Single tunneling technique for the resection of lateral spreading adenomas

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the colon bears a significant risk of complications due to the fragility of the wall, reduced maneuverability of the endoscope and lack of countertraction. Lately, tunneling methods such as the pocket creation method and the single/multiple tunneling technique have been introduced in an effort to overcome these difficulties [1-3]. Here we describe a single tunneling technique for the resection of a lateral spreading tumor of the transverse colon in a 47-year-old woman with inactive ulcerative colitis (Figs. 1, 2). We used the following materials: a 1.5 mm DualKnife and a CF185 coloscope (Olympus), a short hood (Fujifilm), CO2 insufflation and a mixture of hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven, Fresenius Kabi), hyaluronic acid 0.4% (Sigmavisc, Life Partners Europe) and indigo carmine for submucosal injection. The setting for dissection was Endocut Q, Effect 2 (ERBE VIO3, Tubingen, Germany). The procedure was undertaken under general anesthesia and lasted 2 h. In short, a submucosal tunnel was created underneath the lesion with one proximal and one distal opening. The dissection was then expanded towards the lateral borders and finally the lesion was detached by cutting the lateral margins. This technique allowed a safe dissection of the specimen by a junior ESD-endoscopist, because of the following factors: less dispersion of the submucosal fluid; constant traction and countertraction by pushing the specimen through the tunnel; convenient orientation of the dissection field; good visualization of the vessels; progression of dissection independently of the direction of gravity; and good stability of the endoscope. The patient was hospitalized for 24 h and had an uneventful recovery. Histology disclosed a 4-cm tubulovillous adenoma with low-grade dysplasia. In conclusion, single tunneling technique may be used for safe and easier resection of lateral spreading tumors. Further studies are needed to establish the various tunneling methods as essential tools for safer colon ESD.