Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is a well-established endoscopic technique
for the resection of colorectal lesions in general; it is known to be safe and effective
[1]. Water immersion provides a “floating” effect of the mucosa and submucosa, keeping
them apart from the muscularis propria and allowing a deep yet safe resection. It
has been proved to be cost-effective (in comparison to the standard EMR technique)
because it does not require a submucosal injection and is also extremely helpful for
resecting large colorectal lesions as well as those with a prominent fibrotic component
as seen in recurrent lesions.
Bleeding – either early or delayed – and perforation are the most feared complications
of endoscopic resection techniques in general. UEMR has shown exceptionally low rates
of complications, with no perforations described in the most recent publications and
delayed bleeding in only 5 % [1]
[2]
[3]
[4]. Bleeding during endoscopic resection has been more commonly reported. However,
in most cases, only small persistent bleeds, easily managed during the procedure,
occurred.
A 75-year-old woman was diagnosed with a 2.0-cm neoplastic lesion (0-IIa + Is) at
the transverse colon during a screening colonoscopy ([Fig. 1]). An underwater EMR technique was performed ([Fig. 2]). Immediately after the procedure, both active bleeding and perforation were detected
([Fig. 3]). Hemostasis at the bleeding site was achieved with thermal coagulation, and the
perforation was successfully treated with through-the-scope clips. An endoscopic submucosal
tattoo was placed near the resection site to facilitate a future surgical procedure
in case of failure of the endoscopic closure attempt ([Fig. 4]).
Fig. 1 A 2.0 cm-lesion (0-IIa + Is) at the transverse colon (narrow-band imaging).
Fig. 2 Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique.
Fig. 3 Bleeding and perforation after underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
Fig. 4 Endoscopic appearance after hemostasis, through-the-scope clip closure, and endoscopic
tattoo.
The patient remained under clinical observation and received antibiotic therapy with
ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. After 1 day she was discharged with no symptoms or
signs of complication. A control colonoscopy was performed 6 months after the procedure
and showed no signs of recurrence ([Fig. 5]).
Fig. 5 Follow-up after 6 months.
Video 1 Perforation and bleeding during an underwater endoscopic mucosal resection of a large
colonic lesion.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AJ_2AD
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