Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in special locations

Abstract

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is considered one of the most challenging endoscopic procedures for novice endoscopists. When compared with the stomach, the colon and rectum have a narrower tubular lumen, greater angulation at the flexures, and a thinner muscle layer. These factors make endoscopic control and maneuverability difficult. ESD of the colorectum was considered more difficult than gastric and esophageal ESD. However, with learning from the experts, practicing, and selecting an appropriate technique, most of colorectal ESD could be performed successfully. Nevertheless, some colorectal locations are extremely specialized either from unique anatomy or given unstable scope position. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to provide endoscopists with an overview of the techniques and outcomes associated with ESD at these special colorectal locations. ESD at the discussed special locations of the ileo-colo-rectum was found to be feasible, and outcomes were comparable to those of ESD performed in non-special locations of the ileo-colo-rectum. Practice for skill improvement and awareness of the unique characteristics of each special location is the key to performing successful ESD.

Key Words: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Special locations

Core tip: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) involving ileocecal valve, appendiceal orifice or anal canal is considered to be extremely challenging for novice ESD endoscopist. With well-prepared strategies and appropriate assisting devices, the successful procedures with less complications can be achieved. We made great efforts to review and summarize the currently proposed techniques to overcome these difficulties.

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is considered one of the most challenging endoscopic procedures for novice endoscopists. When compared with the stomach, the colon and rectum have a narrower tubular lumen, greater angulation at the flexures, and a thinner muscle layer. These factors make endoscopic control and maneuverability difficult. However, with expert instruction, practice, and awareness of the potential pitfalls at each special colorectal location, most colorectal lesions can be managed by conventional ESD[1]. The rectum is regarded as being the easiest location for beginner endoscopists, while the right-sided colon and lesions on the flexures are considered to be the most problematic locations[2]. Moreover, some locations require special consideration given their unique anatomy. These “special” locations locate at both extreme portions of the colorectal part of the gastrointestinal system. Specifically, these areas include the ileocecal area (including the appendix) and the anorectal area (including the anal canal). Before ESD era, superficial tumors in these special locations required surgical treatment. Currently, most ESD centers are able to successfully manage lesions at these difficult to manage locations. The objectives of this review were to provide endoscopists with an overview of the techniques and outcomes associated with ESD at these special colorectal locations.

ESD AT THE ILEOCECAL VALVE AND TERMINAL ILEUM

Endoscopic treatment of lesions involving the ileocecal valve (ICV) is technically difficult due to poor endoscope maneuverability, abundant fatty tissue, and distinctive anatomic features[3]. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a basic technique that can be used to manage lesions at the ICV and terminal ileum. A prospective single-center study by Nanda et al[4] reported that EMR for tumors involving the ICV achieved 94% clinical success for complete adenoma clearance. However, en bloc resection was achieved in 8.5% of cases, and tumor recurrence was observed in 17.5% of cases in that study. Previously, a surgical operation would be performed when EMR was not considered to be feasible. However, patients are at risk of decreased quality of life after ICV resection as the ICV plays important in bile acid absorption[5,6]. The ICV also functions to prevent regurgitation of material from the cecum backward into the ileum, and it delays passage of ileal contents from the terminal ileum into the cecum. The development and implementation of ESD diminished the role of EMR and surgical resection of ileocecal lesions. The first case series of ESD for colorectal neoplasia involving ileocecal lesions included eight patients, and the en bloc resection rate was 75%[7]. A single-center study that compared 38 lesions with ICV involvement to 132 cecal lesions found the en bloc resection rate to be similar to that of non-ICV lesions, but the procedure time was 37 min longer[8]. The complication of most concern relative to ESD in the ICV area is post-ESD stricture. The Yoshizaki et al[8] study did not describe any incidence of this complication; however, that study did not have any lesions with whole circumferential ICV involvement. Colorectal ESD involving the ICV for a submucosal tumor was also reported in one case[9]. In that case, a 40-mm pedunculated lipoma was resected en bloc from the ileocecal area without complication. In short, ESD of lesions involving the ICV is feasible and safe, but it should be emphasized that the aforementioned procedures were all performed by experienced endoscopists. Generally, there was no consensus on the definition of experienced ESD endoscopists. However, the feasibility study on training colorectal ESD revealed that colorectal ESD could be performed safely and effectively when more than 100 colorectal ESD procedures have been reached[10].

