Search

Background and Aims The endoscopic management of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps involving the ileocecal valve (ICV-LNPCPs) remains challenging because of its unique anatomic features, with long-term outcomes inferior to LNPCPs not involving the ICV. We sought to evaluate the impact of technical innovations and advances in the EMR of ICV-LNPCPs. Methods The performance of EMR for ICV-LNPCPs was retrospectively evaluated in a prospective observational cohort of LNPCPs ≥20 mm. Efficacy was measured by clinical success (removal of all polypoid tissue during index EMR and avoidance of surgery) and recurrence at first surveillance colonoscopy. Accounting for the adoption of technical innovations, comparisons were made between an historical cohort (September 2008 to April 2016) and contemporary cohort (May 2016 to October 2020). Safety was evaluated by documenting the frequencies of intraprocedural bleeding, delayed bleeding, deep mural injury, and delayed perforation. Results Between September 2008 to October 2020, 142 ICV-LNPCPs were referred for EMR. Median ICV-LNPCP size was 35 mm (interquartile range, 25-50 mm). When comparing the contemporary (n = 66) and historical cohorts (n = 76) of ICV-LNPCPs, there were significant differences in clinical success (93.9% vs 77.6%, P = .006) and recurrence (4.6% vs 21.0%, P = .019). Conclusions With technical advances, ICV-LNPCPs can be effectively and safely managed by EMR, independent of lesion complexity. Most patients experience excellent outcomes and avoid surgery.

Background and Aims Large sporadic duodenal adenomas are uncommon but they harbor malignant potential, which requires consideration of definitive treatment. EMR is gaining acceptance as an effective and safe alternative to high-risk surgical procedures, but data on long-term outcomes are limited. Herein we describe the short- and long-term outcomes of these lesions in a tertiary referral center. Methods Prospectively collected data were analyzed to identify risk factors for adverse events and outcomes. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and procedural technical data were collected. Results From 2007 to 2015, 106 adenomas ≥10 mm were resected (mean patient age, 69 years; 54% male; median size, 25 mm; interquartile range [IQR], 19–40). Complete endoscopic resection was achieved in 96%. Intraprocedural bleeding occurred in 43% of cases and was associated with lesion size ( P P = .003), and longer procedures ( P = .001). Delayed bleeding occurred in 15% (56% did not require active intervention) and was associated with lesion size ( P = .03). Perforation occurred in 3 patients. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Median follow-up was 22 months (IQR, 7–45). Histologically proven adenoma recurrence was identified and treated in 12 of 83 patients (14.4%) on first surveillance endoscopy. For the 53 patients for whom follow-up ≥12 months was available (median follow-up, 36 months; IQR, 24–51), 48 patients (90.6%) were free of adenoma and considered cured. Conclusions In a tertiary referral center, endoscopic resection of duodenal adenomas is a safe and effective alternative to surgery. Lesion size is strongly associated with adverse events, particularly intraprocedural bleeding and delayed bleeding. Good long-term outcomes are demonstrated.

Background and Aims Laterally spreading lesions ≥20 mm are conventionally removed by EMR. Endoscopic clips are increasingly used to mitigate the risk of delayed bleeding. Clips may alter the endoscopic appearance of the scar after EMR, interfering with the assessment of adenoma recurrence. We aimed to evaluate this. Methods Prospective, single-center data from the Australian Colonic Endoscopic resection study (January 2011-May 2015) were analyzed. Patients undergoing EMR of laterally spreading lesions with endoscopic clips used at the EMR defect were eligible. Data included patient and lesion characteristics and procedural, clinical, and histologic outcomes. Results Clips were used in 111 of 885 lesions (12.5%). A total of 62 of 111 clipped lesions had standardized, high-definition, white light, and narrow-band images of the scars after EMR at first surveillance colonoscopy, and the patients were enrolled. Analysis of the images showed 4 situations: a bland scar (N = 27), residual adenoma (N = 6), mucosal elevation with normal pit pattern (N = 14), or granulation tissue related to the presence of residual clips (N = 15). The latter 2 entities were termed post-EMR scar clip artifact (ESCA). Overall, 29 of 62 previously clipped EMR sites (46.8%) had ESCA at a median follow-up of 5.2 months. Twenty scars had residual clips, and 15 of 20 (75.0%) showed ESCA ( P = .002). Lesions clipped for prophylaxis of bleeding were more likely to show ESCA than those clipped for deep mural injury or intraprocedural bleeding (65.5% vs 41.7%; P = .006). ESCA was associated with female sex ( P = .010) and greater age ( P = .011). Conclusions ESCA is characterized by a nodular elevation of the mucosa with a normal pit pattern and can occur with or without residual clips. Prophylactic clip closure and the presence of residual clips are associated with ESCA. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01368289.)

