Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers: experience from a new endoscopic center in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancers (EGCs) at a new endoscopic center.


BACKGROUND
ESD is a novel technique that can facilitate en-bloc resection of EGCs, but seldom reported outside Japan.


METHODS
A total of 25 consecutive patients (25 lesions) underwent ESD from June 2004 to March 2006. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A underwent ESD from June 2004 to May 2005 (introduction stage) and group B from June 2005 to March 2006. The following data were obtained: tumor size, tumor location, operative time, and major complication.


RESULTS
The complete resection was achieved in 20 lesions (success rate 80%). Four out of 10 lesions from group A were removed by conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) piecemeally after ESD failure. Conversely, 14 patients from group B (n=15) were resected by ESD en-bloc (success rate 93.3%). One patient with microscopic residual tumor after ESD was further treated by surgical resection. The time required for resection was significantly longer in group A when compared with group B (130.5 min vs. 81.5 min, P<0.05). Postoperative complication rate between the 2 groups were similar. One patient with piecemeal EMR recurred in follow-up, and was further treated successfully by EMR.


CONCLUSIONS
ESD is an ideal method for EGC treatment, but it may result in a risk of complication. The complete resection rate can be improved by endoscopist's experience. Sophisticated endoscopic hemostasis and clipping skills are essential prior ESD procedures. Conventional EMR techniques are also obligatory during the beginning period.
Lee
I-Lin
IL
Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Pathology, Chia-Yi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.
Wu
Cheng-Shyong
CS
Tung
Shui-Yi
SY
Lin
Paul Y
PY
Shen
Chien-Hung
CH
Wei
Kuo-Ling
KL
Chang
Te-Sheng
TS
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004210:Dissection; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000209:etiology; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013624:Taiwan; D016896:Treatment Outcome