Features of electrocoagulation syndrome after endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasm

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a promising treatment for large gastrointestinal superficial neoplasms, although it is technically difficult, and perforation and delayed bleeding are well-known adverse events. However, there have been no large studies about electrocoagulation syndrome after colorectal ESD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical significant risk factors of post-ESD coagulation syndrome (PECS).

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a referral cancer center. A total of 336 patients with colorectal neoplasms (143 adenomas or serrated lesions and 193 carcinomas) underwent ESD from January 2011 to June 2013. Incidence, outcome, and factors associated with occurrence of PECS were investigated.

Occurred in 32 patients (9.5%). The median time until PECS was 15.5 h, and the median period of PECS was 32.5 h. Fever (≥37.6 °C) after ESD was found in 41% of the PECS group and 9% of the non-PECS group (P < 0.001). All PECS cases were managed conservatively. On multivariate analysis, female patients (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2, P = 0.002), lesion location at ascending colon and cecum (OR = 3.5, P = 0.001), and resected specimen ≥40 mm (OR = 2.1, P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for PECS.

Occurred in 32 patients (9.5%) with colorectal ESD; however, all cases had a good outcome with conservative management. Female sex, tumor location at the ascending colon and cecum, and resected specimen ≥40 mm were independently significant risk factors for PECS.