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Objective: To compare the clinical value of narrow band imaging (NBI) and iodine staining for margin determination of early esophageal cancer during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)., Methods: Clinical data of 87 patients with early esophageal cancers undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were assigned to NBI group and iodine staining group according to the staining method before ESD operation. Clinicopathological features, esophageal spasm ratio, operation time, en bloc resection rate, complications, local recurrence, and distant metastases were compared between the two groups., Results: There were 37 patients in NBI group while 50 patients in iodine staining group. Location and size of the lesions between two groups were not significantly different. The ratio of moderate-severe esophageal spasm in NBI group was significantly lower as compared to iodine staining group [10.8%(4/37) vs. 32.0%(16/50), P<0.05]. The average operation time in NBI group was significantly shorter than that in iodine staining group [(42.2±19.5) min vs. (53.3±30.9) min, P<0.05). All the tumors were resected in an en bloc fashion and the R0 resection rate was 100%. Perforations in 2 patients and delayed bleeding in 1 patient were successfully treated by endoscopic methods. Esophageal strictures occurred in 3 patients of NBI group and 4 patients of iodine staining group, who were treated by endoscopic dilation and retrievable stents. During mean 13.2 months (range 4 to 20 months) follow-up periods, local recurrence occurred in 2 patients of NBI group and 2 patients of iodine staining group. These patients received ESD or other surgery., Conclusion: Compared with iodine staining, using NBI for margin determination of early esophageal cancer during ESD is more convenient and fast because of distinctly lower degree of esophageal spasm.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of membrane-covered self-expanding metal stent in the treatment of high-positioned esophageal diseases, including esophageal stenosis, esophagotracheal fistula and anastomotic stricture., Methods: Clinical data of 84 patients who underwent stenting in our center from May 2005 to July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 84 patients, 31 were diagnosed as esophageal malignant stenosis, 2 compression stenosis, 10 radiation stenosis, 4 recurrent malignant stenosis, 27 anastomotic stricture, 1 esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), 7 esophageal-tracheal fistula, 1 esophageal-mediastinal fistula, and 1 remnant stomach fistula. Distance from stenosis or fistula to central incisor was 15-20 cm in 48 cases, and more than 20 cm in 36 cases. All the patients were treated by 16 mm membrane-covered self-expanding metal stents. Main clinical manifestations and complications were evaluated., Results: A total of 100 stents were placed in 84 patients,with a success rate of 100%. There were no complications such as perforation and bleeding during operation. Dysphagia and cough were improved quickly with a success rate of 100%. After the placement of stents, the incidence of complication was 6.0% (5/84), of which 2 cases were severe retrosternal pain, 1 was tracheal collapse, and 2 were stent displacement. Seventy-six patients (90.5%) received complete follow-up of 1 to 36 months (mean 15 months). Re-stenosis occurred in 4 cases, new esophageal-tracheal fistula in 2 cases. Among these 6 cases, 5 cases underwent successfully stent placement once again, and another one case received Savary bougie and Argon-ion coagulation with good efficacy., Conclusion: Endoscopic membrane-covered self-expanding metal stent placement is effective and safe for the relieve of dysphagia symptoms and the sealing of esophagotracheal fistula.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for rectal submucosal tumors (SMT) originating from muscularis propria., Methods: Clinicopathological data of 8 cases with rectal SMT originating from muscularis propria undergoing STER in our center from March 2011 to March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: En bloc STER was performed successfully in all the 8 cases. The tumors location was 5-15 cm from the edge of anus. The resected specimen size ranged from 1.0 to 3.5 cm (average 1.8 cm). The mean procedure time was 51 min (range, 40-70 min). One patient developed mucosa perforation and was repaired with metal clips. One patient developed subcutaneous emphysema in one leg, which was disappeared after two weeks. Postoperative pathological examination revealed schwannoma in 3 cases, leiomyoma in 2 cases, stromal tumor in 1 case, and proliferation of collagen fibers nodular degeneration in 2 cases. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 30 months and no residual lesion or recurrence was found., Conclusion: STER is a safe and effective method for rectal SMT originating from muscularis propria in our initial experience.

