Self-Completion Method of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using Endosaber without Any Other Device or Assistance: An ex vivo Porcine Model Study

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a standard treatment for tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. We developed a self-completion method of ESD using Endosaber to eliminate the need for an additional device or human assistance during the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and outcomes of this method in an ex vivo porcine training model. Methods: This was a pilot study, and the procedures were performed by 4 experts. Mock lesions measuring 15 mm in diameter were prepared at the posterior wall in the middle or lower esophagus obtained from domestic pigs. Each operator performed ESD on the mock lesions in 3 models. The primary outcome was ESD completion rate using the self-completion method. The secondary outcomes were procedure time, en bloc resection rate, perforation rate, and number of injections during the procedure. Results: All 12 ESDs were completed using the self-completion method. The median procedure time (interquartile range) was 483.5 (399-619.3) s (median incision time: 240.4 [168.3-332.5] s; median dissection time: 222 [182.8-257] s). En bloc resection rate was 100%. No perforation was noted during any of the procedures. The median number of injections was 10.5 (9-14.3). The procedure time decreased significantly with increase in experience (p = 0.020). Conclusions: The self-completion ESD method using one Endosaber without any assistance achieved a 100% en bloc resection rate without any perforation. The need for an additional device or assistance was successfully eliminated. This method may prove to be a simple and cost-effective ESD procedure for lesions in humans.