International consensus on the management of large (≥20 mm) colorectal laterally spreading tumors: World Endoscopy Organization Delphi study.

OBJECTIVES: There have been significant advances in the management of large (≥20 mm) laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) or nonpedunculated colorectal polyps; however, there is a lack of clear consensus on the management of these lesions with significant geographic variability especially between Eastern and Western paradigms. We aimed to provide an international consensus to better guide management and attempt to homogenize practices. METHODS: Two experts in interventional endoscopy spearheaded an evidence-based Delphi study on behalf of the World Endoscopy Organization Colorectal Cancer Screening Committee. A steering committee comprising six members devised 51 statements, and 43 experts from 18 countries on six continents participated in a three-round voting process. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations tool was used to assess evidence quality and recommendation strength. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement (strongly agree or agree) on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Forty-two statements reached consensus after three rounds of voting. Recommendations included: three statements on training and competency; 10 statements on preresection evaluation, including optical diagnosis, classification, and staging of LSTs; 14 statements on endoscopic resection indications and technique, including statements on en bloc and piecemeal resection decision-making; seven statements on postresection evaluation; and eight statements on postresection care. CONCLUSIONS: An international expert consensus based on the current available evidence has been developed to guide the evaluation, resection, and follow-up of LSTs. This may provide guiding principles for the global management of these lesions and standardize current practices.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of colon polyps with submucosal fibrosis using the combination of near-focus mode and traction device.

Video 1Endoscopic submucosal dissection of colon polyps with submucosal fibrosis using the combination of near-focus mode and a traction device.

Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) plus endocuff vision versus TXI alone for colorectal adenoma detection: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Increasing the adenoma detection rate (ADR) helps reduce the risk of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer. Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI) improves ADR by enhancing the brightness and contrast of endoscopic images. Endocuff Vision (ECV) is a mucosal exposure device that helps flatten the colonic folds. The benefit of combining TXI with ECV has not been studied previously. Thus, we aimed to compare the ADR between using TXI combined with ECV and TXI alone. METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial recruiting patients aged ≥ 40 years who underwent colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening or gastrointestinal symptoms. The participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the TXI with ECV (TXI + ECV) and the TXI groups. Experienced endoscopists with ≥ 40% ADR performed all colonoscopies. The primary outcome was ADR. RESULTS: We had 189 and 192 patients in the TXI + ECV and TXI groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. The ADR was significantly higher in the TXI + ECV group than in the TXI group (65.6% vs. 52.1%, P = 0.007). Adenoma per colonoscopy (APC) was significantly greater in the TXI + ECV group than in the TXI group (1.6 vs. 1.2, P = 0.021), prominently proximal (1.0 vs. 0.7, P = 0.031), non-pedunculated (1.4 vs. 1.1, P = 0.035), and diminutive (1.3 vs. 1, P = 0.045) adenomas. Serrated lesion detection rate, insertion time, and withdrawal time did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Adding ECV to TXI significantly improves ADR and APC compared to using TXI alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20220507004.

Difficult colorectal polypectomy: Technical tips and recent advances.

Colonoscopy has been shown to be an effective modality to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) development. CRC reduction is achieved by detecting and removing adenomas, which are precursors of CRC. Most colorectal polyps are small and do not pose a significant challenge for trained and skilled endoscopists. However, up to 15% of polyps are considered "difficult", potentially causing life-threatening complications. A difficult polyp is defined as any polyp that is challenging for the endoscopist to remove owing to its size, shape, or location. Advanced polypectomy techniques and skills are required to resect difficult colorectal polyps. There were various polypectomy techniques for difficult polyps such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), underwater EMR, Tip-in EMR, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or endoscopic full-thickness resection. The selection of the appropriate modality depends on the morphology and endoscopic diagnosis. Several technologies have been developed to aid endoscopists in performing safe and effective polypectomies, especially complex procedures such as ESD. These advances include video endoscopy system, equipment assisting in advanced polypectomy, and closure devices/techniques for complication management. Endoscopists should know how to use these devices and their availability in practice to enhance polypectomy performance. This review describes several useful strategies and tips for managing difficult colorectal polyps. We also propose the stepwise approach for difficult colorectal polyps.

Comparison of long-term outcomes of colonic stenting as a "bridge to surgery" and emergency surgery in patients with left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.