Background and Aims Residual or recurrent adenoma (RRA) is the major limitation of piecemeal EMR (p-EMR) for large colonic laterally spreading lesions (LSLs) ≥ 20 mm. En bloc EMR (e-EMR) has been shown to achieve low rates of RRA but specific procedural and long-term outcomes are unknown. Our aim was to compare long-term outcomes of size-matched LSLs stratified by whether they were resected e-EMR or p-EMR. Methods Data from a prospective tertiary referral multicenter cohort of large LSLs referred for EMR over a 10-year period were analyzed. Outcomes were compared between sized-matched LSLs (20-25 mm) resected by p-EMR or e-EMR. Results Five hundred seventy LSLs met the inclusion criteria of which 259 (45.4%) were resected by e-EMR. The risk of major deep mural injury (DMI) was significantly higher in the e-EMR group (3.5% vs 1.0%, P = .05), whereas rates of other intraprocedural adverse events did not differ significantly. Five of 9 (56%) LSLs, with endoscopic features of submucosal invasion (SMI), resected by e-EMR were saved from surgery. RRA at first surveillance was lower in the e-EMR group (2.0% vs 5.7%, P = .04), but this difference was negated at subsequent surveillance. Rates of surgical referral were not significantly different between the groups at either surveillance interval. Conclusion When comparing e-EMR against p-EMR for lesions ≤25 mm in size of similar morphology in a large prospective multicenter cohort, e-EMR offered no additional advantage for predicted-benign LSLs. However, it was associated with an increased risk of major DMI. Thus, en bloc resection techniques should be reserved for lesions suspicious for invasive disease. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01368289.)

EMR of advanced mucosal neoplasia (AMN) (ie, sessile or laterally spreading lesions of ≥20 mm) of the colon has become an increasingly popular alternative to surgical resection. However, data regarding safety and mortality of EMR in comparison to surgery are limited.To compare actual endoscopic with predicted surgical mortality.Prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study.Academic, high-volume, tertiary-care referral center.Consecutive patients referred for EMR.To predict hypothetical surgical mortality, the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland score, composed of physiological and surgical components, was calculated for each patient. Predicted surgical mortality was then compared with actual outcomes of EMR. The results were validated by an unselected subcohort by using the Colorectal Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity.Among 1050 patients with AMN treated by EMR, including patients with a predicted mortality rate of greater than 5% (13.8% of cohort), no deaths occurred within 30 days after the procedure. The predicted surgical mortality rate was 3.3% with the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland score (P .0001). This suggests a significant advantage of EMR over surgery. The results were validated by using the Colorectal Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity in 390 patients predicting a surgical mortality rate of 3.2% (P = .0003).Nonrandomized study.In this large multicenter study of EMR for colonic AMN, the predicted surgical mortality rate was significantly higher than the actual endoscopic mortality rate. Given that endoscopic therapy is less morbid and less expensive than surgery and can be performed as an outpatient treatment, it should be considered as the first line of treatment for most patients with these lesions.

Background Malignant gastric outlet obstruction is often treated by stent placement. Objective To investigate the outcomes of stent placement in the palliative treatment of malignant neoplasms. Design Prospective, observational, multicenter registry. Setting Six tertiary care centers in 5 countries. Patients A total of 108 adult patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Interventions Placement of an uncovered, self-expandable, metal duodenal stent. Main Outcome Measurements The primary endpoint was stent patency at 14 days after stent implantation. Secondary endpoints included stent patency at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) scores at 14 days and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after stent deployment, technical success, adverse events, and patient survival (ie, confirmed duration of the implant). Results Technical success was achieved in 99.1% of stent placements. Stent patency at 14 days was 94.6%. Kaplan-Meier estimates of stent patency were 92.9% at 1 month, 86.2% at 2 months, 81.9% at 3 months, and 63.4% at 6 months. At 14 days, GOOSS scores increased by a median of 1 point. The overall GI adverse event rate was 32.4%; however, the stent-related adverse event rate was 19.4%. The median implant duration was 47 days (range 0-195 days). Limitations Observational study, no control group. Conclusions Duodenal stent placement resulted in prompt relief of malignant gastric outlet obstruction and improved GOOSS scores. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT00991614.)

