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World J Gastrointest Endosc. May 16, 2012; 4(5): 162-166
Published online May 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i5.162
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplasms
Satoshi Ono, Mitsuhiro Fujishiro, Kazuhiko Koike
Satoshi Ono, Center for Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
Mitsuhiro Fujishiro, Department of Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
Kazuhiko Koike, Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
Author contributions: Ono S, Fujishiro M and Koike K contributed equally to this paper.
Correspondence to: Satoshi Ono, MD, PhD, Center for Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. satoshi-tky@umin.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-3-38155411 Fax: +81-3-58008806
Received: October 13, 2011
Revised: April 2, 2012
Accepted: April 27, 2012
Published online: May 16, 2012
Abstract

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is currently accepted as the major treatment modality for superficial neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus. An important advantage of ESD is its effectiveness in resecting lesions regardless of their size and severity of fibrosis. Based on excellent outcomes for esophageal neoplasms with a small likelihood of lymph node metastasis, the number of ESD candidates has increased. On the other hand, ESD still requires highly skilled endoscopists due to technical difficulties. To avoid unnecessary complications including perforation and postoperative stricture, the indications for ESD require careful consideration and a full understanding of this modality. This article, in the highlight topic series, provides detailed information on the indication, procedure, outcome, complications and their prevention in ESD of superficial esophageal neoplasms.

Keywords: Complications; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Esophageal neoplasm; Indication; Outcome; Squamous cell carcinoma