Small bowel enteroscopy - A joint clinical guideline by the Spanish and Portuguese small-bowel study groups.

The present evidence-based guidelines are focused on the use of device-assisted enteroscopy in the management of small-bowel diseases. A panel of experts selected by the Spanish and Portuguese small-bowel study groups reviewed the available evidence focusing on the main indications of this technique, its role in the management algorithm of each indication, and its diagnostic and therapeutic yield. A set of recommendations was issued accordingly.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in the management of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a retrospective cohort multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the clinical impact of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in patients with Peutz- Jeghers syndrome (PJS).The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of DBE in the management of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective cohort study, which included all consecutive patients diagnosed with PJS who underwent DBE for polypectomy between January 2006 and August 2012. In all cases, previous videocapsule enteroscopy had shown at least one polyp ≥ 10 mm in size. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (13 men; median age 36 years; 14 with prior laparotomy) underwent 46 DBE procedures (1 to 5 per patient, 44 via oral route). Polypectomy was performed in 39/46 DBEs. A total of 214 polyps were removed (median-size 30 mm), with a median number of polypectomies per procedure of 5.0 (range 1-18). The estimated maximum-sizes of resected polyps significantly decreased at each session: 30.0, 25.0, 20.0, 15.0, and 17.5 mm (p = 0.02). In 7 DBEs no polypectomy was performed (4-only minor polyps detected; 3-endoscopic irresecability). Complications occurred in 3/39 of therapeutic procedures (2-minor delayed bleeding; 1-mucosal tear), all of them dealt with conservative or endoscopic therapy. Six patients underwent elective surgery post DBE due to polyps not amenable for endoscopic resection. There were no small-bowel polyp related complications during a median follow-up of 56.5 months. CONCLUSION: DBE showed to be a safe and effective technique in the management of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients, allowing a presymptomatic and non-surgical approach.

Impact of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Feeding on Nutritional Status in Patients Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer.

Introduction: Oesophageal cancer causes dysphagia and weight loss. Malnutrition further worsens with multimodal treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in the nutritional status of patients with oesophageal cancer requiring chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: A comparative study with a prospective arm and a historical cohort was conducted. Oesophageal cancer patients undergoing CRT with dysphagia grade >2 and/or weight loss >10% were submitted to PEG-tube placement (pull method) before CRT. Stoma seeding was evaluated through a swab obtained after placement and, in surgical patients, the resected stoma. A matched historical cohort without PEG placement was used as control (trial ACTRN12616000697482). Results: Twenty-nine patients (intervention group, IG) were compared to 30 patients (control group, CG). Main outcomes did not differ in the IG and CG: weight loss during CRT 8.1 ± 5.5 kg versus 9.1 ± 4.2 kg (p = 0.503); 6-month mortality after CRT or surgery 17.2% versus 26.7% (p = 0.383); perioperative complication rate 54.5% versus 55.6% (p = 1.000); unplanned hospital admissions 34.5% versus 40.0% (p = 0.661). In the CG, during CRT, 14 (46.7%) patients presented with dysphagia grade 3-4, of whom 12 required nasogastric tube feeding (n = 10), surgical gastrostomy (n = 1), and oesophageal dilation (n = 1). In the IG, 89.7% used the PEG tube during CRT, sometimes exclusively in 51.7%. Adverse events were mainly minor (n = 12, 41.4%), mostly late peristomal infections, 1 major complication (exploratory laparotomy due to suspected colonic interposition, not confirmed). There was no cytological or histological evidence of stomal tumour seeding. Conclusion: Weight loss, hospital admissions, surgical complications, and mortality were identical in oesophageal cancer patients referred for CRT, regardless of prophylactic PEG. However, half of the patients required exclusive enteral nutritional support, making PEG-tube placement an alternative to consider.

