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Objectives: This study investigated the incidence of lymph node metastasis and long-term outcomes in patients with T1 colorectal cancer where endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) resulted in noncurative treatment. It is focused on those with deep submucosal invasion, a factor considered a weak predictor of lymph node metastasis in the absence of other risk factors., Methods: This nationwide, multicenter, prospective study conducted a post-hoc analysis of 141 patients with T1 colorectal cancer ≥20 mm where ESD of the lesion resulted in noncurative outcomes, characterized by poor differentiation, deep submucosal invasion (≥1000 μm), lymphovascular invasion, high-grade tumor budding, or positive vertical margins. Clinicopathologic features and patient prognoses focusing on lesion sites and additional surgery requirements were evaluated. Lymph node metastasis incidence in the low-risk T1 group, identified by deep submucosal invasion as the sole high-risk histological feature, was assessed., Results: Lymph node metastasis occurred in 14% of patients undergoing additional surgery post-noncurative endoscopic submucosal dissection for T1 colorectal cancer. In the low-risk T1 group, in the absence of other risk factors, the frequency was 9.7%. The lymph node metastasis rates in patients with T1 colon and rectal cancers did not differ significantly (14% vs. 16%). Distant recurrence was observed in one patient (2.3%) in the ESD only group and in one (1.0%) in the additional surgery group, both of whom had had rectal cancer removed., Conclusion: The risk of lymph node metastasis or distant occurrence was not negligible, even in the low-risk T1 group. The findings suggest the need for considering additional surgery, particularly for rectal lesions (Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000010136)., (© 2024 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Objectives: Endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) is a novel technique for closing a mucosal defect after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We investigated the technical feasibility of colorectal EHS using a modified flexible through-the-scope needle holder., Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study conducted at two referral centers between June 2022 and April 2023. This study included colorectal neoplasms 20-50 mm in size located in the sigmoid colon or rectum. A modified flexible through-the-scope needle holder, with an increased jaw width to facilitate needle grasping, was used for colorectal EHS. The primary end-points were sustained closure rate on second-look endoscopy (SLE) performed on postoperative days 3-4 and suturing time for colorectal EHS. Secondary end-points included complete closure rate and delayed adverse events., Results: We enrolled 20 colorectal neoplasms in 20 patients, including four patients receiving antithrombotic agents. The tumor location was as follows: lower rectum (n = 8), upper rectum (n = 2), rectosigmoid colon (n = 4), and sigmoid colon (n = 6), and the median mucosal defect size was 37 mm (range, 21-65 mm). The complete closure rate was 90% (18/20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 68.3-98.8%]), and the median suturing time was 49 min (range, 23-92 min [95% CI 35-68 min]). Sustained closure rate on SLE was 85% (17/20 [95% CI 62.1-96.8%]). No delayed adverse events were observed., Conclusion: EHS demonstrated a high sustained closure rate. Given the long suturing time and technical difficulty, EHS should be reserved for cases with a high risk of delayed adverse events., (© 2024 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background and Aim: Hot snare excision using electrocautery is widely used for large colorectal polyps (>10 mm); however, adverse events occur due to deep thermal injury. Colorectal polyps measuring 10-14 mm rarely include invasive cancer. Therefore, less invasive therapeutic options for this size category are demanding. We have developed hot snare polypectomy with low-power pure-cut current (LPPC HSP), which is expected to contribute to less deep thermal damage and lower risk of adverse events. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LPPC HSP for 10-14 mm colorectal polyps, compared with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)., Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective, observational study, clinical outcomes of EMR and LPPC HSP for 10-14 mm nonpedunculated colorectal polyps between January 2021 and March 2022 were compared using propensity score matching., Results: We identified 203 EMR and 208 LPPC HSP cases. After propensity score matching, the baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable, with 120 pairs. The en bloc and R0 resection rates were not significantly different between EMR and LPPC HSP groups (95.8% vs 97.5%, P = 0.72; 90.0% vs 91.7%, P = 0.82). The rates of delayed bleeding and perforation did not differ between the groups., Conclusions: Compared with conventional EMR, LPPC HSP showed a similar resection ability without an increase in adverse events. These results suggest that LPPC HSP is a safe and effective treatment for 10-14 mm nonpedunculated colorectal polyps., (© 2024 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objectives: We previously demonstrated that a favorable long-term prognosis indicated that endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) could be the standard treatment for large colorectal epithelial neoplasms, but the usefulness of ESD for local residual or recurrent tumors with submucosal fibrosis has not been fully demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of ESD for local residual or recurrent colorectal tumors., Methods: We conducted a nationwide multicenter prospective study to evaluate the outcomes of ESD for colorectal tumors. In this post hoc analysis, a total of 54 local residual or recurrent colorectal tumors in 54 patients were included, and we analyzed the short-term and long-term outcomes of ESD for these lesions., Results: The median size of the lesions was 16.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 11-25) mm. ESD was completed in 53 cases (98.1%) with a median procedure time of 65.0 min, but it was discontinued in one case because of submucosal cancer invasion. En bloc resection was achieved in 52 cases (96.3%), whereas R0 resection was achieved in 45 cases (83.3%). Intraoperative perforation was observed in four cases (7.4%) and delayed perforation in one (1.9%), but all cases could be managed conservatively. Delayed bleeding was not observed. There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes between the rectal and colonic lesions. There was no recurrence of the tumor during the median follow-up period of 60 (IQR 50-64) months., Conclusion: An analysis of our multicenter prospective study suggests that ESD is an effective salvage management for local residual or recurrent colorectal lesions., (© 2024 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Objectives: The incidence of colorectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has increased with colorectal cancer screening programs and increased colonoscopies. The management of colorectal NETs has recently shifted from radical surgery to endoscopic resection. We aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of various methods of endoscopic resection for colorectal NETs., Methods: Among those registered in the