• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.426-438
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• 2021

Purpose: While the incidence of Barrett's neoplasia has been increasing in Western countries, the disease remains rare in Asian countries. Therefore, very few studies have investigated the endoscopic treatment for Barrett's neoplasia in Korea. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables en bloc and complete resection of gastrointestinal neoplastic lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of ESD for Barrett's neoplasia in a single center in Korea and to examine the predictive factors for incomplete resection. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 18 patients who underwent ESD for superficial Barrett's neoplasia (dysplasia and early cancer) between January 2010 and December 2019 at Pusan National University Hospital. The therapeutic outcomes of ESD and procedure-related complications were analyzed. Results: En bloc resection, complete resection, and curative resection were performed in 94%, 72%, and 61% of patients, respectively. Histopathology (submucosal or deeper invasion of the tumor) was a significant predictive factor for incomplete resection (P=0.047). Procedure-related bleeding and stenosis were not observed, whereas perforation occurred in one case. During the median follow-up period of 12 months (range, 6-74 months), local recurrence occurred in 2 patients with incomplete resection, one patient underwent repeat ESD, and the other patient received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The 3-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 73% and 93%, respectively. Conclusions: ESD seems to be an effective and safe treatment for superficial Barrett's neoplasia in Korea. Nevertheless, the suitability of ESD for Barrett's cancer cases should be determined considering the high risk of deep submucosal invasion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1803-1806
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• 2014

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was originally developed for en bloc resection of large, flat gastrointestinal lesions. Compared with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), ESD is considered to be more time consuming and have more complications for treatment of early esophageal carcinoma, such as bleeding, stenosis and perforation. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ESD and EMR for such lesions. We searched databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index updated to 2013 for related trials. In the meta-analysis, the main outcome measurements were the en bloc resection rate, the histologically resection rate and the local recurrence rate. We also compared the operation time and the incidences of procedure-related complications. Five trials were identified, and a total of 710 patients and 795 lesions were included. The en bloc and histologically complete resection rates were higher in the ESD group compared with the EMR group (odds ratio (OR) 27.3; 95% CI, 11.5-64.8; OR 18.4; 95% CI, 8.82-38.59). The local recurrence rate was lower in the ESD group (OR 0.13, 95 % CI 0.04-0.43). The meta-analysis also showed ESD was more time consuming, but did not increase the complication rate (P=0.76). The results implied that compared with EMR, ESD showed better en bloc and histologically resection rates, and lower local recurrence, without increasing the incidence of procedure-related complications in the treatment of early esophageal carcinoma.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.248-255
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the preferred technique for treating early gastric cancer (EGC). However, very few studies have been conducted in South America. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ESD for EGC. Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective cohort from 2013 to 2020. A total of 152 superficial gastric neoplasms that fulfilled the absolute or expanded criteria for ESD were included. Outcomes were en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates, incidence of adverse events, and length of procedure. Results: The age of the enrolled patients was 68.4±11.3 years. The number of included patients based on the absolute and expanded indications was 150 and 2, respectively. En bloc, R0, and curative resections were achieved in 98.0%, 96.1%, and 89.5% of the cases, respectively. Bleeding and perforation were reported in 5.9% and 6.6% of the cases, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in 13, 20, 117, and 2 cases, respectively. Conclusions: Our study shows that ESD performed by properly trained endoscopists in reference centers is safe and effective, with comparable therapeutic outcomes to those reported in the Eastern series.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.36-47
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Scissor-type endoscopic submucosal dissection (ST-ESD) knives can reduce the adverse events associated with ESDs. This study aimed to compare ST-ESD and non-scissor-type (NST)-ESD knives. Methods: We identified ten studies that compared the performance characteristics and safety profiles of ST-ESD and NST-ESD knives. Fixed- and random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled proportions. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² test. Results: On comparing ST-ESD knives to NST-ESD knives, the weighted odds of en bloc resection was 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-2.90; p=0.14), R0 resection was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.71-1.71; p=0.73), delayed bleeding was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.17-0.90; p=0.03), perforation was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.18-0.70; p<0.01) and ESD self-completion by non-experts was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.20-2.95; p<0.01). There was no heterogeneity, with an I² score of 0% (95% CI, 0%-54.40%). Conclusions: The findings of reduced odds of perforation, a trend toward reduced delayed bleeding, and an improvement in the rates of en bloc and R0 resection with ST-ESD knives compared to NST-ESD knives support the use of ST-ESD knives when non-experts perform ESDs or as an adjunct tool for challenging ESD procedures.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.339-347
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• 2022

Purpose: Lymphovascular invasion is a criterion for non-curative resection in patients who have undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). We aimed to determine the rate of extragastric metastasis (EGM) and identify the predictors of EGM in patients with negative resection margins (R0 resection) and lymphovascular invasion in post-ESD pathology. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,983 patients underwent ESD for EGC. Among them, 110 had a pathology of R0 resection and positive lymphovascular invasion. Patients underwent additional gastrectomy (n=63) or further follow-up without gastrectomy (n=47). Results: The 110 patients were assigned to one of the 3 groups according to ESD indications based on post-ESD pathology. The first group satisfied the absolute indication for ESD (n=18), the second group satisfied the expanded indications for ESD (n=34), and the last group satisfied the beyond indication (n=58). The number of occurrences of EGM in each group was 1 (5.6%), 3 (8.8%), and 3 (5.2%), respectively. The logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, tumor size, and indication for ESD, showed that larger tumor size was associated with EGM (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-3.10; P=0.048). In contrast, ESD indication criteria did not affect EGM (P=0.349). Conclusions: Tumor size was the only predictive indicator for EGM in patients who underwent R0 resection and lymphovascular invasion on post-ESD pathology. Even patients with pathology corresponding to the absolute indication criteria of ESD had lymphovascular invasion, which means that they require additional gastrectomy due to the risk of EGM.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.604-612
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• 2023