TECHNICAL ASPECTS SPECIFIC TO ESD AT THE ICV AND TERMINAL ILEUM

It is essential to examine the ICV circumferentially in both the forward and retroflexed views (Figure 1), particularly when the inferior lip is involved. An endoscope with a smaller retroflexion radius is preferred. When necessary, the tip of the endoscope should be fitted with a transparent plastic cap to deflect mucosal folds and polyp tissue. The distal attachment also helps to increase endoscope stability, facilitate access, and visualization of the very distal ileum and the lips of the ICV. The procedure includes blocking the tumor from moving into the terminal ileum by injecting undiluted sodium hyaluronate (MucoUp^®; Boston Scientific Corporation, Marlborough, MA, United States) into the submucosa in the terminal ileum. Starting from the ICV side is a more favorable approach. When fatty tissue is experienced during submucosal dissection (Figure 2), the electrocautery setting may need to be increased. Switching from FORCED COAG mode to ENDO-CUT I or SWIFT COAG mode will enhance cutting ability. Table 1 illustrates suggested settings for submucosal dissection on fatty tissue based on the authors’ experience using ERBE VIO 200/300 series (Erbe, Tuebingen, Germany). Nevertheless, be noted that the electrocautery setting depends on endoscopists’ preference. In proximal colon tumors with unstable scope position and that are difficult to reach with a conventional colonoscope, balloon-assisted ESD is an option that can help to maintain scope stability and improve maneuverability. Balloon-assisted ESD enhanced the en bloc resection and curative resection rates in proximal colon tumors[11].

Table 1 Electrocautery setting for submucosal dissection in fatty tissue.

Mode	Effect	Output (Watts)	Duration	Interval	Effect	Output (Watts)	Duration	Interval
	General	Fatty tissue	General	Fatty tissue	General	Fatty tissue	General	Fatty tissue
Dry cut	2	3-4	30	30-50
Endo cut i	2	3-4	None	None	3	3	3	3
Forced coag	2	3-4	30-40	30-50
Swift coag	2	3-4	40-50	50

Figure 1 The ileocecal valve was divided into four sections: anterior angle, posterior angle, inferior lip, and superior lip. A: Anterior angle; P: Posterior angle; I: Inferior lip; S: Superior lip.

Figure 2 Submucosal fatty tissue around the ileocecal valve.

A recent review collected and evaluated 17 cases of early ileal adenocarcinoma that were reported in the literature. Most of the tumors located < 10 cm from the IC valve, which suggested that they could be reached by a conventional colonoscope[12]. ESD at the terminal ileum can be performed in a manner similar to that employed for colorectal ESD (Figure 3). However, very few cases of ESD performed at the terminal ileum have been reported[12,13], which makes it difficult to arrive at a conclusion regarding the outcome of ESD at this location. In the two immediately aforecited cases, the procedure was successfully accomplished without complications, and no luminal stricture or tumor recurrence was observed during the follow-up.

Figure 3 Endoscopic submucosal dissection in terminal ileal tumors. A: Terminal ileal tumor; B: Mucosal incision.

ESD AT THE APPENDICEAL ORIFICE

Colorectal tumors that involve the appendix were previously surgical candidates. Laparoscopic surgery is the mainstay of treatment after unsuccessful EMR and in cases where it is thought that EMR is unlikely to achieve successful en bloc resection. The cost of laparoscopic surgery is higher than the cost of endoscopic resection[14]. In addition, Hon et al[15] reported that the burden on patients, in terms of treatment time, time to normalize bowel function, and length of hospital stay, was significantly lower for ESD than for laparoscopic surgery. A retrospective single-center study comparing laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) proximal to the appendiceal orifice to those away from the appendiceal orifice showed similar ESD outcomes relative to en bloc resection rate, procedure time, and complications[16]. Another larger retrospective study that included 76 lesions reported a 95% en bloc resection rate, with a 2.6% incidence of post-operative appendicitis[17].

TECHNICAL ASPECTS SPECIFIC TO ESD AT THE APPENDICEAL ORIFICE

Lesions located in the cecum that involve the appendiceal orifice can be challenging to treat by ESD (Figure 4) since they are frequently associated with submucosal fibrosis caused by excessive intestinal peristalsis and/or previous appendicitis. In addition, en bloc resection is often difficult given the narrow working space. These lesions tend to be visualized en face ahead of the endoscope. The tip of the operating knife is, therefore, often perpendicular to the dissection plane, which results in an inevitable risk of perforation[18]. Moreover, the maneuverability of the endoscope is often hampered by paradoxical movements. Taken together, the procedures associated with and required for ESD of tumors involving the appendiceal orifice are extremely difficult.

Figure 4 Laterally spreading tumor granular-nodular mix type involvement in the appendiceal orifice (arrow). A: Conventional white light image; B: Chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine.

Tashima et al[16] proposed the following steps to achieve en bloc resection. Firstly, a thorough mucosal incision, including cutting of the muscularis mucosae, needs to be performed. This initial step broadens the narrow operating space and facilitates the resection of the lesion. Secondly, since the lesion could otherwise drop into the appendiceal cavity, an entire circumferential incision should be avoided prior to completion of the submucosal dissection. A small-caliber-tip transparent hood should be used to facilitate the submucosal insertion (Figure 5).

Figure 5 A transparent hood facilitates the endoscopic submucosal dissection of a lesion in close proximity to the appendix (arrow).

