Cristina Grossi

Stepwise training in rectal and colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection with differentiated learning curves.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has revolutionized the resection of GI superficial neoplasms, but adoption in Western countries is significantly delayed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate a stepwise colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) learning and operative training protocol. DESIGN Prospective study in the Western setting. SETTING This study took place in a nonacademic hospital with one endoscopist expert in therapeutic endoscopy but novice in ESD. PATIENTS Indications for ESD were superficial neoplasms 20 mm and larger without ulcerations or fibrosis. INTERVENTION Training consisted of 5 unsupervised ESDs on isolated stomach, an observation period at an ESD expert Japanese center, 1 supervised ESD on isolated stomach, and retraining on 1 rectal ESD under supervision. The operative training on patients was performed without supervision moving from the rectum to the colon according to the competence achieved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Competence was defined as an 80% en bloc resection rate plus a statistically significant reduction in operating time per square centimeter. Learning curves were calculated based on consecutive blocks of 5 procedures. RESULTS From February 2009 to February 2012, 30 rectal and 30 colonic ESDs were performed. The rectal ESD learning curve showed that the en bloc resection rate was 80% after 5 procedures (P = not significant); the operating time per square centimeter significantly decreased after 20 procedures (P = .0079); perforation occurred in 1 patient. The colonic ESD learning curve showed that the en bloc resection rate was 80% after 20 procedures (P = not significant); the operating time per square centimeter significantly decreased after 20 procedures (P = .031); perforations occurred in 2 patients. LIMITATIONS Single-center design. CONCLUSIONS A minimal intensive training seems sufficient for endoscopists expert in therapeutic procedures to take up ESD in a not overly arduous incremental method with separate and sequential learning curves for the rectum and colon.

Colo-rectal endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with the over-the-scope device (FTRD®): A multicenter Italian experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR) with FTRD® in colo-rectum may be useful for several indications.The aim was to assess its efficacy and safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this retrospective multicenter study 114 patients were screened; 110 (61M/49F, mean age 68 ± 11 years, range 20-90) underwent EFTR using FTRD®. Indications were:residual/recurrent adenoma (39), incomplete resection at histology (R1 resection) (26), non-lifting lesion (12), adenoma involving the appendix (2) or diverticulum (2), subepithelial lesions(10), suspected T1 carcinoma (16), diagnostic resection (3). Technical success (TS: lesion reached and resected), R0 resection (negative lateral and deep margins),EFTR rate(all layers documented in the specimen) and safety have been evaluated. RESULTS TS was achieved in 94.4% of cases. EFTR was achieved in 91% with lateral and deep R0 resection in 90% and 92%. Mean size of specimens was 20 mm (range 6-42). In residual/recurrent adenomas, final analysis revealed: low-risk T1 (11), adenoma with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) (24) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) (3), scar tissue (1). Histology reports of R1 resections were: adenoma with LGD (6), with HGD (1), low-risk (6) and high-risk (1) T1, scar tissue (12). Non-lifting lesions were diagnosed as: adenoma with HGD (3), low-risk (7) and high risk (2) T1. Adverse clinical events occurred in 12 patients (11%),while adverse technical events in11%. Three-months follow-up was available in 100 cases and residual disease was evident in only seven patients. CONCLUSIONS EFTR using FTRD® seems to be a feasible, effective and safe technique for treating selected colo-rectal lesions. Comparative prospective studies are needed to confirm these promising results.