Endoscopic Doppler US for the prevention of ulcer bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer: a preliminary study (with video).

BACKGROUND

After endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC), delayed bleeding occurs in 1.7% to 38% of cases. Routine coagulation of all nonbleeding visible vessels (NBVVs) in post-ESD ulcers is currently performed as standard practice, but it cannot eliminate bleeding. An endoscopic Doppler US (DOP-US) probe system has possible benefits for the prediction of recurrent bleeding in peptic ulcer hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE

To establish optimum use and evaluate feasibility of DOP-US for post-ESD ulcers.

DESIGN

Case series study.

SETTING

Cancer referral center.

PATIENTS

Eight patients with mucosal EGC larger than 2 cm without ulceration or scarring and 2 patients with EGC less than 3 cm with scarring.

INTERVENTIONS

We searched for a positive DOP-US signal (DOP-US+), which was defined as pulsatile sound at a depth of 1.5 mm, and NBVVs or areas with DOP-US+ were coagulated with hemostatic forceps. A multibending, double-channel videoendoscope that was fitted with a transparent hood was used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Detectability of DOP-US signals in post-ESD ulcers.

RESULTS

One of 13 oozing bleeding sites, 24 (18%) of 136 NBVVs, and 7 areas without any bleeding stigmata had DOP-US+ and were coagulated until the signal became silent. One hundred twelve NBVVs (82%) and 8 adherent clots without DOP-US signals were left untreated. No delayed bleeding was experienced at 30 days. Median time required for Doppler examination was 34 minutes, but it improved to 18 and 19 minutes in patients 9 and 10, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

DOP-US might be helpful in the endoscopic management of post-ESD ulcers in EGC. Our setting and maneuver warrant further investigation to clarify whether DOP-US can reduce delayed bleeding and avoid unnecessary coagulation for NBVVs in post-ESD ulcers.