C-NET STUDY, patients with colorectal NETs who underwent endoscopic treatment as the initial therapy were included. Short-term outcomes, such as the en bloc resection rate and R0 resection (en bloc resection with tumor-free margin) rate, were analyzed based on treatment modalities., Results: A total of 472 patients with 477 colorectal NETs received endoscopic treatment. Of these, 418 patients with 421 lesions who met the eligibility criteria were included in the analysis. The median age of the patients was 55 years, and 56.9% of them were men. The lower rectum was the most commonly affected site (88.6%), and lesions <10 mm accounted for 87% of the cases. Endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L, 56.5%) was the most common method, followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, 31.4%) and endoscopic mucosal resection using a cap (EMR-C, 8.5%). R0 resection rates <10 mm were 95.5%, 94.8%, and 94.3% for ESMR-L, ESD, and EMR-C, respectively. All 16 (3.8%) patients who developed treatment-related complications could be treated conservatively. Overall, 23 (5.5%) patients had incomplete resection without independent clinicopathological risk factors., Conclusion: ESMR-L, ESD, and EMR-C were equally effective and safe for colorectal NETs with a diameter <10 mm., (© 2023 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background and Aim: Tip-in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has a high en bloc resection rate for large colorectal neoplasms. However, non-experts' performance in Tip-in EMR has not been investigated. We investigated whether Tip-in EMR can be achieved effectively and safely even by non-experts., Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent Tip-in EMR for 15-25 mm colorectal nonpedunculated neoplasms at a Japanese tertiary cancer center between January 2014 and December 2020. Baseline characteristics, treatment outcomes, learning curve of non-experts, and risk factors of failing self-achieved en bloc resection were analyzed., Results: A total of 597 lesions were analyzed (438 by experts and 159 by non-experts). The self-achieved en bloc resection (69.8% vs 88.6%, P < 0.001) and self-achieved R0 resection (58.3% vs 76.5%, P < 0.001) rates were significantly lower in non-experts with <10 cases of experience than in experts, but not in non-experts with >10 cases. Adverse event (P = 0.165) and local recurrence (P = 0.892) rates were not significantly different between experts and non-experts. Risk factors of failing self-achieved en bloc resection were non-polypoid morphology (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6-7.3, P = 0.001), lesions with an underlying semilunar fold (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6-7.3, P < 0.001), positive non-lifting sign (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-8.0, P = 0.023), and non-experts with an experience of ≤10 cases (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.1-6.3, P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The clinical outcomes of Tip-in EMR for 15-25 mm lesions performed by non-experts were favorable., (© 2024 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Background and Aims: Because endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) preserves the entire stomach, missed gastric cancers (MGCs) are often found in the remaining gastric mucosa. However, the endoscopic causes of MGCs remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the endoscopic causes and characteristics of MGCs after ESD., Methods: From January 2009 to December 2018, all patients undergoing ESD for initially detected EGC were enrolled. According to a review of EGD images before ESD, we identified the endoscopic causes (perceptual, exposure, sampling errors, and inadequate preparation) and characteristics of MGC in each endoscopic cause., Results: Of 2208 patients who underwent ESD for initial EGC, 82 patients (3.7%) had 100 MGCs. The breakdown of endoscopic causes of MGCs was as follows: 69 (69%) perceptual errors, 23 (23%) exposure errors, 7 (7%) sampling errors, and 1 (1%) inadequate preparation. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for perceptual error were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-5.18), isochromatic coloration (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.47-6.84), greater curvature (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.121-4.40), and lesion size ≤12 mm (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.07-2.84). The sites of exposure errors were around the incisura angularis (11 [48%]), posterior wall of the gastric body (6 [26%]), and antrum (5 [21%])., Conclusions: We identified MGCs in 4 categories and clarified their characteristics. Quality improvements in EGD observation, with attention to the risks of perceptual and site of exposure errors, can potentially prevent missing EGCs., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: It is unclear whether additional treatment should be considered given the recurrence risk after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) when the vertical margin is positive or unclear (VM1/VMX) due to intralesional damage. This study aimed to elucidate the local recurrence risk of ESCC caused by intralesional damage during ESD., Methods: Among consecutive patients with pT1a ESCCs initially treated by ESD at our institution between January 2006 and December 2018, ESCCs diagnosed as VM1/VMX were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria were piecemeal resection and any additional treatment after ESD. Intralesional damage included the following three types: a macroscopic hole inside the lesion, an incision from the lateral margin of the specimen into the lesion, and crushing injury or burn effect into the deepest area of the lesion without an obvious hole. The local recurrence rate after ESD was primarily analyzed., Results: Of 1174 pT1a ESCCs initially treated using ESD, 22 lesions were histopathologically diagnosed as VM1/VMX due to intralesional damage (1.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.8%). At a median follow-up period of 60.0 (interquartile range, 15.0-84.0) months, no local recurrence was observed (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0-13.3%) among 21 lesions finally evaluated., Conclusions: The impact of intralesional damage during ESD for ESCC on local recurrence might be negligible. Follow-up without additional treatment may be acceptable even if intralesional damage occurs and results in VM1/VMX after ESD for pT1a ESCCs., (© 2023 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background and Aims: Our aim was to elucidate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial circumferential esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (cESCC)., Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent ESD for cESCC between 2009 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Short-term outcomes were en-bloc resection, R0 resection, procedure time, and adverse events, whereas long-term outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), cumulative recurrence rate (CRR), and clinical course., Results: Fifty-two patients with 52 cESCCs (median tumor length, 5.0 cm; interquartile range [IQR], 4.0-6.3) were evaluated. The en-bloc resection and R0 resection rates were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.4-100) and 69.2% (95% CI, 54.9-81.3), respectively. The median procedure time was 112 minutes (IQR, 87-162). Intraoperative