Endoscopic submucosal tumor biopsy using Stiegmann-Goff endoscopic ligator

Endoscopic biopsy is an important tool for histological diagnosis of lesion s residing in gastrointestinal tracts. However, it is less useful in submuc osal lesions due to the existence of normal overlying mucosa. We developed a new and safe technique for the diagnosis of submucosal tumor using Stiegm ann-Goff endoscopic ligator. After removing surface mucosa to expose submuc osal tissue by this method, conventional secured histological diagnosis cou ld be performed. To determine definitive histological diagnosis, this techn ique is useful as well as Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with fine needle aspi ration biopsy anti other modalities.