Future of full thickness resection – Devices, indications, robotics, what is missing

Abstract

Abstract Recently, technological advances through endoscopic submucosal dissection, per oral endoscopic myotomy, and submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection allowed the extension of therapeutic endoscopy from treatment of luminal to extraluminal neoplasia. The performance of endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) allowed en bloc resection of luminal and extraluminal neoplasia with adequate resection margins. EFTR is currently indicated for treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, early GI neoplasia with nonlifting or recurrent adenoma or neoplasia after endoscopic resection. This chapter reviews the devices and technologies used for EFTR, the clinical results reported in the literature as well as possible future developments for EFTR.