Cardiovascular disease risk and associated physical activity factors in gastrointestinal cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Although the risk of CVD is increased in cancer survivors, few studies have investigated the CVD risk in survivors of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the CVD risk using the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score for GI cancer survivors and associated physical activity factors. METHODS: Using the 2014-2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, data were collected for 262 GI cancer survivors and 1,310 cancer-free controls matched at a 1:5 ratio based on age and sex. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form was used to assess physical activity, and the Euro QoL Questionnaire 5-Dimensional Classification (EQ-5D) was used to assess the health-related quality of life. RESULTS: A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated a lower risk of ASCVD in GI cancer survivors than in controls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55-0.97). Moreover, the risk of having a high ASCVD score was significantly lower in individuals who performed sufficient aerobic physical activity (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.47-0.75) and those with an EQ-5D score 1 or 2 (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.20-0.65 and aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16-0.58, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study demonstrated that engaging in sufficient physical activity can reduce the ASCVD risk among GI cancer survivors.

Efficacy and safety of one-step knife compared to conventional insulated-tip knife for endoscopic submucosal dissection: a preliminary study with prospective data collection and retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is not as tiresome as gastrectomy, but it is a time-consuming procedure. One-step knife (OSK) is a novel knife that combines a knife for ESD and an injection needle into one sheath. In this study, we aimed to compare the insulated tip type of OSK and conventional knife (CK) in terms of procedure time and complication rate. METHODS: Medical records of patients with ESD using CK between February and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Subsequently, data from patients who underwent ESD using OSK by September 2021 were prospectively collected. Total procedure time, procedure time by location and complication rate in the OSK and CK group were compared. RESULTS: In the study period, a total of 203 patients (OSK, 102 patients; CK, 101 patients) were analyzed. On multivariate analysis, using CK, body location, resection size ≥ 40 mm, and submucosal fibrosis were associated with longer procedure time. The total procedure time was statistically significantly reduced in the OSK group (median 11 vs. 17 min, p < 0.01). The procedure time for each location was more reduced in the body (median 14 vs. 19 min p < 0.01) than the antrum (median 10 vs. 14 min, p = 0.01) in the OSK group. There was no significant difference in post-ESD bleeding and perforation in the two groups (3.9 vs. 3.9%, p = 0.99 and 1.0 vs. 2.0%, p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: OSK significantly reduced the total procedure time of ESD. OSK could be an effective and safe knife for gastric ESD, especially for body lesions.

Long-term outcomes and surveillance timing of patients with large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps with histologically incomplete resection in endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: Histologically incomplete resection of large colorectal polyps is frequently encountered; however, the long-term outcomes or surveillance timing is not well known. We evaluated the incidence rate and time of recurrence of these cases during a long-term follow-up. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic resection for large (≥10 mm in size) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps at a tertiary academic hospital. Patients who had positive or indeterminate lateral margin in the histology and underwent completed surveillance colonoscopy first at 3-12 months and finally at ≥2 years after initial resection were included. RESULTS: Of 169 polyps (148 patients), 37 (21.9%) and 132 (78.1%) polyps had positive and indeterminate lateral margins, respectively. The median time intervals of the first and last surveillance from the initial resection were 6 (3-12) and 48 (24-114) months, respectively. The recurrence rate was 9.5% (16/169) during follow-up, and the mean time to recurrence was 31.9 months. Thirteen (81.3%) polyps recurred after ≥12 months. Most (14/16, 87.5%) recurrent polyps were benign, and 2 cases had advanced cancer. The only factor that was significantly associated with recurrence in the univariate and multivariate analyses was ≥3 piecemeal resections (odds ratio in the multivariate analysis, 16.92; 95% CI, 1.19-241.81; p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: During the long-term follow-up, the only factor that was significantly associated with recurrence was ≥3 piecemeal resections, and most recurrences occurred after ≥12 months. Thus, a histologically incomplete resection with ≤2 piecemeal resections and no findings of suspected submucosal cancer may be considered as complete resection, and these patients may undergo first surveillance colonoscopy after 1-2 years.

