Colorectal Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection: A Portuguese Multicenter Experience Based on a Retrospective Cohort

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a minimally invasive technique for complex colorectal lesions.
• Published data indicate EFTR has 89% technical success, 79% R0 resection, and 12% adverse event rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the efficacy and safety of EFTR in nine Portuguese centers.
• To evaluate procedural success, R0 resection, and adverse events in colorectal EFTR.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter, uncontrolled, retrospective study.
• Included 129 colorectal EFTR procedures from March 2017 to September 2023.
• Assessed technical success, R0 resection, curative resection, adverse events, and recurrence.

Main Results:

• Technical success rate was 88.4% (114/129).
• R0 and curative resection rates were 75.9% and 58.0%, respectively.
• Adverse events occurred in 13.2% (17/129), with 5.4% requiring surgery; local recurrence was 5.4%.

Conclusions:

• Colorectal EFTR is useful for carefully selected complex lesions.
• The technique demonstrates acceptable adverse event rates and surgical intervention needs.
• Real-world data support EFTR's utility in managing challenging colorectal conditions.