Michał Spychalski

Safe and efficient colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in European settings: is successful implementation of the procedure possible?

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is gaining worldwide recognition as valuable alternative to treat early colorectal neoplasia. Although the method is perceived as technically difficult and carries a higher risk of complications than conventional endoscopy, the oncological results are very promising. Herein we aim to present the treatment outcomes of ESD for lesions in the colon and rectum at the beginning of our learning curve.

Large Colorectal Polyps - Endoscopic Polypectomy as an Alternative to Surgery

UNLABELLED Endoscopic polypectomy of colorectal polyps is a common procedure. However, endoscopic treatment of large polyps (those with a diameter exceeding 2 cm) remains questionable. There is a serious risk of colorectal carcinoma presence inside these lesions, which eventually would require surgical intervention. Apart from this fact endoscopic polypectomy of large polyps is connected with substantial risk of complications, such as perforation and bleeding. Many patients with large colorectal polyps are qualified for surgical intervention. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to determine the efficacy and safety of polypectomy of large colorectal polyps. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study presented results of endoscopic treatment in case of patients with large colorectal polyps at the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Medical University in Łódź. Patients were admitted to the hospital during the period between January, 2008 and January, 2010. The following parameters were analysed: location of polyps, percentage of high grade dysplasia, complete excision rate, and complications connected with polypectomy procedures. RESULTS During the analyzed period of time 488 endoscopic polypectomies were performed. Forty-three large colorectal polyps were removed (8.8%). Seven (16.3%) of them were classified as flat polyps. Out of 488 removed polyps, 39 were classified as adenomas with high grade dysplasia (7.9%), while 16 were large-exceeding 2 cm (37.2%). Considering the group of large polyps no invasive carcinoma case was detected. The radical excision rate for large pedunculated polyps was obtained in 88.8% (32/36) of cases. In case of flat adenomas the above-mentioned parameter was lower--57.1% (4/7). During polypectomy of large colorectal polyps one perforation was observed during the excision of a flat cecal polyp. In two cases immediate bleeding occurred (2/43). In both cases endoscopic treatment of bleeding proved sufficient. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic polypectomy of large pedunculated polyps is a safe and efficient method, which makes it a rationale alternative for surgery. Polypectomy of flat adenomas is connected with a lower radical excision rate and higher risk of perforation.

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the West – when can satisfactory results be obtained? A single-operator learning curve analysis

Abstract Objectives: Up to date we lack a detailed description of the colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) learning curve, that would represent the experience of the Western center. The aim of this study was to define the critical points of the learning curve and to draw up lesions qualification guidelines tailored to the endoscopists experience. Materials and methods: We have carried out a single center prospective study. Between June 2013 and December 2016, 228 primary colorectal lesions were managed by ESD procedure. In order to create a learning curve model and to carry out the analysis the cases were divided into six periods, each consisting of 38 cases. Results: The overall en bloc resection rate was 79.39%. The lowest en bloc resection rate (52.36%) was observed in the first period. After completing 76 procedures, the resection rate surged to 86% and it was accompanied by the significant increase in the mean procedure speed of ≥9 cm2/h. Lesions localization and diameter had a signification impact on the outcomes. After 76 procedures, en bloc resection rate of 90.9 and 90.67% were achieved for the left side of colon and rectum, respectively. In the right side of colon statistically significant lower resection rate of 67.57% was observed. Conclusion: We have proved that in the setting of the Western center, colorectal ESD can yield excellent results. It seems that the key to the success during the learning period is ‘tailoring’ lesions qualification guidelines to the experience of the endoscopist, as lesions diameter and localization highly influence the outcomes.

Key factors in achieving successful endoscopic dissection of rectal tumors: early results of 33 consecutive rectal endoscopic submucosal dissections in Polish academic center.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate outcomes of rectal endoscopic dissection (ESDs) performed in a single academic institution in Poland. Methods and Patients: Thirty-three consecutive cases of rectal ESDs were performed between June 2013 and April 2014. Effectiveness of dissection, complications, and the tumor recurrence after 3 months of treatment were than retrospectively investigated. Results: The average size of the dissected tumor was 4.025 cm. Overall en-block resection rate was 70%. Follow-up examinations after 3 months so far were conducted in 15 patients. There was no local recurrence. In univariate analysis, the en-bloc resection rate was significantly higher in smaller lesions (P<0.001) and in patients undergone ESD in second half period of service duration. Conclusions: ESD of the rectal tumors is a valuable alternative treatment method for adenomas and T1 SM1 rectal cancers. The risk of serious complications and local recurrence is low.

Genetic variations of the CTNNA1 and the CTNNB1 genes in sporadic colorectal cancer in Polish population.

