Free-Hand Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Duodenal Subepithelial Lesions

This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of free-hand endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for duodenal subepithelial lesions (SELs).

We performed a retrospective review of 105 patients with duodenal SELs who underwent free-hand EFTR. Free-hand EFTR means no other devices (over-the-scope clip or full-thickness resection device) are required. The preoperative baseline data, procedure-related characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

The technical success rate was 99.0%, and the en bloc resection rate was 94.2%. A total of nine (8.7%) patients experienced major postoperative adverse events (AEs). The incidence of major AEs was significantly higher for lesions with a maximum diameter ≥ 2 cm (30.4%) than for lesions with a maximum diameter < 2 cm (2.6%) (p < 0.001). There were also significant differences in the incidence of major AEs for peri-ampullary lesions (37.5%), bulb lesions (4.8%), bulb-descending junction lesions (6.7%), and descending part lesions (12.5%) (p = 0.032). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that the maximum diameter ≥ 2 cm (OR = 18.108; 95% CI = 1.881-174.281; p = 0.012) and lesions located in peri-ampullary (OR = 18.950; 95% CI = 1.219-294.648; p = 0.036) were independent risk factors for major AEs. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 36.6 ± 21.3 months, and only one patient with gastrointestinal stromal tumors recurred.

Free-hand EFTR is a safe and effective technique for nonampullary duodenal SELs with a maximum diameter of < 2 cm. Given the complexity of the duodenal anatomy, this procedure should be performed by experienced endoscopists.