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Review Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection for Gastrointestinal Tumors - Challenges and Solutions
Hung Leng Kaan1orcid, Khek Yu Ho2,orcid
Clinical Endoscopy 2020;53(5):541-549.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2019.161
Published online: February 17, 2020

1Department of General Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

2Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Correspondence: Khek Yu Ho Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Level 11, Singapore 119228, Singapore Tel: +65-6772-4362, Fax: +65-6779-4112, E-mail: mdchoky@nus.edu.sg
• Received: August 15, 2019   • Revised: December 2, 2019   • Accepted: December 10, 2019

Copyright © 2020 Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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  • Standard polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are established techniques for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. However, resection of submucosal tumors via ESD often results in low rates of microscopically margin-negative (R0) resection and high rates of perforation. Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) overcomes this adverse event and aids in the therapeutic management of complex tumors.
    Multiple techniques for EFTR have been developed, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Submucosal tunneling and non-exposed techniques are generally preferable, because the layer of overlying intact mucosa reduces the incidence of intraperitoneal contamination by the gastric fluid and dissemination of the tumor cells. However, adoption of EFTR by endoscopists in clinical practice remains low. The major challenge seems to be the technical difficulty in performing laparoscopic and/or endoscopic suturing using the currently available instruments.
    We developed a novel robotic endoscopic platform with suturing capabilities to overcome the technical challenges of suturing. This platform allows easy maneuvering and triangulation of the instruments, thus facilitating endoscopic suturing using robotic arms. Our studies have demonstrated that this robotic endoscopic platform with suturing capabilities is an effective and safe method for performing EFTR with endoscopic suturing.
While endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an established treatment method for gastric adenoma and early gastric cancer [1], it remains a suboptimal option for the treatment of a subgroup of lesions such as subepithelial tumors arising from the muscularis propria. Performing ESD for such tumors often results in low rates of microscopically margin-negative (R0) resection and has a higher risk of perforation [2-4]. When lesions are situated at difficult anatomical locations to access, ESD can result in high rates of adverse events. In view of these challenges, endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) is the preferred resection technique for this subgroup of tumors.
In this review, we discuss the indications for EFTR. We also describe the technical details of various EFTR techniques, including their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we discuss the current challenges among endoscopists who are keen to adopt EFTR in their clinical practice, and how our novel robotic endoscopic platform with suturing capabilities can overcome these technical challenges.
EFTR is especially useful in the management of lesions where ESD produces suboptimal results.
Lesions arising from or infiltrating the deeper layers of submucosa or muscularis propria
EFTR is especially beneficial in the treatment of submucosal tumors. These include gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors and T1 carcinoma with no lymphatic and/or vascular invasion. Tumors that infiltrate into the muscularis propria, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), leiomyoma and schwannoma, can also benefit from EFTR.
A retrospective study conducted by Kuellmer et al. in 156 patients, showed that EFTR is technically feasible and safe in cases of early colorectal cancer identified via histology [5]. Technical success and R0 resection were achieved in 92.3% and 71.8% of the cases respectively. Severe procedure-related adverse events occurred in only 3.9% of patients [5].
Non-lifting lesions
Non-lifting lesions can occur due to fibrosis or scarring. They can also develop due to recurrence of epithelial neoplasms following endoscopic mucosal resection or ESD procedure [6]. In earlier times, non-lifting lesions were a contraindication for standard polypectomy. However, with the introduction of EFTR, non-lifting lesions can now be resected with high rates of R0 resection and low rates of perforation.
A retrospective study conducted by Kuellmer et al. showed that the rate of R0 resection was 60.9% in the group with non-lifting lesions [5]. The final histology revealed adenocarcinoma in 100% of the specimens.
Lesions at difficult anatomical locations to access
Resection of the lesions situated at the appendiceal orifice or within the diverticulum can be extremely challenging using conventional techniques. Using EFTR to treat these lesions can lower the rates of adverse events, particularly iatrogenic perforations.
In the upper gastrointestinal tract, ESD is more challenging for lesions located in the cardia or along the lesser curvature, due to the need for retroflexion. Lesions in the gastroduodenal region also pose significant challenges to the endoscopist. For these lesions, the rate of adverse events can be lowered by using EFTR.
Since the introduction of EFTR, numerous techniques have been developed. We describe here, the brief technical details of each technique, and provide evidences of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Table 1 can be used as a roadmap for endoscopists to decide which technique is best suited for their patient, depending on the tumor size and the availability of equipment and expertise.
A. Non-tunneling techniques

Endoscopic submucosal excavation

Technical details

In endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE), no circumferential incision is performed. Instead, the mucosa overlying the lesion is incised to allow the subepithelial tumor to be dissected from the submucosal or muscularis propria layer. Subsequently, endoscopic clips are used to close the site of incision (Fig. 1) [7].

