Resection of Early Colorectal Neoplasms Using Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a reliable method that can replace surgery in the treatment of early colorectal cancer under certain conditions. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze factors influencing the ESD procedure in early colorectal cancer, with the intention of improving its effectiveness. Patients and Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study on 214 patients who underwent ESD procedures for early colorectal cancer from January 2016 to October 2023. Results:En bloc resection was achieved in 197 (92.1%) of ESD procedures, R0 resection in 149 (69.6%), and curative resection in 54 (40.9%). The submucosal invasion was classified as level 1 (SM1) in 96 cases (45.3%), level 2 (SM2) in 61 cases (28.8%), and level 3 (SM3) in 36 cases (17%). R0 resection was achieved more often in the rectum-92 (81.4%), compared to the right-24 (64.9%) and left colon-33 (61.1%), p = 0.009. In rectal tumors, R0 resection was achieved in 51 (98.1%) SM1 invasion, 27 (73%) SM2 invasion, and 13 (65%) SM3 invasion (p < 0.001). Lateral and vertical resection margins were positive in 12 (7.7%) and 52 (25.2%) cases, respectively. Vertical resection margins were statistically more often positive in lesions located in the right colon-11 cases (28.9%) and left colon-21 cases (38.9%), than in rectum-20 cases (17.5%); p = 0.010. Complications were found in 32 (15%) cases of ESD procedure-perforation in 12 cases (5.6%) and delayed bleeding in four cases (1.9%). Procedures performed in the right colon were associated with a significantly higher risk of any complications (30%) and perforations (15%) than those performed in the rectum (10.3% and 2.6%) or the left colon (13.8% and 5.2%; p = 0.016; p = 0.015), respectively. Conclusions: ESD for early colon cancer is a viable strategy due to its effectiveness and low complication rate. The ESD technique performed in the rectum yields the best results; however, in the right colon, it still requires careful attention.