Endoscopic mucosal resection for colonic non-polypoid neoplasms

Colonic neoplastic lesions can be classified morphologically into polypoid and non-polypoid types. Non-polypoid lesions have a higher malignant potential than polypoid lesions. Removing these lesions and obtaining integral specimen for histopathology evaluation during colonoscopy examination is an important task. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an alternative to surgery for removing of non-polypoid lesions of the GI tract. This study assessed the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of EMR.

From October 2000 to October 2003 during the routine colonoscopy performed at one medical center, identified 152 non-polypoid colonic neoplasms in 149 patients (92 males, 57 females) were found. The mean patient age was 57.8 +/- 15.5 yr (range 32-80 yr). EMR was performed for lesions suspected of being neoplastic tumors via magnification colonoscopy with the indigo carmine dye spray method. The lesions were removed via EMR with pure cutting current after which hemoclips were applied to the resected wounds.

The study identified 40 flat type lesions, 106 lateral spreading tumors, and 6 depressed lesions that were completely resected. The mean size of lesions was 19.4 +/- 10.3 mm (range 6-60 mm). Histological findings were 4 adenocarcinomas, 59 with high-grade adenoma/dysplasia, and 89 with low-grade adenoma/dysplasia. Two patients experienced bleeding immediately following EMR, while adequate hemostasis was achieved using hemoclips. Neither delayed bleeding nor perforation developed following EMR.

EMR by using pure cutting current and hemoclip is a useful method for obtaining integral specimen for accurate pathologic assessment. This method provides a safe and minimally invasive technique managing of colonic non-polypoid lesions.