perforations and delayed bleeding occurred in 4 (7.7%) and 1 (1.9%) patients, respectively. Among the 42 patients who underwent ESD alone, 36 (85.7%) experienced esophageal strictures. Within a median follow-up of 49.1 months (IQR, 25.7-74.7), the 4-year OS, DSS, and CRR were 86.2% (95% CI, 71.6-93.6), 95.5% (95% CI, 83.1-98.9), and 11.5% (95% CI, 4.1-23.1), respectively. There was no significant difference in the OS between patients with low-risk cESCC (pT1a, negative lymphovascular invasion, and negative vertical margin) and high-risk lesions, regardless of undergoing additional treatment (P = .93). In 31 patients with low-risk cESCC who were treated with ESD alone, the 4-year OS, DSS, and CRR were 93.2%, 100%, and 0%, respectively., Conclusions: ESD is a highly curative treatment for cESCC with favorable long-term outcomes, especially in low-risk patients. Stricture-prevention techniques should be improved to optimize the benefits of ESD for cESCC., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Tip-in EMR, which includes anchoring the snare tip, has recently shown a favorable en-bloc and R0 resection rate for colorectal neoplasms. Thus, Tip-in EMR may be an alternative to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to compare clinical outcomes between Tip-in EMR and ESD for large colorectal neoplasms., Methods: This retrospective study evaluated consecutive patients who underwent Tip-in EMR or ESD for 20- to 30-mm nonpedunculated colorectal neoplasms at a Japanese tertiary cancer center between January 2014 and December 2019. Baseline characteristics, treatment results, and long-term outcomes were analyzed using 1:1 propensity score matching., Results: Seven hundred nine lesions were evaluated. The Tip-in EMR group included 1 lesion with a nonlifting sign but no lesions with fold convergence. After propensity score matching, each group included 140 lesions. The ESD group showed significantly higher en-bloc resection rates (99.3% vs 85.0%) and R0 resection rates (90.7% vs 62.9%). Procedure time was significantly shorter in the Tip-in EMR group (8 minutes vs 60 minutes). The Tip-in EMR and ESD groups did not differ significantly with respect to local recurrence rate (2.1% vs 0%)., Conclusions: Tip-in EMR is comparable with ESD with respect to the local recurrence rate but has a shorter procedure time, despite the lower en-bloc and R0 resection rates for 20- to 30-mm nonpedunculated colorectal neoplasms without fold convergence or nonlifting sign. Thus, Tip-in EMR could be a feasible alternative to ESD in these lesions., (Copyright © 2022 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: To determine the long-term outcomes after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), we conducted a large, multicenter, prospective cohort trial with a 5-year observation period., Methods: Between February 2013 and January 2015, we consecutively enrolled 1740 patients with 1814 colorectal epithelial neoplasms ≥20 mm who underwent ESD. Patients with noncurative resection (non-CR) lesions underwent additional radical surgery, as needed. After the initial treatment, intensive 5-year follow-up with planned multiple colonoscopies was conducted to identify metastatic and/or local recurrences. Primary outcomes were overall survival, disease-specific survival, and intestinal preservation rates. The rates of local recurrence and metachronous invasive cancer were evaluated as the secondary outcomes., Results: The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and intestinal preservation rates were 93.6%, 99.6%, and 88.6%, respectively. Patients with CR lesions had no metastatic occurrence, and patients with non-CR lesions had 4 metastatic occurrences. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were significantly higher in patients with CR lesions than in those with non-CR lesions (P > .001 and P = .009, respectively). Local recurrence occurred in only 8 lesions (0.5%), which were successfully resected by subsequent endoscopic treatment. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that piecemeal resection (hazard ratio, 8.19; 95% CI, 1.47-45.7; P = .02) and margin-positive resection (hazard ratio, 8.06; 95% CI, 1.76-37.0; P = .007) were significant independent predictors of local recurrence after colorectal ESD. Fifteen metachronous invasive cancers (1.0%) were identified during surveillance colonoscopy, most of which required surgical resection., Conclusions: A favorable long-term prognosis indicates that ESD can be the standard treatment for large colorectal epithelial neoplasms., Clinical Trial Registration Number: UMIN000010136., (Copyright © 2022 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Endoscopic resection of the ileocecal valve lesions (ICVL) and peri-appendiceal orifice lesions (PAOL), is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ICVLs and PAOLs compared with other cecal lesions (OCEL)., Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study conducted at a cancer center hospital and two community hospitals. Non-pedunculated cecal lesions that were intended to be treated by ESD followed by at least one surveillance colonoscopy were included. The main outcome was curative resection defined as en-bloc resection and R0 resection without risk factors of metastases. The secondary outcome was co lon preservation., Results: A total of 206 patients with 206 cecal lesions, including 37 ICVL, 27 PAOL, and 142 OCEL, who were to be treated with ESD were included in this study. Curative resection rates were 75.7% for ICVL, 70.4% for PAOL, and 77.5% for OCEL (P = 0.67). In the multivariate analysis of predictors of curative resection, tumor size (<40 mm) (odds ratio [OR] 2.40; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.14-5.04; P = 0.02) and a negative non-lifting sign (OR 6.12; 95% CI, 2.55-14.60; P < 0.01) were significant. Colon preservation was achieved for 91.9% of the ICVL, 92.6% of the PAOL, and 90.8% of the OCEL (P = 0.947)., Conclusions: Based on curative resection and colon preservation rates, ESD was found to be feasible for ICVL and PAOL. Large tumor size (≥ 40 mm) and positive non-lifting signs were significant factors for non-curative resection., (© 2022 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objectives: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the gold standard for the treatment of noninvasive large colorectal lesions, despite challenges associated with nonlifting lesions and a high rate of local recurrence. