Endoscopic submucosal dissection of an early-stage gastric tumor with minimal bleeding using full-time red dichromatic imaging

Hemostasis during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be challenging and time-consuming [1], as the thick vessels in the stomach can bleed profusely [2]. Red dichromatic imaging (RDI) was recently developed to address this difficulty [3]; it improves recognition of the bleeding points and enables safe hemostasis while reducing the psychological stress on the endoscopist. However, to date RDI has not significantly reduced hemostasis time [4]. We present the case of a patient with early gastric cancer in whom bleeding during ESD was promptly controlled using full-time RDI.

A 77-year-old man with gastric cancer (50 mm) was referred to our facility for ESD ([Fig. 1 a]). We used a GIF-H290 T gastroscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), the EVIS X1 video system (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) as the light source, and an electrosurgical knife (IT2 knife; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) for ESD. All procedures including submucosal injection, circumferential mucosal incision, submucosal dissection, and postresection hemostasis were performed in RDI mode. The submucosal injection and mucosal incision ([Fig. 1 b]) were performed carefully avoiding deep vessels through the use of RDI. Because we could clearly identify submucosal vessels ([Fig. 1 c]), the thick vessel was precoagulated. Any bleeding points were easily detected with RDI, allowing quick and effective hemostasis ([Fig. 1 d]). The demarcation line between the submucosal and muscle layers was also clear, allowing safe submucosal dissection ([Fig. 1 e]). Exposed ulcer vessels after resection were recognized clearly using RDI. The 65-mm specimen was resected en bloc in 40 minutes; only two bleeding events occurred with no complications ([Video 1]).

Fig. 1 Images illustrating the steps of endoscopic submucosal dissection using full-time red dichromatic imaging (RDI). a Flat elevated lesion (50 mm) located on the lesser curvature of the gastric body. b Circumferential incision is performed in RDI mode. c Vessels of the submucosa are clearly visible. d Bleeding points are easily identifiable with RDI. e The demarcation line between the submucosal and muscle layers is clearly visible.

Video 1 Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a gastric tumor using full-time red dichromatic imaging.

This experience demonstrates that RDI is not only useful for quickly identifying bleeding points but is highly effective in avoiding hemorrhage by rendering the blood vessels more visible. Considering that RDI enables easier recognition of the submucosal layer [5], ESD using full-time RDI has the potential to become mainstream.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AD_3AZ

Publication History

Article published online:
04 August 2022

• References

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