Background Whether early Barrett's neoplasia has a predilection for particular spatial locations in shorter segment disease is currently unknown. Anatomic factors may play a role in lesion location because of differing levels of mucosal acid exposure. Objective To identify high-risk lesion locations, which has important implications for surveillance strategies. Design We interrogated a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent endoscopic resection (ER) for Barrett's neoplasia at 2 Australian tertiary centers. Lesions targeted for ER were characterized and their location in the distal esophagus was noted as on a clock face. A Z test of proportions was used to test for deviation from uniformity in the distribution of lesions. Setting Two Australian tertiary centers. Patients Patients who underwent ER for Barrett's neoplasia. Main Outcome Measurements Lesion location in the distal oesophagus, resected specimen histology. Results A total of 146 consecutive patients had ER for biopsy-proven high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma. A total of 75 patients had Barrett's segment length of 5 cm or less and a visible lesion. Five patients had 2 visible lesions giving a total of 80 lesions. ER of 66 lesions (82.5%) led to the identification of advanced pathology: 37 high-grade dysplasia (46%), 24 mucosal adenocarcinoma (30%), 5 submucosal adenocarcinoma (6%). Of a total of 80 lesions, 43 (53.8%) (95% CI, 42.9%-64.7%) were centered within the 2- to 5-o'clock arc, comprising 25% of the circumference. This area also accounted for 36 (54.5%) of the 66 lesions with advanced histology (95% CI, 42.5%-66.5%). All confidence intervals lie wholly above the 25% expected in a uniform circular distribution ( P Limitations Observational study in a tertiary center. Conclusions In Barrett's maximal segments of 5 cm or less, the 2- to 5-o'clock arc, accounts for approximately 50% of macroscopically visible lesions and associated early neoplasia. This finding has important implications for surveillance strategies.

Background EMR of large sessile polyps and laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) of the colon is safe and cost-effective. Perforation remains a feared and well-recognized complication; however, endoscopic detection is often absent, and most commonly, diagnosis is delayed and depends on clinical signs and/or radiology findings. To date, an endoscopic sign to identify muscularis propria (MP) resection and potential perforation has not been described. Objective To describe an endoscopic sign for prompt recognition of EMR-related MP resection. Design Prospective analysis. Settings Tertiary referral academic gastroenterology unit. Patients Patients with the target sign were identified prospectively in 2 large prospective studies of EMR for colonic LSTs 20 mm or larger. Intervention A standardized EMR approach was used. MP defects were closed endoscopically with clips. Main Outcome Measurements The presence or absence of the target sign in the polypectomy specimen and its influence on subsequent endoscopic management of polypectomy complications. Results A total of 445 patients with LSTs or sessile polyps 20 mm or larger (mean size 33 mm, range 20-85 mm) were prospectively enrolled in 2 studies. Ten patients (mean age 70.3 years, range 48-83 years, 50% male) with target lesions and histologically confirmed MP resection were identified prospectively at the time of EMR, with 3 having full-thickness resection. All cases were identified intraprocedurally by a target sign on the underside of the specimen and a mirror target evident in the mucosal defect. All patients were treated endoscopically with 1 to 5 endoscopic clips. None required operative management. Thirteen inpatient days were required to treat the 10 patients (mean 1.3 days). Limitations Nonrandomized study. Conclusions Careful analysis of the post-EMR specimen and resection defect may reveal a target sign, an easily recognized and reliable marker of either partial- or full-thickness MP resection and potential perforation. Prompt recognition of this sign facilitates endoscopic management.

EMR of sessile periappendiceal laterally spreading lesions (PA-LSLs) is technically demanding because of poor endoscopic access to the appendiceal lumen and the thin colonic wall at the base of the cecum. We aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of EMR for PA-LSLs.Consecutive LSLs ≥20 mm and PA-LSLs ≥10 mm detected at 3 academic endoscopy centers from September 2008 until January 2017 were eligible. Prospective patient, procedural, and lesion data were collected. PA-LSLs were compared with LSLs in other colonic locations.Thirty-eight PA-LSLs were compared with 1721 LSLs. Referral for surgery without an attempt at EMR was more likely with PA-LSLs (28.9% vs 5.1%, P .001), and those that involved a greater percentage of the appendiceal orifice (AO) were less likely to be attempted (P = .038). Most PA-LSLs (10/11) were not attempted because of deep extension into the appendiceal lumen; 2 of 11 of these surgical specimens contained invasive cancer. Once attempted, complete clearance of visible adenoma (92.6% PA-LSLs vs 97.6% LSLs, P = .14), adverse events, and rates of adenoma recurrence did not vary significantly between PA-LSLs and LSLs. All 7 patients with prior appendicectomy achieved complete adenoma clearance. There were no cases of post-EMR appendicitis. Twenty of 22 PA-LSLs (91%) eligible for surveillance avoided surgery to longest follow-up.EMR is a safe, effective, and durable treatment for PA-LSLs when specific criteria are fulfilled. If the distal margin of the PA-LSL within the AO cannot be visualized or if more than 50% of the circumference of the orifice is involved, surgery should be considered. (Clinical trial registration number: NTC01368289.).