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) offers the possibility of overcoming these EMR limitations. However, a higher risk of complications and longer procedure time prevented its dissemination. As ESD now provides more stable results because of standardized techniques compared with those used earlier, this study aimed to quantify the rates of en bloc and curative resections, as well as ESD complications, in the present situation., Methods: A multicenter, large-scale, prospective cohort trial of ESD was conducted at 20 institutions in Japan. Consecutive patients scheduled for ESD were enrolled from February 2013 to January 2015., Results: ESD was performed for 1883 patients (1965 lesions). The mean procedure time was 80.6 min; en bloc and curative resections were achieved in 1759 (97.0%) and 1640 (90.4%) lesions, respectively, in epithelial lesions ≥20 mm. Intra- and postprocedural perforations occurred in 51 (2.6%) and 12 (0.6%) lesions, respectively, and emergency surgery for adverse events was performed in nine patients (0.5%)., Conclusions: This trial conducted after the standardization of the ESD technique throughout Japan revealed a higher curability, shorter procedure time, and lower risk of complications than those reported previously. Considering that the target lesions of ESD are more advanced than those of EMR, ESD can be a first-line treatment for large colorectal lesions with acceptable risk and procedure time. (Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000010136)., (© 2021 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Objectives: Surgery is recommended for early gastric cancer (EGC) beyond the endoscopic resection (ER)-indication for the risk of lymph node metastasis; however, ER may be chosen as a "relative ER-indication" considering age and comorbidities. This study aimed to compare outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) only and surgery (primary surgery and additional surgery after non-curative ESD) among elderly patients with relative ER-indication EGC and to further assess prognostic factors., Methods: Outcomes of ESD and surgery (417 cases; 114 ESD, 303 surgery) in elderly patients (≥75 years) with relative ER-indication EGC were retrospectively analyzed. Prognostic factors were also examined., Results: During the observation period (median; ESD, 34 months; surgery, 61 months), 29% of ESD and 35% of surgery patients died, including 4% and 5% from gastric cancer (GC), respectively. ESD showed lower overall survival (OS) than surgery (P = 0.027) but comparable disease-free survival (P = 0.916). OS-associated factors were age and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in males (age ≥79, hazard ratio [HR] 2.21, P = 0.001; PNI <45, HR 2.06, P = 0.031) and age in females (age ≥82, HR 4.06, P = 0.004). Treatment was not a prognostic factor in either subgroup. Pathological category ≥pT1b2 (submucosal invasion ≥500 µm) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were significantly associated with GC death (mortality: ≥pT1b2, 7.7%, P = 0.002; LVI, 10.1%, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: In elderly patients with relative ER-indication EGC, ESD may have comparable long-term efficacy to surgery, and treatment selection had a minor contribution to OS. For patients with poor preoperative prognostic factors, diagnostic ESD may be performed first, followed by additional surgery based on pathological results., (© 2021 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background and Aims: Colorectal neoplastic lesions (≥ 20 mm) are commonly treated via piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (p-EMR) but have a high rate of local recurrence. We aimed to clarify the optimal surveillance interval after p-EMR for these neoplasias., Methods: In this multicenter (15 participating institutions) prospective, randomized trial, 180 patients recruited over a 4-year period and were classified based on tumor location, tumor diameter, histological diagnosis, institution, and number of resected specimens. The patients underwent curative p-EMR followed by scheduled surveillance colonoscopy at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after p-EMR (group A; n = 90) or at 6, 12, and 24 months after p-EMR (group B; n = 90). The primary endpoint was cumulative local recurrence at 6 months after p-EMR. Secondary endpoints included local recurrence and the cumulative surgical resection rate of recurrent tumors during the 24-month follow-up period., Results: The median tumor diameter was 25 mm (IQR 20-30). Six months after p-EMR, 12 and 6 local recurrences were noted in groups A and B, which corresponded to 13 and 8 recurrences, respectively, during the 24-month surveillance period. The primary and secondary endpoints of recurrence were not significantly different between the groups on either intention-to-treat or per-protocol analysis; no surgery case was observed in group B when a strict surveillance protocol of 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up post-EMR was followed., Conclusions: For patients who underwent p-EMR for neoplastic lesions, additional postprocedural 3-month surveillance did not show superior results in detecting recurrence compared with a 6-month surveillance interval., Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000015740., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Aim: Post-endoscopic submucosal dissection electrocoagulation syndrome (PECS) has become a common adverse event after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and esophageal ESD. However, little is known about PECS after gastric ESD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the clinical features of PECS after gastric ESD., Methods: Patients who underwent ESD for gastric cancer or adenoma between January 2016 and December 2017 were retrospectively investigated. PECS was clinically diagnosed based on the presence of upper abdominal pain and localized abdominal tenderness with a temperature of >37.5°C, without perforation. We analyzed the clinical features of PECS., Results: A total of 637 ESD cases were enrolled; PECS occurred in 32 patients (5.0%), all of whom were diagnosed on postoperative Day 1. Among PECS cases, unplanned prolongation of hospitalization or fasting period was observed in 15 patients (47%). As a result, the median durations of hospitalization and fasting period were significantly longer in PECS cases (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively); however, the mean differences were less than a day. Additionally, all PECS cases recovered with conservative treatment., Conclusions: PECS is considered a common adverse event after gastric ESD. More than half of patients with PECS could start diets and be discharged as well as those without PECS., (© 2021 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objectives: Given the high risk of bleeding in post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, a new effective method is needed to prevent delayed bleeding among such patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of endoloop closure, using an endoloop and clips, after gastric ESD to prevent bleeding among patients receiving antithrombotic therapy., Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients taking antithrombotic agents who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer between March 2016 and January 2019. Patients were classified into two groups: the endoloop closure group and the control group (no prophylactic treatment). We compared the rates of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding between the two groups., Results: Overall, 178 patients were included, with 37 patients in the endoloop closure group and 141 patients in the control group. The rate of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding was in general lower in the endoloop closure group than in the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (8% vs. 23%, p  = 0.06). Among patients with a resected specimen size <40 mm and those using multiple antithrombotic agents, the endoloop closure group showed a lower rate of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding (0% vs. 16%, p  = 0.03 and 10% vs. 70%, p  = 0.02, respectively)., Conclusions: Closure using an endoloop and endoclips after gastric ESD might prevent post-procedure bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, particularly in those patients with a resected specimen <40 mm and those receiving multiple antithrombotic agents.

