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Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a malignant lipomatous tumor that rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, including the ileocecal region. In this case, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed no fatty mass located in the mesenteric or submucosal lesion, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed a high maximum standardized uptake value, collectively indicating the gastrointestinal stroma tumor and lymphoma. The pathological findings resemble leiomyosarcoma; the immunohistochemistry findings including mouse double minute 2 homolog and cyclin D-dependent kinase-4 and amplification of mouse double minute 2 homolog in fluorescence in situ hybridization just favored the diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma with leiomyosarcoma phenotype and not leiomyosarcoma. Recently, a new inhibitor for mouse double minute 2 homolog and cyclin D-dependent kinase-4 has been developed, and clinical trials for dedifferentiated liposarcoma are currently ongoing. This could change the treatment strategy drastically compared with other soft tissue sarcomas. Hence, a correct diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma is required.

Background/Aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) using Franseen needles is reportedly useful for its high diagnostic yield. This study compared the diagnostic yield and puncturing ability of EUS-TA using 22-gauge cobalt-chromium (CO-Cr) needles with those of stainless-steel Franseen needles in patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Methods Outcomes were compared between the 22-gauge Co-Cr Franseen needle (December 2019 to November 2020; group C) and stainless-steel needle (November 2020 to May 2022; group S). Results A total of 155 patients (group C, 75; group S, 80) were eligible. The diagnostic accuracy was 92.0% in group C and 96.3% in group S with no significant intergroup differences (p=0.32). The rate of change in the operator (from training fellows to experts) was 20.0% (15/75) in group C and 7.5% (6/80) in group S. Stainless-steel Franseen needles showed less inter-operator difference than Co-Cr needles (p=0.03). Conclusions Both Co-Cr and stainless-steel Franseen needles showed high diagnostic ability. Stainless-steel Franseen needles are soft and flexible; therefore, the range of puncture angles can be widely adjusted, making them suitable for training fellows to complete the procedure.

Background and Aims: Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) are used for treating gastrointestinal perforations, postoperative anastomotic leakages, and mucosal defect closure after endoscopic resections. However, OTSCs are expensive and associated with fatal complications; therefore, proper OTSC usage is necessary. Criteria of OTSC use for mucosal defect closure after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are scarce. We examined closure outcomes with OTSCs and conventional clips in patients undergoing duodenal ESD, analyzed the resected specimen area, estimated the preoperative size of tumors treated with each method, and attempted to clarify the criteria for the use of OTSCs vs conventional clips. Methods: Endoscopic resection was performed for 133 superficial duodenal epithelial tumors from April 2017 to February 2022. Complete closure of mucosal defects after duodenal ESD was attempted for 82 superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors, divided into OTSC and control (conventional clips used) groups. Closure outcomes were analyzed. Results: The overall rate of complete mucosal defect closure in both groups was 98.8%. Significant between-group differences existed in the median estimated tumor size and median resected specimen area. Conclusion: Conventional clips work well for mucosal defects ≤18 mm after duodenal ESD, but for those >18 mm, a combination of OTSCs may be considered.

Abstract Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a difficult procedure, and its introduction to trainees has been debated. Although the criteria for performing colorectal ESD vary among institutions, it is often allowed after gaining experience performing surgeries in animals and upper gastrointestinal ESD. This pilot study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of ESD performed by trainees using the multi-loop traction device (MLTD group) and those of conventional ESD performed by experts (control group). It also aimed to determine whether the MLTD can be used to safely introduce colorectal ESD to trainees. We included 26 colorectal ESD patients (13 in the MLTD group and 13 in the control group) treated at our hospital from October to December 2021. There were no significant differences in the procedure time (50 min vs. 30 min), dissection speed (19.9 mm2/min vs. 28.7 mm2/min), and intraoperative perforation (0% vs. 0%) of the two groups. Furthermore, the rate of ESD self-completion in the MLTD group was 100%. Therefore, the use of the MLTD allowed the safe introduction of colorectal ESD, even among endoscopists with no experience performing colorectal ESD. Consequently, the use of the MLTD may replace animal and upper gastrointestinal ESD when introducing colorectal ESD to trainees.

