Tumor size discrepancy between endoscopic and pathological evaluations in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Tumor size impacts the technical difficulty and histological curability of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD); however, the preoperative evaluation of tumor size is often different from histological assessment. Analyzing influential factors on failure to obtain an accurate tumor size evaluation could help prepare optimal conditions for safer and more reliable ESD. AIM: To investigate the tumor size discrepancy between endoscopic and pathological evaluations and the influencing factors. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at a single institution. A total of 377 lesions removed by colorectal ESD at our hospital between April 2018 and March 2022 were collected. We first assessed the difference in size with an absolute percentage of the scaling discrepancy. Subsequently, we compared the clinicopathological characteristics of the correct scaling group (> -33% and < 33%) with that of the incorrect scaling group (< -33% or > 33%), which was further subdivided into the underscaling group (-33% or less of the discrepancy) and overscaling group (33% or more of the discrepancy), respectively. As secondary outcome measures, parameters on size estimation were compared between the underscaling and correct scaling groups, as well as between the overscaling and correct scaling groups. Finally, multivariate analysis was performed in terms of the following relevant parameters on size estimation: Pathological size, location, and possible influential factors (P < 0.1) in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: The mean of absolute percentage in the scaling discordance was 21%, and 91 lesions were considered to be incorrectly estimated in size. The incorrect scaling was significantly remarkable in larger lesions (40 mm vs 28 mm; P < 0.001) and less experience (P < 0.001), and these two factors were influential on the underscaling (75 lesions; P < 0.001). Conversely, compared with the correct scaling group, 16 lesions in the overscaling group were significantly small (20 mm vs 28 mm; P < 0.001), and the small lesion size was influential on the overscaling (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Lesions indicated for colorectal ESD tended to be underestimated in large tumors, but overestimated in small ones. This discrepancy appears worth understanding for optimal procedural preparation.

Potential for expanded application of endoscopic hand suturing: A pilot study of 15 cases.

Endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) was first developed to firmly close a mucosal defect following endoscopic submucosal dissection and has the potential for expanded applications. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of EHS in various clinical settings. In this single-center pilot study, 15 patients who had diseases with potential indications for EHS were prospectively recruited. Technical success, clinical success after the procedure, and severe EHS-related adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. EHS was applied for defect closure after gastric subepithelial lesion removal under laparoscopic observation (n = 9), defect closure after rectal endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) (n = 2), defect closure after thoracoscopy-assisted esophageal EFTR (n = 1), mucosal closure for gastric ulcer bleeding (n = 1), mucosal closure after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) (n = 1), and postoperative anastomotic leak (n = 1). EHS was completed without severe AEs and the clinical courses were also favorable in 13 patients (87%). The median suturing time was 61 minutes. In patients with POEM and anastomotic leak, EHS was discontinued because of the narrow lumen. In conclusion, EHS appears feasible and safe in situations.

Correction: Potential for expanded application of endoscopic hand suturing: A pilot study of 15 cases.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-2284-9492.].

Potential of Direct Oral Anticoagulant in Bleeding After Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An increasing number of patients are undergoing gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with active prescriptions of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Only a few reports have described the effects of DOAC intake on postoperative bleeding. We aimed to investigate the bleeding risk associated with DOACs after gastric ESD. METHODS: Clinical studies published up to April 2022 showing bleeding rates after gastric ESD in patients taking DOACs were identified using electronic searches. The primary outcome was the rate of bleeding after gastric ESD in patients receiving DOACs compared to those not receiving antithrombotic therapy. In this meta-analysis, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and pooled using a random effects model. The secondary outcome was the difference in the bleeding rate between patients treated with DOACs and those treated with warfarin and antiplatelet drugs. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that DOACs had a higher bleeding rate than non-thrombotic therapy (17.0% vs. 3.4%; OR 5.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.33-7.54; I2 = 0%). The bleeding risk associated with DOAC administration was similar to that associated with warfarin (17.0% vs. 20.0%; OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.59-1.18; I2 = 0%), whereas it was higher than that associated with antiplatelet administration (16.9% vs. 11.0%; OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.14-2.34; I2 = 8%). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis reveals that the bleeding risk of DOACs is higher than that of non-antithrombotics and antiplatelets, whereas it is comparable to that of warfarin. Gastric ESD in patients on anticoagulants requires careful postoperative management.

