Novel reopenable clip with anchor prongs facilitates mucosal defect closure after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Pilot feasibility study (with video).

Closure of mucosal defects following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD) is often performed to prevent post-C-ESD adverse events. However, large mucosal defect closure using conventional clips remains technically challenging. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of the novel endoclip with anchor prongs, called the MANTIS Clip (Boston Scientific, Tokyo, Japan), for mucosal defect closure after C-ESD. This high-volume retrospective study was conducted at a single center. From March until December 2023, consecutive patients who underwent post-C-ESD mucosal defect closure using MANTIS Clip to achieve complete closure were enrolled. Patient clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. Closure of the mucosal defect using the MANTIS Clip was attempted following C-ESD in 32 lesions. The median sizes of the resection specimens and the tumors were 32 mm (range, 17-100 mm) and 23.5 mm (range, 5-96 mm), respectively. The lesions were distributed between the cecum, ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid, and rectum. Complete closure was achieved in 96.9% of cases (31/32). All lesions up to 61 mm in defect size were completely closed. The median closure time was 7.9 (range, 3.3-18.0) min. The median numbers of MANTIS Clip and additional conventional clips were 3 (range, 1-4) and 5 (range, 1-11), respectively. No adverse events associated with closure, post-ESD bleeding, and delayed perforation occurred. MANTIS Clip closure for large post-C-ESD mucosal defects was found to be feasible and reliable with a high complete closure rate and a short procedure time.

Band-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection for small (≤ 1.5 cm) submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria in the gastric fundus: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To date, no prospective study has compared the safety and efficacy of band-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (BA-EMR) with those of endoscopic dissection (ESD) for the treatment of submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the gastric fundus. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BA-EMR with those of ESD for SMTs ≤ 1.5 cm in the gastric fundus. METHODS: In total, 62 patients with SMTs ≤ 1.5 cm in the gastric fundus underwent band ligation; the lesions that could be completely ligated were excised using a snare, while others were removed by ESD. RESULTS: Of 62 patients, 42 had their lesions completely ligated by the band and underwent BA-EMR, while 20 had lesions that could not be completely ligated and underwent ESD. The average tumor size was 0.94 ± 0.16 and 1.30 ± 0.16 cm in the BA-EMR and ESD groups, respectively. Compared with ESD, BA-EMR had significantly fewer complications and a significantly shorter mean operating time and hospital stay. CONCLUSION: BA-EMR is a safe and effective method for small SMTs in the gastric fundus, but is only suitable for SMTs < 1.2 cm. For small SMTs (< 1.2 cm) in the gastric fundus, BA-EMR may simplify the treatment procedure, shorten the operation time, and reduce complications.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Treatment of Superficial Pharyngeal Cancers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies evaluating the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers have reported promising results. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of ESD in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. METHODS: We reviewed several databases from inception to September 03, 2020, to identify studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of ESD in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. Our outcomes of interest were en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, adverse events, and rates of local recurrence. Pooled rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all outcomes were calculated using random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic. We assessed publication bias by using funnel plots and Egger's test. We conducted meta-regression analysis to explore heterogeneity in analyses. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in analyses. All studies were from Asia. Pooled rates (95% CI) for en bloc resection and complete resection were 94% (87%, 97%) and 72% (62%, 80%), respectively. The pooled rates (95% CI) for adverse events and local recurrence were 10% (5%, 17%) and 1.9% (0.9%, 4%), respectively. Most of the analyses were limited by substantial heterogeneity. On meta-regression analysis, the heterogeneity was explained by size of tumor and histology. Funnel plots and Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis including studies from Asian countries demonstrated that ESD is an efficacious and safe option in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. More studies and studies from Western countries are needed to further validate these findings.

