Risk of stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection in the cervical esophagus and efficacy of local steroid injection for stricture prevention.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is a high incidence of stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for cervical esophageal cancer. We aimed to elucidate the risk factors for stricture and evaluate the efficacy of steroid injection for stricture prevention in the cervical esophagus. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients who underwent ESD for cervical esophageal cancer to: (1) identify the factors associated with stricture among patients who did not receive steroid injection; (2) compare the incidence of stricture between patients with and without steroid injection. RESULTS: Among 48 patients who did not receive steroid injection, there were significant differences in tumor size (P = .026), resection time (P = .028), and circumferential extent of the mucosal defect (P = .005) between patients with stricture (n = 5) and without stricture (n = 43). Compared with patients without steroid injection, patients with steroid injection had a significantly lower incidence of stricture when the post-ESD mucosal defect was < 3/4 and ≥ 1/2 (40% versus 8%, P = .039). As for the patients with a post-ESD mucosal defect of ≥ 3/4 (n = 13), local steroid injection was performed for all the patients, and 6 patients (46%) developed stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent ≥ 1/2 circumferential resection were at high risk of cervical esophageal stricture. Steroid injection had a stricture-prevention effect in patients with < 3/4 and ≥ 1/2 circumferential resection, but seemed to be insufficient in preventing stricture in patients with ≥ 3/4 circumferential resection.

A case of endoscopic submucosal dissection of esophageal acantholytic Paget's disease with discontinuously spreading and unclear neoplastic extension.

BACKGROUND: Paget's disease (PD) is a carcinoma, in which irregular atypical cells with abundant cytoplasm proliferate mainly within the epithelium and is classified into PD occurring in the breast and extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) occurring outside the breast. Essentially, extramammary PD is reported as a tumor for which it is difficult for surgeons to properly determine the line of resection. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of roughness of the esophageal epithelium during the follow-up examination for a gastric ulcer. A preoperative biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma; therefore, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic feature in this patient was the distribution of tumor cells and, accordingly, the difficulty in identifying the neoplastic distribution. In this patient, the odd distribution and growth pattern of the tumor cells made it difficult for the operator to identify the distribution of the lesion preoperatively.

Endoscopic Features of Synchronous Multiple Early Gastric Cancers: Findings from a Nationwide Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancers and determined their localization. METHODS: We analyzed 8,191 patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers at 33 hospitals in Japan from November 2013 to October 2016. Background factors were compared between single-lesion (n = 7,221) and synchronous multi-lesion cases (n = 970) using univariate and multivariate analyses. We extracted cases with two synchronous lesions (n = 832) and evaluated their localization. RESULTS: Significant independent risk factors for synchronous multiple early gastric cancer were older age (≥75 years old) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.257), male sex (OR = 1.385), severe mucosal atrophy (OR = 1.400), tumor localization in the middle (OR = 1.362) or lower region (OR = 1.404), and submucosal invasion (OR = 1.528 [SM1], 1.488 [SM2]). Depressed macroscopic type (OR = 0.679) and pure undifferentiated histology OR = 0.334) were more common in single early gastric cancers. When one lesion was in the upper region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region. When one lesion was in the middle region, the other was more frequently located in the middle region or the lesser curvature of the lower region. When one lesion was in the lower region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region or the lower region. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancer included older age, male sex, severe mucosal atrophy, tumor localization in the middle or lower region, and tumor submucosal invasion. Our findings provide useful information regarding specific areas that should be examined carefully when one lesion is detected.

