LAUSR

A 70-year-old man with a history of ischemic cardiopathy, taking clopidogrel as his usual treatment, was referred because of cholangitis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a dilated bile duct without any obvious obstruction. Gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound were performed in search of an ampulloma, and unexpectedly identified a sessile tumor 2 cm above the gastroesophageal junction (▶Fig. 1). Gastroscopy performed with a high definition endoscope and magnification (EG-760Z; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan) confirmed a 0-Ip esophageal lesion with a suspicious irregular mucosal and vascular pattern (▶Fig. 2). In the absence of endoscopic features suggesting deep submucosal invasion, endoscopic resection was chosen. Owing to the sessile shape of the lesion, an underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) was performed. We used a water pump to fill the entire esophageal lumen with saline (▶Video 1). A 15-mm diathermic snare was deployed to encircle the tumor, and was then closed on the polyp (▶Fig. 3). Safe margins were confirmed endoscopically before resecting the lesion using an Endocut current. After the resection, minor bleeding was successfully treated with the tip of the snare in soft coagulation mode, and the wound was closed with standard clips. The resected specimenwas 1.5×0.8×0.6 cm in size. Histological examination revealed a well-differentiated intramucosal adenocarcinoma, with margins free of dysplasia and cancer. Previous studies have reported colorectal [1-3] and gastric [4] UEMR as an alternative to classic EMR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first UEMR reported for an esophageal lesion. UEMR can be used for small sessile or pedunculated lesions in the esophagus, and is safe, fast, and efficient.