Saline-assisted endoscopic resection of rectal carcinoids: Cap aspiration method versus simple snare resection

Background and Study Aims: Complete resection of small carcinoid tumors of the rectum is difficult during endoscopic polypectomy, because these tumors are often located in the submucosal layer of the rectal wall. To completely remove these tumors, we have used aspiration lumpectomy. In this study, we evaluated its clinical usefulness in comparison with strip biopsy. Patients and Methods: We performed strip biopsy (December 1996 through March 2000) or aspiration lumpectomy (April 2000 through February 2003) in a consecutive series of patients with rectal carcinoid tumor. Eight carcinoid tumors in eight patients were resected by strip biopsy, and eight tumors in eight patients were resected by aspiration lumpectomy. Results: The rate of complete removal of carcinoid tumors with aspiration lumpectomy (100%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that with strip biopsy (37.5%). Conclusions: Endoscopic resection with aspiration lumpectomy is a useful and safe method for resection of small carcinoid tumors of the rectum.