for pain relief,and time for drainage to reduce jaundice),hospital stay,medical expenses,and QoL[Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index(GIQLI)]were comparatively analyzed.Further,Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze factors influencing the QoL of patients with intra-and extrahepatic BDSs.RESULTS The data demonstrated a higher overall effective rate in the observation group compared to the control group(P=0.011),together with notably reduced OT,less IBL,shorter body temperature recovery time,pain relief time,time for drainage to reduce jaundice,and hospital stay(all P<0.05).The postoperative GIQLI of the observation group was more significantly increased compared to the control group(P<0.05).The two groups demonstrated no marked difference in medical expenses(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The above indicates that ERCP+EPBD+LH is effective in treating patients with intra-and extrahepatic BDSs,which is conducive to postoperative rehabilitation and QoL improvement,with promising prospects for clinical promotion.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients aged ninety and older with choledocholithiasis: A single-center experience in south China

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)serves an essential role in treating biliary diseases,especially in choledocholithiasis.However,due to the limited human lifespan,there remains a paucity of clinical investigations on ERCP treatment in patients over 90 years old.AIM To explore the effectiveness and safety of ERCP in super-older patients aged≥90 years with choledochal stones.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed data from patients(aged≥65 years)with choledocholithiasis who received ERCP treatment in our hospital from 2011 to 2023.Among them,patients≥90 years old were in the super-older group,and patients aged 65-89 years were in the older group.Baseline data,including gender,number of stones,stone size,gallbladder stones,periampullary diverti-culum,and common bile duct intubation of patients in the two groups,were mat-ched by adopting the 1:1 propensity score matching method.RESULTS After matching,44 patients were included in both the super-older group and the older group.The incidence of stroke in the super-older group was markedly higher than that in the older group[34.1%(15/44)vs 6.8%(3/44),P=0.008].The success rate of the ERCP procedure in the super-older group was 90.9%(40/44),compared to that in the older group[93.2%(41/44),P=1.000].Although endo-scopic papillary balloon dilation was more frequently used in the super-older group than in the older group[61.4%(27/44)vs 18.2%(8/44),P<0.001],there was no significant difference in terms of stone removal rate,the incidence of complications,mortality,recurrence,and length of hospitalization between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION ERCP is safe and effective in super-older patients≥90 years old with choledocholithiasis.

Clinical evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting in treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is characterized by the presence of malignant tumors infiltrating or compressing the bile duct,causing poor bile drainage,generalized yellowing,pain,itching,and malaise.MOJ is burdensome for both the society and the families of affected patients and should be taken seriously.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for relieving MOJ and the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in terms of liver function improvement,complication rates,and long-term patient outcomes.METHODS The clinical data of 59 patients with MOJ who were admitted to our hospital between March 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into an observation group(29 patients)and a control group(30 patients).General data,liver function indices,complications,adverse effects,and 3-year survival rates after different surgical treatments were recorded for the two groups.RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline information(sex,age,tumor type,or tumor diameter)between the two groups(P>0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin levels were significantly better in both groups after surgery than before surgery(P<0.05).The overall incidence of biliary bleeding,gastrointestinal bleeding,pancreatitis,and cholangitis was 6.9%in the observation group and 30%in the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences in the rates of blood transfusion,intensive care unit admission,or death within 3 years were observed between the two groups at the 1-month follow-up(P>0.05).The 3-year survival rates were 46.06%and 39.71%in the observation and control groups,respectively.CONCLUSION Endoscopic biliary stenting effectively relieves MOJ and significantly improves liver function,with minimal complications.This technique is a promising palliative approach for patients ineligible for radical surgery.However,further research is needed to optimize current treatment strategies and to explore their potential in treating nonmalignant cases of obstructive jaundice.

Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of colorectal traditional serrated adenomas with dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in a Korean population

BACKGROUND Traditional serrated adenoma(TSA)is a rare and precancerous lesion of colorectal cancer.The clinical and endoscopic differentiations between TSAs without dysplasia or adenocarcinoma(TSAOs)and TSAs with dysplasia or adenocarcinoma(TSADs)remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the characteristics of colorectal TSAs and compare the characteristics of TSAOs with those of TSADs.METHODS This retrospective study included 193 patients who underwent endoscopic resection and received a pathologic diagnosis of TSA.We reviewed the medical,endoscopic,and histopathologic records of patients who underwent endoscopic resection of TSAs between January 2010 and December 2023.RESULTS TSAs were more frequently located in the rectosigmoid colon.Most TSAs had 0-Ip,0-Isp,or 0-Is morphologies.The TSAD lesions were larger than TSAO lesions.TSAD lesions more commonly had a red color and an irregular border than TSAO lesions.TSAOs were usually treated using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection,whereas TSADs were treated using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic submucosal dissection,and surgery.Post-polypectomy bleeding was more common with TSADs than with TSAOs.Univariate analysis showed that gastrointestinal bleeding,red color,0-IIa,irregular border,and lobular mucosal surface were significantly associated with TSADs.Multivariate analysis showed that gastrointestinal bleeding,an irregular border,and a lobular mucosal surface were significantly associated with TSADs.CONCLUSION TSAs with gastrointestinal bleeding,an irregular border,and a lobular mucosal surface are associated with an increased risk of dysplasia or adenocarcinoma.

