Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of gastrointestinal cysts.
Methods: Clinicopathological data of 40 patients with gastrointestinal cyst undergoing ESD in our center during January 2008 and February 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Complications, en bloc resection rate, and local recurrence were assessed.
Results: Eight lesions located in the esophagus, 11 in the stomach, 5 in the duodenum, and 16 in the colorectum. Thirty-seven lesions were successfully resected with ESD in an en bloc fashion (92.5%). During the operation, one perforation was encountered in the ascending colon and was clipped; one massive hemorrhage occurred in the esophagus and was treated with balloon compression. Postoperative pathological examination revealed cyst samples were intact without lesions in lateral and basal resection margins. Local recurrence was not found in 36 patients during a median postoperative follow-up of 9.7 months (range, 6-12 months).
Conclusion: ESD is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of gastrointestinal cysts.