The short-term outcome of POEM for achalasia was excellent; further studies on long-term efficacy and on comparison of POEM with other interventional therapies are awaited.

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Background Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains technically challenging, with a high risk of severe adverse events. Because exposure of the duodenal post-ESD mucosal defect to pancreatic juice and bile acid reportedly induces delayed perforation and bleeding, we examined whether defect closure using an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system was useful for preventing postoperative adverse events. Methods From April 2016 to February 2017, a total of 50 consecutive patients with superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) larger than 10 mm, with no more than semi-circumferential spread, were prospectively enrolled in this study. All of the lesions were treated by experienced ESD operators and the post-ESD mucosal defect was closed using OTSCs. Results All of the SNADETs were completely removed by ESD, with an R0 resection rate of 88.0 %. The mean procedure and closure times were 67.3 ± 58.8 minutes and 9.8 ± 7.2 minutes, respectively. Although complete defect closure was achieved in 94.0 % of the patients (47/50), two patients required surgical conversion. Delayed perforation occurred in only one patient (2.1 %), who did not have successful closure of the defect, as misplacement of the OTSC exposed the muscle layer. Meanwhile, delayed bleeding occurred in three patients (6.3 %); however, the bleeding was easily controlled using endoscopic coagulation. The mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 5.5 ± 7.2 days. Conclusions Prophylactic defect closure using OTSCs may be effective in reducing severe adverse events after duodenal ESD.

These preliminary results suggest that incorporating endocytoscopy facilities into a standard endoscope may be helpful in characterizing tissue in a variety of esophageal lesions. The potential clinical impact of this method in relation to other gastrointestinal organs requires further study.

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