In the absence of precut needle-knife sphincterotomy (NKS), failure of biliary cannulation may occur in up to 10% of cases. There are few prospective evaluations of the safety and efficacy of NKS, and studies of its early use in difficult cannulation have been inconclusive. Whether precut NKS after failure of primary biliary cannulation is independently associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) remains controversial.To examine the relationship between NKS and PEP.Analysis of prospectively collected data from two randomized trials of ERCP techniques, with PEP as the primary endpoint measure.Tertiary-care academic medical center.This study involved 732 patients from two successive, prospective, randomized trials of naïve papilla cannulation between November 2001 and April 2006. Patients with pancreatic or ampullary cancer were excluded.Naïve papilla cannulation, NKS, primary guidewire versus contrast-assisted cannulation, and glyceryl trinitrate patch versus placebo.PEP and procedure-related complications.NKS was performed in 94 of 732 patients (12.8%) and was successful in achieving bile duct access in 80 of 94 patients (85%). Cannulation success in the entire group was 717 of 732 patients (97.7%). The overall frequency of PEP following NKS was 14.9% (14 of 94 patients) compared with 6.1% (39 of 638 patients) without NKS (P.001). The incidence of PEP increased with an increasing number of attempts at cannulating the papilla. Pancreatic stents were inserted in 22 patients, 5 of whom developed pancreatitis. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of PEP were as follow: female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, P = .028), suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) (OR = 9.7, P.001), partial pancreatic drainage (OR = 4.8, P = .011), 10 to 14 attempts at papilla cannulation (OR = 4.4, P = .031), and/=15 attempts at papilla cannulation (OR = 9.4, P = .013). NKS was not an independent predictor of PEP. There were no perforations, no major bleeding, and no cases of severe pancreatitis in the NKS group.Nonrandomized for NKS intervention.The number of attempts at cannulating the papilla is independently associated with PEP, and the risk increases with an increasing number of attempts. NKS is not an independent predictor of PEP.

Background and Aims EMR of large laterally spreading lesions (LSL) in the colon is a safe and effective alternative to surgery. Post-EMR scar assessment currently involves taking biopsy specimens of the scar to detect residual or recurrent adenoma (RRA). The accuracy of endoscopic imaging of the post-EMR scar is unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of a standardized imaging protocol in post-EMR scar assessment. Methods Prospective, single-center data from the Australian Colonic EMR study were analyzed. Consecutive patients undergoing first surveillance colonoscopy (SC1) after EMR of a large LSL were eligible. All scars were sequentially examined with high-definition white light (HD-WL) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) in a standardized fashion and then biopsies were performed. Endoscopic recurrence (recurrence at the post-EMR scar detected by systematic endoscopic assessment) was compared with the histologic findings. Results One hundred eighty-three post-EMR scars were included. Thirty of 183 (16.4%) were confirmed to have RRA histologically at SC1. Thirty-seven of 183 (20.2%) post-EMR scars demonstrated RRA endoscopically. The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic RRA detection were 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77.9%-99.2%) and 94.1% (95% CI, 89.1%-97.3%), respectively. The positive predictive value was 75.7% (95% CI, 58.8%-88.2%) and the negative predictive value was 98.6% (95% CI, 95.1%-99.8%). The diagnostic accuracy was 94.0%. Sensitivity was higher for the combination of HD-WL and NBI as opposed to HD-WL alone (93.3% vs 66.7%). The specificity was high for both HD-WL and HD-WL + NBI (96.1% and 94.1%, respectively). Flat morphology of RRA was better seen with NBI ( P = .002). Conclusions Endoscopic detection of RRA in the post-EMR scar is highly accurate using a standardized imaging protocol with HD-WL and NBI. This allows real-time, accurate detection of recurrence and its concurrent treatment, and raises the possibility that routine biopsy of the post-EMR scar may not be necessary.

Effective interventions to prevent residual and/or recurrent adenoma (RRA) after EMR of large sessile and laterally spreading colorectal lesions (LSL) are yet to be determined. RRA may occur due to inconspicuous adenoma at the EMR margin. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of extended EMR (X-EMR) compared with standard EMR (S-EMR).A single-center post hoc analysis of LSL ≥20 mm referred for treatment was performed. S-EMR was the standard sequential inject and resect method including a 1-mm to 2-mm margin of normal mucosa around the lesion. With X-EMR, at least a 5-mm margin of normal mucosa was excised. Patient and lesion characteristics and procedural outcomes were recorded. The primary endpoint was RRA at first surveillance colonoscopy at 4 months.Between January 2009 and May 2011, 471 lesions (mean size, 37.9 mm) in 424 patients were resected by S-EMR, and between January 2012 and December 2013, 448 lesions (mean size, 39.1 mm) in 396 patients were resected by X-EMR. Resection was successful in 92.3% and 92.6% of referred lesions in the S-EMR and X-EMR groups, respectively (P = .978). X-EMR was independently associated with a higher risk of intraprocedural bleeding (IPB) (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-5.0; P .001) but not other adverse events. RRA was present in 39 of 333 patients (11.7%) and 30 of 296 patients (10.1%) in the S-EMR and X-EMR groups, respectively (P = .15). X-EMR was not related to recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.3; P = .399).X-EMR does not reduce RRA and increases the risk of IPB compared with S-EMR. Alternative methods for the prevention of RRA are required.

