Published online Dec 7, 2020. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i45.7258
Peer-review started: September 26, 2020
First decision: November 8, 2020
Revised: November 9, 2020
Accepted: November 21, 2020
Article in press: November 21, 2020
Published online: December 7, 2020
Endoscopic resection of non-invasive lesions is now the standard of care for lesions in the GI tract. However, resection techniques require extensive training, are not available in all endoscopy centers and are prone to complications. Endoscopic mucosal ablation (EMA) is a combination of resection and ablation techniques and it may offer an alternative in the management of such lesions.
In this case series we report the successful treatment of three flat colonic polyps using the EMA technique. Two lesions were treatment naïve and 1 was a recurrence after an endoscopic mucosal resection. The sizes ranged from 2 to 4 cm. All three polyps were ablated successfully with no immediate or delayed complications. The recurrence rate at 1 year of follow up was 0%.
Based on this initial experience, we conclude that EMA is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of non-invasive colonic polyps when endoscopic resection techniques are not available.
Core Tip: Endoscopic resection via endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection is currently the standard of care for non-invasive colonic polyps. However, these resection techniques require extensive training, are not available in all endoscopy centers, and are prone to adverse events such as perforation and bleeding. Endoscopic mucosal ablation appears to be a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of colonic polyps without invasive features.