Conversion from conventional esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection to the gel immersion method

During conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), increased intragastric pressure due to insufflation sometimes causes discomfort and pain to the patient. However, gel immersion endoscopy (GIE), which has been developed to improve intraoperative visualization and identify the bleeding point easily [1] [2] [3] [4], may reduce patient discomfort because it can be performed under low pressure [5]. Here, we report a case of ESD of superficial esophageal cancer performed via GIE, using a novel gel product (VISCOCLEAR; Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Factory, Inc., Tokyo, Japan), for reducing patient discomfort.

A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital for resection of superficial esophageal cancer. The lesion was flat, 45 mm in diameter, located on the left midesophageal wall, and involving two-thirds of the circumference ([Fig. 1]). Although conventional ESD was performed under sufficient sedation using dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and pethidine, the patient remained irritable due to the increased intragastric pressure after CO₂ insufflation. It was not possible to continue the procedure safely. Therefore, after circumferential incision and partial submucosal dissection on the proximal side, we converted to gel immersion ESD using VISCOCLEAR, which does not require high intragastric pressure. CO₂ insufflation was turned off and the gel was injected through the BioShield irrigator (US Endoscopy, Mentor, Ohio, United States) ([Fig. 2]). After conversion to gel immersion ESD, the patient’s irritability disappeared. We secured a good approach to the submucosal layer due to the gel’s buoyancy ([Fig. 3]). The bleeding slowed due to the gel’s viscosity and further injection of the gel resulted in good visualization ([Fig. 4]). Therefore, we were able to secure hemostasis quickly and easily. The tumor was completely excised without esophageal perforation or aspiration of the gel by the patient ([Fig. 5] and [Video 1]). Gel immersion esophageal ESD using a novel gel product (VISCOCLEAR) may be a safe and effective procedure.

Fig. 1 Endoscopic image showing superficial esophageal cancer, which was a flat lesion, 45 mm in diameter, located on the left midesophageal wall, and involving two-thirds of the circumference.

Fig. 2 Injection of the gel through the BioShield irrigator.

Fig. 3 A good approach to the submucosal layer was secured due to the gel’s buoyancy.

Fig. 4 Bleeding occurred slowly due to the gel’s viscous nature and further injection of the gel enabled good visualization (white arrow).

Fig. 5 Mucosal defect without perforation.

Video 1 Successful gel immersion esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection using a novel gel product (VISCOCLEAR).

Publication History

Article published online:
12 November 2021

• References

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