Background Despite the recent improvement in techniques and patient selection, post-ERCP pancreatitis remains the most frequent and dreaded complication of ERCP. Recent studies suggest that pretreatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) may prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis and improve cannulation success. Objective To evaluate the effect of transdermal GTN on ERCP cannulation success and post-ERCP pancreatitis. Design Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting Tertiary referral university hospital. Patients A total of 318 patients (mean age 62 years, 61% women) were randomized to either active (n = 155) or placebo (n = 163) arms. Interventions Active patch (GTN) versus placebo patch. Main Outcome Measurements Cannulation time and success. Post-ERCP pancreatitis rates. Results There was no significant difference between the active or placebo arms for the following: successful initial cannulation (96.8% vs 98.8%), deep cannulation (96.1% vs 98.8%), time to successful cannulation, use of guidewire (27% vs 25%) or needle knife (13% vs 13%), and post-ERCP pancreatitis (7.4% of placebo patients and 7.7% active patients). Multivariate analysis identified women, younger patients, pancreatogram, number of attempts on papilla, and poor pancreatic-duct emptying after opacification as risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis. Transdermal GTN did not reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis in any of the identified high-risk groups. Conclusions Transdermal GTN did not improve the rate of success in ERCP cannulation or prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in either average or high-risk patient groups.

Background Bile leak is a recognized complication of cholecystectomy. Endoscopic intervention is widely accepted as a treatment for this complication, but the optimal form is not well defined. Methods An ERCP database was reviewed retrospectively to identify all cases of bile leak related to cholecystectomy. Patient records and endoscopy reports were reviewed, and structured telephone interviews were conducted to collect data. Results A total of 100 patients (61 women, 39 men; mean age, 53 [17] years) with suspected postcholecystectomy bile leak were referred for ERCP. Cholecystectomy was commenced laparoscopically in 83 patients (with an open conversion rate of 30%). The most common symptoms were pain (n=62) and fever (n=37). Cholangiography was obtained in 96 patients. A leak was identified in 80/96 patients, the most common site being the cystic-duct stump (48), followed by ducts of Luschka (15), the T-tube site (7), and other sites (10). Treatment included stent insertion alone (40), sphincterotomy alone (18), combination stent/sphincterotomy (31), none (6), and other (1). Three patients with major bile-duct injuries were excluded from the analysis. Endoscopic therapy was unsuccessful in 7 patients (6 in the sphincterotomy alone group; p =0.001). Four patients underwent surgery subsequent to ERCP to control the leak. All 4 were in the sphincterotomy alone group ( p =0.001). Post-ERCP pancreatitis developed in 4 patients (3 mild, 1 moderate). Conclusions The optimal endoscopic intervention for postcholecystectomy bile leak should include temporary insertion of a biliary stent.

Background and Aims Complete endoscopic resection (CER) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EEA) is a comprehensive and precise staging tool and may produce a sustained treatment response, preventing metachronous disease. There are limited data on long-term clinical outcomes and the sustainability of dysplasia eradication after CER. We aimed to describe long-term outcomes of a primary CER strategy of BE with HGD/EEA. Methods Patients with biopsy-proven HGD and EEA in short-segment BE (≤3 cm in circumferential length and ≤5 cm in maximal length) underwent staged CER by multiband mucosectomy or the cap method. The primary endpoint was remission of HGD or EEA (complete resection of HGD/EEA), dysplasia (complete resection of any dysplasia), and complete resection of intestinal metaplasia. Results Of 153 patients (126 HGD, 27 EEA; 83.7% male, median age of 66 years) considered suitable for CER, 138 met all inclusion criteria. CER was technically successful in all patients and was established after a median of 2 sessions. Covert synchronous EEA was found in 1 patient. At a mean follow-up of 40.7 months by intention-to-treat analysis, complete remission of HGD/EEA, dysplasia, and intestinal metaplasia was achieved in 98.5%, 89.1%, and 71.0%, respectively. In 47.1% of patients, CER changed the histological grade compared with pretreatment biopsies (28.1% downstaged and 19.0% upstaged). Esophageal dilation was performed in 36.8% in a mean of 2.5 sessions. At the end of follow-up, 96.4% of patients had no or minimal dysphagia and 90.6% of patients found CER an acceptable treatment. Conclusions On long-term follow-up, a primary CER strategy was a highly effective, safe, and durable treatment for HGD and EEA. Despite the need for post-CER dilation in one-third of patients, the majority found it an acceptable treatment on long-term follow-up.

