Risk factors for delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal tumors

To investigate the risk factors for delayed bleeding following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colorectal neoplasms.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 991 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for colorectal neoplasms at our hospital from January 2007 to November 2016. Delayed post-ESD bleeding was defined as bleeding within 6 h to 30 days after ESD that resulted in either of the three situations: overt hematochezia, bleeding spots confirmed by repeat colonoscopy, or the requirement of a blood transfusion. Delayed bleeding was furtherly separated into early and late delayed bleeding by the end of post-ESD day 2. We analyzed the relationship between delayed bleeding and candidate factors including patient-, lesion-, and treatment-related details.

Delayed post-ESD bleeding was found in 47 patients (4.7%), of which 18 cases were late delayed bleeding. Among all patients, 14 patients required a second colonoscopy, and 2 other patients were transferred to surgery. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with hypertension (p = 0.017) and using hot biopsy forceps for wound management (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with late delayed bleeding. Both risk factors remained significant after multivariate analysis: hypertension (OR 2.829, 95% CI 1.101-7.265, p = 0.031), hot biopsy forceps (OR 2.873, 95% CI 1.013-8.147, p = 0.047). Using hot biopsy forceps was also the significant risk factor for late delayed bleeding compared with early delayed bleeding.

Patient with hypertension and using hot biopsy forceps for wound management during procedure call for attention on high risk of delayed post-ESD bleeding. Therefore, additional perioperative treatment is recommended in patients with these risk factors.