Advantages

ESE has been used effectively in the treatment of esophageal and gastric subepithelial tumors. R0 resection rates with ESE are higher compared to the traditional ESD techniques. Ye et al. showed that 95.6% of small esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria could be successfully resected with negative margins using ESE [8]. The high rate of success of ESE for resections of gastric subepithelial tumors was also demonstrated by Jeong et al. [9].

Disadvantages

Despite the high R0 resection rates, perforation rates remain as high as 13% [10]. During resection, there is loss of air insufflation, resulting in collapse of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, and a significantly restricted view of the operative field. The analysis by Jeong et al. showed that perforations were more commonly associated with GISTs and schwannomas, as these tumors had incomplete tumor capsules and were tightly adherent to the surrounding tissue [9]. In addition, the relatively thin wall of the gastric fundus and its location are a challenge for endoscopic access. This predisposes fundal tumors to higher rates of perforation, compared to other sites in the stomach (p<0.001) [9].

Endoscopic full-thickness resection with secondary closure (exposed EFTR)

Technical details

To reduce the rates of perforation, Kuellmer et al. developed a technique for performing exposed EFTR with secondary closure [5]. When performing exposed EFTR, a full thickness resection device such as the Oversco Endoscopy is required. The lesion is first marked, and is then grasped and pulled into the cap, attached above the scope. The lesion is resected after applying the clip (Fig. 2).

Advantages

Kuellmer et al. demonstrated technical success in 92.3% of the resections using this technique [5]. Procedure-related adverse events were documented in 14% of the patients, and 3% of the patients required surgical intervention for the management of iatrogenic perforation [5].

Disadvantages

As seen in all exposed EFTR techniques, there is a risk of intraperitoneal contamination by the gastric contents, and dissemination of tumor cells within the peritoneal cavity [11]. Moreover, if the size of the tumor is large, closure of the defect is technically challenging. Current endoscopic instruments are not ideally suitable for performing full-thickness suturing while maintaining insufflation of the gastrointestinal tract.
B. Tunneling techniques

Submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection

Technical details

In submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection (STER), a submucosal fluid cushion is created by injecting a mixed solution of normal saline, indigo carmine, and epinephrine, along the proximal margin of the tumor. This creates a submucosal tunnel between the mucosal and muscular layer. This submucosal tunnel should ideally end 1 cm distal to the tumor, to ensure adequate working space and satisfactory endoscopic view of the tumor. The crux of the STER procedure is the creation of a mucosal incision with submucosal tunneling of the endoscope along the fluid cushion. This ensures that there remains an intact cover of mucosa during the resection. The tumor is then enucleated and extracted. After hemostasis is performed, the entrance to the submucosal tunnel is closed with endoscopic clips (Fig. 3) [12].

Advantages

A retrospective study of 180 patients was performed by Chen et al. [12]. All patients had upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors that were resected using the STER technique. Only 1 patient required additional surgery. Adverse events were encountered in 8.3% of the patients, with no severe mediastinal or intra-abdominal infections. Of these, 177 patients were followed up for a median duration of 36 months, and all of them were free from local recurrences or distant metastasis. Thus, their study showed that STER is an effective and safe resection technique for upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors.
The use of a submucosal tunnel in STER also reduces the likelihood of intraperitoneal contamination by gastric contents, and minimizes the likelihood of intraperitoneal tumor cell dissemination [6]. This promotes faster wound healing and patient recovery.

Disadvantages

In certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract, creation of a submucosal tunnel might be anatomically challenging [6]. In such cases, it would be more appropriate to perform non-tunneling EFTR methods.
C. Collaborative techniques
One of the most common collaborative techniques between surgeons and endoscopists is laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS). LECS is an accepted technique of minimally invasive laparoscopic wedge resection, and is commonly used during surgery for GISTs.

Technical details

In this technique performed under direct endoscopic visualization, the tumor is resected en bloc in a full-thickness fashion using endoscopic and/or laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic staplers or laparoscopic suturing is then used to close the defect in the gastric wall (Fig. 4) [13].

Advantages

The main advantage of LECS is its precise determination of the tumor boundary on endoscopy. This allows for R0 resection while minimizing the amount of gastric tissue resected. This leads to functional and anatomical preservation of the gastrointestinal tract [12].