Multiple foci of dilated vessels as a new predictor of metachronous esophageal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Prediction of the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by endoscopic findings without iodine staining, which is irritating to the esophagus, would be beneficial. In a previous retrospective study, we found that multiple foci of dilated vascular areas (MDV) of the esophageal mucosa, seen in narrow-band imaging (NBI)/blue laser imaging (BLI), are associated with iodine-unstained lesions and, thus, may be a predictor of esophageal SCC. This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between MDV and metachronous esophageal SCC. METHODS: Patients with a history of endoscopic resection for esophageal SCC were included in the study. First, evaluation of the MDV using NBI or BLI was conducted during the initial endoscopy. The patients were then monitored for metachronous esophageal SCC by endoscopic surveillance. The association between the number of MDV and incidence of metachronous esophageal SCC was investigated. RESULTS: From February 2018 to May 2019, 206 patients were enrolled and 201 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were followed up until October 2022. The median (interquartile range) endoscopic follow-up period was 1260 (1105-1348) days. The incidence of metachronous esophageal SCC at 2 years was 7.1% in patients with MDV ≤4 and 13.9% in patients with MDV ≥5 (P < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, MDV was an independent predictor of metachronous esophageal SCC, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.37 (1.06-5.31). CONCLUSION: Multiple foci of dilated vascular area is a useful predictor for stratifying the risk of metachronous esophageal SCC.

Predictors of technical difficulty for trainees in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically challenging, especially for trainees, and requires a safe training system. This study aimed to identify predictors of technical difficulty facing trainees performing esophageal ESD to establish such system. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent ESD performed by trainees between January 2010 and August 2022. Technical difficulties were defined as muscularis propria exposure and long procedure time (≥ 90 min). Factors associated with these technical difficulties were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 798 lesions in 721 patients were evaluated. Muscularis propria exposure occurred in 298 lesions (37.3%), including 10 perforations (1.3%). The procedure time was ≥ 90 min in 134 lesions (16.8%). In the multivariate analysis, tumor size ≥ 20 mm, tumors ≥ 1/2 of the circumference, and those close to previous treatment scars significantly increased the incidence of both difficulties, whereas tumors in the upper esophagus significantly decreased this incidence. Furthermore, female sex and tumors in the left wall were independent predictors of muscularis propria exposure, and elevated morphology was an independent predictor of long procedure time. Muscularis propria exposure and long procedure time occurred in more than half of the cases with three or more predictors of each difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Large tumors and tumors close to previous treatment scars increase technical difficulties for trainees in esophageal ESD. Conversely, tumors in the upper esophagus reduce these difficulties. These results enable us to predict the difficulty level preoperatively and select appropriate cases in stepwise training.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of submucosal dissection for residual or recurrent colorectal tumors after endoscopic resection: Analysis of a multicenter prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: We previously demonstrated that a favorable long-term prognosis indicated that endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) could be the standard treatment for large colorectal epithelial neoplasms, but the usefulness of ESD for local residual or recurrent tumors with submucosal fibrosis has not been fully demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of ESD for local residual or recurrent colorectal tumors. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide multicenter prospective study to evaluate the outcomes of ESD for colorectal tumors. In this post hoc analysis, a total of 54 local residual or recurrent colorectal tumors in 54 patients were included, and we analyzed the short-term and long-term outcomes of ESD for these lesions. RESULTS: The median size of the lesions was 16.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 11-25) mm. ESD was completed in 53 cases (98.1%) with a median procedure time of 65.0 min, but it was discontinued in one case because of submucosal cancer invasion. En bloc resection was achieved in 52 cases (96.3%), whereas R0 resection was achieved in 45 cases (83.3%). Intraoperative perforation was observed in four cases (7.4%) and delayed perforation in one (1.9%), but all cases could be managed conservatively. Delayed bleeding was not observed. There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes between the rectal and colonic lesions. There was no recurrence of the tumor during the median follow-up period of 60 (IQR 50-64) months. CONCLUSION: An analysis of our multicenter prospective study suggests that ESD is an effective salvage management for local residual or recurrent colorectal lesions.