Introdução: A neoplasia do esófago associa-se a disfagia e perda ponderal, sendo a desnutrição agravada pelo tratamento multimodal. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da colocação de gastrostomia percutânea endoscópica (PEG) no estado nutricional de doentes com neoplasia do esófago propostos para quimiorradioterapia (QRT). Métodos: Estudo comparativo com braço prospetivo e controlo retrospetivo. Incluídos doentes com neoplasia do esófago propostos para QRT definitiva ou neoadjuvante, com disfagia grau >2 e/ou perda de peso <10%. Colocada PEG (método pull) antes do início de QRT. Avaliada sementeira tumoral por zaragatoa e histologia. Como controlo, utilizada coorte histórica de doentes sem PEG. Registo ACTRN12616000697482. Resultados: 29 doentes (grupo intervenção, GI) foram comparados com 30 controlos (GC). Sem diferença significativa nos principais outcomes: perda de peso durante a QRT 8.1 ± 5.5 kg versus 9.1 ± 4.2 kg (p = 0.503); mortalidade aos 6 meses após QRT ou cirurgia 17.2% versus 26.7% (p = 0.383); taxa de complicações perioperatórias 54.5% versus 55.6% (p = 1.000); admissões hospitalares não planeadas 34.5% versus 40.0% (p = 0.661). No GC, durante a QRT, 14 (46.7%) apresentaram disfagia graus 3­4, dos quais 12 necessitaram de nutrição por sonda nasogástrica (n = 10), gastrostomia cirúrgica (n = 1) ou dilatação esofágica (n = 1). No GI, 89.7% utilizaram a PEG durante QRT, em algum momento de forma exclusiva em 51.7%. Os eventos adversos foram sobretudo minor (n = 12; 41.4%), sobretudo infeções tardias peri-estoma; 1 complicação major (laparotomia exploradora por suspeita de interposição de cólon, não confirmada). Sem evidência citológica ou histológica de sementeira tumoral no estoma. Conclusão: Embora não se tenham observado diferenças na perda de peso, complicações cirúrgicas e mortalidade entre grupos, metade dos utentes necessitou de nutrição entérica exclusiva, tornando a colocação de PEG uma alternativa a considerar.

Should Colorectal Cancer Screening in Portugal Start at the Age of 45 Years? A Cost-Utility Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in Europe. Recently, new data from the USA and Europe revealed an increase in the incidence of CRC in individuals aged <55 years and a reduction in those aged >65 years. Mortality rate was stable in patients aged <55 years and decreased after the age of 55 years. Based on the USA data, the American Cancer Society (ACS) published a qualified recommendation advocating the start of CRC screening at the age of 45 years. We aimed to evaluate if the changes in the CRC incidence/mortality observed in the USA and the rest of Europe also occur in Portugal, and then perform a cost-utility analysis of CRC screening that starts at 45 years of age. METHODS: We evaluated the incidence of CRC by age group using data from the National Cancer Registry, and the mortality rate according to the National Statistics Institute in the periods 1993-2010 and 2003-2016. A cost-utility analysis was performed with a decision tree from a societal perspective comparing biennial fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a single colonoscopy screening versus nonscreening at the age of 45 years in Portugal. RESULTS: In Portugal, in 1993-2010, there was an increase in CRC incidence of 17% (from 25 to 30/100,000), 35% (from 39 to 54/100,000), and 71% (from 52 to 97/100,000) in patients aged 45-49 years, 50-54 years, and 55-59 years, respectively. The mortality rate of patients aged 45-54 years remained stable between 2003 and 2016 (12/100,000) as a counterpoint to a moderate decrease in those aged 55-64 years (from 38 to 35/100,000) and a sharp reduction in those aged 65-75 years (from 93 to 75/100,000). Screening for CRC at the age of 45 years has no cost utility with the current incidence. FIT screening provided an ICUR of EUR 84,304/quality-adjusted life years (QALY) while colonoscopy provided an ICUR of EUR 3,112,244/QALY. On one-way sensitivity analysis, FIT screening would only have cost utility at the present cost of colonoscopy under sedation (EUR 150) and acceptance rates if the incidence rate rises above 47.5/100,000; colonoscopy at this age would have no cost utility despite changes in costs and/or incidence rates. CONCLUSION: In Portugal, the incidence of CRC in patients aged 45-55 years has been increasing with a stable mortality rate, in contrast to the decrease in mortality in the age groups covered by the current CRC screening program. However, at present, CRC screening in Portugal at the age of 45 years has no cost utility and will only have this if the incidence rate rises above 47.5/100,000 (vs. the actual incidence of 30/100,000).