Endoscopic visualization of graft status in patients with pancreas transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Enteric drainage into the recipient duodenum in pancreas transplantation (PT) can identify the graft duodenum by endoscopy. This study aimed to identify the characteristic endoscopic findings associated with graft failure or acute rejection in patients with PT. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent PT with duodenoduodenostomy (DD) between January 2015 and August 2019. During this period, there were 44 PTs with DD in 42 patients; 122 endoscopies were performed and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, pancreatic graft survival was 82% at a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 6-55 months). There were 8 graft failures and 10 acute rejections. In all 8 graft failures, a deep ulcer covered with fibrinous exudates of the graft duodenum was confirmed on endoscopy. Diffuse erythema inside the graft duodenum was observed in 8 of 10 acute rejections. The factors associated with acute rejection were elevated serum lipase level (OR 8.5, p = 0.02) and diffuse erythema inside the graft duodenum on endoscopy (OR 20.5, p < 0.01) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In PT with DD patients, graft failure can be visualized by endoscopy, and diffuse erythema inside the graft duodenum may be a finding of acute rejection.

Absent or impaired rectoanal inhibitory reflex as a diagnostic factor for high-grade (grade III-V) rectal prolapse: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Clinically diagnosing high-grade (III-V) rectal prolapse might be difficult, and the prolapse can often be overlooked. Even though defecography is the significant diagnostic tool for rectal prolapse, it is noticed that rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) can be associated with rectal prolapse. This study investigated whether RAIR can be used as a diagnostic factor for rectal prolapse. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated 107 patients who underwent both anorectal manometry and defecography between July 2012 and December 2019. Rectal prolapse was classified in accordance with the Oxford Rectal Prolapse Grading System. Patients in the high-grade (III-V) rectal prolapse (high-grade group, n = 30), and patients with no rectal prolapse or low-grade (I, II) rectal prolapse (low-grade group, n = 77) were analyzed. Clinical variables, including symptoms such as fecal incontinence, feeling of prolapse, and history were collected. Symptoms were assessed using yes/no surveys answered by the patients. The manometric results were also evaluated. RESULTS: Frequencies of fecal incontinence (p = 0.002) and feeling of prolapse (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the high-grade group. The maximum resting (77.5 vs. 96 mmHg, p = 0.011) and squeezing (128.7 vs. 165 mmHg, p = 0.010) anal pressures were significantly lower in the high-grade group. The frequency of absent or impaired RAIR was significantly higher in the high-grade group (19 cases, 63% vs. 20 cases, 26%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the feeling of prolapse (odds ratio [OR], 23.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.43-128.78; p < 0.001) and absent or impaired RAIR (OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 1.91-15.04, p = 0.001) were independent factors of high-grade (III-V) rectal prolapse. In addition, the percentage of the absent or impaired RAIR significantly increased with grading increase of rectal prolapse (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of absent or impaired RAIR as a predictor of high-grade prolapse was 63.3% and specificity 74.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Absent or impaired RAIR was a meaningful diagnostic factor of high-grade (III-V) rectal prolapse. Furthermore, the absent or impaired reflex had a positive linear trend according to the increase of rectal prolapse grading.

Factors associated with conversion to snare resection during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) achieves a higher en-bloc resection rate compared to that with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for gastric epithelial tumors, the higher complication rate and the longer procedure time are obstacles for its widespread use. Rescue EMR may be a valuable treatment option during difficult ESD procedures. We have aimed to identify the clinical outcomes and associated factors of rescue EMR during ESD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent ESD between January 2009 and February 2016 were reviewed. The clinical outcomes of rescue EMR during ESD and associated factors with rescue EMR were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1778 gastric epithelial lesions were enrolled. ESD without using a snare and rescue EMR were performed in 94.5% and 5.5% of patients, respectively. Lesion locations of mid-third [odd ratio (OR 4.470)], upper-third (OR 1.997), and submucosal fibrosis (OR 1.906) were the significant associated factors with rescue EMR. The en-bloc resection rate and complete resection rate of rescue EMR were lower than that of ESD (98.4% vs. 93.8% and 96.2% vs. 83.5%, respectively). Local recurrence rate was higher after rescue EMR than that after ESD (4.1% vs. 1.2%). Procedure-related complications and procedure time were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a difficult ESD procedure, rescue EMR may be an alternative treatment option, especially for lesions located at the mid-to-upper third of the stomach, without increasing either the procedure time or the rate of complications.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for lesions on the proximal location between remnant and entire stomach.