Objective: To analyze the associated predictive factors of lymph node metastasis in intramucosal early gastric cancer, and to provide reference for individualized treatment protocol., Methods: Clinical data of 498 patients who were pathologically confirmed to be intramucosal early gastric cancer after radical resection of gastric cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to evaluate the associated factors., Results: Forty-three out of 498 patients (8.6%) had lymph node metastasis. Tumor size (HR=1.525, 95%CI:1.040-2.236), depth of invasion (HR=1.656, 95%CI:1.158-2.368) and histological type (HR=8.149, 95%CI:1.770-37.513) were the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in intramucosal early gastric cancer., Conclusions: Prediction and therapeutic guidance for lymph node metastasis in intramucosal early gastric cancer can be carried out according to clinicopathological risk factors.

Objective: To investigate the clinical application and indication of endoscopic dissection technique for submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) originating from the muscularis propria., Methods: A total of 143 SMTs of the EGJ were treated by endoscopic resection in the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University between March 2007 and June 2011. The clinical and histopathologic feature, surgical approach, en bloc resection rate, complications, and postoperative follow up were evaluated., Results: There were 74 males and 69 females with a mean age of 49.1 years old. The en bloc resection rate was 94.4%(135/143). There were 126 patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal excavation in an en bloc fashion. Six patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness resection without laparoscopic assistance. Three patients underwent submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection. The other 8 SMTs were partially resected for histological evaluation and the residual tumors were further treated with nylon snare ligation. The mean lesion size was 17.6 mm. The mean procedure time was 45.1 minutes and the mean intraoperative bleeding was 50.0 ml. Perforations occurred in 6 patients and metal clips were used to close the defect. One patient with Mallory-Weiss syndrome was successfully treated with conservative treatment. Pathological examination showed that the lesions were leiomyoma (n=121), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n=20), granulosa cell tumor (n=1), and intermuscular lipoma (n=1). No local recurrence and distant metastasis were noted during the follow-up (range, 3-48 months)., Conclusion: Endoscopic resection technique is safe and effective, and should be selected for each patient individually.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(STER) for gastric submucosal tumor(SMT) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer., Methods: Clinicopathological data of 23 cases with gastric SMT originating from the MP layer treated with STER from September 2010 to December 2011 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: There were 13 males and 10 females. The age ranged from 28 to 73(mean, 52.4) years old. Of the 23 SMTs, 11 were located in the cardia adjacent to the gastric body, 4 in the cardia adjacent to the fundus, 5 in the lesser curvature of gastric body and 3 in the gastric antrum of greater curvature. All the SMTs originating from the MP layer, 14 were located in the superficial MP layer and 9 in the deep MP layer(including 5 gastric SMTs close to serosa). En bloc STER was performed successfully in all the patients. The mean lesion size was 2.1 cm(range 1.5-3.2 cm). The mean procedure time was 54.8 min(range 30-125 min). Pathological examination showed that the lesions were leiomyomas(n=10), stromal tumors(n=8), glomus tumor(n=2), Schwannoma(n=2), and calcifying fibrous tumor(n=1). Both lateral and vertical margins were negative in all the cases. Three patients developed pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema and 5 pneumoperitoneum. One patient developed effusion under the left half of the diaphragm and secondary infection. All of them recovered uneventfully after conservative treatments. No delayed bleeding or GI tract leakage was noticed. None of the 23 cases encountered submucosal hematoma or infection. No tumor residual or recurrence was found during the follow up(range, 3-18 months)., Conclusions: STER is a safe, effective for appropriate lesions in the MP layer of the stomach. En bloc resection and accurate histopathological evaluations can be achieved.