Background: Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection is considered a minimally invasive treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the long-term outcomes have not been fully evaluated. This study investigated the short-term and long-term outcomes of salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection., Methods: Patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for local recurrence or residual tumor after chemoradiotherapy from January 2006 to December 2017 were retrospectively investigated. Follow-up included endoscopic examination and computed tomography at least once every 6 months after salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection. Risk factors for disease recurrence after salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection were assessed using the Cox hazards model., Results: A total of 30 patients (33 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: local recurrence, n = 27; residual tumor, n = 6) were included. The median endoscopic submucosal dissection procedure time was 40 min (interquartile range [IQR], 33-58.5 min). En bloc resection was achieved in 31 (94%) of 33 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cases. One patient with intraoperative perforation did not require surgical intervention and recovered with conservative treatment. A total of 16 patients (53%) had disease recurrence at a median follow-up of 51 months (IQR, 33-81 months). The 3-year overall, disease-specific, recurrence-free and local recurrence-free survival rates were 75%, 82%, 58% and 90%, respectively. The positive vertical margin, submucosal invasion in the endoscopic submucosal dissection specimen and piecemeal resection were significantly associated with disease recurrence after salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection., Conclusions: Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection is a feasible treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with acceptable long-term outcomes. However, for cases with positive vertical margins and submucosal invasion in the endoscopic submucosal dissection specimen, salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection outcomes were insufficient and additional treatment might be required., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permission@oup.com.)

Introduction: One-piece endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for lesions >15 mm is still unsatisfactory, and attempted 1-piece EMR for lesions >25 mm can increase perforation risk. Therefore, modifications to ensure 1-piece EMR of 15- to 25-mm lesions would be beneficial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Tip-in EMR, which anchors the snare tip within the submucosal layer, increases en bloc resection for 15- to 25-mm colorectal lesions compared with EMR., Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, patients with nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasms of 15-25 mm in size were recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo Tip-in EMR or standard EMR, stratified by age, sex, tumor size category, and tumor location. The primary endpoint was the odds ratio of en bloc resection adjusted by location and size category. Adverse events and procedure time were also evaluated., Results: We analyzed 41 lesions in the Tip-in EMR group and 41 lesions in the EMR group. En bloc resection was achieved in 37 (90.2%) patients undergoing Tip-in EMR and 30 (73.1%) who had EMR. The adjusted odds ratio of en bloc resection in Tip-in EMR vs EMR was 3.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.06-13.6, P = 0.040). The Tip-in EMR and EMR groups did not differ significantly in adverse event rates (0% vs 4.8%) or median procedure times (7 vs 5 minutes)., Discussion: In this single-center randomized controlled trial, we found that Tip-in EMR significantly improved the en bloc resection rate for nonpolypoid lesions 15-25 mm in size, with no increase in adverse events or procedure time., (Copyright © 2021 by The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Background and Aims: Cold-snare endoscopic mucosal resection (CS-EMR) has been adapted in a piecemeal fashion as a safe and effective procedure for resection of colorectal polyps ≥10 mm. However, few data are available on en bloc CS-EMR for adenomas of 10 to 14 mm. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of CS-EMR for these colorectal adenomas., Methods: In this single-arm, prospective, observational study, patients with at least 1 slightly elevated and sessile colorectal adenoma measuring 10 to 14 mm were recruited to undergo CS-EMR. The primary outcome was histological complete resection rate by CS-EMR, which was defined as en bloc resection, with a pathologically negative vertical margin and no neoplastic tissue obtained from 4 quadrants of the mucosal defect margin. Secondary outcomes were en bloc resection rate by CS-EMR, failure rate of CS-EMR, and the incidence of adverse events., Results: A total of 80 polyps from 72 patients were included. CS-EMR failed in 11 lesions (13.7%), all of which were resected using a high-frequency electric current. The rates of en bloc resection and histologic complete resection by CS-EMR were 82.5% (66 of 80) and 63.8% (51 of 80), respectively. No bleeding occurred during the CS-EMR procedure, and there was no delayed bleeding or perforation at the site where CS-EMR was performed., Conclusions: CS-EMR can be safely performed in an en bloc fashion for some colorectal adenomas measuring 10 to 14 mm. However, there is room for improvement regarding the resectability and evaluation of the vertical margin after CS-EMR. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000031248.)., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Objectives: Technical difficulties in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD) result in en bloc resection failure or perforation. