Clip-with-line traction suture method with adaptation of the mucosal flap in a large transmural defect after submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection of a submucosal tumor at the esophagogastric junction

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) [1] is a demanding technique that can potentially lead to serious complications [2] [3]. A 51-year-old patient with solid food dysphagia underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which showed a subepithelial mass just below the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed a well-demarcated 30 × 24 mm subepithelial mass attached to the muscularis propria, predominantly hypoechogenic but with some hyperechogenic foci.

STER was performed using a Hybrid-Knife I-Type (Endocut-Q, Setting 2-3-3, Vio 300D; ERBE Elektromedizin, Tübingen, Germany) under low-flow carbon dioxide insufflation ([Video 1]). A 2-cm longitudinal mucosal access was created in the esophagus, 4 cm proximal to the EGJ, and a submucosal tunnel was created until the submucosal lesion was found in the deep posterior muscularis propria layer ([Fig. 1 a, b]). To avoid tumor capsule damage, the muscular layer had to be opened. Owing to the difficult position of the lesion, the scope had to be at maximum retroflexion for deep muscular layer preparation. However, a large mucosal tear was observed, caused by the traction exerted by the scope during the procedure, thus causing a large transmural perforation ([Fig. 1 c]).

Video 1 Clip-with-line traction suture method with adaptation of the mucosal flap in a large transmural defect after submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection.

Fig. 1 Schema of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection technique. a Submucosal tumor. b Submucosal tunneling. c Muscular layer dissection and evidence of a mucosal tear.

After tumor removal ([Fig. 2 a]), a 16-mm hemostatic clip (Lockado-Clip, Microtech Europe, Duesseldorf, Germany) with medical floss was placed in the proximal margin of the mucosal flap. The floss was pulled to lift the mucosal flap upwards to cover the defect. Subsequently the tear was closed by attaching the side margins of the flap to the surrounding mucosa using 20-mm hemostatic clips (Lockado-Clip, Microtech Europe, Duesseldorf, Germany) ([Fig. 2 b, c]).

Fig. 2 Closure of the tear. a Complete resection and tumor removal. b Clip-with-line traction suture method. c Complete defect closure by mucosal flap and tunnel entrance closure.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was given. The following day, an esophagram confirmed no leakage and a liquid diet was started. After follow-up endoscopy on Day 3, the patient received a semi-liquid diet and was then discharged on a regular diet. There were no complications during the follow-up. Histology showed a leiomyoma.

The clip-with-line traction suture method was previously described to align mucosal margins to allow easier defect closure after submucosal dissection [4]. In the current case, it was used to close the mucosal flap over the tear.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AH_2AJ

Publication History

Article published online:
04 February 2022

• References

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