Over-the-scope clip-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection of epithelial and subepithelial GI lesions

Background and Aims: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) allows for definitive diagnosis and treatment of select subepithelial and epithelial lesions unsuitable to conventional resection techniques. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of over-the-scope (OTS) clip-assisted EFTR for these lesions. Methods: Patients who underwent OTS clip-assisted EFTR between June 2014 and October 2015 were analyzed. The procedure involved (1) thermal marking of the periphery of the lesion; (2) lesion suction into the cap of either an OTSC (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tubingen, Germany) or Padlock clip (Aponos Medical Corp, Kingston, NH, USA) with or without triprong anchor retraction of the lesion; (3) clip deployment; and (4) en bloc resection of the lesion above the clip using an electrosurgical snare and/or knife. Data were abstracted for demographics, lesion features, histopathologic diagnoses, R0 resection (negative margins) status, and adverse events. Results: Nine patients (7 men) with a mean age of 63 +/- 9.6 years were identified. The endoscopic findings included subepithelial lesions in the duodenum (n=4), rectosigmoid colon (n=2), stomach (n=1), and post-appendectomy appendiceal orifice polyps (n = 2). The mean lesion size was 8 +/- 3 mm and the mean procedure time 53 +/- 21 minutes. R0 resection was confirmed in all cases. The histopathologic diagnoses included neuroendocrine tumors (n = 6), sessile serrated adenomas (n = 2), and pancreatic heterotopia (n = 1). No adverse events were noted. Conclusions: OTS clip-assisted EFTR is an effective and safe technique for the removal of select subepithelial and epithelial lesions that are not amenable to conventional resection techniques.