Endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual/local recurrence of early gastric cancer after endoscopic mucosal resection

Background and study aims: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a widely accepted treatment for early gastric cancer; however, incomplete resection with residual local disease and recurrences continues to be a difficult problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for residual/local recurrent early gastric cancer lesions after EMR. Patients and methods: The en bloc resection rate, histologically complete resection rate, complications, and local recurrence were assessed in 15 patients who underwent ESD for residual/local recurrent early gastric cancer lesions after EMR. Results: The nonlifting sign after injection of a glycerin solution was positive due to scar formation in all cases. En bloc resection was attempted in all cases, with a complete resection rate of 93.3% (14 of 15). The lesion was completely resected with histologically adequate margins in the 14 patients who received complete en bloc resection. The average operation time was 85.4 +/- 52.9 min, and the mean follow-up period for all patients was 18.1 +/- 7.4 months. Major bleeding during the procedure in one case was the only complication (one of 15, 6.7%). None of the patients experienced recurrence of early gastric cancer after ESD. Conclusions: ESD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for residual/local recurrent early gastric cancer lesions after EMR, and it is useful for histological confirmation of successful treatment.