Laparoscopic resection is better than endoscopic dissection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor between 2 and 5 cm in size: a case-matched study in a gastrointestinal center.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of endoscopic dissection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (gGIST) between 2 and 5 cm in size has been demonstrated. However, its impact on short-term and long-term outcomes, compared with laparoscopic resection, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic resection and endoscopic dissection for 2-5-cm gGIST. METHODS: A case-matched study was performed using the propensity score. To overcome selection bias, we performed a 1:1 match using six covariates, including age, sex, BMI, ASA score, tumor size, and tumor location. Short-term and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic resection and endoscopic dissection were compared. RESULTS: A total of 210 patients with 2-5-cm gGIST were enrolled between 2006 and 2017 in our gastrointestinal center. According to the intention-to-treat approach, 165 patients underwent laparoscopic resection, and 45 patients underwent endoscopic dissection. After the propensity score, 45 pairs were balanced and analyzed. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the laparoscopic and endoscopic groups after matching. The rate of complications was significantly higher in the endoscopic group compared with the laparoscopic group (P < 0.001). Perforations occurred in 16 patients in the endoscopic group (16/45, 35.6%). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the endoscopic group compared with the laparoscopic group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in disease-free survival or overall survival. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection is better than endoscopic dissection for 2-5-cm gGIST because of the lower complication rate and shorter hospital stay.

Two types of autologous cells in stricture development prevention after complete circular endoscopic dissection in minipig.

INTRODUCTION: Complete circular endoscopic dissection (CED) is frequently accompanied with post-operative strictures formation in the esophagus. Various types of therapeutic approaches have recently been tested to prevent these strictures, e.g. cell therapy or stenting. METHODS: Miniature pigs of Gottingen/Minnesota origin (n=10) were used in the study. First, we made the complete CED in the mid esophagus; next, the defect was left untreated or covered with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or a mixture of MSCs and primary oral keratinocytes (pOKs) suspension without/with fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). Consequently, we performed a control endoscopy with a stent removal, and necropsy was performed 17-36 days after cells application. RESULTS: All CED procedures were completed successfully without serious complications. Although we were able to detect MSCs or pOKs in the post-CED defects up to the 36th day after transplantation, the combination of MSCs or MSCs/pOKs with or without SEMS application did not prevent post-CED strictures development. The mixture of MSCs and pOKs resulted in the formation of cellular aggregates, which were mainly observed in submucosa, and the post-CED defect was covered with collagen fibers containing a thin scarred epithelium, accompanied by various degrees of reconstruction and integrity. CONCLUSION: Suspension application of autologous MSCs alone or in combination with pOKs with or without SEMS was ineffective in the prevention of strictures formation after complete CED. Nevertheless, the presence of MSCs or pOKs in the post-CED defect was confirmed even 5 weeks after transplantation.

Thermoresponsive aerification and tissue vacuolization for facilitating endoscopic submucosal resection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mucosal lifting and its persistence are critical for maintaining the operational space and preventing perforation in endoscopic operation. Although numerous agents have been investigated, optimization is still required for improving their clinical performance. In the present study, we proposed a novel concept of thermoresponsive aerification and tissue vacuolization for submucosal injection. METHODS: Lifting performance and operational condition were first evaluated in porcine stomachs in vitro and rabbits in vivo. Dodecafluoropentane (DDFP) injection dosage, lifting persistency and operational assistance were quantitatively recorded. Gross and histological pathology were also analyzed to identify DDFP acute toxicity and long-term safety. The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure with DDFP was carried out on pigs in vivo to confirm its operational feasibility, efficacy, and safety. RESULTS: Dodecafluoropentane aerification could achieve better mucosal lift with lower dosage (1% of normal saline dosage). Thermoresponsive DDFP aerification could provide continuous replenishment and longer persistence. Meanwhile, its tissue vacuolization effect significantly facilitated submucosal tissue dissection in in vitro study. Similar performance was verified in vivo. The particular vacuole-like submucosal structure was seen after DDFP onset, which also promoted reepithelization and wound healing. No tissue damage, gas embolism, biotoxicity, and physicochemical risk were observed. CONCLUSION: Bioinert DDFP was feasible, efficient, and safe as the novel submucosal lifting candidate.

