Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an alternative approach for the curative treatment of early gastric cancer [1]. Endoscopic clipping devices have been developed to counter complications such as perforation [2].
We report a large gastric defect caused by EMR of an early gastric cancer, which was managed by endoscopic clipping. A 55-year-old man underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and an elevated lesion (type I) in the body of the stomach and a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma were found (Figure [1]). Endoscopic ultrasound with miniprobes (Fujinon Co., Tokyo, Japan) demonstrated an intramucosal hypoechoic lesion. A saline injection was given and strip biopsy EMR was done with a snare needle tip 2.5 cm × 5.5 cm (Wilson-Cook Medical Inc., Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA). We then noted a large transmural defect in the gastric wall approximately 25 mm wide (Figure [2]). Gastric air and fluids were immediately aspirated and the insufflation pump deactivated. The deflated stomach permitted approximation of the edges of the defect and six clips (HX-5LR-1; Olympus Optical Co., Tokyo, Japan) were applied to quickly close the perforation (Figure [3]). The patient underwent nasogastric suction, and he was treated with an antibiotic and proton-pump inhibitors. Radiographs demonstrated a pneumoperitoneum that did not require aspiration. Laboratory testing revealed leukocytosis (18 000). No signs of peritoneal irritation were noted at any time. On the third day, the nasogastric tube was removed and an oral diet introduced. After 4 days the patient was asymptomatic and was discharged. Histopathological investigation revealed a 14-mm long specimen containing an adenocarcinoma with superficial microinfiltration of the first layer of the submucosa (sm1), and a minimum lesion-free margin of 2 mm. The EMR was considered to be curative. The first follow-up endoscopy at 6 months disclosed a linear scar, and biopsies were negative for neoplasia.
Perforation rates from 0.8 % to 5.6 % have been reported following EMR [3] and, until recently, surgical intervention was the standard approach for closure. Clipping devices have opened a new frontier in endotherapy, and small post-therapeutic iatrogenic wall perforations have been treated successfully. Tsunada et al. reported the treatment to be successful in seven patients with gastric perforation following EMR [4]. The largest defect measured 25 mm and required an omental patch as well as clipping, an option described in the experimental study of Hashiba et al. [5].
We recommend that the clipping device should always be previously prepared and thus ready for use. If a perforation occurs, then to avoid peritoneal contamination the gastric contents should be immediately aspirated, the insufflation disconnected. and the repair started quickly.
Figure 1 Endoscopic view of early gastric cancer (type I) of the body of the stomach.
Figure 2 A large gastric perforation seen immediately after endoscopic mucosal resection. It is possible to see the peritoneal viscera.
Figure 3 Six metallic clips applied to close the gastric perforation seen in Figure 2.
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