Potential role of a novel endoscopic retrieval bag for large colorectal resected specimen: a proof-of-concept study.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection enables en bloc resection of large superficial colorectal neoplasms. However, it is sometimes challenging to retrieve a large resected specimen via the anus without sample fragmentation. A novel "bag-type" retrieval device has been developed to accomplish complete isolation and non-destructive delivery of oversized specimens. This single-center retrospective study was performed to demonstrate the efficacy of this device for large colorectal resected specimens. Among 17 patients, we identified 18 superficial colorectal lesions for which the use of a novel retrieval device (Endo Carry Large Type) was indicated at specimen delivery at a referral cancer institute from March 2021 to July 2022. The median (interquartile range) tumor size was 62.5 (52.0-79.5) mm. Retrieval of 17 (94%) of 18 resected specimens was performed using the Endo Carry Large Type, and 16 (89%) were successfully retrieved without sample fragmentation. The median (interquartile range) retrieval time was 4 (4-8) minutes, and no apparent adverse events were observed. The novel Endo Carry Large Type device can accomplish colorectal specimen retrieval safely and quickly without specimen damage and therefore may contribute to accurate pathological diagnosis.

Endoscopic features of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The endoscopic features of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (G-NEC) have not been clarified; therefore, they were investigated in relation to clinicopathological findings. METHODS: Consecutive patients with G-NECs who had undergone endoscopic or surgical resection at our institution between January 2005 and March 2022 were included in this retrospective study. The endoscopic and clinicopathological findings of the lesions were analyzed to provide information of diagnostic value. In addition, cases of gastric neuroendocrine tumor (G-NET) and common-type gastric adenocarcinoma treated in the same study period were identified to compare the endoscopic findings between each G-NEC versus G-NET, and G-NEC versus common-type gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients with common-type gastric adenocarcinoma were matched for age, sex, tumor size, and depth of tumor invasion in 1:3 ratio. RESULTS: Among 15 patients with 15 G-NECs, submucosal tumor-like marginal elevation (87%), adherent white coat (67%), and ulceration with a distinct border (60%) were characteristic endoscopic findings in white-light images. Magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy revealed an absent microsurface (MS) pattern plus disrupted irregular microvessel (MV) in five (71%) of seven cases with evaluable MS and MV patterns. The area with an absent MS pattern plus disrupted irregular MV corresponded to the histological finding of NEC component in all five cases. These endoscopic features were all significantly more frequent in G-NECs than G-NETs (n = 22) or common-type gastric adenocarcinomas (n = 45). CONCLUSIONS: These endoscopic features should be taken into consideration to increase the index of suspicion and to improve the accuracy of target biopsies for G-NEC.

Endoscopic resection for local residual or recurrent cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and radiotherapy (RT) are treatment options for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but local residual/recurrent cancer after CRT/RT is a major problem. Endoscopic resection (ER) is an effective treatment option for local residual/recurrent cancer. To ensure the efficacy of ER, complete removal of endoscopically visible lesions with cancer-free vertical margins is desired. This study aimed to identify the endoscopic parameters associated with the complete endoscopic removal of local residual/recurrent cancer. In this single-center, retrospective study, we used a prospectively maintained database to identify esophageal lesions that were diagnosed as local residual/recurrent cancer after CRT/RT and treated by ER between January 2012 and December 2019. We evaluated the associations of endoscopic R0 resection with findings on conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). In total, 98 lesions (83 cases) were identified from our database. The rate of endoscopic R0 resection was higher for flat lesions (100% versus 77%, P = 0.00014). EUS was performed for 24 non-flat lesions, and endoscopic R0 resection was achieved for 94% of lesions with an uninterrupted fifth layer. Flat lesions on conventional endoscopy and lesions with an uninterrupted fifth layer on EUS are good candidates for ER.

A single-center prospective study evaluating the usefulness of artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a real-time setting.