The Rs4938723 Polymorphism Reduces Expression of MicroRNA-34b and Increases the Risk of Recurrence after Endoscopic Dissection in Early Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: In respect to the effect of MET1 upon the recurrence of Early gastric cancer (EGC) after endoscopic dissection (ESD) treatment, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism, including the potential regulator and signaling pathways of MET1 in this study. METHODS: We searched the miRNA database online (www.mirdb.org) with the "seed sequence" located within the 3'-UTR of the target gene, and then validated MET1 to be the direct gene via luciferase reporter assay system. Real-time PCR and western-blot were used to determine the expression of miR-34b mRNA and MET1 mRNA and protein in different treating group. RESULTS: MET1 was the direct gene of miR-34b by searching the miRNA database online and constructing luciferase reporter. We also investigated the negative regulatory relationship between miR-34b and MET1 via studying the relative luciferase activity at different concentrations of miR-34b mimics. Further, since rs4938723 polymorphism was previously reported to be interfering with the expression of miR-34b, we investigated the expression level of different genotypes including TT (N=20), TC (N=9) and CC (N=3), which supported the hypothesis that the presence of minor allele (C) of rs4938723 polymorphism compromised the expression of miR-34b. Meanwhile, we also conducted real time PCR and Western blot analysis to study the mRNA and protein expression level of MET1 among different genotypes or cells treated with different concentration of miR-34b mimics/inhibitors, indicating the negative regulatory relationship between miR-34b and MET1.We also investigated the relative viability of EGC cells when transfected with miR-34b mimics (50nM and 100nM) and miR-34b inhibitors (100nM) to validate miR-34b to be negatively interfering with the viability of EGC cells. CONCLUSION: These data confirmed miR-34b rs4938723 polymorphism was also recognized as a biomarker to predict recurrence after ESD in EGC patients via analysis upon the recurrence-free rate among different genotypes of EGC patients.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided retrieval of a toothpick embedded in the stomach wall.

Patients with the complaint of ingested foreign body commonly present in the emergency department. Radiographic imaging is always done for the purpose of localization. However, radiolucent materials like wood are not easily picked up on CT scan. We report the case of a 33-year-old male patient who presented with the complaint of progressive abdominal pain and history of ingestion of a toothpick. It was removed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided localization-assisted targeted endoscopic dissection. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided localization reduced the length and depth of the required incision and helped to minimize the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:603-604, 2017.

Retrospective Analysis of Rectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection at Ordensklinikum Linz and Kepler Universitätsklinikum Linz.

Background and study aim: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for the removal of neoplastic benign and early malignant lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we analyse the success and safety of rectal ESD at Linz hospitals, focusing on a specific endoscopist. Additionally, we examine whether there is a learning curve regarding success parameters. Methods: This retrospective study included all 102 patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection of the rectum by a defined endoscopist at Ordensklinikum Hospital and Kepler University Hospital between December 2010 and May 2021. With the collected data, a descriptive statistic was carried out and regression analyses were performed. Results: The en bloc resection rate was 78.4% and the rate of lesions removed in healthy tissue was 55.6%. The average procedure time was 179 min and the complication rate was 7.8%. In total, 26.4% of cases showed carcinoma; in 25.9% of these cases, an oncologically curative resection was achieved with ESD. Follow-up data were available for 61.1% of cases, with recurrence being diagnosed in 3.6% of cases. A learning curve was observed regarding the rate of lesions removed in healthy tissue and the procedure time, but not regarding the en bloc resection rate. Conclusions: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a safe method for the removal of large rectal adenomas and early carcinomas. The en bloc resection rate of the analysed procedures is within the range of comparable European studies. The rate of lesions removed in healthy tissue is below the R0 resection rate of the comparative literature; however, a learning curve could be observed in this parameter.