Background and Aims EMR is the primary treatment of large laterally spreading lesions (LSLs) in the colon. Residual or recurrent adenoma (RRA) is a major limitation. We aimed to identify a robust method to stratify the risk of RRA. Methods Prospective multicenter data on consecutive LSLs ≥20 mm removed by piecemeal EMR from 8 Australian tertiary-care centers were included (September 2008 until May 2016). A logistic regression model for endoscopically determined recurrence (EDR) was created on a randomly selected half of the cohort to yield the Sydney EMR recurrence tool (SERT), a 4-point score to stratify the incidence of RRA based on characteristics of the index EMR. SERT was validated on the remainder of the cohort. Results Analysis was performed on 1178 lesions that underwent first surveillance colonoscopy (SC1) (median 4.9 months, interquartile range [IQR] 4.9-6.2). EDR was detected in 228 of 1178 (19.4%) patients. LSL size ≥40 mm (odds ratio [OR] 2.47; P P = .024), and high-grade dysplasia (OR 1.72; P = .029) were identified as independent predictors of EDR and allocated scores of 2, 1, and 1, respectively to create SERT. Lesions with SERT scores of 0 (SERT = 0) had a negative predictive value of 91.3% for RRA at SC1, and SERT was shown to stratify RRA to specific follow-up intervals by using Kaplan Meier curves (log-rank P Conclusions Guidelines recommend SC1 within 6 months of EMR. SERT accurately stratifies the incidence of RRA after EMR. SERT = 0 lesions could safely undergo first surveillance at 18 months, whereas lesions with SERT scores between 1 and 4 (SERT 1-4) require surveillance at 6 and 18 months. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01368289.)

Background Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMC) can be effectively treated by single-session EMR, resulting in complete Barrett's excision (CBE). CBE provides accurate histology for staging and clinical confirmation of neoplasia eradication but is limited by a high risk of esophageal stricture formation. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic temporary esophageal stenting to prevent post-CBE stricture formation. Design and Setting Single-center, investigator-initiated feasibility study. Patients Circumferential, short-segment Barrett's esophagus (≤C3≤M5) with HGD or IMC. Intervention Single-stage CBE and insertion of a fully covered metal esophageal stent at 10 days that was removed at 8 weeks. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 surveillance endoscopies. Main Outcome Measurement Symptomatic esophageal stricture formation. Results At the end of the follow-up period, 8 patients (57.1%) required esophageal dilation for symptomatic CBE-related (n = 7) or stent-related (n = 4) strictures. A median of 3 surveillance endoscopies were performed over a median endoscopic follow-up of 17 months (range 4-25 months). Single-stage CBE successfully eliminated Barrett's intestinal metaplasia and neoplasia in 71.4% and 92.9% of patients, respectively. Four patients were admitted to the hospital, and 4 patients had early stent removal because of pain or dysphagia. Limitations Single-center feasibility study. Conclusions In a prospective study evaluating prophylactic esophageal stent insertion after single-stage CBE, esophageal strictures formed in more than of half the study cohort, and stents were associated with significant morbidity. An alternative method to reduce stricture formation is required. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01554280.)

Background: There is no consensus as to the best treatment for non-variceal, non-ulcer gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Endoscopic band ligation is an inexpensive, readily available, and easily learned technique in contrast to conventional thermal methods of endoscopic hemostasis. We present the preliminary results of an open trial using endoscopic band ligation for non-variceal, non-ulcer bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Eighteen patients were treated by band ligation between June 1996 and November 1997. The lesions treated were: arteriovenous malformations in 10, Dieulafoy's lesions in 4, Mallory-Weiss tear in 2, and post-colonic polypectomy bleeding in 2. Results: Endoscopic band ligation was successful in 17 of 18 cases, with a follow-up period ranging from 2 to 18 months. The remaining case, a duodenal Dieulafoy's lesion, bled again at 24 hours but was successfully treated by adrenalin injection. Conclusions: Endoscopic band ligation is effective for non-variceal, non-ulcer bleeding. It has the advantage of ease of use and is relatively inexpensive.