BACKGROUND: Tumors located on the proximal stomach are associated with a longer procedure time and lower en-block resection of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Additionally, it is more difficult to perform ESD for lesions after distal gastrectomy because of the narrow inner space. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of ESD for lesions on the remnant stomach compared with those on the upper third of the entire stomach. METHODS: A total of 135 patients with a neoplasm located on the proximal stomach who received ESD between Aug 2008 and Dec 2016 were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed en-bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, and complication rate according to whether distal gastrectomy was performed. Clinical outcomes were compared among the 1:2 propensity-matched groups. RESULTS: Between the remnant stomach and entire stomach, the en-bloc [92% (23/25) and 92.0% (46/50), respectively; P = 1.000] and complete resection [84% (21/25) and 88.0 (44/50), respectively; P = 0.723] rates were not significantly different. In patients with lesions that indicated ESD, there was no significant difference in en-bloc and complete resection rates. In a multivariable analysis, submucosal fibrosis [odds ratio (OR) 5.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-30.7] and submucosa invasive cancer (OR 10.1, 95% CI 1.4-74.3) were independent risk factors for incomplete resection. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is a feasible therapeutic option for lesions located on the proximal stomach regardless the operation history of distal gastrectomy. However, the complete resection rate decreases for lesions with submucosal fibrosis or the submucosa invasion.

Efficacy of preoperative colonoscopic tattooing with indocyanine green on lymph node harvest and factors associated with inadequate lymph node harvest in colorectal cancer.

Objective: Adequate lymph node harvest (LNH) in colorectal cancer is closely related to survival. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative colonoscopic tattooing (PCT) with indocyanine green (ICG) on adequate LNH in colorectal cancer. Materials and methods: A total of 1079 patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer were divided into two groups: a tattooing group and a non-tattooing group. The patients were retrospectively analyzed for the number and adequacy of LNH according to tumor locations and stages. Univariate and multivariate analysis for factors associated with adequate LNH were done. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number and adequacy of LNH according to tumor locations. However, T1 colorectal cancer in the tattooing group had significantly higher adequate LNH (91.6% vs 82.1%, OR 2.370, p = .048) and T1 and N0 rectal cancer in the tattooing group also had higher adequate LNH although there was no statistical significance (100% vs 82.4%, OR 12.088, p = .095; 96.9% vs 84.8%, OR 5.570, p = .099) when compared to the non-tattooing group. Male sex and T1 stage were significantly associated with inadequate LNH in multivariate analysis (OR 0.556 (95% CI 0.340-0.909), p = .019; OR 0.555 (95% CI 0.339-0.910), p = .019, respectively). Conclusion: PCT with ICG did not improve adequate LNH in colorectal cancer but effectively improved adequate LNH in early colorectal cancer. Male sex and early cancer were risk factors for inadequate LNH in colorectal cancer, so PCT is needed for adequate LNH in these patients.

Clinical outcomes of iatrogenic upper gastrointestinal endoscopic perforation: a 10-year study.