The role of lymph node metastasis in early gastritis Individuals following noncurative endoscopic Resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that individuals who underwent noncurative endoscopic resection for gastric cancer may require additional surgery. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the risk of lymph node metastasis in these cases. METHODS: We comprehensively examined relevant literature by extensively reviewing electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Subsequently, we analyzed clinicopathological outcomes and calculated pooled odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals using diverse effects models. RESULTS: This analysis included 12 papers with 4808 individuals who underwent additional surgery after noncurative endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer. The results indicated significant associations between lymph node metastasis and submucosal invasion (Odd ratio 2.04, 95% (CI): 1.58-2.63, I 2 = 88.7%; p<0.001), vertical margin (Odd ratio 6.11, 95% (CI): 1.94-19.23, I 2 = 0%; p<0.001), lymphatic invasion (Odd ratio 10.02, 95% (CI): 7.57-13.27, I 2 = 92%; p<0.000), and vascular invasion (Odd ratio 7.11, 95% (CI): 5.49-9.22, I 2=92%; p<0.000). CONCLUSIONS: When choosing factors for surgical treatment, it is essential to thoroughly consider the invasion of lymph nodes, vascular system, submucosa, and positive vertical margin.

Comparison of Long-Term Survival Between cT1N0 Stage Esophageal Cancer Patients Receiving Endoscopic Dissection and Esophagectomy: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Endoscopic dissection (ED) shows relatively high clinical value in early esophageal cancer (cT1N0) such as lower incidence of postoperative complications and hospitalization costs and enhanced recovery. However, whether ED still has certain advantages over esophagectomy in terms of long-term survival remains unclear. Purpose: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the long-term outcomes of ED and surgery in the treatment of cT1N0 esophageal cancer. Methods: Several electronic databases including the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to April 7, 2022 for studies which compared the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of cT1N0 esophageal cancer patients receiving the ED or esophagectomy. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined and all statistical analysis was conducted through STATA 15.0 software. Results: A total of 12 studies involving 3,732 patients were enrolled. No significant difference in the OS between ED and surgery groups was observed (HR = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.59-1.04, p = 0.089). However, the DSS of the ED group was significantly longer than that of the surgery group (HR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.39-0.82, p = 0.003). Conclusion: In overall, the current evidence manifested that the long-term survival of cT1N0 esophageal cancer patients undergoing ED was not worse than that of patients undergoing esophagectomy. ED may be considered as the primary treatment for cT1N0 esophageal carcinoma patients.

Image-guided endonasal endoscopic excision of Meckel's cave trigeminal schwannoma from cavernous and petrous carotid artery.

Trigeminal schwannoma is the second most common schwannoma after vestibular schwannoma. Symptoms vary depending on the anatomical structures affected by the tumor, including facial pain, paresthesia, dizziness and ataxia. The primary goals are controlling the symptoms and the maintenance of cranial nerves' integrity perioperatively. We report a 39-year-old lady who was complaining of mild right-sided headache, vision and hearing loss, right facial weakness and dysphagia. CT and MRI showed a large dumbbell-shaped tumor originating from the trigeminal fossa abutting the petrous and cavernous carotid artery and extending to the infratemporal fossa. An image-guided endonasal endoscopic removal was successfully done. Image-guided endonasal endoscopic removal of a trigeminal schwannoma abutting the petrous and cavernous carotid artery and extending to the infratemporal fossa is a safe, effective approach, as it offers excellent visualization, accurate localization and safe dissection of the tumor from the critical anatomical neurovascular structures surrounding it.

Endoscopic resection with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A critical review.