Prophylactic use of steroids for a mucosal defect with a circumference of less than three-fourths prevents both symptomatic and asymptomatic stricture after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical stricture after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) makes the detection and re-ESD of metachronous lesions difficult. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of prophylactic steroid use after esophageal ESD for mucosal defects with a circumference less than 75% for the prevention of symptomatic and asymptomatic stricture. METHODS: In 80 retrospectively enrolled patients, we collected paired endoscopic images of a mucosal defects immediately after resection and a scar thereafter. After calculating circumference by image analysis software, all patients were classified into three groups in reference to mucosal defect circumference (MDC; ≤ 50%, 50-75%, ≥ 75%). Frequency of steroid use and symptomatic stricture were compared, and in < 75% MDC patients, a degree of asymptomatic stricture with or without steroid was compared by calculating a scar contraction rate (SCR). RESULTS: In the ≤ 50% (43 patients), 50-75% (27 patients) and ≥ 75% (10 patients) MDC groups, steroids were used in 12%, 59% and 100%, respectively, and symptomatic stricture occurred in 0%, 7% and 40%, respectively. In < 75% MDC patients, SCR in the steroid cohort was significantly lower than that in the nonsteroid cohort (42% vs. 65%, p = 0.002). No steroid-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Steroid use even for mucosal defects with < 75% circumference appears effective for the reduction of the risk on both symptomatic and asymptomatic stricture after esophageal ESD.

A successful treatment case of refractory hemorrhagic ulcer with eosinophilic gastritis by endoscopic hand suturing.

A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a tarry stool. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy identified tiny oozing on the greater curvature at the antrum. Despite repeated endoscopic hemostasis by coagulation and clipping, rebleeding occurred. On the third rebleeding, we performed endoscopic hand suturing to completely close the ulcer surface. Biopsy showing massive infiltration of eosinophils at the ulcer edge indicated eosinophilic gastritis. After the endoscopic closure by endoscopic hand suturing, the patient had no symptoms of bleeding thereafter and was discharged 19 days after the procedure by taking oral prednisolone. The patient remained well and was continuously treated with a small dose of steroids in outpatient. This is the first case report of the successful application of endoscopic hand suturing to a refractory hemorrhagic ulcer. Further accumulation of clinical experiences is desired to confirm the usefulness of this technique for the prevention of refractory ulcer bleeding.

Importance of prognostic stratification via gene mutation analysis in elderly patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in elderly patients is associated with an increased incidence of complications and treatment-related toxicity because of the frequency of comorbid disease and age-related deterioration in organ function. Despite advances in AML treatment in recent years, elderly patients have experienced limited benefit, and their outcomes remain poor. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive gene mutation analysis in elderly AML patients and identify gene mutations that could serve as prognostic factors. METHODS: An analysis of gene mutations was performed for 281 AML patients, including 98 elderly patients aged 65 years or above. RESULTS: Compared to younger AML patients, elderly patients showed a higher frequency of the following gene mutations: TP53 (P = 0.026), PTPN11 (P = 0.006), RUNX1 (P = 0.024), TET2 (P = 0.002), and ASXL1 (P = 0.023). The complete remission rate was significantly lower in DNMT3A mutation-positive cases (4.26%, P = 0.011) and TP53 mutation-positive cases (2.13%, P = 0.031) than in negative cases. The overall survival rate was significantly poorer in cases with FLT3-ITD (P = 0.003), DNMT3A (P = 0.033), or TP53 mutation (P < 0.001). Conversely, cases with PTPN11 mutation (P = 0.014) had a significantly more favorable prognosis. In multivariate analysis, FLT3-ITD (P = 0.011) and TP53 mutation positivity (P = 0.002) were independent poor prognostic factors, as were a performance status of 3 or above (P < 0.001) and poor cytogenetic prognosis (P = 0.001). In contrast, PTPN11 mutation positivity (P = 0.023) was an independent favorable prognosis factor. CONCLUSION: Analysis of gene mutations in elderly AML patients is very important, not only for establishing prognosis, but also for introducing appropriate molecular-targeted treatments.