[Feasibility of endoscopic full-thickness resection in the treatment of colorectal submucosal tumors]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR) in the treatment of colorectal submucosal tumor(SMT). METHODS: From September 2009 to March 2012, 4 cases with colorectal SMT received EFTR at the Endoscopic Center in the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. The operative time, complications, and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 3 females and 1 male. The age ranged from 33 to 78 years. The tumor location included the upper rectum(n=2), the ascending colon(n=1), and the descending colon(n=1). The mean operative time was 48.0(24-80) min. The mean diameter was 1.45(0.8-2.0) cm. Postoperative pathological examination revealed schwannoma, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, endometriosis, and mild hyperplasia of smooth muscle in the muscularis mucosa. There was no bleeding or perforation intraoperatively and postoperatively. Two patients developed abdominal pain and fever, one of whom had regional peritonitis and was managed by fasting and intravenous antibiotics. No surgical intervention was required. Postoperative follow up ranged from 1 to 30 months and no residual cancer or recurrence was found. CONCLUSION: EFTR is a safe and effective method for colorectal SMT.