Study on endoscopic esophageal mucosal resection with ligating device I - Clinical study

Background/Aims: EEMRL (endoscopic esophageal mucosal resection with a liga ting device) has become increasingly popular. In this article, we review 13 clinical cases of EEMRL. Methodology: Since 1993, we have performed EEMRL to treat 15 lesions in 13 patients. Twelve squamous cell carcinomas (mucosal cancer in 10 and submuco sal cancer in 2) were included among the 15 lesions. Results: EEMRL failed to achieve complete resection of the 2 submucosal les ions (3.0 and 2.8cm in maximum. diameter). However, esophageal lesions coul d be removed successfully when 2.5cm or less in maximum. diameter. The proc edure was not associated with any complication. Conclusions: Our clinical study showed that this technique may be indicated for esophageal cancer with a maximum diameter less than or equal to2.5cm a nd confined to the mucosa. EEMRL is a technically easy and minimally invasi ve therapy which could be useful for the treatment of early esophageal canc er.