Abstract Objectives Understanding the exact morphology of the bile duct opening is important for determining the success of bile duct cannulation. Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) has been reported to enhance slight changes in color tone and structure that are difficult to see with white light imaging. This study investigated whether TXI mode1 could improve papillary recognition by trainees inexperienced in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Methods We included 31 patients with naive papilla of Vater at a single institution in the study. Trainee endoscopists (n = 4) evaluated and identified the papilla according to the Inomata classification using white light imaging and TXI. The degree of agreement with the evaluation of supervising physicians (n = 4) was examined using the McNemar test. Results In the trainee group, the kappa coefficient agreements were κ = 0.346 and κ = 0.754 for white light imaging and TXI, respectively. When further evaluated, the separate and septal types of papilla groups showed an increased concordance rate in one of the four trainees (76.67%–96.67%, p = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, comparison for two‐group evaluation showed an increased kappa coefficient in two of four trainees (0.34–0.92, p = 0.010, 0.45–0.92, p = 0.024). Conclusions Observation of the duodenal papilla using TXI improved papillary differentiation and suggested the potential of TXI as a clinical tool. Further study of this method is necessary; it is expected to help reduce cannulation time and the incidence of pancreatitis.

Abstract Objectives There is no unanimity regarding the most appropriate needle to use for an endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB). To date, new types of FNB needles have been designed, including the Fork‐tip and Franseen needles. This study primarily aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy and histological quality between the use of the Franseen and Fork‐tip needles in EUS‐FNB for solid pancreatic lesions. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed 147 patients at our center for solid pancreatic lesions, 75 of whom underwent EUS‐FNB using a 22‐G Franseen needle, and 72 using a 22‐G Fork‐tip needle, from December 2019 to September 2021. The present study conducted a propensity‐matched analysis and confounder adjustment. Results The diagnostic accuracy of the Fork‐tip group (93.3%, 42/45) was the same as that of the Franseen group. For the core tissue and blood scores, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.58, 0.25) between the two groups. The rate of changes in the operator from that of a trainee to an expert was less in the Fork‐tip group (4.4%, 2/45) than in the Franseen group (15.6%, 7/45), but not significantly different (p = 0.16). Conclusions In both groups, the diagnostic accuracy and histological quality were not significantly different. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the rate of operator changes. As both needles are useful, the choice of using either of them is equally good.

Abstract Gel immersion endoscopy (GIE) has gained prominence for securing a good visual field. Traditionally, OS‐1 jelly (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory) has been used for GIE. However, due to the presence of electrolytes, it is unsuitable for endoscopic hemostasis using a monopolar device. Therefore, VISCOCLEAR (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory), a new gel that does not contain electrolytes, has been developed. Moreover, unlike water or saline, VISCOCLEAR does not readily mix with blood, making it effective in visualizing gastrointestinal bleeding. We report two cases in which GIE was performed using a novel gel injection method.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard for diagnosis and intervention in patients with biliopancreatic disorders. However, ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is considered more difficult than in patients with normal anatomy. Since the introduction of balloon enteroscopes for patients with small intestine disorders, single-balloon enteroscopes (SBEs) and double-balloon enteroscopes (DBEs) have also been used for biliopancreatic diseases in patients with SAA. Nevertheless, the use of conventional SBEs and DBEs is limited, as a balloon enteroscope has a working length of 200 cm and a narrow working channel with a diameter of 2.8 mm; therefore, few ERCP accessories are available for use. A short-type SBE with a working length of 152 cm and a working channel of 3.2 mm in diameter, and a short-type DBE with a working length of 155 cm and a working channel of 3.2 mm were introduced to solve these difficulties. Favorable outcomes of these devices have recently been reported. Moreover, studies have reported several tips to achieve procedural success and factors affecting procedure failure. Difficult cases necessitate alternative techniques, such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage.