Tunnel endoscopy is a new therapeutic technique developed from natural orifice endoscopic transluminal surgery and endoscopic submucosal dissection. With the quick development in the passing 5 years, tunnel endoscopy has been applied in the treatment of clinical diseases. In this article, our aim was to clarify the indication and method, evaluate the efficacy and safety of tunnel endoscopy for the treatment of esophagogastric diseases, including esophageal achalasia and submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer.

Objective: To investigate the effects of peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) on esophageal dynamics in patients with esophageal achalasia., Methods: From September 2011 to November 2011, 20 cases with esophageal achalasia received POEM at the Endoscopic Center in the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. Pre-operation esophageal dynamics of all the patients were evaluated by high resolution manometry(HRM) system and 3 days after operation the test was repeated. Lower esophagus sphincter resting pressure(LESP), 4-second integrated relaxation pressure(4sIRP), lower esophagus sphincter relax rate(LESRR), lower esophagus sphincter length(LESL), and esophageal manometry were analyzed., Results: After POEM, LESP decreased from(29.1±17.0) mm Hg to(14.6±4.9) mm Hg, and decrease rate was 49.8%(P<0.01). However, the decreases in LESRR and LESL were not statistically significant(P>0.05). Esophageal peristaltic contraction was absent in all the 20 patients preoperatively. After POEM, changes in the esophageal contraction were seen in 7 patients, and peristalsis was noticed but was below normal level. There were no significant changes in peristalsis in the remaining 13 patients., Conclusion: POEM can significantly reduce LESP and 4sIRP in patients with achalasia, but can not affect the contraction of the esophagus.

Objective: To assess the clinical value of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) for duodenal lesion., Methods: A total of 78 patients with duodenal lesion were treated with ESD from November 2006 to August 2010. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed., Results: There were 46 male and 14 female patients. The mean age was(54±9) years. The lesion location included the duodenal bulb(n=39, 50%), the junction of bulb and descending part(n=19, 24.4%), and the descending part(n=20, 25.8%). The mean diameter of the lesions was(2.1±1.7) cm. Fifty-one(65.4%) lesions originated from the mucosa, including inflammatory/ hyperplastic polyps(n=22, 28.2%), villous/tubular adenoma(n=26, 33.3%), and hamartomas polyps(n=3, 3.8%). Twenty-five(32.1%) lesions originated from the submucosa, including Brunner's glands adenoma(n=15, 19.2%), ectopic pancreas(n=3, 3.8%), carcinoid tumor(n=3, 3.8%), lipoma(n=2, 2.6%), myxoinoma(n=1, 1.3%), and angio-lymphangioma(n=1, 1.3%). There were two lesions originated from the muscularis propria(n=2, 2.5%), and both were ectopic pancreas. All cases received ESD successfully. The mean operative time was(37±41) min and the mean blood loss was(23±15) ml. The perioperative complication rate was 35.9%(28/78), including intraoperative perforation(n=6), delayed perforation(n=3), intraoperative hemorrhage(n=10), delayed bleeding(n=7), and transient elevation of serum amylase(n=2). Postoperative pathological examination showed vascular invasion with tumor cells in one patient, who received extended resection later. The remaining 77 patients showed no recurrence during the followed up(rang, 3-23 months) using endoscopy., Conclusion: ESD is an effective, safe, minimally invasive method for the management of duodenal lesions.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the clinical value of different magnifying chromoendoscopy(MCE) methods in screening gastric precancerous lesions and early cancers., Methods: Between March 2010 and October 2011, among all the patients aged over 40 who received esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, suspicious lesion was detected in 699 patients, who were randomly assigned to three groups: epinephrine dye(n=240), indigo carmine dye(n=246), and acetic acid-indigo carmine mixture dye(n=213). Diagnosis was made according to surface patterns and microvessels of the lesion. Pathological diagnosis was used as the gold standard. The concordance between endoscopic diagnosis and pathological diagnosis was evaluated through the agreement(Kappa) test. McNemar Paired chi-square test was used to compare the concordance of three MCE methods, regular white light, magnification alone, and NBI magnifier before and after MCE., Results: Pathological examination showed inflammatory lesions in 415 patients, intestinal metaplasia in 190, low grade intra-epithelial neoplasia in 17, and high grade intra-epithelial neoplasia or early cancer in 77. The percentage of patients with consistent endoscopic and pathological diagnosis was 77.1%(185/240) for epinephrine