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk score for predicting en bloc resection failure or perforation in ESD of colorectal neoplasms., Methods: This single-center observational study included 1133 colorectal neoplasms treated with ESD in a Japanese tertiary cancer center. With a derivation set (n = 716), we performed multiple logistic regression to identify significant risk factors for en bloc resection failure or perforation. Based on odds ratios, we developed a risk score, ranging from 0 to 10: 0-1 'low risk' (LR); 2-4 'moderate risk' (MR); and 5-10 'high risk' (HR). An independent validation set comprised prospectively enrolled subjects (n = 417) that underwent ESDs from January 2014 to August 2016. The performance of the risk score for predicting en bloc resection failure or perforation for each risk tier was evaluated., Results: The baseline incidences of en bloc resection failure or perforation were 14.5% and 5.5% in the derivation and validation sets, respectively. We identified the following significant risk factors: endoscopist experience, tumor location, morphology, scope operability, underlying fold, and fold convergence. In the validation set, the incidences of en bloc resection failure or perforation were 0% in the LR tier (n = 62; 14.8%), 2.3% in the MR tier (n = 293; 70.4%), and 25.8% in the HR tier (n = 62; 14.8%) (P < 0.001, Cochran-Armitage trend test)., Conclusions: A risk scoring system, which was developed and prospectively validated, can successfully estimate the incidence of en bloc resection failure or perforation., (© 2019 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background and Aim: If patients with surgically resectable colorectal cancershave synchronous colorectal neoplasms that are difficult to remove by endoscopic mucosal resection, preemptive endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can avoid excessive colorectal resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the strategy of preemptive ESD and surgery for synchronous colorectal neoplasms., Methods: Patients who underwent preemptive ESD and surgery for synchronous colorectal neoplasms between September 2002 and December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The proportion of cases in which extended surgery could be avoided following curative ESD was calculated. Clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated for all patients and long-term outcomes were analyzed for patients who underwent curative ESD and surgery., Results: A total of 45 consecutive patients with 47 endoscopically-resected lesions and 46 surgically-resected lesions were retrospectively evaluated. Curative ESD was achieved in 44 lesions (93.6%) and an extended surgical procedure could be avoided in 42 patients (93.3%). Intraoperative perforation occurred in two lesions (4.3%), delayed perforation in one lesion (2.1%), and delayed bleeding in two lesions (4.3%). Final stages were as follows: stage 0, 3 patients (7.1%); stage I, 23 patients (54.8%); stage II, 3 patients (7.1%); stage III, 12 patients (28.6%); and stage IV, 1 patient (2.4%). The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with all pathological stages, stage 0-II, and stage III-IV were 93.7%, 100%, and 79.1%, respectively., Conclusion: The strategy of preemptive ESD and surgery for synchronous colorectal neoplasms is minimally invasive and has a favorable prognosis.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for superficial esophageal cancer (SEC); however, it is sometimes technically difficult. Our aim was to identify the predictors of technical difficulty during ESD for SEC., Methods: We reviewed the records of patients who underwent ESD for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas at a tertiary cancer center between April 2008 and March 2016. Patients undergoing ESD after esophagectomy or for residual/recurrent lesions were excluded. Preoperative factors such as tumor subsite, localization, preoperative size, macroscopic type, endoscopic depth of invasion, and treatment for synchronous multiple SECs or previous history of radiation therapy were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of technical difficulty, defined as (1) long procedure time (≥ 120 min), (2) adverse events (perforation, pneumomediastinum), or (3) incomplete resection (piecemeal resection, positive or indeterminate vertical margin)., Results: A total of 679 lesions in 511 patients were analyzed. Difficultly was experienced in 60 cases. The procedure time was > 120 min in 43 (6.3%) patients, adverse events occurred in 16 (2.8%), and incomplete resection occurred in 17 (2.5%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that tumors in the left esophageal wall (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.17-3.91; p = 0.014) and those encompassing ≥ 1/2 its circumference (OR 5.06; 95% CI 2.40-11.34; p < 0.001) were independently associated with difficulty., Conclusions: Tumors in the left esophageal wall and tumors measuring > 1/2 of the esophageal circumference are predictors of difficult esophageal ESD. These results may contribute to better patient selection according to each endoscopist's skill.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in the remnant stomach is a minimally invasive treatment. Few studies compared the technical difficulty of ESD involving the suture line and anastomosis, and information on long-term outcomes is insufficient. This study aimed to elucidate the short- and long-term outcomes of ESD for EGC in the remnant stomach., Methods: We investigated patients who underwent ESD for EGC in the remnant stomach between September 2002 and March 2016. Clinicopathological data were retrieved to assess en bloc resection rates, complications, and long-term outcomes including overall survival and cause-specific survival., Results: A total of 136 consecutive patients with 165 lesions resected by 157 ESD procedures were retrospectively evaluated. The en bloc resection rate was 95.5%. Complications included 16 intraoperative perforations (10.2%), 2 delayed perforations (1.3%), and 15 delayed bleeding (9.6%), which were successfully treated with endoscopy. The en bloc resection rate was significantly higher in the suture line group (100%) and the non-anastomosis or suture line group (98.8%) than in the anastomosis group (82.9%). However, the intraoperative perforation rate was significantly higher in the anastomosis group (31.4%) than in other groups. The 5-year overall and cause-specific survival rates were 88.4% and 97.6%, respectively, during a median follow-up period of 50.7 months (interquartile range 30.8-91.3)., Conclusions: The long-term outcomes of ESD for EGC in the remnant stomach were favorable. However, ESD involving the anastomosis was a technically demanding procedure due to the low en bloc resection rate and high perforation rate.