Abstract Background Herein, for the first time, we present a case with mixed invasive micropapillary and neuroendocrine mammary neoplasm. Case The patient, a 65‐year‐old postmenopausal woman, had become aware of a tumor in her right breast 11 months prior to presentation at our hospital. The cut surface of the mastectomy specimen contained a well‐circumscribed, multinodular, red‐brown tumor, measuring 15x15x15 cm. Histopathologically, this solid cystic lesion consisted of medullary growth of cancer cells accompanied by a well‐developed vascular network as well as conspicuous hemorrhage. Cancer cell nests of various sizes displayed an “inside‐out” structure surrounded by empty spaces. Most cancer cells were polygonal, though a few were short fusiform‐shaped, and possessed finely granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm and ovoid, fine‐granular nuclei. Eighteen mitotic figures were observed in 10 high‐power fields. Macrometastases, up to 13x8 mm in size, with the same morphological features as the original tumor site, were identified in 3 of 15 dissected right axillary nodes. Immunohistochemically, primary and metastatic cancer cells were diffusely positive for chromogranin A and the estrogen receptor (Allred's total score: 8) and focally reactive for synaptophysin and the progesterone receptor (total score: 5). HER2 and cytokeratin 5/6 were negative, and the MIB‐1 labelling index was 36.2%. MUC1 and EMA lined the stroma‐facing surfaces of the cell membranes, indicating reversed polarity. Conclusion Our current patient, who had an invasive breast carcinoma with concomitant neuroendocrine and micropapillary features, developed multiple nodal metastases in association with a large‐diameter tumor showing a luminal B‐like immuno‐profile. Accordingly, meticulous clinical follow‐up remains essential for this uncommon case.

Abstract The endoscopic findings of gastric metastases from breast carcinoma are nonspecific, and often difficult to distinguish from primary gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. Therefore, pathological findings are key to diagnosis.

Background: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a highly effective clipping device for refractory gastrointestinal disease. However, Japanese data from multicenter studies for anastomotic leakage (AL) involving a secondary fistula after gastrointestinal surgery are lacking. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OTSC placement in Japanese patients with such conditions. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 28 consecutive patients from five institutions who underwent OTSC-mediated closure for AL between July 2017 and July 2020. Results: The AL and fistula were located in the esophagus (3.6%, n = 1), stomach (10.7%, n = 3), small intestine (7.1%, n = 2), colon (25.0%, n = 7), and rectum (53.6%, n = 15). The technical success, clinical success, and complication rates were 92.9% (26/28), 71.4% (20/28), and 0% (0/28), respectively. An age of 7 days (84.2%), and the use of simple suction (78.9%) and anchor forceps (80.0%) were associated with higher clinical success rates. Conclusion: OTSC placement is a useful therapeutic option for AL after gastrointestinal surgery.

Abstract Background There is only one report of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with mixed neuroendocrine–non‐neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN). Herein, for the first time, we present a case with an aggressive esophageal MiNEN, as well as with both primary MiNEN and conventional adenocarcinoma, arising in BE. Case A 68‐year‐old woman had been diagnosed with 0‐IIa type adenocarcinoma in the background of long‐segment BE, 45 months earlier. She underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and the pathological diagnosis was tubular adenocarcinoma, well‐differentiated, with slight submucosal invasion. There was no lymphovascular invasion and the margins were intact. The upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy conducted the year after ESD showed no residual or recurrent cancer. However, she was subsequently followed up at another hospital, and endoscopy was not performed after the second year. She was urgently transported to our hospital due to buttock pain in the ninth month of the fourth year. A computed tomography (CT) of the head showed multiple cerebral metastases and positron emission tomography–CT revealed numerous osseous and nodal involvements. We performed upper endoscopy and detected type 3 esophageal tumor. Multiple biopsy specimens histopathologically contained invasive neoplasm composed of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and adenocarcinoma, moderately to poorly differentiated. The NEC element showed diffuse proliferation of primitive cancer cells possessing fine‐granular cytoplasm and nuclei with prominent nucleoli, whereas the adenocarcinoma component had tubules or nested growth of basophilic cells. Immunohistochemically, the NEC cells were diffusely positive for synaptophysin, with focal expressions of INSM1, chromogranin A and NCAM, whereas the adenocarcinoma cells were mostly negative for these NE markers. The Ki67 index was 90% at the hot spots in both types. The patient died 3.5 months after the biopsy‐based histological diagnosis. Conclusion Appropriate therapy according to the guidelines and/or meticulous clinical follow‐up based on periodic endoscopy as well as a full physical examination are essential, from a proactive perspective, for early diagnosis of secondary aggressive cancers after ESD.

Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of tumors located on the gravity side is technically challenging. Given that gel immersion ESD (GIESD) is performed by immersing lesions in gel, we hypothesized that it could be used to eliminate the disadvantage associated with submerging the gravity side. Here, we performed GIESD using VISCOCLEAR for superficial esophageal cancer on the gravity side of the esophagus, with monopolar devices. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of GIESD for superficial esophageal cancer. Fifteen patients with 16 superficial esophageal cancers underwent GIESD by a single operator, and 13 cases were evaluated. All patients were male, and GIESD was performed in the middle (12/13, 92.3 %) and lower (1/13, 7.7 %) thoracic esophagus. The lesions were located on the left (7/13, 53.8 %), posterior (5/13, 38.5 %), and right (1/13, 7.7 %) esophageal walls. The median procedure time was 27 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 14–68), and the median dissection speed was 20 mm2/min (IQR, 14–25.7). The median amount of gel used was 400 mL (IQR, 360–580), and no gel-related adverse events were observed. The median total dose of midazolam was 3 mg (IQR, 2–5). GIESD was completed with en bloc and R0 resections achieved in 100 % of the 13 cases. Delayed adverse events, such as bleeding or perforation, did not occur (0/13, 0 %).

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreatobiliary diseases require advanced techniques. We usually use an oblique‐viewing endoscope in such procedures. Sometimes, tumor invasion causes gastrointestinal strictures. Crossing a stricture using an oblique‐viewing endoscope is more difficult than using a forward‐viewing scope. Therefore, the frequency of scope perforation is higher than other endoscopic procedures. Although surgical repair for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes has been performed, patients with pancreatobiliary diseases are often elderly and in poor general condition; therefore, patients are hesitant to undergo surgical treatments. Recently, the usefulness of over‐the‐scope clipping (OTSC) as a minimally invasive rescue method has also been reported. In this study, we report cases of successful endoscopic closure using OTSC for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes in ERCP and EUS‐related procedures. After those procedures, all cases showed no abnormalities in blood tests or symptoms, and emergency surgery was successfully avoided. Thus, endoscopic closure using OTSC for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations is safe and effective. However, OTSC requires some expertise. A good assessment of defect size and careful insertion of the scope using OTSC attached to the upper esophagus are needed to avoid clip migration or disinsertion and esophageal tears. Therefore, endoscopic closure using OTSC could be the first choice of treatment for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations. We should be familiar with its indication and perform it carefully and rapidly.

Background and study aims Endoscopic resection of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (DNETs) remains controversial, and its indications are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes of a newly developed endoscopic muscularis resection (EMR) method that utilizes an over-the-scope clip (OTSC), termed EMRO, for treating DNETs. Patients and methods In total, 13 consecutive patients with 14 small (≤ 10 mm) DNETs who underwent EMRO from September 2017 to March 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. EMRO was performed by a single experienced endoscopist. Patients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes were assessed. Results The En bloc and R0 resection rates were 100 % (14/14) and 92.9 % (13/14), respectively. The median pathological resected specimen size was 10 mm, with a median pathological resected tumor size of 6 mm. During the EMRO procedure, there was no occurrence of misplacement of the OTSC to the target lesion. With respect to the pathological resection depth, nine cases (64.3 %) and five cases (35.7 %) were categorized as deep submucosal resection and muscularis resection, respectively, whereas no case was categorized as full-thickness resection. There were no intraoperative or delayed perforations. However, delayed bleeding occurred in two cases. At a median follow-up of 12 months (range 7–36) after EMRO, there was no incidence of local recurrence. At the first follow-up endoscopy performed at 6 months after EMRO, the OTSC was retained in place in two of 14 DNETs (14.3 %). Conclusions EMRO can be performed safely, by an experienced endoscopist, for small (≤ 10 mm) DNETs.