Background EMR at the anorectal junction (ARJ) is technically challenging. Issues of safety and procedural efficacy dictate that surgery is still performed as the primary management for noninvasive lesions in most centers. Modifications to the standard EMR technique may help to address the unique features and achieve safe and curative resection of most lesions. Objective To describe an effective and safe, modified EMR technique to remove advanced mucosal neoplasia (AMN) of the ARJ. Design Prospective, observational cohort study. Setting Academic, tertiary care referral center. Patients Patients undergoing EMR for AMN at the ARJ over 4.5 years, from June 2008 to December 2012. Interventions Use of long-acting local anesthetic in the submucosal injectate, endoscopic resection over the dentate line and hemorrhoidal columns, prophylactic antibiotics for resection of lesions at high risk for bacteremia, and cap and gastroscope-assisted resection. Main Outcome Measurements Procedural success and safety. Results Twenty-six patients with lesions involving the ARJ were referred for EMR (males 53.8%, median age 63, median lesion size 40 mm). Two patients went directly to surgery because of an endoscopic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. EMR was performed in 24 lesions with complete adenoma clearance achieved in 100%. Four patients were admitted to the hospital. Focal adenoma recurrence was seen in 4 of 18 patients (22%) at first surveillance colonoscopy and was managed by snare diathermy resection. No recurrences were found at the second follow-up colonoscopy. Procedural success, adenoma recurrence, and admission rates were similar between EMRs performed at the ARJ and proximal rectum on univariate analysis (all P > .05). Limitations Single tertiary center, nonrandomized study. Conclusions Simple modifications to the EMR technique allow safe and effective treatment of AMN at the ARJ on an outpatient basis and should be the first-line management when the risk of invasive disease is low.

Background Wide-field EMR (WF-EMR) of large colonic lesions exposes submucosal vessels, which may result in intraprocedural bleeding (IPB). Ongoing bleeding may obscure the endoscopic field, prolonging the procedure and reducing safety and accuracy. A number of potential interventions to control bleeding exist; however, they have inherent limitations. Safe, readily applicable, inexpensive, and effective therapy to control EMR-IPB has not yet been described. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the snare tip soft coagulation (STSC) technique to control IPB after WF-EMR of large colonic lesions. Design Single-center, prospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary care referral center. Patients A total of 196 patients undergoing wide-field colonic EMR for flat and sessile lesions 20 mm or larger. Interventions A standard inject-and-resect EMR technique was applied. IPB was defined as bleeding obscuring the endoscopic field that persisted for 60 seconds or longer. STSC was performed by using the tip of the polypectomy snare to apply soft coagulation (80 W) to sites of IPB. Main outcome measurements Immediate hemostasis, postprocedural bleeding, and other adverse events. Results A total of 198 lesions (mean size 41.5 mm, 64% in the right colon) were removed in 196 patients (mean age 68 years, 52.5% male). STSC alone achieved effective hemostasis in 40 of 44 cases of IPB (91%). In the remaining 4 cases, additional treatment with coagulating forceps or clips was required to achieve hemostasis. There were no immediate STSC-related adverse events. There was no statistically significant difference between the IPB and non-IPB groups in relation to the use of antiplatelet (P = .2) or anticoagulation agents (P = .4), postprocedural bleeding (P = .8) and adverse event rates (P = .7). Limitations Nonrandomized study. Conclusions STSC is a simple and efficient first-line technique for achieving hemostasis of IPB during WF-EMR in the colon. It succeeds in the majority of cases and appears to be safe.

Background Endoscopic resection (ER) for large colonic lesions is a safe and effective outpatient treatment. Postprocedural pain creates concern for perforation and often results in postprocedure admission (PPA). Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) insufflation has been shown to reduce pain scores after routine colonoscopy, but an influence on more critical outcomes such as PPA has not been shown. Objective To assess the outcomes of patients undergoing ER for large colonic lesions, comparing those having air versus those having CO 2 insufflation. Design Prospective, observational, cohort study. Setting Academic, high-volume, tertiary-care referral center. Patients Consecutive patients referred for ER of sessile colorectal polyps ≥20 mm. Intervention ER with air or CO 2 . Main Outcome Measurements Rates of PPA, technical outcomes, complication rates. Results ER was performed on 575 lesions ≥20 mm, 228 with CO 2 insufflation. Mean lesion size was 36.5 mm. Lesion and patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The use of CO 2 was associated with a 62% decrease in the PPA rate from 8.9% to 3.4% ( P = .01). This was mainly because of an 82% decrease in PPA for pain from 5.7% to 1.0% ( P = .006). There were no significant difference in the rates of complications. Multiple logistical regression was performed. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of PPA (OR 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.95; P = .04) and PPA for pain (OR 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.78; P = .02) in the CO 2 group remained significant. Limitations Single center, nonrandomized study. Conclusion CO 2 insufflation significantly reduces PPA after ER of large colonic lesions, primarily because of reduced PPA for pain. CO 2 insufflation should be routinely used during ER of large colonic lesions.