dye, 80.5%(198/246) for indigo carmine dye, and 81.2%(173/213) for acetic acid-indigo carmine mixture dye. Kappa values were 0.579, 0.502, and 0.667 respectively(all P<0.01). For the screening of high grade intra-epithelial neoplasia or early cancer, the diagnostic sensitivities were 84.0%, 83.3%, and 92.9%, respectively, and the specificities were 98.6%, 97.3%, and 98.4%. All the three chromoendoscopy methods improved the diagnostic accuracy for precancerous lesions compared with conventional gastroscopic observation with white light(all P<0.01). Indigo carmine and acid-indigo carmine mixture dye improved the diagnostic accuracy of magnification alone(both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between each MCE method and magnifying NBI observation(all P>0.05)., Conclusion: NBI magnification and all the three MCE methods may improve the diagnostic accuracy of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR) in the treatment of colorectal submucosal tumor(SMT)., Methods: From September 2009 to March 2012, 4 cases with colorectal SMT received EFTR at the Endoscopic Center in the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. The operative time, complications, and follow-up data were analyzed., Results: There were 3 females and 1 male. The age ranged from 33 to 78 years. The tumor location included the upper rectum(n=2), the ascending colon(n=1), and the descending colon(n=1). The mean operative time was 48.0(24-80) min. The mean diameter was 1.45(0.8-2.0) cm. Postoperative pathological examination revealed schwannoma, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, endometriosis, and mild hyperplasia of smooth muscle in the muscularis mucosa. There was no bleeding or perforation intraoperatively and postoperatively. Two patients developed abdominal pain and fever, one of whom had regional peritonitis and was managed by fasting and intravenous antibiotics. No surgical intervention was required. Postoperative follow up ranged from 1 to 30 months and no residual cancer or recurrence was found., Conclusion: EFTR is a safe and effective method for colorectal SMT.

Objective: To study the value of the metal clips and endoloop snare for gastric wall defect after endoscopic full-thick resection(EFR)., Methods: All the patients who underwent complete closure of gastric wall defect after endoscopic full-thick resection with metal clips and endoloop snare in the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan hospital from March 2011 to October 2011 were retrospectively studied. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy were evaluated., Results: Fourteen patients were included in this study. The median age was 49(32-63) years. Lesions located in the gastric body in 5 cases, the gastric fundus in 8 cases, and the gastric antrum and body junction in 1 case. The were diameter was 0.6-3.0 cm. Complete closure rate was 100% using this technique. The median repair time was 12(8-20) min. No patients were converted to surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Four patients complained of abdomen pain with elevated body temperature, and ultrasonography showed minor peritoneal fluid in 2 cases, which were drained. These four cases were asked to maintain semi-reclining position and were put on fasting, continuous gastrointestinal decompression, and received antibiotics. They were discharged after 1-3 days. All the patients were followed up with a median time of 3(1-8) months. Nylon and clips residual were removed endoscopically and the wound healing was satisfactory., Conclusion: Metal clips and endoloop snare is safe and effective for the closure of gastric wall defect after EFR.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST) in the esophagogastric junction(EGJ)., Methods: Twenty patients with pathologically confirmed GIST in the EGJ were screened from all the patients undergoing ESD between November 2007 and June 2011. The clinicopathological and postoperative follow up data were analyzed., Results: There were 11 males and 9 females with the age ranging from 29 to 67 years(mean, 54.1 years). The maximum diameter of the lesions ranged from 8 to 20 mm(mean,14.8 mm). Fifteen patients underwent endoscopic submucosal excavation, 4 patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness resection, and 1 patient underwent submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection. The operative time ranged from 15 to 90 min(mean, 47.8 minutes). The estimated blood loss was 5 to 200 ml. The en bloc resection rate was 100%. Perforations occurred in 4 patients, pneumoperitoneum in 3 patients, cardia mucosal tear in 1 patient. All the complications were successfully managed with endoscopic intervention and conservative therapy. The post-operative follow up ranged from 3 to 36 months(mean, 13.2 months). No local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred., Conclusion: ESD is a safe and effective procedure for GIST in the EGJ.