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination is a relatively safe procedure; however, all endoscopic procedures are invasive and are associated with a risk of iatrogenic perforation. To evaluate clinical outcomes of iatrogenic upper gastrointestinal endoscopic perforation. Factors associated with surgical management or mortality were analyzed. METHODS: Between November 2008 and November 2018, the medical records of 149,792 upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were evaluated. The mechanisms of perforations were categorized as electrocoagulation-induced or blunt trauma-induced injuries. The incidence and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic perforations based on the types of procedures performed were evaluated. RESULTS: Iatrogenic endoscopic perforations occurred in 28 cases (0.019%). Iatrogenic perforation-related mortality occurred in 3 patients. The iatrogenic perforation rate based on the types of procedures performed was as follows: diagnostic endoscopy = 0.002%, duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection = 0.9%, esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection = 10.7%, gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection = 0.2%, endoscopic self-expandable metal stent insertion for malignant esophageal obstruction = 0.1%, duodenoscope-induced injury = 0.02%, endoscopic sphincterotomy = 0.08%, and ampullectomy = 6.8%. All electrocoagulation-induced perforations (n = 21) were managed successfully (15 cases of endoscopic closure, 5 cases treated conservatively, and 1 case treated surgically). Three patients died among those with blunt trauma-induced perforations (n = 7). The factors associated with surgical management or mortality were old age, poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥ 1), advanced malignancy, and blunt trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of electrocoagulation-induced iatrogenic perforations can be treated using endoscopic clips. If endoscopic closure fails for blunt trauma-induced perforations, prompt surgical management is mandatory.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric indefinite for neoplasia: which lesions should be resected?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The management plan for gastric indefinite for neoplasia is undetermined, and endoscopic forceps biopsy might be inconclusive in ascertaining whether a resection is required. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric indefinite for neoplasia and to identify the factors highly predictive of true neoplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a single, tertiary, referral hospital between November 2008 and December 2015. A total of 109 gastric indefinite for neoplasia lesions from endoscopic forceps biopsy that were resected by ESD were included in the study. The clinical outcomes and endoscopic factors for prediction of true neoplasia were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients (90.8%) were diagnosed with definite neoplasia after ESD and were classified as category 3 (n = 42), category 4 (n = 50), and category 5 (n = 7) according to the revised Vienna classification. The mean age of the patients was 65.8 ± 9.8 years. The mean lesion size was 10.7 ± 6.1 mm. The patient population predominantly consisted of male patients (70.6%). The en bloc and complete endoscopic resection rates were 98.2% and 94.5%, respectively. Factors associated with true neoplastic lesions were male sex (odds ratio [OR] 8.596, p = 0.008) and lesion size ≥ 5 mm (OR 11.355, p = 0.003). Factors associated with category 4-5 were male sex (OR 3.165, p = 0.021) and erosive change (OR 2.841, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection for indefinite for neoplasia with larger lesions size and erosive changes, especially in males, should be considered when possible.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric neoplasms using a snare tip.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables the complete removal of gastric lesions regardless of tumor size. ESD is typically performed using one of several available electrocautery knives and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is performed using a diathermic snare. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and complications in patients in whom a snare tip was used for ESD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 30 patients who underwent removal of a gastric lesion using a snare tip by ESD or hybrid ESD (ESD with snaring). For hybrid ESD, snaring was performed after an adequate submucosal dissection. The clinical outcomes according to the endoscopic procedure performed were evaluated. RESULTS: ESD was performed in 12 patients and hybrid ESD was performed in 26 patients. Overall en-bloc and complete resection rates were both 97.4%. There was one case where piece-meal resection was performed in the hybrid ESD group. There were no procedure related complications such as perforation or bleeding. The mean specimen size was 2.8 ± 0.6 cm in the ESD group and 2.3 ± 0.5 cm in the hybrid ESD group (p = .031). The mean procedure time did not differ between the two methods (12.8 min in ESD and 9.7 min in hybrid ESD, p = .060). CONCLUSIONS: The snare tip can be used as an electrocautery knife to incise the mucosa and dissect the submucosa during removal of a gastric lesion.

Endoscopic predictive factors associated with local recurrence after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been accepted as the treatment of choice for gastric epithelial neoplasia. Endoscopic characteristics of the primary lesion and post-ESD scars may be informative to predict the possibility of local recurrence. METHODS: Between November 2008 and July 2015, a retrospective study was conducted in a single-tertiary referral hospital. Consecutive patients who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer (EGC) or high-grade dysplasia were analyzed to evaluate the incidence of local recurrence and associated endoscopic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 639 lesions were analyzed. The rates of en-bloc and complete resection were 98.1% and 95.5%, respectively. A total of 15 local recurrent lesions were found (2.3%). The endoscopic findings of primary lesions associated with local recurrence were a lesion size ≥20 mm (odds ratio, OR, 4.408; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.369-14.186, p = .013) and incomplete endoscopic resection (OR 17.059, 95% CI 4.887-59.551, p < .001). During follow-up endoscopic examinations, atypical scar findings (non-flat morphology, erythematous color change and uneven surface pattern) were significant endoscopic findings to predict local recurrence. Local recurrence was absent for ESD scars with even-flat morphology without erythema. CONCLUSION: Lesions with larger size (≥ 20 mm) and incompletely resected lesions had higher risk of local recurrence. Endoscopic forceps biopsy is unnecessary for even-flat ESD scar without erythematous changes.