Giant hemicircumferential and greater nonampullary duodenal adenomas or laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) may be amenable to safe endoscopic resection, but little data exists on outcomes or risk stratification.We interrogated a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent endoscopic resection between January 2008 and November 2010. The resection technique was standardized. Major complications were defined as perforation, bleeding requiring readmission with hemoglobin drop of more than 20 g/L, or other substantial deviations from the usual clinical course. Outcomes were analyzed in 2 groups: giant lesions (30 mm) and conventional duodenal polyps (30 mm in diameter). Statistical evaluation was performed by using a χ(2) test.A total of 50 nonampullary duodenal polyps and LSTs were resected from 46 patients (23 men, mean age 59.4 years, range 35-83 years). Nineteen were giant hemicircumferential and greater LSTs (mean size 40.5 mm, range 30-80 mm), and 31 were less than 30 mm in diameter (mean size 14.5 mm, range 5-25 mm). Intraprocedural bleeding occurred more frequently in giant lesions (57.8% vs 19.3%, P = .005) and was treated with a combination of soft coagulation and endoscopic clips with hemostasis achieved in all cases. Major complications, mostly bleeding related, occurred in 5 patients (26.3%) with giant lesions and 1 patient (3.2%) with a smaller lesion (P = .014). There were no deaths.Retrospective observational study in a tertiary center.Endoscopic resection of giant nonampullary duodenal LSTs is a successful treatment. However, it is hazardous and associated with significantly higher complication rates, primarily bleeding, when compared with conventional duodenal polypectomy. Safer and more effective hemostatic tools are required in this high-risk location.

Background Successful endoscopic treatment of conventional papillary adenomas is well described. However, many authors recommend surgical resection for larger lesions with extrapapillary extension. Objective To describe the classification, technique, and outcome for the endoscopic resection of giant laterally spreading tumors of the papilla (LST-P). Design Single-center case series. Settings Tertiary referral academic gastroenterology unit. Patients Patients referred for endoscopic treatment of LST-P. Intervention Pre-resection staging and single-session endoscopic removal of papillary adenomas. For those classified as LST-P (>30 mm, extending beyond the papilla onto the duodenal wall and involving as much as two thirds of the duodenal circumference), a standardized single-session EMR technique was used. Main Outcome Measurements Technical success, complications, and adenoma recurrence for single-session removal of LST-P. Outcomes were compared with those of conventional ampullary adenoma resection during the same period. Results Twenty-five patients with ampullary adenomas were referred. In 10 patients identified with LST-P (mean age 70.2 years; adenoma size 30-80 mm), combination EMR and papillectomy was performed in a single session. The median admission duration was 1 night (range 0-35). Complications included bleeding (30%) and cholecystitis (10%), with no cases of pancreatitis or perforation. Adenoma recurrence at 3 months was found in 1 patient (10%). Complication and recurrence rates in smaller ( Limitations A relatively uncommon entity and thus small sample size. Conclusions Endoscopic resection of carefully staged LST-P is a viable therapeutic alternative to surgery. In experienced hands, the outcomes are comparable to those for conventional ampullary adenomas.

Background EMR is a viable alternative to surgery for removal of large mucosal neoplastic lesions of the entire GI tract. Few studies have, however, been published on the safety, efficacy, and technical aspects of EMR in the duodenum. Objective Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EMR of large (>15 mm) duodenal adenomas. Design Retrospective evaluation of a defined patient cohort. Setting Tertiary academic referral center. Patients Patients with large (>15 mm) sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas managed by a standardized technique who were referred by other specialist endoscopists for endoscopic treatment. Methods Five-year data from patients undergoing EMR for large duodenal adenomas were reviewed retrospectively. Immediate and delayed complications were recorded. Results Twenty-one lesions were removed by EMR in 23 patients (mean age 62.2 years, 13 female, 10 male). The mean size of lesions resected was 27.6 mm (median 20 mm, range 15-60 mm). Post-EMR histologic examination revealed mucosal adenocarcinoma in 1, low-grade tubulovillous adenoma (TVA) in 16, high- or focal high-grade TVA in 3 patients, and 1 with both high-grade TVA and carcinoid. EMR was performed successfully in 18 patients during a single session. Two patients required 2 sessions and 1 required 3 sessions for complete resection. The median follow-up was 13 months (range 4-44 months). During follow-up, 5 patients had minor residual adenomas that were treated successfully with snare resection and/or argon plasma coagulation. One patient had EMR site bleeding. There were no perforations. Limitation Retrospective study. Conclusion EMR for large sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas is a safe and effective technique.