Objective: To evaluate the value of endoscopic treatment for duodenal Brunner adenoma., Methods: Twenty-nine cases of duodenal Brunner adenoma were diagnosed by pathology between November 2006 and May 2010 in the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed., Results: In 29 cases, there were 13 males and 16 females. The median age was 55(29-72) years. The mean adenoma diameter was (1.7 ± 0.1) cm, among which 17 adenomas ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 cm, 6 ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 cm, and 6 greater than 2.0 cm. Nine cases were treated by polypectomy, 12 by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and 8 by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD). En-bloc resection rate was 100%. Intraoperative bleeding was seen in one case (200 ml), managed by nonsurgical method, including electrocoagulation, metal clips and nylon rope. Perforation occurred in 1 case during the procedure and was managed by metal clips. Delayed bleeding occurred in 1 case in the second day and was managed endoscopically. During a median follow-up of 13 (range, 2-39) months, the quality of life was satisfactory in this cohort, and no patients developed long-term complications. There was one recurrence within 1 year after the procedure and a second ESD was performed., Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment is technically feasible and may be considered as the procedure of choice for duodenal Brunner adenoma.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of metallic clips for closure of full-thickness defects in the stomach wall., Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups with 12 in each group using random digits table. A 2 cm×2 cm full-thickness defect was created in the gastric body. No closure was performed in the first group; in the second group, mucosa closure with metallic clips; the third group, closure of full-thickness gastric tissue with metallic clip; the fourth group closure with 3-0 silk suture. After operation the animals were sacrificed at the third day and the seventh day. Wound healing was evaluated. Bursting pressure was recorded. HE and Masson staining was performed to inspect wound inflammation and tissue fibrosis situation., Results: After operation all the animals in the first group died within 34 hours, while those in other groups survived. No intraperitoneal bleeding or infection were seen in the survived animals. General observation showed that the metallic closure group caused less intraperitoneal adhesions. Operative time was shorter in the second and third group compared to the fourth group [(45.8 ± 1.6) min and (42.5 ± 1.5) min vs. (48.0 ± 1.4) min, P<0.05]. The bursting pressure on the third day was lower [(36.9 ± 4.6) mm Hg and (39.8 ± 4.1) mm Hg vs. (50.5 ± 4.2) mm Hg, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in bursting pressure on the 7th day among the three groups [(95.0 ± 7.9) mm Hg and (97.8 ± 6.8) mm Hg vs. (98.5 ± 7.0) mm Hg, P>0.05]. HE staining revealed that metal closure had a better healing and Masson staining reflected no significant difference in healing at the same time point., Conclusions: Metal clips closure full-thickness defects in the stomach, regardless in full thickness or mucosa closure, is as safe and effective as suture closure.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and the feasibility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia (AC)., Methods: The clinical data of 42 patients diagnosed as AC and received POEM in the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between August 2010 and March 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. The key procedures of POEM included esophageal mucosal incision, submucosal "tunneling" by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) technique, endoscopic myotomy of the circular muscle, and closure of mucosal incision by hemostatic clips., Results: The mean age of 42 cases was 43.9(range 10-70) years. The mean duration of disease was 8.7 years (range, 3 months to 50 years). The mean operative time was (68.5 ± 25.5) (range 23-180) minutes with a mean submucosal tunneling length of(10.5 ± 1.5)(range 8-15) cm. The average length of endoscopic myotomy of inner circular muscle was(9.5 ± 2.5)(range 7-13) cm. No serious complications related to POEM were encountered. The median follow-up period was 2.5(range 1-6) months. Dysphagia symptom was relieved significantly during the follow-up period in 41 patients; one patient had dysphagia and vomiting 15 days after the operation. Endoscopic observation showed a submucosal fistula which was managed by endoscopic incision., Conclusions: As a novel minimally invasive therapy for AC, POEM appears to have definite short-term outcomes and can rapidly alleviate dysphagia symptom. Further observations and long follow-up are needed to evaluate long-term outcome and complications.