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: O cancro colorretal (CCR) é uma das neoplasias mais comuns na Europa. Recentemente, temos observado um aumento da incidencia de cancro colorretal (CCR) em individuos <50 anos (não abrangidos pelos programas de rastreio), tanto na europa como nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA). Simultaneamente, a taxa de mortalidade (TM) permaneceu estável em doentes <55 anos e diminuiu >55 anos. Baseado nestes dados, a American Cancer Society (ACS) publicou uma recomendação qualificada advogando o inicio do rastreio aos 45 anos. Avaliar se as alterações na incidência/mortalidade de CCR observadas nos EUA/Europa também ocorrem em Portugal e realizar uma análise de custo-utilidade do início do rastreio de CCR aos 45 anos. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos a incidencia de CCR por faixa etária usando dados do Registro Oncológico Nacional (1993­2010) e TM de acordo com o Instituto Nacional de Estatística (2003­2016). A análise de custo-utilidade foi realizada com uma árvore de decisão sob uma perspetiva social, comparando o teste imunoquímico fecal bienal (FIT) com a realização de uma colonoscopia total aos 45 anos. RESULTADOS: Em Portugal (1993­2010) observou-se um aumento na incidencia de CRC de 17% (25/100.000 vs. 30/100.000), 35% (39/100.000 vs. 54/100.000) e 71% (52/100.000 vs. 97/100.000) em doentes com 45­49 anos, 50­54 anos e 55­59 anos, respetivamente. A TM de indivíduos com 45­54 anos permaneceu estável (12/100.000) ao contrário da diminuição moderada em indivíduos com 55­64 (38/100.000 vs. 35/100.000) e uma acentuada redudo em 65­75 (93/100.000 vs. 75/100.000). O rastreio de CCR aos 45 anos não teve custo-utilidade na presente incidencia (FIT/colonoscopia total). O rastreio com FIT forneceu um RCEI de € 84.304/QALY, enquanto a colonoscopia forneceu um RCEI de € 3.112.244/OALY. Em análise de sensibilidade unilateral, o rastreio com FIT apresentaria custo-utilidade com o custo atual da colonoscopia sob sedação (€ 150) e taxas de aceitado apenas se a incidencia subir acima de 47,5/100.000; o rastreio com colonoscopia nesta idade nunca teria custo-utilidade, apesar das mudanças nos custos e/ou taxas de incidencia. CONCLUSÃO: Em Portugal, a incidencia de CCR em doentes com idades entre 45­55 anos tem aumentado (TM estável). Este cenário é semelhante ao descrito nos EUA/restante europa. No entanto, o inicio do rastreio do CCR aos 45 anos em Portugal apenas terá custo-utilidade se incidencia for >47.5/100.000 (vs. 30/100.000).

Small Bowel Enteroscopy - A Joint Clinical Guideline from the Spanish and Portuguese Small Bowel Study Groups.

The present evidence-based guidelines are focused on the use of device-assisted enteroscopy in the management of small-bowel diseases. A panel of experts selected by the Spanish and Portuguese small bowel study groups reviewed the available evidence focusing on the main indications of this technique, its role in the management algorithm of each indication and on its diagnostic and therapeutic yields. A set of recommendations were issued accordingly.

Estas recomendações baseadas na evidência detalham o uso da enteroscopia assistida por dispositivo no manejo clínico das doenças do intestino delgado. Um conjunto de Gastrenterologistas diferenciados em patologia do intestino delgado foi selecionado pelos grupos de estudos Espanhol e Portugués de intestino delgado para rever a evidência disponível sobre as principais indicações desta técnica, o seu papel nos algoritmos de manejo de cada indicação e sobre o seu rendimento diagnóstico e terapêutico. Foi gerado um conjunto de recomendações pelos autores.

Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection of Colorectal Lesions with the New FTRD System: Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an emerging technique for the treatment of various conditions for which classic endoscopic resection techniques have failed or were considered to be at high risk for perforation. The full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is an over-the-scope system which allows a single-step EFTR. The aim of our study is to describe our experience in EFTR of colorectal lesions using the FTRD. METHODS: Nine patients (10 colorectal lesions) were proposed for EFTR. Safety, R0 resection and endoscopic treatment success were evaluated. RESULTS: Reasons for referral included nonlifting adenomas (n = 4), nonlifting adenoma recurrence (n = 5), and submucosal lesion (n = 1). EFTR was technically successful in all patients. The mean duration of the procedure was 55 min. R0 resection was obtained in all patients. No major complications were detected. All lesions were successfully treated by the endoscopic technique and no patient was referred for surgery. In patients with available follow-up (n = 6), no recurrence was detected. CONCLUSIONS: EFTR is a feasible, reasonable time-consuming, safe, and promising endoscopic resection technique. KEY MESSAGES: FTRD is an additional tool for difficult-to-treat colorectal lesions.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: A ressecção endoscópica transmural (RET) é uma técnica promissora para o tratamento de várias lesões não passíveis de ressecção endoscópicapelas técnicas convencionais ou naquelas em que estes procedimentos apresentam elevado risco de complicações.O "full-thickness resection device" (FTRD) é um sistema pré-montado, que se acopla ao colonoscópio e que permite efetuar RET com um procedimento único. Pretende-se descrever a experiência do nosso centro na realização de RET com o FTRD. MÉTODOS: Nove doentes (10 lesões cólicas) foram propostos para RET. Foram avaliadas a segurança, ressecção R0 e taxa de sucesso do procedimento endoscópico. RESULTADOS: As indicações para o procedimento incluíram adenomas (n = 4), recidivas de adenomas (n = 5) sem elevação após injeção submucosa e lesão submucosa (n = 1). A RET foi tecnicamente bemsucedida em todos os doentes. A duração média dos procedimentos foi de 55 minutos. Ressecções R0 em todos os doentes. Não se registaram complicações major. Todas as lesões foram eficazmente tratadas com a ressecção endoscópica e nenhum doente foi proposto para cirurgia. Nos doentes já submetidos a exames de vigilância (n = 6) não foram detetadas recorrências. CONCLUSÕES: A RET é uma técnica exequível e segura para a terapêutica de lesões coloretais. MENSAGENS CHAVE: A RET parece ser uma promissora ferramenta adicional para manejo de lesões colo-rectais difíceis de tratar.

Real-Time Optical Diagnosis of Colorectal Polyps in the Routine Clinical Practice Using the NICE and WASP Classifications in a Nonacademic Setting.

BACKGROUND: Narrow-band imaging (NBI) allows "in vivo" classification of colorectal polyps. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the optical diagnosis by nonexpert community-based endoscopists in routine clinical practice, the impact of training, and whether the endoscopists could achieve the threshold for the "do not resect" policy. METHODS: This was an observational study performed in two periods (P1 and P2). Endoscopists had no prior experience in NBI in P1 and applied the technique on a daily basis for 1 year before participation in P2. Lesions were classified by applying the NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) and Workgroup serrAted polypS and Polyposis (WASP) classifications, simultaneously. RESULTS: A total of 290 polyps were analyzed. The overall accuracy of optical diagnosis was 0.75 (95% CI 0.68-0.81) in P1, with an increase to 0.82 (95% CI 0.73-0.89) in P2 (p = 0.260). The accuracy of the NICE/WASP classifications to differentiate adenomatous from nonadenomatous histology was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.84) in P1 and 0.86 (95% CI 0.77-0.92) in P2 (p = 0.164); assignments made with a high confidence level achieved statistical significance (13% improvement, 95% CI 3-22%; p = 0.022). The negative predictive value for adenomatous histology of diminutive rectosigmoid polyps was 81% (95% CI 64-93%) and 80% (95% CI 59-93%) in P1 and P2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nonexpert endoscopists achieved moderate accuracy for real-time optical diagnosis of colorectal lesions with the NICE/WASP classifications. The overall performance of the endoscopists improved after sustained use of optical diagnosis, but did not achieve the standards for the implementation of the "do not resect" strategy.