Radical esophagectomy with extended lymph node dissection is considered the standard of care in treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus with deep mucosal invasion (pT1a m3) or submucosal involvement (pT1b). However, despite the increasing use of minimally invasive approaches, it remains a major surgery associated with significant morbidities and even mortality risk. Endoscopic resection (ER) results in excellent local control in early superficial mucosal (pT1a) disease yet there is substantial risk of lymph node metastases in T1b disease. Therefore, ER followed by combined with chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) would potentially improve the outcome in pT1a m3 or pT1b disease and would be an attractive conservative alternative to esophagectomy. Retrospective series published so far have shown promising results for this combined treatment. Herein the current literature of the indications, treatment outcome and toxicities of this treatment strategy are discussed and critically reviewed.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection as treatment for early gastric cancer: Experience at two centers in Lima, Peru. / Disección submucosa endoscópica como tratamiento de cáncer gástrico temprano: experiencia en 2 centros de Lima, Perú.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and determine the clinical and pathologic characteristics of early gastric cancers and premalignant lesions treated with that technique at the Hospital Nacional of the Department of Health and a private clinic in Lima, Peru. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study of all pre-malignant and malignant gastric lesions treated with ESD at the Gastroenterology Service of the Hospital Arzobispo Loayza and the Clínica Angloamericana was conducted within the time frame of January 2012 and January 2017. RESULTS: A total of 13 lesions were resected through ESD: 8 adenocarcinomas (61.53%), 3 adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (23%), and 2 adenomas with low-grade dysplasia (15.38%). Twelve lesions (92.3%) were located in the lower third of the stomach. Slightly elevated lesions (Paris classification IIa) (4 lesions, 30.76%) and mixed slightly elevated lesions with a depressed component (IIa+IIc) (4 lesions, 30.76%) predominated. The mean size of the resected specimens was 35mm. Complete resection of all lesions was achieved in 11 cases (84.6%) and en bloc resection was carried out in 11 cases (84.6%). Resection was curative in 6 cases (75%), from the total of 8 resected adenocarcinomas. One case of perforation was the only complication reported (7.6%) and it was surgically resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility and efficacy of ESD for the treatment of early gastric cancer was demonstrated at two healthcare centers in Lima, Peru. The complication rate was similar to that reported in the international medical literature.

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting procedure for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Development and adoption of endoscopic minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting prompted its application to the radial artery in an effort to minimize surgical trauma. Recently, we reported that endoscopic radial artery harvesting was associated with better wound appearance and it proved to be safe and effective, with less pain and fewer wound complications than the open surgical technique. Based on this positive experience, our institution adopted endoscopic radial artery harvesting, hence the aim of this manuscript is to describe the minimally invasive endoscopic radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Avances en el manejo del carcinoma precoz de esófago / Advances in Management of Early Esophageal Carcinoma

El carcinoma de células escamosas del esófago (CCE) tiene un mal pronóstico debido a que la detección ocurre generalmente en etapas avanzadas. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de la endoscopia de alta resolución con recursos de cromoscopia digital y con lugol ha favorecido el diagnóstico del CCE en estadios iniciales.En paralelo hubo un importante progreso de las técnicas endoscópicas para la resección endoluminal del tumor en bloque, a partir del desarrollo del procedimiento denominado disección endoscópica de la submucosa (DES). Estos avances han permitido la expansión de las indicaciones del tratamiento endoscópico mínimamente invasivo con potencial curativo en pacientes con CCE. El presente artículo de revisión tiene como objetivo principal contribuir a la comprensión de los avances recientes más importantes relacionados al manejo del CCE precoz de esófago. Como objetivo secundario se pretende ofrecer una revisión detallada de la técnica de la DES desarrollada por los expertos japoneses, a fi n de contribuir a la difusión de este concepto y a la incorporación de estas nuevas tecnologías en la endoscopia latinoamericana

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus has a poor prognosis because it is generally detected in its advanced stages. Recently however, the development of high resolution endoscopy with digital chromoscopy and Lugol favors diagnosis of SCC in its initial stages. This development was made parallel to development of important endoscopic techniques for endoluminal resectioning of tumors “en bloque” from endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). These advances have increased the indications for minimally invasive endoscopictreatment of SCC of the esophagus providing patients with the potential of a cure. This review article aims to provide an understanding of the most recent and most important advances related to management of early SCC of the esophagus. The secondary objective of this article is to provide a detailed review of the ESD technique developed by Japanese experts. Both objectives have the aim of contributing to the diffusion ofESD and these new technologies to Latin American endoscopy and their incorporation into Latin Americangastroenterological practice.