Clinical outcomes for perforations during endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with gastric lesions

The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique has been gaining popularity, with continued advances in this treatment approach. However, ESD still is associated with potential complications such as severe bleeding and perforation.

This study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes for macro- and microperforations with ESD procedures and to determine the short-term prognosis after ESD. A macroperforation was defined as a gross perforation that occurred during an ESD procedure, and a microperforation was defined by free air observed on simple radiography after the procedure. Immediate closure of macroperforations was performed using endoclips. From July 2003 through May 2008, 1,711 patients underwent ESD for gastric lesions such as dysplasia, early cancer, and subepithelial lesions.

Among 39 perforation cases (2.3%), macroperforations occurred for 26 patients (67%) and microperforations for 13 patients (33%). All the patients except one who underwent emergency surgery because of severe bleeding and perforation during ESD were managed successfully by intravenous antibiotics and no oral intake. The clinical prognosis and endoscopic characteristics of the patients with macroperforations did not differ from those of the patients with microperforations.

Perforations associated with ESD could be managed safely and successfully by nonsurgical methods. The clinical prognoses for macro- and microperforations were favorable and comparable.