Background. Accurate diagnosis of benign and malignant lymphadenopathy is important for determining the appropriate treatment and prognosis. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with a conventional needle compared to endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) with a Franseen needle for diagnosing lymphadenopathy. Methods. Patients who underwent EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB for mediastinal or abdominal lymphadenopathy between July 2013 and August 2020 were enrolled in the study. The outcomes between EUS-FNA patients (July 2013 to January 2017; 22-gauge conventional needle; Group A) and EUS-FNB patients (February 2017 to August 2020; 22-gauge Franseen needle; Group B) were compared. Results. A total of 154 patients (Group A: 83; Group B: 71) were analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy (differentiating between malignant and benign lesions) was 88.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.2–93.3%) in Group A and 95.8% (95% CI, 88.3–98.8%) in Group B. Group B had high diagnostic accuracy, but there was no difference between the groups (p=0.14). Group B had significantly fewer passes (median 2, interquartile range (IQR): 2-4) than Group A (median 3, IQR: 3-4) (p

Background. The accurate diagnosis of biliary strictures remains problematic. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical utility of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) under the direct view of peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) for the diagnosis of biliary strictures. Methods. Consecutive patients with biliary strictures were included. We investigated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to diagnose malignancy for (1) ERCP alone, (2) POCS, (3) pCLE under the direct view of POCS, and (4) tissue sampling under the direct view of POCS. Results. A total of 30 patients (17 with malignant lesions) were prospectively enrolled. (1) ERCP alone showed 88.2% sensitivity, 46.2% specificity, and 70% (95% confidence interval (CI), 52.1%–83.3%) accuracy. (2) POCS showed 100% sensitivity, 76.9% specificity, and 90% (95% CI, 74.4%–96.5%) accuracy. (3) pCLE under the direct view of POCS showed 94.1% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity, and 93.3% (95% CI, 78.7%–98.8%) accuracy. (4) Tissue sampling under the direct view of POCS showed 82.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 90% (95% CI, 74.4%–96.5%) accuracy. Conclusions. pCLE under the direct view of POCS provided highly accurate and sensitive characterization of biliary strictures and showed the potential for more diagnostic reliability and reduction of delays in diagnosis. This trial was registered at UMIN (registration number: UMIN000033801).

Background and study aims This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and utility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) performed using a Franseen needle on solid pancreatic lesions. Patients and methods This study included 132 consecutive lesions sampled by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) using a 22-G conventional needle and 95 consecutive lesions evaluated by EUS-FNB using a 22-G Franseen needle to evaluate solid pancreatic lesions at our medical center between July 2013 and November 2018. We used propensity-matched analysis with adjustment for confounders. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Results Diagnostic accuracy was higher in the Franseen needle group (Group F; 91.6 %, 87 /95) than in the conventional needle group (Group C; 86.3 %, 82 /95), showing no significant difference (P = 0.36). In Group F, diagnostic accuracies for pancreatic head lesions and lesions sampled by transduodenal puncture were 98.0 % (48/49) and 97.9 % (46/47), respectively. These values were significantly higher than values in Group C (P = 0.013, 0.01). Group F displayed a significantly lower number of punctures. In terms of differentiating benign from malignant lesions, Group C showed 85.1 % sensitivity (74/87), 100 % specificity (8/8), 100 % positive predictive value (74/74), and 38.1 % negative predictive value (8/21), compared to values of 90.1 % (73/81), 100 % (14/14), 100 % (73/73), and 63.6 % (14/22), respectively, in Group F. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were better in Group F. Conclusions Franseen needles for EUS-FNB of solid pancreatic lesions offer similar puncture performance at different lesion sites while requiring fewer punctures than conventional needles.

