Submucosal endoscopic tumor resection for subepithelial tumors in the esophagus and cardia

Background and study aims: Resection of submucosal tumors by means of endoscopy has been reported using a variety of techniques, but cannot be performed safely in tumors originating from the muscularis propria. Using the submucosal tunnel created by the technique of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), we report the first series describing the new technique of submucosal endoscopic tumor resection (SET) for tumors of the esophagus and cardia.

Patients and methods: SET was attempted in nine consecutive patients with tumors (size > 2 cm) of either the esophagus or cardia with clinical indications for lesion removal. Following creation of a submucosal tunnel from 5 cm above the tumor, as described previously, the tumor was dissected from the overlying mucosa/submucosa and then carefully removed from the muscular layer using triangle-tip and insulated-tip knives. Following specimen retrieval through the tunnel, the orifice was closed by clips.

Results: Of the nine patients, two had tumors that were too large (60 mm and 75 mm, respectively) to allow safe removal due to loss of endoscopic overview. All remaining tumors (maximal tumor extension 12 – 30 mm) could be resected safely using this method. No complications occurred and follow-up was unremarkable. On histology, all tumors were resected completely (one gastrointestinal stromal tumor, five leiomyomas). The technique had to be modified in one patient with an aberrant pancreas.

Conclusions: SET is a promising new technique for selected submucosal tumors in the esophagus and cardia up to a size of 4 cm and should be studied further.

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