ESD AT THE ANAL CANAL

The rectum is divided into the upper rectum (Ra) and the lower rectum (Rb) by the peritoneal reflection. The lower rectum, given its proximity to the anal canal, has unique anatomical characteristics compared to the upper rectum[19-21]. In this area, blood vessels from the rectal venous plexus are abundant and directly drain into the systemic circulation which bring about to a considerable risk of systemic bacteremia following endoscopic procedures[22,23]. In addition, internal and external hemorrhoids, which are very common in general population, often exist in this area[24]. So there is a higher risk of bleeding after endoscopic procedures[25]. Moreover, the squamous epithelium below the dentate line is rich in sensory nerves, which increases the likelihood of pain during endoscopic procedures[20,23]. Lastly, the narrow lumen proximal to the anal sphincter makes it difficult to maintain good visualization and obtain good scope operability (Figure 6). Accordingly, lesions in the lower rectum must be managed while keep these additional considerations in mind.

Figure 6 Rectal tumor involvement in the anal canal.

In the past, treatment for anorectal tumors located close to the dentate line was mainly transanal surgical resection, which was reported to be safe and effective[26]. The advantage of transanal excision, including transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), is the ability to achieve full-thickness resection, which serves as definitive treatment for invasive carcinomas. However, local recurrence rates ranging from 23% to 31% have been reported[26-28], and complications, such as temporary ileostomy, were necessary in some cases[29-31]. Even though ESD is limited to submucosal and mucosal resection, it is a sufficient treatment method when lesions can be resected via the vertical margin according to the preoperative diagnosis. ESD has the additional advantages of minimal invasiveness and minimal use of anesthesia compared to TEM. Whether TEM or ESD is better for removing anorectal tumors remains a topic of debate. Several endoscopic centers recently reported success using ESD to manage lesions located close to the dentate line[25,32,33] and lesions at the anal canal[34-37]. Those findings revealed en bloc resection rates comparable to those observed in upper rectal tumors[32,33]. However, lower curative resection rates and longer procedural times were observed in rectal tumors located closes to the dentate line[32]. The main factor that contributes to non-curative resection in anorectal tumors is the presence of burning artifacts in the anal side that are caused by thermal damage.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS SPECIFIC TO ESD AT THE ANAL CANAL

Special measures for ESD of lesions located close to the dentate line have been proposed[32]. A resection line at the anal side is determined under direct visualization of the tumor margin. To maintain a good visual field, a transparent hood is attached to the tip of the endoscope. It is necessary to approach the lesion with the ESD knives in a horizontal direction in order to minimize thermal injury to the muscle layer. This approach is proficient by positioning the lesion in line with the endoscope device port. To relieve pain during the procedure, 1% lidocaine (100 mg/10 mL) is added to the injection solution or is locally injected on the anal side of the lesion before submucosal injection with mixing solution. At the anal canal area, the submucosal layer is united tightly with mucosal epithelium by submucosal muscle strands (musculus submucosa ani), which are derived from longitudinal muscle of the rectum. Complete disunion of these submucosal muscle strands, and achieving access just superior to the muscularis propria layer is of utmost importance. Additionally, hemorrhoidal vessels vertically penetrate the muscle layer, and hemorrhoids develop in the middle of the submucosal layer. Submucosal dissection performed at the level just above the muscularis propria layer leads to shutting off the source of the blood supply into the hemorrhoids. When congested hemorrhoidal columns are observed, preventive hemostasis should be performed. If the dissecting level is too shallow or is contained to the middle submucosal layer, many hemorrhoidal vessels would be encountered and a substantial amount of time would be required to process them. Severe fibrosis is also more often observed with anorectal tumors[33,38]. Scissor-type knives are beneficial for contending with the profuse fibrovascular submucosa at the anal canal. These scissor-type knives perform efficiently in severely fibrotic areas as well as they are effective to control bleeding (Figure 7). Last but not least, Carbon dioxide insufflation is necessities to prevent pneumoretroeritoneal and pneumomediastinum for rectal ESD[39].

Figure 7 Severe submucosal fibrosis in the anal canal being managed with a scissor-type knife.

Postoperative anal pain can be observed in 16%-18% of patients[33]. Most patients can be managed conservatively by oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid suppositories. Pain usually subsiding within a few days. High-grade fever was observed in about 22% of patients in a retrospective study[32]. This study also found that administration of prophylactic antibiotics could decrease the incidence of high-grade fever; however, the difference between groups did not achieve statistical significance[32]. Experience from our institute regarding infectious complication of ESD involving the anal canal was correspondent to the above mentioned study. For postoperative bleeding, the risk was similar to that found in overall rectal ESD, and the presence of hemorrhoid was not associated with perioperative bleeding[32]. Thus, careful prophylactic treatment of blood vessels with hemostatic forceps is the most effective strategy. A few cases of postoperative anal stenosis have been reported, and most of those were successfully and conservatively treated with bougie or balloon dilation[33]. No anal sphincter dysfunction was observed after anorectal ESD[40].

CONCLUSIONS

ESD at the discussed special locations of the ileo-colo-rectum was found to be feasible, and outcomes were comparable to those of ESD performed in non-special locations of the ileo-colo-rectum. Practice for skill improvement and awareness of the unique characteristics of each special location is the key to performing successful ESD.