We reported a 95‐year‐old man with cholangitis who underwent Billroth‐I gastrectomy. He was diagnosed with situs inversus viscerum and ERCP was performed. A stable field of view could not be secured due to anatomical factors (Billroth‐I gastrectomy) and strong respiratory variations. However, pancreatic duct cannulation was possible. A pancreatic guidewire was placed to achieve selective biliary cannulation. This stabilized the field of view. The catheter was inserted on the right side of the guidewire. Cannulation to the 1 o'clock direction achieved biliary cannulation. Intended procedure was completed safely in the present case.

Background and study aims: Despite the clinical advantages of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), an effective training system, especially for Western endoscopists, has been challenging to establish. Herein, we propose a novel training program using ex vivo animal models and evaluate the learning curve of colorectal ESD trainees without gastric ESD experience. Patients and methods: A total of 80 colorectal lesions were prospectively collected and removed by two novice operators. Before human ESD procedures, they received ESD training using an ex vivo porcine “proximal colon” model, which simulates a lumen with many folds and flexions. To assess the validity of our training system, the self-completion and en bloc R0 resection rates, the operation time, and prevalence of complications were compared between the first and latter period. Moreover the factors associated with prolonged operation time were evaluated. Results: The overall rates of self-completion and en bloc R0 resection were 98 % (78/80) and 100 % (80/80), respectively. The operation time during the first period was significantly longer than that during the latter period (86 ± 50 minutes vs. 60 ± 36 minutes, P = 0.01). Regarding complications, only two cases of perforations and delayed hemorrhage were observed during the first period; however, all of the complications were successfully managed endoscopically. The presence of fibrosis was identified as a significant independent predictor of a prolonged operation time during the first period (coefficient, 5.90; 95 %CI, 2.36 – 9.44, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Our trainees achieved high rates of self-completion and R0 resection without severe complications even during the first 20 cases, suggesting that our training programs using ex vivo animal models are useful for trainees without gastric ESD experience. Study registration: UMIN000013566

Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically difficult. To make it safer, we developed a novel method using overtube with a traction forceps (OTF) for countertraction during submucosal dissection. We conducted an ex vivo animal study and compared the clinical outcomes between OTF-ESD and conventional method (C-ESD). A total of 32 esophageal ESD procedures were performed by four beginner and expert endoscopists. After circumferential mucosal incision for the target lesion, structured as the isolated pig esophagus 3 cm long, either C-ESD or OTF-ESD was randomly selected for submucosal dissection. All the ESD procedures were completed as en bloc resections, while perforation only occurred in a beginner’s C-ESD procedure. The dissection time for OTF-ESD was significantly shorter than that for C-ESD for both the beginner and expert endoscopists (22.8±8.3 min versus 7.8±4.5 min, P

Background. Superficial duodenal neoplasms (SDNs) are a challenging target in the digestive tract. Surgical resection is invasive, and it is difficult to determine the site and extent of the lesion from outside the intestine and resect it locally. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has scarcely been utilized in the treatment of duodenal tumors because of technical difficulties and possible delayed perforation due to the action of digestive juices. Thus, no standard treatments for SDNs have been established. To challenge this issue, we elaborated endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic full-thickness resection (EALFTR) and analyzed its feasibility and safety. Methods. Twenty-four SDNs in 22 consecutive patients treated by EALFTR between January 2011 and July 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Results. All lesions were removed en bloc. The lateral and vertical margins of the specimens were negative for tumor cells in all cases. The mean sizes of the resected specimens and lesions were 28.9 mm (SD ± 10.5) and 13.3 mm (SD ± 11.6), respectively. The mean operation time and intraoperative estimated blood loss were 133 min (SD ± 45.2) and 16 ml (SD ± 21.1), respectively. Anastomotic leakage occurred in three patients (13.6%) postoperatively, but all were minor leakage and recovered conservatively. Anastomotic stenosis or bleeding did not occur. Conclusions. EALFTR can be a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for SDNs. However, the number of cases in this study was small, and further accumulations of cases and investigation are necessary.