Objective: To assess the application value of emergency colonoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of acute colorectal obstruction., Methods: A total of 459 patients with acute colorectal obstruction received emergent colonoscopy from July 2002 to July 2010. The safety and effective rates were analyzed., Results: The diagnostic rate of successful emergency colonoscopy was 100% (459/459) without any complication. Colorectal cancer were found in 71.3% cases (327/459), volvulus of sigmoid in 11.3% (52/459), diaphragmatocele in 0.4% (2/459), megacolon congenitum in 0.6% (3/459), fecal obstruction in 2.7% (12/459) and none in 13.7% (63/459). The therapeutic rate of colonoscopy was 83.2% (385/459). There were colorectal cancer (n = 327), volvulus of sigmoid (n = 52) and megacolon congenitum (n = 3). The successful treatment rate was 95.8% (369/385) and the complication rate 1.4% (5/385). Among all colorectal cancers, 93.9% (307/327) received endoscopic drainage (mental stents or drainage tube) so as to avoid emergency operations and stoma. And 232 cases underwent phase I operation and another 75 cases received chemotherapy or supportive treatment., Conclusion: Emergency colonoscopy is an effective, safe, minimal invasive approach for diagnosing and managing acute colorectal obstruction.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic excision for rectal carcinoids., Methods: Clinical data of 91 patients with rectal carcinoids treated by endoscopic excision from 2000 to 2007 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: The average size of the primary tumor was 0.8 cm(range 0.3 to 2.3 cm). All the tumors were localized within the submucosal layer showing typical histology without lymphatic or vessel infiltration. Follow-up was available for 80 patients with mean 32.5 months (range 6 to 96 months). There was no recurrence in 65 patients with tumor size < 1.0 cm. Recurrence occurred in 3 cases among 25 patients with tumor size from 1.0 to 2.0 cm, and 1 died of hepatic metastasis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the patients were 100%, 98.0%, and 91.4% respectively., Conclusions: Tumor size and depth of invasion are two important prognostic factors of rectal carcinoids. Endoscopic excision is useful for rectal carcinoid patients with tumor size < 1.0 cm and located within the submucosal layer.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic self-expanded metal stent for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction., Methods: Fifty-six cases of gastric outlet obstruction, collected from March 1999 to January 2008, were treated by endoscopic self-expanded metal stents. The success rate, complication rate and survival were evaluated., Results: Among the 56 cases, the male to female ratio was 33 to 23, and the average age was [65+/-14 (24-86)] years. Seventeen cases were gastric cancer, 4 duodenal carcinoma, 7 peri-ampulla carcinoma, 13 metastasis cancer and 15 presented recurrence after operations. The success rate of stent implantation was 98.2% (55/56). Forty-nine cases (87.5%) could eat liquid food 1-3 days after operations and eat semifluid food 4-9 days later. Forty-two cases (76.4%)could eat normal food after 10-16 days. The main complications included 14.5% of cases with pain, 1.8% with stent shift, 25.5% with bleeding and no one with perforation. Until January 20, 2008, 53 cases (96.4%) had been followed up. The mean survival time was [139+/-15 (14-332)] days, and the median survival time was 135 days. The re-stenosis rate was 5.7%, including 3 cases, happened in 143, 158 and 190 days after the operations respectively, and was successfully treated by second stent implantation., Conclusion: Endoscopic implantation of self-expanded metal stent is a micro-invasive, safe, effective method for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction.