Disadvantages

However, an innate flaw of LECS is the deliberate gastric perforation that can be associated with peritoneal contamination by tumor cells dispersed from the primary tumor and bacterial infection from intragastric luminal contents.
D. Non-exposed techniques
Technical details
To prevent spillage of the gastric intraluminal contents into the peritoneal cavity, Mitsui et al. described a type of LECS called non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS) [14]. In NEWS, markings are made on the mucosa around the lesion, as well as on the serosal surface. The submucosal layer is then injected with a solution and circumferential seromuscular layer incision is performed. Suturing is then performed in the seromuscular space with inversion of the lesion using a gauze spacer, causing protrusion of the gastric mucosa due to the inverted tissue. The muco-submucosal layer is then incised and endoscopic clips are placed to close the artificial linear ulcer. The specimen is then extracted orally using an endoscopic retrieval device. The crux of NEWS is to first place the sutures to secure the resection site, and then complete the resection (Fig. 5).
Advantages
With suturing performed prior to resection, it reduces the likelihood of peritoneal contamination by intragastric contents, and minimizes the dissemination of tumor cells. This overcomes the innate flaw of LECS with its deliberate gastric perforation.
Mitsui et al. described the use of NEWS in 28 patients with gastric GISTs [14]. NEWS was found to be feasible for the treatment of small GISTs [14]. NEWS is especially suitable for small GISTs with mucosal ulceration, where opening of the gastric wall by full-thickness enucleation would not be optimal.
Disadvantages
However, the major drawback of NEWS is its limited use in small tumors, because the esophageal orifice and gastroesophageal junction limits the tumor retrieval route. Therefore, careful and precise evaluation of the tumor size pre-operatively is paramount to the success of NEWS.
Despite the advancement in EFTR techniques, EFTR has not been adopted in routine endoscopic practice. An international survey conducted by Goto et al. in 2016 (personal communication) attempted to elucidate the reasons for the lack of wide adoption of this technique. Sixty percent of the respondents indicated that they had direct experience in performing endoscopic resection under laparoscopic assistance. However, 32% of the respondents indicated by way of personal communication that laparoscopic closure by hand-suturing was technically difficult and/or very difficult.
Due to the technical difficulties in performing laparoscopic and endoscopic suturing using the currently available instruments, it is paramount to identify what an ideal EFTR system should encompass. The ideal EFTR system should have two components—first, the system should allow for good maneuvering and triangulation; second, the system should allow for safe and reliable closure of any gastrointestinal tract defects.
Currently, there are four FDA approved endoscopic suturing devices—InScope Tissue Apposition System (Ethicon Endo‐Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA), g-Prox Tissue Approximation Device (USGI; USGI Medical, San Clemente, CA, USA), OverStitch (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX, USA), and OTSC (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tuebingen, Germany). However, the major challenge of these mechanically driven platforms is that they do not allow for hand suturing with serosa-to-serosa apposition.
Recently, Endomina (Endotools SA, Gosselies, Belgium), a single-use triangulation robotic platform was introduced for endoluminal suturing. However, the two operating arms are inserted over-the-scope using guidewires, instead of through the existing endoscopic channels. This results in a large and bulky instrument with potential risk of trauma to the upper gastrointestinal tract during insertion.
We have developed a Master and Slave TransEndoluminal Robot (MASTER) (EndoMaster Pte. Ltd., Singapore), which is equipped with a multitasking robotic endoscopic platform and interchangeable robotic arms (Fig. 6). The major benefit of this system is the usability of the endoscopic instruments in triangulation, and the ability to be rotated like human wrists. This is possible because of the seven degrees of freedom provided by the robotic wrists in the endoscopic end effectors [15].
We first performed an animal study in 2014 using two live porcine models to determine the feasibility of EFTR using the MASTER system [16]. In this study, we successfully performed two cases of EFTR with no injury to the surrounding structures throughout the procedure. We closed the gastric defect using Overstitch, with satisfactory gastric distention and no subsequent air leak. We demonstrated that the MASTER system affords superior maneuverability and triangulation compared to the currently available endoscopic instruments.
To ensure safe and reliable closure of the gastrointestinal tract defects, we developed a novel suturing device that can be used with the MASTER system in 2018. This novel suturing device consists of a needle driver and a grasper that can be inserted through-the-scope via the existing endoscopic channels (Fig. 7). Both robotic arms can be rotated up to 360 degrees. The needle driver has a locking mechanism, which allows the needles to be switched between its two jaws. An animal study performed using the MASTER system equipped with the suturing device showed that the use of a robot for endoscopic suturing is superior and effective for surgical suturing and creating the knot (Fig. 8) [17].
Given the limitations of ESD in the management of complex lesions, EFTR is especially useful for gastrointestinal tumors arising from deeper layers such as the submucosa or muscularis propria. EFTR is also beneficial for non-lifting lesions, and lesions located at difficult to access anatomical locations.