Background and Aim: Endoscopic salvage treatment for recurrent or residual neoplasms is sometimes technically challenging, and information in choice of treatment methods is lacking. This study aimed to clarify the appropriate treatment strategy for local recurrence after endoscopic resection (ER)., Methods: Seventy-four patients with 74 lesions who received endoscopic treatment for local recurrence after ER for colorectal epithelial neoplasms between January 2010 and December 2016 were enrolled. Patients with hyperplastic polyp, sessile-serrated adenoma/polyp, and submucosal invasive cancer in their initial ER were excluded. Treatment methods, treatment outcomes, and recurrence rate were evaluated for each recurrence based on the preoperative endoscopic diagnosis (adenomatous or cancerous)., Results: Forty-nine of the 74 patients diagnosed with adenomatous recurrence were treated using cold polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in 15, 26, and 8 patients, respectively. Cold polypectomy was applied only to diminutive lesions. EMR and ESD en bloc resection rates were 53.8 and 100%, respectively (p = 0.030). Two patients (7.7%) in the EMR group developed local recurrence, but an additional ER achieved complete resection. Meanwhile, the remaining 25 patients diagnosed with cancerous recurrence were treated via EMR and ESD for 7 and 18 patients, respectively. EMR and ESD en bloc resection rates were 28.6 and 83.3%, respectively (p = 0.017). Three patients (42.9%) in the EMR group developed recurrence., Conclusions: Selecting appropriate treatment methods for adenomatous recurrence could be decided based on estimated pathology and lesion size. ESD was effective for cancerous recurrence to achieve complete disease control.

objective In patients continuing antithrombotics, delayed bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a severe complication. Vonoprazan (VPZ) exerts a rapid, potent, and long-lasting antacid effect compared with traditional proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). This study aimed to compare the incidence of delayed bleeding after gastric ESD between the use of VPZ and PPIs in patients continuing antithrombotics. Methods In this retrospective analysis, we examined 71 patients with 101 lesions treated with traditional PPIs (PPI group) and 59 patients with 90 lesions treated with VPZ (VPZ group). After 2 days (day 0 and 1) of intravenous PPI administration, either an oral PPI or VPZ was administered from postoperative day 2 to 8 weeks after ESD. We assessed the incidence of overall delayed bleeding as well as bleeding that occurred from day 2 until 8 weeks after ESD. Results There was no significant difference in the use of antithrombotic agents between the groups. Overall delayed bleeding occurred 13 times (18%) in 9 patients in the PPI group and 18 times (31%) in 17 patients in the VPZ group (p=0.10). Bleeding from day 2 until 8 weeks after ESD occurred 12 times (17%) in 9 patients in the PPI group and 8 times (14%) in 8 patients in the VPZ group. Conclusion Even with a potent antacid agent, such as VPZ, the incidence of delayed bleeding was high in patients undergoing ESD with continuous antithrombotic agents.

Background and Aim: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is used for the treatment of large colorectal superficial neoplasms. However, there have been no large studies on electrocoagulation syndrome developing after colorectal ESD. The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence and clinical risk factors of post-ESD electrocoagulation syndrome (PECS)., Methods: A total of 692 patients (median age: 70 years; 395 men) with 692 lesions, who underwent colorectal ESD at a tertiary cancer center between July 2010 and December 2015, were eligible. PECS was clinically diagnosed based on the presence of localized abdominal tenderness matching the ESD enforcement site and fever (> 37.5 °C) or an inflammatory response (C-reactive protein level > 0.5 mg/dL or leukocytosis > 10 000 cells/μL), without obvious findings of perforation, which developed at > 6 h post-ESD. Outcomes of the procedure, the incidence of PECS, and risk factors associated with PECS were assessed., Results: The incidence of PECS was 4.8% (33 patients), and all patients improved by conservative treatment. On multivariate analysis, the female sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.2-5.7), tumor location at the cecum (OR 14.5; 95% CI: 3.7-53.7 vs rectum), and the presence of submucosal fibrosis (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1-7.5) were found to be independent risk factors of PECS., Conclusions: This study identified the risk factors for PECS. Patients with high-risk factors of PECS require careful management after colorectal ESD., (© 2018 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: A novel method for the prevention of bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is necessary, as the numbers of patients taking antithrombotic agents have increased. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the covering method using polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets and fibrin glue for ESD-induced ulcer in preventing post-ESD bleeding in patients under continued antithrombotic agents., Methods: One hundred five consecutive gastric tumors among 84 patients who were treated by ESD under continued antithrombotic agents between April 2014 and September 2015 were enrolled in this study. The patients were classified into two groups, the covering group (52 lesions among 38 patients; those with ESD in whom PGA sheets and fibrin glue were used as the covering method) and the control group (53 lesions among 46 patients; ESD only), and their post-ESD bleeding rates were compared., Results: No significant differences were seen in the number and type of antithrombotic agents, lesion location, median procedure time, and median resected specimen size between the groups. ESD was completed in all cases, with no cases of uncontrollable bleeding during the procedure. Post-ESD bleeding occurred in 5.8% (3/52) and 20.8% (11/53) in the covering and control groups, respectively. The post-ESD bleeding rate significantly differed between the groups (P = 0.04; odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidential interval, 0.06-0.89). No adverse events were associated with the use of PGA sheets and fibrin glue., Conclusions: The covering method using PGA sheets and fibrin glue has the potential to reduce post-ESD bleeding in patients receiving continued antithrombotic agents.