Objective: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal lipoma., Methods: The clinical data of 34 patients with gastrointestinal (GI) lipoma from 1993 to 2007 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: GI lipoma produced a variety of symptoms including gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, anemia, intussusception, and bowel obstruction. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS) for GI lipoma was 93.8%. Twelve GI lipomas were resected under endoscopy, the remainder at laparotomy, partial resection, gastrectomy or enterectomy being performed. Twenty-eight cases were followed up from 1 month to 168 months. No recurrence and metastasis were observed except one case dying of gastric liposarcoma., Conclusions: EUS is an effective method for diagnosing GI lipomas. The treatment of GI lipomas is surgical resection, and endoscopic removal of GI lipomas is safe following the guidance of the present therapeutic strategy.

Objective: To assess the clinical value of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for rectal carcinoid tumors., Methods: Endoscopic miniprobe ultrasonography was performed in patients with rectal submucosal tumors under colonoscope. ESD was carried out with the needle knife for lesions diagnosed as rectal carcinoid as following: (1)Fluid was injected into the submucosal layer in the rectum to elevate the lesion from the muscle layer. (2)The surrounding mucosa of the lesion was pre-cut. (3)The connective tissue of the submucosa beneath the lesion was dissected., Results: Five rectal carcinoids ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 cm and the mean resected size was 1.1 cm. All rectal carcinoid tumors were verified by pathological examination with lateral and basal resection margins free of tumor. The mean ESD procedure time (from fluid injection to complete dissection) was 35 min (ranged from 20 to 45 min). Minor bleeding occurred in all of the tumors, and none of patients had massive hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion or emergency colonoscopy due to hematochezia after ESD. One patient had subserosal emphysema due to deep tearing of the muscle layer, and recovered after several days' conservative treatment. All patients were followed up with colonoscopy 1 month after ESD,which confirmed the healing of artificial ulcers., Conclusions: ESD is a novel endoscopic treatment that makes it possible to resect the whole rectal carcinoids. Rectal carcinoid tumors can now be treated by ESD to achieve the same therapeutic effect as operation.

Objective: To assess the value of endoscopic submucosal resection with ligation (ESMRL) in rectal carcinoids., Methods: 45 patients with rectal carcinoids, 20 males and 25 females, aged 58 +/- 18 (19 - 73), were treated with ESMRL from April, 2002 to April, 2006. The radical resection rate, complication rate, relapse rate, and metastasis rate were analyzed., Results: Carcinoids accounted for 1.8% of the 24,600 cases undergoing colonoscopy at the same time. All the carcinoids were located 2 - 15 cm from anal border, with a mean diameter of (1.4 +/- 0.3) cm (0.3 - 2.0 cm). The endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) characteristic was a hypoechoic solid tumor in the superficial submucosa (24 cases, 53%) or in both the mucosa and submucosa (21 cases, 47%) without involvement of the muscularis propria. All patients received ESMRL of the rectal carcinoids, of which 34 cases (75.6%) needed more hemostasis of the incision margin. The mean operation time was (25 +/- 4) min. 7 cases (15.6%) with tardy bleeding 2 - 7 days after ESMRL needed endoscopic re-hemostasis, of which 3 cases (43%) showed oozing of blood from the muscle layer and another 4 showed oozing of blood or arterial bleeding from the incision border. No perforation or inflammatory was reported. 39 cases (86.7%) had negative margin in pathological examination, and the incision margins of the other 6 patients, as normal submucosal layer could not be seen outside the tumor envelope, could not be evaluated. But the tumor envelope was integrated without involvement of tumor and other biopsy results 7 days after ESMRL was negative. So no more therapies were selected. All 45 patients were followed up for 31 months (6 - 52 months), there was no metastasis, relapse and dead cases., Conclusion: ESMRL is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method to deal with rectal carcinoids.