Predictors of upstage diagnosis after endoscopic resection of gastric low-grade dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of precursor lesions such as gastric low-grade dysplasia is crucial in order to improve gastric cancer-related mortality. However, there are no universally accepted management guidelines regarding which lesions should be resected or should be monitored by follow-up visits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 1006 gastric low-grade dysplasia lesions that had been resected via endoscopic submucosal dissection. We also evaluated the endoscopic risk factors associated with upstage diagnosis from low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia or gastric cancer. RESULTS: The mean age of our patients was 63.7 ± 9.1 years and 70.3% of our study population included men. The predominant location and gross type of lesions was the lower third of the stomach (78.6%) and the elevated type (57.8%), respectively. The rates of pathological concordance, upstage, and downstage diagnosis were 85.3, 12.1, and 2.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age and sex, showed that a lesion size ≥ 10 mm (Odds ratio [OR] 2.231; p = 0.003), erythema (OR 7.315; p < 0.001), nodularity (OR 5.589; p < 0.001), depression (OR 3.024; p = 0.002), and erosion (OR 7.680; p < 0.001) were all factors significantly associated with upstage diagnosis. Furthermore, an increasing number of risk factors was associated with an increasing frequency of upstage diagnosis; if there were no risk factors, then there was no upstage diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several risk factors that were significantly associated with the upstage diagnosis of gastric low-grade dysplasia: lesion size ≥ 10 mm and a variety of surface changes (erythema, nodularity, depression, and erosion). Our data indicate that if there is no evidence of these endoscopic risk factors, then regular follow-up may be considered, according to the patient's combined comorbid conditions.

Preoperative predictors of beyond endoscopic submucosal dissection indication or lymphovascular invasion in endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: To successfully resect early gastric cancer (EGC), prediction of lymph node metastasis is essential. Beyond endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) indication or lymphovascular invasion (LVI) are known risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis. However, accurate prediction of tumor invasion depth or LVI is impossible before endoscopic resection even when endoscopic ultrasound is used. The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors associated with beyond ESD indication or LVI after ESD for EGC. METHODS: Between Jan 2011 and Feb 2015, 532 lesions from 506 patients who received ESD for EGCs were included. We reviewed the data of patients diagnosed as EGCs without ulceration or those smaller than 3 cm with ulceration. RESULTS: The incidence of EGCs found to be beyond expanded ESD indications or present of LVI after ESD was 11.1% (59/532). On multivariable analysis, endoscopic features of SM invasion, surface color changes, and elevated lesions were associated with beyond ESD indication or LVI. In particular, submucosal (SM) invasive features such as SM tumor-like marginal elevation [odds ratio (OR) 17.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-146.7], fusion of convergent folds (OR 12.9; 95% CI 3.9-42.1), irregular surface (OR 17.8; 95% CI 5.6-56.8), and discoloration of the tumor surface (OR 16.1; 95% CI 2.4-105.9) were significant risk factors for beyond ESD indication or LVI. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to proceed with endoscopic resection for EGCs with endoscopic features of SM invasion, surface color changes, or elevated forms must be made cautiously.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosa dissection for high-grade dysplasia from endoscopic forceps biopsy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Although the Vienna Classification recommends endoscopic resection for gastric high-grade dysplasia (HGD), many resected lesions are diagnosed as gastric cancer after endoscopic resection. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of gastric HGD identified by endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and factors associated with discrepant results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to July 2015, a total of 427 lesions diagnosed as initial HGD by EFB were enrolled. The rate of early gastric cancer (EGC) and factors predicting diagnosis upgrade were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Tumors ranged between 2 and 65 mm in size (median 12.59). En bloc and complete resection rates were 97.4 and 95.3%, respectively. The diagnostic discrepancy rate was 76.3%. Upgrade and downgrade rates of pathological diagnoses were 66.5 and 9.8%, respectively. Central depression (OR 4.151), nodular surface (OR 5.582), surface redness (OR 2.926), lesion location (upper third of the stomach) (OR 3.894), and tumor size ≥10 mm (OR 2.287) were significantly associated with EGC. Nodular surface (OR 2.746), submucosal fibrosis (OR 3.958), lesion location (upper third of the stomach) (OR 6.652), and tumor size ≥10 mm (OR 4.935) significantly predicted invasive submucosal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Central depression, nodular surface, surface redness, lesion location, large tumor size, and submucosal fibrosis were associated with EGC or submucosal cancer. Caution must be used in treating lesions with these features with ESD.

The clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with incomplete endoscopic resection of rectal carcinoid tumor.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The risk of lymph node metastasis of a small rectal carcinoid tumor (<10 mm) is known to be lower than that of tumors at other gastrointestinal sites. Although rectal carcinoid tumors can be treated by endoscopic resection, the resected specimen may be incomplete. The consequences of an incomplete resection are not well known. METHOD: From December 2008 to November 2015, cases of rectal carcinoid tumors resected by endoscopic resection techniques such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or endoscopic mucosal resection using band ligation device (EMR-L), or cap aspiration (EMR-C) were enrolled. The factors associated with incomplete endoscopic resection and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 134 rectal carcinoid tumors were resected by endoscopic techniques; ESD (n = 53), EMR-C (n = 65), and EMR-L (n = 16). The mean tumor size was 5.5 ± 2.4 mm. The mean follow-up period was 835 ± 501 days. The en bloc resection and complete resection rates were 100 and 85.8%, respectively. Procedure time was longer and the size of the resected tumor was larger in the ESD group than in the EMR-C or EMR-L (p < 0.001) group by the univariate analysis. A factor related to incomplete resection was central depression on the surface (OR 11.529, 95% CI 2.377-55.922, p = 0.002), as revealed by the multivariate analysis. Nineteen patients had an incomplete resection status and did not undergo additional resection treatment; none of these patients had recurrence during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A rectal carcinoid tumor with a central depression on the surface was associated with a higher incomplete resection rate. After an incomplete resection of small rectal carcinoid tumors, without evidence of lymphovascular invasion, a periodic follow-up examination without additional resection may be recommended.

Location characteristics of early gastric cancer treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The timely detection of early gastric cancer (EGC) is important in performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We attempted to determine the location characteristics of regions where EGC is frequently detected and analyzed the EGC characteristics associated with that location. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with EGC treated by ESD between November 2008 and August 2016. We retrospectively investigated and analyzed 647 EGC lesions. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 66.7 ± 10.8 years. The patient population was predominantly male (77.1%, 499/647). A well-to-moderately differentiated carcinoma was observed in 97.2% of patients. The common site of carcinoma occurrence was the lower part of the stomach (the antrum and lower third of body, 89.6%). Among the stomach hemispheres, the lesser curvature side was the most frequent site of EGC (43.9%). The posterior side of EGC was more frequent than anterior side of EGC (20.4 vs. 15.6%, respectively). Submucosal invasive EGC was more frequent in the mid-to-upper parts of stomach than lower part of stomach (odds ratio 1.919; confidence interval 1.014-3.623; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Most EGCs that are resectable with ESD were found in the lower part and in the lesser curvature of the stomach. The submucosal invasive EGC was more frequent in the mid-to-upper part of stomach.

A large and pedunculated inflammatory pseudotumor with pseudosarcomatous change of the cecum mimicking a malignant polyp: a case report and literature review.

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a rare benign tumor of unknown etiology that can occur in almost any organ system. It has neoplastic features such as local recurrence, invasive growth, and vascular invasion, leading to the possibility of malignant sarcomatous changes. The clinical presentations of colonic IPT may include abdominal pain, anemia, a palpable mass, and intestinal obstruction. A few cases of colonic IPT have been reported, but colonic IPT with pedunculated morphology is very rare. Furthermore, since it can mimic malignant polyps, understanding the endoscopic findings of colonic IPT is important for proper treatment. Herein, we present a case of colonic IPT with pseudosarcomatous changes, presenting as a large polyp, mimicking a malignant polyp in the cecum, along with a literature review.

Clinical outcomes of esophageal granular cell tumors with different endoscopic resection methods.

Esophageal granular cell tumors (GCTs), the second most common subepithelial tumors (SETs) of the esophagus, are potentially malignant with no definite management guidelines available. We retrospectively enrolled 35 patients with endoscopically resected esophageal GCTs between December 2008 and October 2021 and evaluated the clinical outcomes from the various methods performed. Several modified endoscopic mucosal resections (EMRs) were performed for treating esophageal GCTs. Clinical and endoscopic outcomes were evaluated. Mean age of patients was 55.8 ± 8.2, with majority being men (57.1%). Mean tumor size was 7.2 ± 2.6 mm, most (80.0%) were asymptomatic and present in the distal third of the esophagus (77.1%). Endoscopic characteristics predominantly included broad-based (85.7%) and whitish-to-yellowish color changes (97.1%). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) of 82.9% of the tumors revealed homogeneous hypoechoic SETs originating from the submucosa. The five endoscopic treatment methods used were: ligation-assisted (77.1%), conventional (8.7%), cap-assisted (5.7%), and underwater (5.7%) EMRs and ESD (2.9%). Mean procedure time was 6.6 ± 2.1 min, and no procedure-associated complications were noted. The en-bloc and complete histologic resection rates were 100% and 94.3%, respectively. No recurrences were noted during follow-up, and no significant differences in the clinical outcomes of the different methods of endoscopic resection were found. Based on tumor characteristics and therapeutic outcomes, modified EMR methods can be effective and safe. However, there were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes of the different methods of endoscopic resection.