PURPOSE: Long-term oncologic outcomes of colonic stenting as a "bridge to surgery" in patients with left-sided malignant colonic obstruction (LMCO) are unclear. This study was performed to compare long-term outcomes of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion as a bridge to surgery and emergency surgery in patients with acute LMCO. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with acute LMCO who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery or emergency surgery. The primary outcomes were 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence rate. Survival outcomes were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. RESULTS: There was a trend of worsening 5-year OS rate in the SEMS group compared with emergency surgery group (45% vs. 57%, P=0.07). In stage-wise subgroup analyses, a trend of deteriorating 5-year OS rate in the SEMS group with stage III (43% vs. 59%, P=0.06) was observed. The 5-year DFS and recurrence rate were not different between groups. The overall median follow-up time was 58 months. On multivariate analysis, age of ≥65 years and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of ≥III, and synchronous metastasis were significant poor prognostic factors for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.709; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-2.900; P=0.05/HR, 1.988; 95% CI, 1.038-3.809; P=0.04/HR, 2.146; 95% CI, 1.191-3.866; P=0.01; respectively). CONCLUSION: SEMS as a bridge to surgery may have adverse oncologic outcomes. Patients in the SEMS group had a trend of worsening 5-year OS rate without higher recurrence.

Comparison of colonic stenting and stoma creation as palliative treatment for incurable malignant colonic obstruction.

Background and Aim: Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is a favorable therapeutic option for patients with incurable malignant colonic obstruction (MCO). However, their long-term efficacy and safety compared with those of stoma creation have not been well investigated. This study aimed to compare these long-term outcomes between these two techniques in patients with incurable MCO. Methods: This retrospective cohort included patients with incurable MCO with SEMS insertion (n = 105) and stoma creation (n = 97) between January 2009 and December 2019. The primary outcomes were patency after the procedure and 1-year re-intervention rates. Results: The patency of the SEMS group was lower than that of the stoma group (88.9 vs 93.2% at 6 months, 84.1 vs 90.5% at 12 months, and 65.8 vs 90.5% at 18 months; log-rank test, P = 0.024), but 1-year re-intervention rates were not different between the groups (10 vs 8%, P = 0.558). The median patency durations were 190 days for SEMS insertion and 231 days for stoma creation. Majority (84%) of SEMS patients did not require any re-intervention until death. The early complication rate did not differ between the groups (P = 0.377), but SEMS insertion had fewer late minor complications than stoma creation (5 vs 22%, P = 0.001). Conclusion: SEMS insertion is a safe and effective treatment for patients with incurable MCO. Although SEMS insertion had a lower patency than stoma creation, especially after 1 year, the 1-year re-intervention rates were not different, and SEMS durability was sufficient in most patients.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a symptomatic giant colonic lipoma: technical tips for resection and specimen retrieval.

Video 1Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a giant colonic lipoma.

Efficacy of international web-based educational intervention in the detection of high-risk flat and depressed colorectal lesions higher (CATCH project) with a video: Randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Three subcategories of high-risk flat and depressed lesions (FDLs), laterally spreading tumors non-granular type (LST-NG), depressed lesions, and large sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), are highly attributable to post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (CRC). Efficient and organized educational programs on detecting high-risk FDLs are lacking. We aimed to explore whether a web-based educational intervention with training on FIND clues (fold deformation, intensive stool/mucus attachment, no vessel visibility, and demarcated reddish area) may improve the ability to detect high-risk FDLs. METHODS: This was an international web-based randomized control trial that enrolled non-expert endoscopists in 13 Asian countries. The participants were randomized into either education or non-education group. All participants took the pre-test and post-test to read 60 endoscopic images (40 high-risk FDLs, five polypoid, 15 no lesions) and answered whether there was a lesion. Only the education group received a self-education program (video and training questions and answers) between the tests. The primary outcome was a detection rate of high-risk FDLs. RESULTS: In total, 284 participants were randomized. After excluding non-responders, the final data analyses were based on 139 participants in the education group and 130 in the non-education group. The detection rate of high-risk FDLs in the education group significantly improved by 14.7% (66.6-81.3%) compared with -0.8% (70.8-70.0%) in the non-education group. Similarly, the detection rate of LST-NG, depressed lesions, and large SSLs significantly increased only in the education group by 12.7%, 12.0%, and 21.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Short self-education focusing on detecting high-risk FDLs was effective for Asian non-expert endoscopists. (UMIN000042348).

