Endoscopic submucosal resection with an endoscopic variceal ligation device for the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic resection is recommended for rectal neuroendocrine tumors < 1 cm in diameter; the three techniques (mucosal resection, submucosal dissection, and mucosal resection with variceal ligation device) of endoscopic resection of neuroendocrine tumor were reported; however, the optimal endoscopic technique remains unclear.

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy and safety of three endoscopic rectal neuroendocrine tumor resection methods.

METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 52 patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors treated by endoscopy at Aichi Medical University Hospital and Nagoya City University Hospital between May 2003 and June 2017. We compared clinical outcomes in three groups based on the endoscopic treatment method.

RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent endoscopic rectal neuroendocrine tumor treatment (mucosal resection, 14; submucosal dissection, 19; mucosal resection with an endoscopic variceal ligation device, 19). In the endoscopic mucosal resection, submucosal dissection, and mucosal resection with variceal ligation device groups, R0 resection occurred in 50.0, 94.7, and 89.5%, respectively (mucosal resection vs. mucosal resection with variceal ligation device, p < 0.05; mucosal resection vs. submucosal dissection, p < 0.01), while the median procedure times were 6.5, 43, and 6.0 min, respectively (submucosal dissection vs. mucosal resection with variceal ligation device procedure times, p < 0.01; mucosal resection vs. submucosal resection procedure times, p < 0.01). Postoperative bleeding occurred after endoscopic mucosal resection (1/14) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (4/19), but not after endoscopic mucosal resection with a ligation device.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic mucosal resection with an endoscopic variceal ligation device was a safe, effective treatment for rectal neuroendocrine tumors.