A novel endoscopic suturing device after endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric submucosal tumor

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a minimally invasive technique that has shown promising efficacy in the resection of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. The key to a successful EFTR procedure is the complete closure of the wall defect to prevent peritonitis and the need for surgical intervention [1] [2]. Here, we present a suturing technique to close a gastric wall defect after performing EFTR with Zeosuture M (Zeon Medical Co., Tokyo, Japan), a novel endoscopic suturing device ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Endoscopic suturing device (Zeosuture M). This device has two arms (yellow flame). The rear arm (silver) has the puncture needle and the stitch suture (white), and the front arm (green) has the absorbent thread.

A 46-year-old man was diagnosed with a 25-mm intra-growth gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the fornix ([Fig. 2]) ([Video 1]). The EFTR was performed with a ring-thread counter traction ([Fig. 3]). The endoscopic closure of the wall defect was performed using Zeosuture M through a single-channel endoscope. First, one end of the front arm was inserted into the edge of the serosal side, and the rear arm with the puncture needle was moved forward and penetrated the full thickness of the resected margin. When the absorbent thread and the connector joined the front arm and the puncture needle, they were pulled out from the gastric mucosa. Then the rear arm was rotated to the opposite side. This arm was placed at the resection opening and the puncture needle was passed through the full thickness. Next, the full thickness of both resected margins of the resection opening was tied and tension was applied to the thread by Zeotieupper S (Zeon Medical). Then, ligation was performed. Finally, the thread was cut with Hookcutter MI (Zeon Medical). In a similar manner, the wall defect and post-EFTR ulcer floor were successfully closed by three-stitch sutures at an approximately 5-mm interval ([Fig. 4]). Follow-up endoscopy on post-operative day 14 revealed the sustained closure of the wall defect ([Fig. 5]).

Fig. 2 Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor was seen in the fornix.

Video 1 The wall defect after endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor was closed by three-stitch sutures using Zeosuture M.

Fig. 3 Ulcer floor after endoscopic full-thickness resection.

Fig. 4 Three-stitch sutures were placed, and a complete closure was obtained.

Fig. 5 Suture site on postoperative day 14.

Hence, Zeosuture M is a novel full-thickness suturing device and can be a reliable option for suturing the wall defect after EFTR.

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Mori H, Kobara H, Fujihara S. et al. Feasibility of pure EFTR using an innovative new endoscopic suturing device: The Double-arm-bar Suturing System (with video). Surg Endosc 2014; 28: 683-690
• 2 Goto O, Oyama T, Ono H. et al. Endoscopic hand-suturing is feasible, safe, and may reduce bleeding risk after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter pilot study (with video). Gastrointest Endosc 2020; 91: 1195-1202

Publication History

Article published online:
08 September 2021