INTRODUÇÃO: O narrow-band imaging (NBI) permite a classificação "in-vivo" dos pólipos colo-rectais. OBJECTIVOS: Avaliámos o diagnóstico óptico na prática clínica diária em endoscopistas da comunidade, sem experiência prévia em NBI, o impacto do treino e se estes conseguiam atingir o limiar da estratégia de "não ressecar". MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, realizado em dois períodos (P1 e P2). Os endoscopistas não apresentavam experiência prévia em NBI em P1 e aplicaram a técnica diariamente durante um ano antes da participação em P2. As lesões foram classificadas aplicando as classificações NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) e Workgroup serrAted polypS and Polyposis (WASP), simultaneamente. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 290 pólipos. A acuidade global do diagnóstico óptico foi de 0.75 (IC 95%, 0.68-0.81) em P1, aumentando para 0.82 (IC 95%, 0.73-0.89) em P2 (p = 0.260). A acuidade das classificações de NICE/WASP na diferenciação de histologia adenomatosa de não-adenomatosa foi de 0.78 (IC 95%, 0.72-0.84) em P1, e 0.86 (IC 95%, 0.77-0.92) em P2 (p = 0.164); as predições realizadas com alto grau de confiança alcançaram significado estatístico (melhoria de 13%, IC 95%, 3-22%; p = 0.022). O valor preditivo negativo para histologia adenomatosa dos pólipos diminutos recto-sigmóides foi de 81% (IC 95%, 64-93%) e 80% (IC 95%, 59-93%), em P1 e P2, respetivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Endoscopistas sem experiência em NBI alcançaram acuidade moderada no diagnóstico óptico em tempo real de lesões colo-rectais, utilizando as classificações de NICE/WASP. O desempenho global melhorou após a utilização contínua do diagnóstico óptico, mas não alcançou o limiar definido para a implementação da estratégia de "não ressecar".

Efficacy of Long-Term Oral Vitamin B12 Supplementation after Total Gastrectomy: Results from a Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency is a common complication after total gastrectomy which may be associated with megaloblastic anemia and potentially irreversible neurologic symptoms. Intramuscular supplementation of VB12 has been considered the standard treatment, although it is associated with high costs and patient discomfort. PATIENTS/METHODS: We performed a prospective uncontrolled study (ACTRN12614000107628) in order to evaluate the clinical and laboratory efficacy of long-term oral VB12 supplementation in patients submitted to total gastrectomy. All patients received daily oral VB12 (1 mg/day) and were evaluated every 3 months (clinical and laboratory evaluation: hemoglobin, VB12, total iron, ferritin, and folate). RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were included with a mean age of 64 years (29-79). Patients were included with a mean period of 65 months (3-309) after total gastrectomy. At inclusion time, 17/26 patients were under intramuscular VB12, and 9 had not started supplementation yet. There were normal serum VB12 levels in 25/26 patients (mean VB12 serum levels: 657 pg/mL). The mean follow-up period was 20 (8.5-28) months. During follow-up, all patients had normal VB12 levels and there was no need for intramuscular supplementation. The patient with low VB12 levels had an increase to adequate levels, which remained stable. There were no differences with statistical significance among VB12 levels at 6 (867 pg/mL), 12 (1,008 pg/mL), 18 (1,018 pg/mL), and 24 (1,061 pg/mL) months. Iron and folate supplementation was necessary in 21 and 7 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Oral VB12 supplementation is effective and safe in patients who underwent total gastrectomy and should be considered the preferential form of supplementation.

INTRODUÇÃO: O défice de vitamina B12 (vitB12) ocorre de forma quase universal e precocemente após gastrectomia total (GT), podendo associar-se a anemia megaloblástica e alterações neurológicas potencialmente irreversíveis. A administração intramuscular de vitB12 é considerada a forma de suplementação adequada, sendo, contudo, desconfortável, dispendiosa e, atualmente, de acesso difícil. MÉTODOS/OBJETIVO: Estudo prospetivo, não controlado (ACTRN12614000107628), cujo objetivo principal foi avaliar a eficácia clínica e laboratorial a longo prazo da suplementação oral com vitB12 em doentes com GT. O objetivo secundário foi avaliar outros défices nutricionais (ferro e folatos). Os doentes foram medicados com vitB12 oral (1mg/dia) e sujeitos a avaliação clínica e laboratorial trimestral (hemoglobina, vitB12, ferro, ferritina e ácido fólico). SPSS 23 (Wilcoxon test). RESULTADOS: Incluídos 26 doentes (M-18; F-8), idade média 64 anos (29­79), com diagnósticos de adenocarcinoma (n = 25) e linfoma MALT (n = 1). Os doentes foram incluídos em média 65 meses (3­309) após GT. À data de inclusão, 17/25 doentes encontravam-se medicados com vitB12 intramuscular e 9 ainda não tinham iniciado suplementação, verificando-se níveis séricos adequados de vitB12 em 25/26 doentes (1/26 com níveis de vitB12 baixos por incumprimento da terap'utica intramuscular), sendo o valor médio de 657 pg/mL (136­1,642). Os doentes foram avaliados durante uma mediana de 23 meses (IQR 8,8). No follow-up todos os doentes apresentaram níveis normais de vitB12, não sendo necessária terap'utica intramuscular. O doente com vitB12 baixa registou um incremento para níveis adequados, que se mantiveram estáveis. Não houve diferenças com significado estatístico nos níveis de vitB12 aos 6 (867 pg/mL), 12 (1,008 pg/mL) e 24 (1,061 pg/mL) meses, embora com aumento progressivo dos mesmos. A suplementação com ferro e folatos foi necessária em 21 e 7 doentes, respetivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação oral de vitB12 é eficaz e segura em doentes com GT, pelo que esta deve ser considerada a forma preferencial de administração neste grupo de doentes.