BACKGROUND: Several pre-clinical studies have reported the usefulness of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We conducted this study to evaluate the usefulness of an AI system for real-time diagnosis of ESCC in a clinical setting. METHODS: This study followed a single-center prospective single-arm non-inferiority design. Patients at high risk for ESCC were recruited and real-time diagnosis by the AI system was compared with that of endoscopists for lesions suspected to be ESCC. The primary outcomes were the diagnostic accuracy of the AI system and endoscopists. The secondary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 237 lesions were evaluated. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the AI system were 80.6%, 68.2%, and 83.4%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of endoscopists were 85.7%, 61.4%, and 91.2%, respectively. The difference between the accuracy of the AI system and that of the endoscopists was - 5.1%, and the lower limit of the 90% confidence interval was less than the non-inferiority margin. CONCLUSIONS: The non-inferiority of the AI system in comparison with endoscopists in the real-time diagnosis of ESCC in a clinical setting was not proven. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs052200015, 18/05/2020).

Predictors of stricture after non-circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection of the esophagus and single-dose triamcinolone injection immediately after the procedure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Local triamcinolone (TA) injection is widely used to prevent stricture formation after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, stricture develops in up to 45% of patients despite this prophylactic measure. We therefore conducted a single-center prospective study to identify predictors of stricture after esophageal ESD and local TA injection. METHODS: Patients who underwent esophageal ESD and local TA injection and who were comprehensively assessed for lesion- and ESD-related factors were included in the study. Multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of stricture. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients were included in the analysis. Multivariate analysis identified residual mucosal width ≤5 mm (odds ratio [OR], 29.0; P < .0001) or 6 to 10 mm (OR, 3.7; P = .04), history of chemoradiotherapy (OR, 5.1; P = .045), and tumor in the cervical or upper thoracic esophagus (OR, 3.8; P = .018) as independent predictors of stricture. Based on the ORs of the predictors, patients were stratified into 2 groups according to stricture risk: patients in the high-risk group (residual mucosal width ≤5 mm or 6-10 mm with another predictor) had a stricture rate of 52.5% (31 of 59 cases), and patients in the low-risk group (residual mucosal width ≥11 mm or 6-10 mm without other predictors) had a stricture rate of 6.3% (9 of 144 cases). CONCLUSIONS: We identified predictors of stricture after ESD and local TA injection. Local TA injection prevented stricture formation after ESD in low-risk patients but was not sufficient to prevent stricture in high-risk patients. Additional interventions should thus be considered in high-risk patients. (University Hospital Medical Network Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN 000028894.).

Endoscopic features and clinical course of colorectal carcinoma resected by cold snare polypectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cold snare polypectomy is commonly performed to remove small colorectal polyps. Accidental resection of carcinomas during this procedure has been reported. Herein, we aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features and clinical course of colorectal carcinomas resected by cold snare polypectomy. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at 10 Japanese healthcare centers. Of the colorectal lesions resected by cold snare polypectomy between April 2016 and March 2020, lesions pathologically diagnosed as carcinoma were reviewed. Centralized histology (based on the Vienna classification) and endoscopic reviews were performed. The study endpoints were endoscopic features and clinical outcomes of cold snare polypectomy-resected colorectal carcinomas (Vienna category ≥4.2). RESULTS: We reviewed 74 of the 70 693 lesions resected by cold snare polypectomy. After a central pathological review, 68 lesions were diagnosed as carcinomas. The Japan Narrow-band imaging Expert Team (JNET) classification type 2B, lesion size ≥6 mm, and multinodular morphology were the significant endoscopic predictors of carcinoma resected by cold snare polypectomy. No adverse events related to the procedure occurred. Sixty-three lesions were diagnosed as carcinomas within the mucosal layer, and 34 were curative resections. Of the five carcinoma lesions with submucosal invasion, additional surgery revealed remnant cancer tissues in one lesion. No local or metastatic recurrence was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the carcinomas resected by cold snare polypectomy were within the mucosal layer, few lesions invading the submucosa were identified. Careful pre-procedural endoscopic evaluation, especially focusing on the JNET classification and multinodular morphology, is recommended.