UNLABELLED Experimental as well as clinical observations have demonstrated that the E-cadherin/catenin complex is a powerful inhibitor of invasion. Abrogation of this pathway is implicated in the carcinogenesis of several malignancies, especially colorectal cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the CTNNA1 and the CTNNB1 mutations and its relationship to clinical and pathological features of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in Polish patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Paired tumor and normal tissue samples from 110 sporadic CRC patients undergoing resective surgery were prospectively studied for the alpha catenin (CTNNA1) gene and beta catenin (CTNNB1)gene mutations by PCR/single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). RESULTS The CTNNA1 gene alteration in exon 7 were detected in 4 samples and in exon 3 of CTNNB1 gene were found in 3 samples. There was a trend at the limit of statistical significance associating younger age at diagnosis (<50) with CTNNA1 and the CTNNB1 mutations. The mutation of CTNNB1 seemed to occur more frequently in the proximal colon than distal. The CRC patients with CTNNA1 mutation had a significantly increased lymph node metastasis. On the other hand, there was no correlation between mutations and the other clinical variables (e.g. sex, grade and depth of invasion). CONCLUSION Although we found a low frequency of mutations in the CTNNA1 and the CTNNB1 genes, but the analysis the relationship with clinical and pathological features of CRC patients may indicated an association of these mutations with the risk and progression of CRC.

Role of endoscopic submucosal dissection in treatment of rectal gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Introduction A significant rise in incidence of rectal gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) has been observed in the last decade. Most detected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are well differentiated and less than 2 cm in diameter. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a new method for endoscopic treatment of such tumors, difficult to resect by conventional endoscopic techniques and thus subject to surgical treatment. Aim To present the results of the endoscopic treatment of GEP NET tumors in the rectum using ESD in single academic center. Material and methods From June 2013 to April 2014, 4 cases of GEP-NET in the rectum were treated by ESD in our center. Effectiveness of dissection, complications and tumor recurrence after 3 months of treatment were then retrospectively investigated. Results The group contained 2 patients with primary rectal GEP-NET (1 male, 1 female; age range: 48–60 years) and 2 with scars after incomplete polypectomy of rectal GEP-NET (1 male, 1 female; 61–65 years). Primary rectal GEP-NET diameters were 0.6 cm and 1.5 cm. Scar resection specimen diameters were 0.7 cm and 1 cm. Mean resection time was 28 min. The en bloc resection rate was 100% (2 of 2) and the histologically complete resection was confirmed in both cases. No foci of neuroendocrine neoplasia were reported in dissected scars. No complications were observed. After 3 months, 3 patients underwent follow-up colonoscopy – no local recurrence was reported. Conclusions Endoscopic submucosal dissection of rectal GEP-NET should be recommended as a treatment of choice when dealing with lesions over 1 cm in diameter without invasion of the muscle layer. Due to technical difficulties, performing this procedure should be reserved for centers with appropriately trained endoscopic staff.

Comparison of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Primary and Recurrent Colorectal Lesions: A Single-Center European Study

INTRODUCTION Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an acknowledged endoscopic technique for the management of early gastrointestinal neoplasia. The clinical experience and the research from the Eastern ESD centers show that experienced endoscopists can successfully treat even the most demanding recurrent colorectal lesions. AIM The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of the management of recurrent colorectal lesions in comparison with those of primary lesions in the setting of high-volume European center. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 298 cases (228 primary lesions and 70 recurrent lesions) performed by a single endoscopist was carried out. Evaluating learning curves for both primary and recurrent lesions, cumulative sum analysis was performed. RESULTS Primary lesions had ∼9% higher R0 resection rate (86.84% versus 78.51%). Yet, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .091). The presence of recurrent lesion and lengthy procedure (≥150 min) are risks factors of R1 resection, whereas rectal localization of the lesion was associated with lower risk of R1 resection. The cumulative R0 of 80% was achieved at 36th procedure in the primary lesions group, whereas for the recurrent lesions it was reached at 50th procedure (overall 229 procedures). CONCLUSIONS Our study underlines the importance of proper experience in ESD before the management of recurrent lesions. Even after the completion of high volume of primary lesions, first recurrent lesions can pose a challenge. Nevertheless, the final outcomes are promising, as the complications do not pose a serious risk to the patients and high R0 resection rate can be achieved in a reasonable timeframe.

Evaluation of the early results of a loop stoma with a plastic rod in comparison to a loop stoma made with a skin bridge.

UNLABELLED Loop stoma allows reducing the percentage of anastomotic leak and re-operation caused by this complication. Our department has performed the loop stoma on a skin bridge since 2011. The aim of the study was to evaluate the early results of treatment after the skin bridge loop stoma creation in comparison with the stoma made on a plastic rod. Both groups had 20 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 40 patients with ileostomy, operated 2010-2013. We evaluated 20 patients with a loop ileostomy on a plastic rod, compared to 20 other patients with a skinbridge ileostomy. The study included 24 men and 16 women. Median age was 68.3. All evaluated patients were previously operated due to rectal cancer. RESULTS It has been shown that the surgical site infection is more common in the group with a plastic rod (5 vs 1 patient). Inflammation of the skin around the stoma occurred in 18 patients (90%) in the first group, while no such complication was found in patients in the second group. The average number of exchanged ostomy wafers was 2.9 per week in the first group of patients, and 1,1 in the second group (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The creation of the skin bridge stoma allows for tight fit of the ostomy appliance immediately after surgery completion. The equipment has stable and long-lasting contact with the skin, no skin inflammatory changes occur. Also the surgical site infection rates are lower in this group of patients. As perioperative patient does not require an increased number of ostomy appliance, the cost of treatment can be considered as an important aspect.