Endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal tumors: Training levels and professional roles explored

Abstract

In this editorial, we provide commentary on a recently published study by Zhao et al in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. The study discusses the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing endoscopic resection for gastric cancers. We feel it is important to engage our endoscopy community in a discussion on the current evidence in the literature on the necessary number of cases for training in endoluminal surgery techniques, particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection. This includes the latest recommendations from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, as well as a summary of key studies on the learning curve for these techniques. Additionally, we explore the impact of an endoscopist’s specialty on endoscopy outcomes, drawing from current evidence in the literature to shape our perspective in this evolving field.

Keywords: Learning curve; Endoluminal surgery; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Gastroenterologist; Surgeons; Endoscopic mucosal resection

Core Tip: In this editorial, we provide an overview of existing societies’ and associations’ guidelines and data regarding the requisite training standards for conducting endoluminal endoscopic procedures for resection of gastrointestinal tumors. We also emphasize the superior outcomes of endoscopies carried out by gastroenterologists in comparison to those performed by surgeons.