Advantages of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus endoscopic oblique aspiration mucosectomy for superficial esophageal tumors

Background and Aim: In the treatment of superficial esophageal tumors (SET), en bloc histologically-complete resection reduces the risk of local recurrence. Endoscopic oblique aspiration mucosectomy (EOAM) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been applied to resect SET. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine whether ESD is more advantageous than EOAM for SET. Methods: In the present study, there was a total of 122 patients in whom 162 SET were resected endoscopically at Hiroshima University Hospital. EOAM (83 lesions/63 patients) or ESD (79 lesions/59 patients) was performed. En bloc histologically-complete resection rates, operation time, complications, and the local recurrence rate were studied. Results: In SET > 20 mm, the en bloc histologically-complete resection rate was significantly higher with ESD than with EOAM (94% vs 42%, P < 0.001). In SET of 16-20 mm, the rate tended to be higher with ESD than with EOAM (100% vs 81%, P = 0.08). In SET < 15 mm, the rates did not differ significantly between groups. The average operation time was significantly longer for ESD than for EOAM, regardless of tumor size (49.7 +/- 33.0 min vs 19.1 +/- 6.1 min, P < 0.001). Complication rates did not differ significantly between groups. The local recurrence rate was significantly lower with ESD than with EOAM (0%, mean observation period: 18.9 months vs 9%, mean observation period: 30.7 months, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Although increased operation time with ESD remains problematic, SET > 15 mm should be treated with ESD to reduce local recurrence. In lesions < 15 mm, EOAM might be preferable, especially in high-risk patients.