Objective: To evaluate stenosis of the lower rectum following PPH with special respect to potential predictive factors or stenotic events., Methods: A retrospective analysis of 554 consecutive patients, which underwent PPH from July 2000 to December 2004 was performed., Results: Only patients with follow-up check were evaluated, thus the analysis includes 489 patients (489/554, 88.3%) with a mean follow-up of (324 +/- 18) days. Rectal stenosis was observed in 12 patients (12/489, 2.5%), the median time to stenosis was 89 - 134 (125 +/- 5) days. All the patients complained of obstructive defecation and underwent strictureplasty with electrocautery or balloon dilation through colonoscopy. A statistical analysis revealed that patients with stenosis had significantly more often prior sclerosis therapy for hemorrhoids (58.3% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.02) and severe postoperative pain (25.0% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.003). Other factors, such as gender (P = 0.32), prior surgery for hemorrhoids (P = 0.11), histological evidence of squamous skin (P = 0.77) or revision (P = 0.53) showed no significance., Conclusion: Rectal stenosis is an uncommon event after PPH. Early stenosis will occur within the first four months after surgery. The majority of the stenosis can be cured through colonoscopy surgery. The predictive factors for stenosis are previous sclerosis therapy for hemorrhoids and severe postoperative pain.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical use of endoscopic ileus tube drainage in preoperative therapy for acute low malignant colorectal obstruction., Methods: From Nov. 2004 to Dec. 2005, 15 cases with acute low malignant colorectal obstruction received emergency colonoscopy and endoscopic ileus tube drainage was performed. Radical resection was then performed after seven days of drainage., Results: Endoscopic ileus tube drainage was successful in 13 cases, and failed in 2 cases because the guide wire cannot be inserted through the tumor in one case, and in the other case the tumor was located in the middle of the transverse colon so that the ileus drainage tube was not long enough. Abdominal girth decreased from (91+/- 4) cm to (82+/- 2) cm after tube drainage. The everyday drainage volume minus rinsing volume ranged from - 600 ml to 3200 ml. Abdominal X ray showed that obstruction was relieved. Intra-operative exploration revealed that colon edema was not evident, which increased resection rate., Conclusion: Endoscopic ileus tube drainage is effective, safe and maybe the first choice of acute low malignant colorectal obstruction.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical value of endoscopic interventional treatment of malignant gastrointestinal obstruction., Methods: With the aid of X ray, 32 cases with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction were treated with endoscopic metal stenting. There were 8 cases with gastric outlet obstruction, 7 with duodenal obstruction, 13 with rectal obstruction, and 4 with sigmoid obstruction., Results: Among the 32 patients, metal stenting was successfully performed in 30 cases (93.7%, and obstructive symptoms were relieved within 1-3 days. Metal stent placement was permanent in 15 cases with gastric outlet or duodenal obstruction. Twelve cases with colorectal obstruction received stent placement as palliative treatment, while other 3 cases underwent subsequent elective surgical resection. Metal stent placement failed in one case with recurrent rectal carcinoma, and perforation occurred in another one case with wide spread metastatic sigmoid colon carcinoma and Hartmann operation was performed. During the follow-up period, no stent migration was detected., Conclusion: Endoscopic interventional treatment of malignant gastrointestinal obstruction is a feasible, safe, effective and well tolerated method. It can reduce the patients trauma and pain, and improve the quality of life.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy(PEJ)., Methods: From June 1996 to April 2005, clinical data of 121 patients treated with PEG or PEJ were analyzed retrospectively., Results: A total of 121 patients experienced 134 times of PEG or PEG plus PEJ, including 90 cases (103 times) treated with PEG and 31 patients treated with PEG plus PEJ. Thirteen patients treated with PEG had fistula replacement 6-10 months after PEG. All patients had quick nutrition recovery after fistula tube insert,therefore parenteral nutrition was not required. No severe complications occurred in all patients after 10 months of following-up. Four patients had subcutaneous infection around fistula 4-10 days after PEG., Conclusion: PEG and PEJ are safe and new methods for gastrointestinal decompression and enteral nutrition, which can be substitutes for nasogastric tube.