Many techniques have been developed to allow endoscopists to perform EFTR. However, despite multiple techniques, EFTR has not been widely adopted in routine clinical practice. This is due to the technical challenges faced by endoscopists using the currently available endoscopic devices. The lack of maneuverability and triangulation makes it technically demanding for tumor resection to be performed endoscopically. Moreover, the inability to secure reliable wound closure with the current available systems continues to be a challenge for endoscopists.
We have since developed a robotic endoscopic platform with suturing capabilities. Through our studies, we have demonstrated that the robotic endoscopic platform with suturing capabilities offers a promising way to overcome many limitations of the current endoscopic techniques used in EFTR. With the benefits offered by this system and its ease of use in the clinical setting, we believe that more endoscopists would adopt EFTR in clinical practice in the future.
Fig. 1.
Technique of endoscopic submucosal excavation.
ce-2019-161f1.jpg
Fig. 2.
Technique of exposed endoscopic full thickness resection.
ce-2019-161f2.jpg
Fig. 3.
Technique of submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection.
ce-2019-161f3.jpg
Fig. 4.
Technique of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery.
ce-2019-161f4.jpg
Fig. 5.
Technique of non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery.
ce-2019-161f5.jpg
Fig. 6.
Multitasking robotic endoscopic platform.
ce-2019-161f6.jpg
Fig. 7.
Robotic arms inserted through working channels of the endoscope.
ce-2019-161f7.jpg
Fig. 8.
Suturing using the Master and Slave TransEndoluminal Robot system.
ce-2019-161f8.jpg
Table 1.
Comparison of Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection Techniques
Endoscopic full thickness resection techniques Advantages Disadvantages
A. Non-tunneling techniques
 Endoscopic submucosal excavation - Superior R0 resection rates as compared to endoscopic submucosal dissection - High perforation rates
 Endoscopic full thickness resection with secondary closure (exposed endoscopic full thickness resection) - High technical success rates - Risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents
- Risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
- Lack of endoscopic instruments to close large defects
B. Tunneling techniques
 Submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection - Minimal risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents - Not always anatomically feasible to create a submucosal tunnel
- Minimal risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
C. Collaborative techniques
 Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery - Functional and anatomical preservation - Risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents
of gastrointestinal tract by precise determination of tumor boundary - Risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
D. Non-exposed techniques
 Non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery - Minimal risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents - Tumor retrieval route limits applicability to small tumors
- Minimal risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
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    Related articles
    Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection for Gastrointestinal Tumors - Challenges and Solutions
    Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image
    Fig. 1. Technique of endoscopic submucosal excavation.
    Fig. 2. Technique of exposed endoscopic full thickness resection.
    Fig. 3. Technique of submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection.
    Fig. 4. Technique of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery.
    Fig. 5. Technique of non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery.
    Fig. 6. Multitasking robotic endoscopic platform.
    Fig. 7. Robotic arms inserted through working channels of the endoscope.
    Fig. 8. Suturing using the Master and Slave TransEndoluminal Robot system.
    Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection for Gastrointestinal Tumors - Challenges and Solutions
    Endoscopic full thickness resection techniques Advantages Disadvantages
    A. Non-tunneling techniques
     Endoscopic submucosal excavation - Superior R0 resection rates as compared to endoscopic submucosal dissection - High perforation rates
     Endoscopic full thickness resection with secondary closure (exposed endoscopic full thickness resection) - High technical success rates - Risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents
    - Risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
    - Lack of endoscopic instruments to close large defects
    B. Tunneling techniques
     Submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection - Minimal risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents - Not always anatomically feasible to create a submucosal tunnel
    - Minimal risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
    C. Collaborative techniques
     Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery - Functional and anatomical preservation - Risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents
    of gastrointestinal tract by precise determination of tumor boundary - Risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
    D. Non-exposed techniques
     Non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery - Minimal risk of intraperitoneal contamination with gastric contents - Tumor retrieval route limits applicability to small tumors
    - Minimal risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of tumor cells
    Table 1. Comparison of Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection Techniques


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