Switching from the pocket-creation method to double clip and rubber-band traction in colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become the standard treatment for large superficial colorectal neoplasms. The pocket-creation method developed in Japan is safe and has a high en bloc resection rate [1]. However, the method cannot be completed if the fibrosis is severe or the approach to the lesion is unstable [2]. These technical difficulties necessitate a switch in strategy. We demonstrate the effective treatment of colonic neoplasms by switching the ESD strategy from the pocket-creation method to the double clip and rubber-band traction method ([Fig. 1 a – d]), now rapidly accepted in the Western countries [3] [4] ([Video 1]).

Fig. 1 Double clip and rubber-band traction. a The image of the rubber band (14 mm). b The image of grasping the rubber band with endoscopic forceps. c The first clip, which was grasping a rubber band, was placed at the edge of the lesion. d The second clip catching the rubber band was placed on the opposite wall of the colon.

Video 1 The two colonic neoplasms were effectively treated by switching from the pocket-creation method to the double clip and rubber-band traction method in endoscopic submucosal dissection.

The first case was the recurrence of a sigmoid adenocarcinoma following a previous endoscopic mucosal resection. The elevated lesion (10 × 15 mm) was located within the scar ([Fig. 2 a – b]). Although we initially attempted creating a pocket using a small-caliber-tip transparent hood, the submucosal space was narrowed by severe fibrosis ([Fig. 2 c]). In light of the potential technical difficulty, the ESD strategy was changed to the double clip and rubber-band traction method. After complete mucosal incision, we caught the edge of the lesion with the first recapture clip, which was grasping a rubber band. The second clip catching the rubber band was then placed on the opposite wall. This traction method is flexible because the rubber band can be stretched or loosened according to the endoscopic air supply. This method allowed us to clearly expose the submucosal layer ([Fig. 2 d]) and perform en bloc resection.

Fig. 2 Case 1, recurrence of a sigmoid adenocarcinoma. a An elevated lesion, 15 mm in diameter, located within the scar. b Endoscopic image with a narrow banding image. c The submucosal layer was too narrow owing to severe fibrosis. d The submucosal layer was exposed after circumferential incision and double clip and rubber-band traction.

The second case was a cecal cancer. The elevated lesion (22 × 24 mm) was located under the ileocecal valve ([Fig. 3 a – b]). Here, an unstable approach to the lesion (respiratory fluctuation and intestinal peristalsis) prompted us to change the ESD strategy ([Fig. 3 c – d]).

Fig. 3 Case 2, cecal cancer. a An elevated lesion, 24 mm in diameter, located between the ileocecal valve and the appendiceal orifice. b Endoscopic image with indigo carmine dye depicting a clear demarcation line. c Double clips and rubber-band traction allowed us to clearly expose the submucosal layer of the lesion. d Macroscopic image of the endoscopically resected specimen. En bloc resection was achieved.

ESD with the double clip and rubber-band traction method is usually planned but without the use of a small-caliber transparent hood ([Fig. 4]). We illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of switching the ESD strategy from the pocket-creation to the double clip and rubber-band traction method.

Fig. 4 A comparison of the endoscopic hood. Usually, the conventional hood is used in the double clip and rubber-band traction method (DCRBT), whereas the small-caliber transparent hood is used in the pocket-creation method (PCM).

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Harada H, Nakahara R, Murakami D. et al. Saline-pocket endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial colorectal neoplasms: a randomized controlled trial (with video). Gastrointest Endosc 2019; 90: 278-287
• 2 Yamashina T, Nemoto D, Hayashi Y. et al. A prospective randomized trial comparing the pocket-creation method and conventional method of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. Gastrointest Endosc 2020; DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2020.02.034.
• 3 Faller J, Jacques J, Oung B. et al. Endoscopic submucosal dissection with double clip and rubber band traction for residual or locally recurrent colonic lesions after previous endoscopic mucosal resection. Endoscopy 2020; 52: 383-388
• 4 Oung B, Rivory J, Chabrun E. et al. ESD with double clips and rubber band traction of neoplastic lesions developed in the appendiceal orifice is effective and safe. Endosc Int Open 2020; 8: 388-395

Publication History

Article published online:
20 August 2020