Cerebral complications after unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)surgery has developed rapidly during the past decade.Continuous epidural space irrigation is generally considered the principal reason for cerebral complications following UBE surgery.We present a case of mental symptoms during the general anesthesia awakening period due to pneumocephalus.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman with lumbar disc herniation underwent UBE surgery stably under general anesthesia.Uncontrollable hypertension occurred immediately after transfer to the postoperative care unit,accompanied by increased heart rate and tachypnea.During the recovery process,the patient responded to external stimuli but was confused and unable to complete command actions.Neck stiff-ness and significantly increased muscle strength on the left side indicated the presence of de-cerebrate rigidity.An urgent brain computed tomography scan showed pneumocephalus compressing the brainstem.After receiving analgesia and sedation treatment,the patient was conscious three hours later and recovered rapidly.She was discharged on the fifth postoperative day and followed up for 3 months with no surgical or brain complications.CONCLUSION Cerebral complications emerging during the general anesthesia awakening period following UBE surgery are not entirely due to increased intracranial pressure.Pneumocephalus induced by dural injury may also be a potential cause.

Overview of endoscopic biliary stenting in malignant obstructive jaundice

This article discusses Wang et al’s essay.Endoscopic biliary stenting,a less invasive alternative to surgery,is effective for malignant obstructive jaundice.This article summarizes the pathophysiology of biliary obstruction,the technical aspects of stenting,and the clinical outcomes.By comparison of endoscopic stenting with percutaneous biliary drainage,improvements and complications are focused on.Additionally,patient selection for stenting and future advancements in stent technology are important.Overall,endoscopic biliary stenting is a valuable palliative option for patients with malignant jaundice,especially those ineligibles for surgery.

Preliminary study on the clinical value of endoscopic stricturotomy in the treatment of stricturing Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease(CD)frequently leads to intestinal strictures,which pose significant challenges due to their complexity and limited treatment options.While medications can address inflammatory strictures,they are largely ineffective for fibrotic and mixed strictures,often necessitating surgical intervention.However,surgery carries considerable risks,including bleeding,infection,anastomotic leaks,and postoperative restricture formation.Endoscopic treatment,particularly endoscopic stricturotomy,offers a minimally invasive alternative that bridges the gap between medication and surgery.AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of stricturotomy under single-balloon enteroscopy in stricturing CD.METHODS Patients diagnosed with stricturing CD at The First People's Hospital of Changzhou from June 2020 to April 2024 were enrolled and underwent endoscopic stricturotomy(ES).Relevant clinical data of patients were collected retrospectively.Outcomes included success rate,remission time,complications,and follow-up interventions.This observational study was followed up postoperatively to observe patient remission and recurrence rates.RESULTS Seventeen endoscopic strictures were created in 11 patients,achieving a 100%immediate success rate without any serious complications.During the follow-up period,stricture recurrence was observed in two patients,resulting in an endoscopic reintervention rate of 18.2%.Additionally,two patients required subsequent surgical intervention,with a surgical treatment rate of 18.2%.One patient experienced bowel obstruction 18 months post-ES and was successfully managed with conservative treatment without surgical intervention.The remission duration after the initial ES treatment was 10.1±8.2 months,with a median remission time of 10 months.CONCLUSION ES is a safe and effective treatment for CD-related strictures and warrants further clinical promotion and application.

Complete resection of recurrent anal canal cancer using endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal resection: A case report

BACKGROUND Early anal canal cancer is frequently treated with endoscopic submucosal dis-section(ESD)to preserve anal function.However,if the lesion is in the anal canal,then significant difficulties such as bleeding and challenges associated with scope manipulation can arise.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman undergoing follow-up after transverse colon cancer surgery was diagnosed with anal canal cancer extending to the dentate line.The patient underwent a combination of ESD and transanal resection(TAR).The specimen was excised in pieces,which resulted in difficulty performing the pathological evaluation of the margins,especially on the anal side where TAR was performed and severe crushing was observed.Careful follow-up was performed,and local recurrence was observed 3 years postoperatively.Because the patient had super-ficial cancer without lymph node metastasis,local resection was performed again.The second treatment attempt was improved as follows:(1)TAR and ESD were performed appropriately based on the situation by the same physician;(2)A needle scalpel was used during TAR to prevent tissue crushing;and(3)The lesion borders were marked using ESD techniques before treatment.Complete resection was performed without complications.CONCLUSION Anal canal lesions can be safely and reliably removed when ESD and TAR are used appropriately.

Reflux after peroral endoscopic myotomy:The dilemma and the options

Per oral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)is rapidly emerging as the treatment of choice for achalasia cardia,but its success is marred by problematic reflux.Although symptomatic reflux rates are low and often comparable to that after laparoscopic Hellers myotomy(LHM),a high incidence of pathologic reflux has been noted after POEM.This poses a dilemma as to what is true reflux,and in determining the indications and optimal endpoints for managing post-POEM reflux.The two pertinent reasons for the difference in reflux rates between LHM and POEM are the variation in length and location of myotomy and the absence of an anti-reflux procedure in POEM.Proton pump inhibitor remains the most sought-after treatment of POEM derived reflux.Nevertheless,modifications in the procedural technique of POEM and the addition of endoscopic fundoplication can probably emerge as a game changer.This article briefly reviews the incidence,causes,controversies,predictive factors,and management strategies related to post-POEM reflux.