A combination of pocket, double-clip countertraction, and isolated HybridKnife as a quick and safe strategy for colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection

The colon is considered to be one of the most technically challenging locations for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) when superficial neoplastic lesions are being treated [1]. The difficulties include: the colonic loops, intestinal motility, the folded anatomy, problems caused by inconstant gravity, and constant modification of the operative field-of-view attributable to insufflation. Good exposure of the submucosal layer is key for safe and efficient ESD; this can be particularly challenging in the colon where it is difficult to maintain a tangential position close to the muscle layer. Many tips and tricks have been reported to facilitate colonic ESD, including:

• the use of gravity;

• creation of a pocket [2];

• tunnel dissection;

• clip [3] or double-clip countertraction (ring-thread countertraction [4]);

• the use of a waterjet injection knife [5].

Although individual physicians will prefer certain tips or tricks with which they are familiar, little information is available on combinations of these technical approaches. As case numbers are increasing worldwide, and as colorectal cancer screening programs are becoming more common and effective, further technical improvements are imperative. Here, we report on our treatment strategy for colonic ESD and seek to facilitate the resection of large superficial colonic lesions.

First, we perform a careful diagnostic evaluation using a high-definition endoscope (HQ190, Olympus). We then begin ESD using a dedicated endoscope that allows retroflexion throughout the colon (Pentax Ultraflex; 580 RD, Fujinon). Each procedure commences using a DualKnife to create a mucosal incision at one side of the lesion ([Fig. 1 a]); we then create a pocket under the lesion ( [Fig. 1 b]). Further development of a pocket-like tunnel facilitates a perfect view of the submucosal layer, avoiding leakage of submucosal fluid and stabilizing the endoscope beneath the lesion. After a large pocket has been created, we complete the mucosal incision around the lesion ( [Fig. 1 c]). The first clip, attached to a small ring of suture thread, is passed through the operative channel and fixed beneath the lesion ([Fig. 1 d]). The suture thread is then grasped by another clip and attached to the opposite colonic wall. This double-clip technique (also termed ring-thread countertraction) allows the remnant submucosal fibers to be tensioned ( [Fig. 1 e]). Use of a HybridKnife type O (Erbe Medical, Tübingen, Germany), which has an isolated tip and the capacity to deliver high-pressure injections, allows rapid and safe completion of the procedure with a perfect view of the submucosal space ([Fig. 1 f]; [Video 1]).

Fig. 1 Endoscopic views showing: a the mucosal incision being made at the proximal part of the lesion; b the pocket being created; c the mucosal incision being completed around the lesion; d attachment of a clip with a small ring of suture thread beneath the lesion; e countertraction, which is possible thanks to the double-clip technique; f safe resection of the remnant submucosal fibers thanks to the use of a HybridKnife type O (isolated).

Video 1: A large cecal lesion is treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection via pocket creation, use of the double-clip countertraction technique, and completion with an isolated HybridKnife.

We use this strategy to efficiently, rapidly, and safely treat most patients who require colonic ESD. We suggest that such a strategy could help to make the use of colonic ESD more widespread and avoid the need for surgery for large colonic superficial neoplasia.

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Competing interests

Dr Jérémie Jacques: Meetings invitation: Abbvie, Hospira, Norgine; Lectures for Abbvie, Hospira. Dr Romain Legros: Meetings invitation: Abbvie, Boston scientific; Lectures for Hospira. Dr Jérôme Rivory: Meetings invitation: MSD, Abbvie, Norgine, Boston scientific; Lecture: Norgine.

• References

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• 2 Miura Y, Shinozaki S, Hayashi Y. et al. Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection is feasible using the pocket-creation method. Endoscopy 2017; 49: 8-14
• 3 Yamasaki Y, Takeuchi Y, Uedo N. et al. Traction-assisted colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection using clip and line: a feasibility study. Endosc Int Open 2016; 4: E51-E55
• 4 Mori H, Kobara H, Nishiyama N. et al. Novel effective and repeatedly available ring-thread counter traction for safer colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. Surg Endosc 2016; DOI: 10.1007/s00464-016-5326-7. [Epub ahead of print]
• 5 Huang R, Yan H, Ren G. et al. Comparison of O-Type HybridKnife to conventional knife in endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric mucosal lesions. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95: e3148