Background: Stenosis is a troublesome complication after wide endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). As steroids are known to prevent post-ESD esophageal stenosis, this study aimed to clarify the gastric effects., Methods: This was a retrospective single-institution study. Between September 2002 and June 2015, 132 patients with a post-ESD mucosal defect exceeding three-fourths of the circumference were identified. Among them, 107 patients who did not undergo additional surgery for non-curative resection were reviewed. Steroid treatment (local injection and/or systemic) for stenosis prevention was administered to 28 patients within 10 days after ESD (steroid group). The incidence of stenosis and course of therapeutic endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) were analyzed between the steroid and non-steroid group., Results: Stenosis occurred in 31% (33/107) of patients. Full circumferential defect and defect extending to the pyloric ring were significantly related with stenosis. The proportion of patients with a full circumferential defect was relatively higher in the steroid group (14%) compared to the non-steroid group (5%) (p = 0.111). There was no significant relationship between the incidence of stenosis and the use of steroids (steroid group 39%, non-steroid group 28%, p = 0.260). However, the interval from ESD to stenosis was significantly delayed among steroid-treated patients with a near-circumferential to three-fourth mucosal defect (p = 0.001) and among patients with ESD in the lower stomach (p = 0.002). The number of therapeutic EBDs and treatment duration did not differ significantly between the groups. Steroid treatment did not increase the incidence of ESD- and EBD-related complications., Conclusion: Despite the retardation of the occurrence of stenosis in some subgroups, early steroid treatment did not a show a significant effect on stenosis prevention after wide gastric ESD. Further evaluation is needed to determine the dose and timing of steroid treatment for stenosis after wide gastric ESD.

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None

Background: Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) represents a significant progress in therapeutic endoscopy, little is known about how trainees attain its technical proficiency. The aims of this study were to evaluate the learning curve and clinical outcomes of gastric ESD performed by trainee endoscopists., Methods: Between April 2009 and March 2014, 334 gastric ESD procedures were performed by seven trainees (42-50 consecutive cases per trainee). The learning curve for gastric ESD was evaluated using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. Long-term outcomes were also analyzed., Results: The calculated CUSUM learning curve comprised three phases: Phase I (the initial 15 cases), Phase II (the middle 15 cases), and Phase III (the final 20 cases). The resection speed was 5.7 ± 3.2 min/cm 2 in Phase I, 4.7 ± 2.7 min/cm 2 in Phase II, and 4.3 ± 2.2 min/cm 2 in Phase III. The resection speed was significantly faster in Phase II than in Phase I (p = 0.019). The rate of self-completion reached more than 95% in Phases II and III. The overall complete resection rate was 95%, showing no significant differences between the three phases. Local recurrence was diagnosed in none of the patients during a median follow-up of 38 months., Conclusions: For the trainees, 30 cases were required to attain a higher technical level of competence in gastric ESD. After the learning curve phase, trainee operators could be expected to complete the procedure successfully with favorable long-term outcomes.

Background and Aim: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colorectal neoplasms (CRN) of >50 mm is considered technically difficult. The ITknife nano™ was developed specifically for ESD of CRN and esophageal superficial neoplasms; however, only limited data are available regarding its use in this procedure. Here we assessed the safety and efficacy of ESD using the ITknife nano™ for large CRN (>50 mm)., Methods: We carried out a retrospective study, including consecutive patients with CRN larger than 50 mm that were treated by ESD between September 2002 and August 2016 at our institution. To clarify features of the ITknife nano™ and to assess its safety and efficacy, we compared en bloc/curative resection rates, complications, and resection speed between ESD done using the Dual knife™ with and without the ITknife nano™., Results: We analyzed a total of 177 ESD-treated large CRN (median tumor size, 61 mm). Among the 133 CRN treated by ESD using the ITknife nano™, en bloc and curative resection rates were 96.2% and 80.5%, respectively. Perforation occurred in eight cases (6.0%) and delayed bleeding in four cases (3.0%). All complications were endoscopically managed. Resection speed was significantly faster for ESD using the ITknife nano™ (25.3 mm 2 /min) compared to using the Dual knife™ only (19.9 mm 2 /min; P = 0.02)., Conclusions: Use of the ITknife nano™ for ESD treatment of large CRN (>50 mm) is feasible and may contribute to reduced procedure times. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings., (© 2017 The Authors. Digestive Endoscopy © 2017 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background: The management of antithrombotic therapy in the patients undergoing gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is of concern. This study aimed to assess delayed bleeding rate after gastric ESD in the patients receiving antithrombotic therapy., Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study held in a single institute. The patients undergoing gastric ESD from January 2009 to October 2014 were reviewed. Delayed bleeding rate in the patients receiving antithrombotic therapy was compared with that in matched controls. We also compared delayed bleeding rate in the patients continuing antithrombotic therapy with that in the patients with heparin bridging or cessation of antithrombotic therapy. Among 2388 lesions resected by gastric ESD, 367 lesions were resected in the patients with antithrombotic therapy, and 722 lesions were selected as controls. The lesions in the patients receiving antithrombotic therapy were divided into three subgroups: 54 lesions without preoperative cessation (continuation group), 37 lesions with heparin bridging (heparin group), and 276 lesions with cessation of antithrombotic therapy (cessation group)., Results: The incidence of delayed bleeding was significantly higher in the patients receiving antithrombotic therapy (9.5 % [35/367] vs. 4.2 % [30/722]; p < 0.01). Delayed bleeding rate in continuation group, heparin group, and cessation group was 9.2 % (5/54), 10.8 % (4/37), and 9.4 % (26/276), respectively, and no significant difference was observed. Thrombosis occurred only in cessation group (1.6 %)., Conclusions: Delayed bleeding rate associated with gastric ESD is significantly higher in the patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. No significant difference in delayed bleeding rate was observed among patients with and without cessation of antithrombotic therapy. To prevent thrombosis, gastric ESD without cessation may be feasible.