Endoscopic submucosal tumor biopsy using Stiegmann-Goff endoscopic ligator.

Endoscopic biopsy is an important tool for histological diagnosis of lesions residing in gastrointestinal tracts. However, it is less useful in submucosal lesions due to the existence of normal overlying mucosa. We developed a new and safe technique for the diagnosis of submucosal tumor using Stiegmann-Goff endoscopic ligator. After removing surface mucosa to expose submucosal tissue by this method, conventional secured histological diagnosis could be performed. To determine definitive histological diagnosis, this technique is useful as well as Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with fine needle aspiration biopsy and other modalities.