Recurrence after endoscopic resection of small rectal neuroendocrine tumors: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: According to the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society consensus guidelines, rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) up to 10 mm in size and without poor prognostic factors could be safely removed with endoscopic resection, suggesting omitting surveillance colonoscopy after complete resection. However, the benefit of surveillance colonoscopy is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to report the outcomes after endoscopic resection of small rectal NETs using our surveillance protocol. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent endoscopic resection for rectal NETs sized up to 10 mm from January 2013 to December 2019 at our center. We excluded patients without surveillance colonoscopy and those lost to follow-up. We strictly performed surveillance colonoscopy 1 year after endoscopic resection, and every 2 to 3 years thereafter. The primary outcomes were tumor recurrence and occurrence of metachronous tumors during followup. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients who underwent endoscopic resection for rectal NETs during the study period, 46 were enrolled in this study. The complete resection rates by endoscopic mucosal resection, precutting endoscopic mucosal resection, and endoscopic submucosal dissection were 92.3% (12 of 13), 100% (21 of 21), and 100% (12 of 12), respectively. There was no local or distant recurrence during the median follow-up of 39 months. However, we found that 8.7% (4 of 46) of patients developed metachronous NETs. All metachronous lesions were treated with precutting endoscopic mucosal resection. CONCLUSION: Surveillance colonoscopy is reasonable after endoscopic resection of small rectal NETs for timely detection and treatment of metachronous lesions. However, larger collaborative studies are needed to influence the guidelines.

Oncologic safety of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in left-sided malignant colonic obstruction: Current evidence and prospects.

Approximately 7%-29% of patients with colorectal cancer present with colonic obstruction. The concept of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion as a bridge to surgery (BTS) is appealing. However, concerns on colonic stenting possibly impairing oncologic outcomes have been raised. This study aimed to review current evidence on the short- and long-term oncologic outcomes of SEMS insertion as BTS for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. For short-term outcomes, colonic stenting facilitates a laparoscopic approach, increases the likelihood of primary anastomosis without a stoma, and may decrease postoperative morbidity. However, SEMS-related perforation also increases local recurrence and impairs overall survival. Moreover, colonic stenting may cause negative oncologic outcomes even without perforation. SEMS can induce shear forces on the tumor, leading to increased circulating cancer cells and aggressive pathological characteristics, including perineural and lymphovascular invasion. The conflicting evidence has led to discordant guidelines. Well-designed collaborative studies that integrate both oncologic outcomes and data on basic research (e.g., alteration of circulating tumors) are needed to clarify the actual benefit of colonic stenting as BTS.

Rectal irrigation as rescue therapy for refractory and severe hemorrhagic radiation proctitis: A case report.

Rectal irrigation may be considered in refractory and severe hematochezia from chronic radiation proctitis before performing other invasive treatments. It prevents superimposed infection and effectively reduces bleeding.

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection of a rectal adenoma in the nondistensible rectum from severe fecal incontinence.

Video 1Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection of a rectal adenoma in nondistensible rectum from severe fecal incontinence.

Standards of diagnostic colonoscopy for early-stage neoplasia: Recommendations by an Asian private group.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing, and it is now becoming the major cause of cancer death in Asian countries. The aim of the present study was to develop Asian expert-based consensus to standardize the preparation, detection and characterization for the diagnosis of early-stage colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: A professional group was formed by 36 experts of the Asian Novel Bio-Imaging and Intervention Group (ANBI2 G) members. Representatives from 12 Asia-Pacific countries participated in the meeting. The group organized three consensus meetings focusing on diagnostic endoscopy for gastrointestinal neoplasia. The Delphi method was used to develop the consensus statements. RESULTS: Through the three consensus meetings with debating, reviewing the literature and regional data, a consensus was reached at third meeting in 2016. The consensus was reached on a total of 10 statements. Summary of statements is as follows: (i) Adequate bowel preparation for high-quality colonoscopy; (ii) Antispasmodic agents for lesion detection; (iii) Image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for polyp detection; (iv) Adenoma detection rate for quality indicators; (v) Good documentation of colonoscopy findings; (vi) Complication rates; (vii) Cecal intubation rate; (viii) Cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) for polyp detection; (ix) Macroscopic classification using indigocarmine spray for characterization of colorectal lesions; and (x) IEE and/or magnifying endoscopy for prediction of histology. CONCLUSION: This consensus provides guidance for carrying out endoscopic diagnosis and characterization for early-stage colorectal neoplasia based on the evidence. This will enhance the quality of endoscopic diagnosis and improve detection of early-stage colorectal neoplasia.

Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract for Fistula in Ano: Lessons Learned From a Decade of Experience.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract is a well-described sphincter-preserving technique for the management of fistula in ano. In 2007, we reported our early experience demonstrating a primary success rate of 94.4%. These findings have since been supported by several short-term studies, but long-term results and secondary cure rates after ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract failure remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to report a 10-year experience of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract with extended long-term follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of single-center data from May 2006 to October 2010 was performed. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a large tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. PATIENTS: All patients with primary or recurrent fistula in ano who underwent a ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure were included. Patients with malignancy, incontinent patients, and patients with rectovaginal fistula were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Healing as defined by the absence of symptoms with no visible external opening on clinical examination. Follow-up was continued until May 2016. RESULTS: In total, 251 patients were identified, with a primary healing rate of 87.65% at a median follow-up of 71 months. The healing rates for low transsphincteric, intersphincteric, high transsphincteric, semihorseshoe, and horseshoe fistulas were 92.1%, 85.2%, 60.0%, 89.0%, and 40.0%. Of the 42 patients who had an unhealed fistula after previous non-ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract surgery, 38 (90.48%) healed after the first attempt at ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract. There were 31 patients with unhealed fistulas after the first ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract. Of these, 3 healed spontaneously, and the rest underwent either repeat ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract, fistulotomy (if the recurrence was intersphincteric), or simple curettage (if no internal opening was found). Ultimately, only 2 of the original 251 patients remained unhealed, and there was no change in subjective continence status after surgery. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective design. CONCLUSION: Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract is an effective technique for the treatment of fistula in ano, including recurrent or unhealed fistula after other procedures. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A387.

Endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal serrated lesions: Current status and future perspectives based on the results of a questionnaire survey.

Serrated lesions, especially sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) are considered one of the most important precursors of colorectal cancers. However, it is still difficult to endoscopically differentiate SSA/P from hyperplastic polyps. In the present review, we mainly focus on the current status and future perspectives of endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal serrated lesions based on the results of a questionnaire survey and report from the Endoscopic Forum Japan (EFJ) 2015 held in Tokyo in August 2015. The proposed diagnostic strategy recommended for colorectal serrated lesions is as follows. (i) For detection, use of an updated image-enhanced endoscopy system including autofluorescence imaging (AFI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) may be promising. (ii) For differential diagnosis (hyperplastic polyp or SSA/P) of diminutive, small and large serrated lesions, NBI with magnification and magnifying chromoendoscopy using both indigocarmine and crystal violet should be applied, respectively. (iii) For differential diagnosis of SSA/P (with or without cytological dysplasia), magnifying chromoendoscopy, endocytoscopy and updated AFI system modalities might be promising.

Forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope for staging of colon cancer beyond the rectum.

AIM: To evaluate feasibility of the novel forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope for staging of colon cancer beyond rectum as the first series. METHODS: A retrospective study with prospectively entered database. From March 2012 to February 2013, a total of 21 patients (11 men) (mean age 64.2 years) with colon cancer beyond the rectum were recruited. The novel forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope was used for ultrasonographic staging of colon cancer beyond rectum. Ultrasonographic T and N staging were recorded when surgical pathology was used as a gold standard. RESULTS: The mean time to reach the lesion and the mean time to complete the procedure were 3.5 and 7.1 min, respectively. The echoendoscope passed through the lesions in 13 patients (61.9%) and reached the cecum in 10 of 13 patients (76.9%). No adverse events were found. The lesions were located in the cecum (n = 2), ascending colon (n = 1), transverse colon (n = 2), descending colon (n = 2), and sigmoid colon (n = 14). The accuracy rate for T1 (n = 3), T2 (n = 4), T3 (n = 13) and T4 (n = 1) were 100%, 60.0%, 84.6% and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy rates for the T and N staging of colon cancer were 81.0% and 52.4%, respectively. The accuracy rates among traversable lesions (n = 13) and obstructive lesions (n = 8) were 61.5% and 100%, respectively. Endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography had overall accuracy rates of 81.0% and 68.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The echoendoscope is a feasible staging tool for colon cancer beyond rectum. However, accuracy of the echoendoscope needs to be verified by larger systematic studies.

Marsupialization for simple fistula in ano: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Marsupialization of anal fistulotomy results in less raw-surface wound and may improve postoperative outcomes. The present study was designed to test the benefit of marsupialization for simple fistula in ano. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a randomized controlled study conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Fifty patients with simple uncomplicated fistula in ano were allocated into either fistulotomy group or fistulotomy with marsupialization group. Patients with complex fistula in ano, prior incontinence, immuno-compromised status and bleeding tendency were excluded from the present study. The postoperative pain score, the pain score after the first defecation, total amount of the analgesic usage and complications were evaluated. Recurrence was also assessed RESULTS: There was no difference in the postoperative pain score between the treatment groups. However, there was a significant difference (p = 0.017) in the number of patients who needed pethidine injection (4 patients of the fistulotomy with marsupialization group versus 13 patients of the fistulotomy group). There was no statistical significant difference in the pain score after the first defecation and the amount of paracetamol usage in seven days. Five complications were found only in the fistulotomy group but the significant level was marginal (p = 0.0501). There was no recurrence of thefistula and none of the patients developed anal incontinence after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Marsupialization for anal fistulotomy is safe. This technique helps to improve the postoperative outcomes.