Background/Aims: We developed a new endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) simulator and evaluated its efficacy and realism for use training endoscopists. Methods: An ESD simulator was constructed using polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheets and compared to a previous ESD simulator. Between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2021, eight expert endoscopists from three different centers analyzed the procedure-related factors of the simulator. Five trainees performed gastric ESD exercises under the guidance of these experts. Results: Although the two ESD simulators provided overall favorable outcomes in terms of ESD-related factors, the new simulator had several benefits, including better marking of the target lesion's limits (p<0.001) and overall handling (p<0.001). Trainees tested the usefulness of the new ESD simulator. The complete resection rate improved after 3 ESD training sessions (9 procedures), and the perforation rate decreased after 4 sessions (12 procedures). Conclusions: We have developed a new ESD simulator that can help beginners achieve a high level of technical experience before performing real-time ESD procedures in patients.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.199-209
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• 2024

Purpose: Long-term outcomes of patients with positive lateral margins (pLMs) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study aimed to evaluate the remnant cancer and survival rates of patients with pLMs compared with those who underwent curative resection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients with pLMs as the only non-curative factor of expanded indication who underwent ESD for EGC with a follow-up duration of 5 years or more. The rates of remnant cancer, recurrence, and survival were analyzed and compared to those of control patients who underwent curative resection by propensity score matching. Results: Among 3,515 patients treated with ESD between 2005 and 2018, 123 non-curative EGCs were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 108 patients were followed up without endoscopic or surgical resection for 8.2 years. The control group was matched in a 1:1 ratio with patients with EGC who underwent curative resection after ESD. The observation group with pLMs had a higher incidence of remnant cancer (25.9%; 28/108) compared to that in the curative resection group (0/108; P=0.000). The remaining tumors were treated with surgical or endoscopic resection, and no additional recurrences were observed. The overall survival analysis demonstrated no significant difference between the observation and curative resection groups (P=0.577). Conclusions: No difference was observed in the overall survival rate between observation and curative resection groups. Therefore, observation may be a possible option for incomplete ESD with pLMs if continuous follow-up is performed.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.470-478
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Metachronous recurrence incidences and risk factors following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric adenocarcinoma and dysplasias were investigated. Methods: Retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients who underwent gastric ESD at The Catholic University of Korea, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital. Results: A total of 190 subjects were enrolled for analysis during the study period. The mean age was 64.4 years and the male sex occupied 73.7%. The mean observation period following ESD was 3.45 years. The annual incidence rate of metachronous gastric neoplasms (MGN) was about 3.96%. The annual incidence rate was 5.36% for the low-grade dysplasia group, 6.47% for the high-grade dysplasia group, and 2.74% for the EGC group. MGN was more frequent in the dysplasia group than in the EGC group (p<0.05). For those with MGN development, the mean time interval from ESD to MGN was 4.1 (±1.8) years. By using the Kaplan-Meier model, the estimated mean MGN free survival time was 9.97 years (95% confidence interval, 8.53-11.40) The histological types of MGN were not related to the primary histology types. Conclusions: MGN following ESD developed in 3.96% annually and MGN was more frequent in the dysplasia group. The histological types of MGN did not correlate with those of primary neoplasm.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.417-425
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for diverticulum-associated colorectal lesions is generally contraindicated because of the high risk of perforation. Several studies on patients with such lesions treated with ESD have been reported recently. However, the feasibility and safety of ESD for lesions in proximity to a colonic diverticulum (D-ESD) have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of D-ESD. Methods: D-ESD was defined as ESD for lesions within approximately 3 mm of a diverticulum. Twenty-six consecutive patients who underwent D-ESD were included. Two strategic approaches were used depending on whether submucosal dissection of the diverticulum-related part was required (strategy B) or not (strategy A). Treatment outcomes and adverse events associated with each strategy were analyzed. Results: The en bloc resection rate was 96.2%. The R0 and curative resection rates were 76.4% and 70.6% in strategy A and 88.9% and 77.8% in strategy B, respectively. Two cases of intraoperative perforation and one case of delayed perforation occurred. The delayed perforation case required emergency surgery, but the other cases were managed conservatively. Conclusions: D-ESD may be a feasible treatment option. However, it should be performed in a high-volume center by expert hands because it requires highly skilled endoscopic techniques.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.512-522
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• 2023

Purpose: Dental floss clip (DFC) traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely performed owing to its simplicity. This study aimed to clarify the appropriate indications for the DFC traction method in early gastric cancer when ESD is performed by less-experienced endoscopists. Methods and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,014 consecutive patients who had undergone gastric ESD performed by less-experienced endoscopists between January 2015 and December 2020. Gastric ESD was performed without DFC in all cases before December 2017 [DFC (-) group, 376 cases], and ESD was performed with DFC in all cases after January 2018 [DFC (+) group, 436 cases]. The procedure time and rates of en bloc resection, complete resection, and adverse events of the groups were compared. Results: The procedure time did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, when comparing lesions >20 mm, the procedure time in the DFC (+) group was significantly shorter than that in the DFC (-) group (95±46 vs. 75±31, P<0.01). The procedure time for lesions located in the greater curvature of the upper or middle stomach and lesions >20 mm located in the lesser curvature side of the stomach in the DFC (+) group was significantly shorter than that in the DFC (-) group. Conclusions: The indications for DFC during gastric ESD by less-experienced endoscopists include lesions located in the greater curvature of the upper or middle stomach, and lesions >20 mm located in the lesser curvature of the stomach.