Multicenter survey on the use of device-assisted enteroscopy in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Device-assisted enteroscopies (DAEs) are recent endoscopic techniques that enable direct endoscopic small-bowel evaluation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to evaluate the implementation of DAEs in Portugal and assess the main indications, diagnoses, diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield and complication rate. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective series using a national Web-based survey on behalf of the Portuguese Small-Bowel Study Group. Participants were asked to fill out two online databases regarding procedural data, indications, diagnoses, endoscopic therapy and complications using prospectively collected institutional data records. RESULTS: A total of eight centers were enrolled in the survey, corresponding to 1411 DAEs. The most frequent indications were obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), inflammatory bowel disease and small-bowel tumors. The pooled diagnostic yield was 63%. A relation between the diagnostic yield and the indications was clear, with a diagnostic yield for OGIB of 69% (p = 0.02) with a 52% therapeutic yield. Complications occurred in 1.2%, with a major complication rate of 0.57%. Perforations occurred in four patients (0.28%). CONCLUSION: DAEs are safe and effective procedures, with complication rates of 1.2%, the most serious of which is perforation. Most procedures are performed in the setting of OGIB. Diagnostic and therapeutic yields are dependent on the indication, hence appropriate patient selection is crucial.

Endoscopic mucosal resection of superficial colorectal neoplasms: review of 140 procedures.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been shown to be useful in the removal of large colorectal sessile and flat lesions, avoiding the need for surgical resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EMR in colorectal lesions using the inject-and-cut technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the review of colonoscopy reports, performed from February 2007 and February 2010, resected lesions = 10 mm in diameter were selected for the study. The endoscopic and histologic characteristics, complications, follow-up and surgical need were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period we performed 140 EMRs among 133 patients (82 men; mean age 64.4 ± 12.4 years). The majority of lesions were located proximal to the hepatic flexure (47.8%). Lesions mean size was 18.5 ± 8.5 mm. Morphologically lesions were classified as: Is-60; IIa-54; IIb-14; IIa+IIc-12. En-bloc resection was performed in 56.4% of cases. Lesions > 20mm in size were independently associated with a higher rate of piecemeal resection (OR: 13.7; 95% CI: 3.8-49.6; p < 0.0001) and residual lesion (OR: 7.3;95% CI: 1.6-34.2; p = 0.012). A complete endoscopic clearance was achieved in 91.4% of cases. Histological classification: non-specific alterations-1; hyperplastic polyp-8; adenoma-124; adenocarcinoma-7. The complication rate was 5.7% (6 intra-procedural bleeding; 1 delayed bleeding; 1 perforation). Until now, 144 follow-up colonoscopies were performed in 90 patients. Local recurrence occurred in 17/90 (18.9%), 10 of whom were managed with a new EMR. The recurrence rate was not affected by the lesion's dimension, location,and resection type. Twenty-one patients (15%) were referred for surgery, mainly because of incomplete resection of the index lesion. CONCLUSION: EMR was effective and safe in the treatment of colorectal sessile and flat lesions. Lesions larger than 20mm were frequently associated with piecemeal resections, which did not lead to a higher recurrence rate. EMR is feasible for managing local recurrence.