Polyglycolic acid sheet with clipping for closing delayed perforation after colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection

A man aged in his 70s presented with a 20-mm, 0-IIa, laterally spreading tumor in the distal transverse colon. Indigo carmine spray revealed fold convergence ([Fig. 1]). The lesion underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and the defect was closed using endoclips. After 2 days, abdominal pain developed. A nonenhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed free air and increased density of fat tissue around the endoclips inserted during ESD ([Fig. 2]). A delayed perforation was diagnosed. No manifestations, except mild abdominal pain, were observed. After consulting with the surgeon, we concluded that emergency surgery was not indicated at that time because of the small amount of free air, pain with tolerance, stable vital signs, and good results on physical examination.

Fig. 1 Endoscopic views. a A flat lesion 20 mm in size was found in the transverse colon. b The macroscopic type was 0-IIa (laterally spreading tumor, non-granular, pseudo-depressed type). c Type IIIs pits were visible on crystal violet staining.

Fig. 2 Computed tomography scan of the abdomen. a, b Free air (red arrows) and increasing density of fat tissue around the clipped endoscopic submucosal dissection scar (yellow arrow) were observed.

Colonoscopy revealed a small defect at the edge of the ulcer with clips ([Fig. 3]). The defect was covered using a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet secured with endoclips ([Fig. 4]). Fibrin glue was not applied ([Video 1]).

Fig. 3 Endoscopic view. a, b A small, delayed perforation (yellow arrows) was revealed at the edge of the endoscopic submucosal dissection ulcer.

Fig. 4 The polyglycolic acid sheet was fixed tightly using three endoclips (yellow arrow) without fibrin glue.

Video 1 Delayed perforation after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection was successfully closed using a polyglycolic acid sheet with clipping.

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Surveillance colonoscopy 1 year later revealed a clearly healed ESD scar ([Fig. 5]).

Fig. 5 Surveillance colonoscopy showed a clearly healed endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) scar. a The original lesion. Healed scar 1 year after ESD by: b white-light imaging; c narrow-band imaging.

PGA has been used extensively to treat delayed perforations after colorectal ESD [1]. Fibrin glue is used in combination with PGA sheets in various organs, including the colon and esophagus [2] [3]. As the colon is in the lower part of the intestine, the PGA sheet may detach, even if the patient is fasting. Therefore, we used endoclips instead of fibrin glue to secure the PGA sheet. Surveillance colonoscopy revealed clean mucosal healing 1 year after ESD. However, the mechanism underlying PGA-induced wound healing remains unknown [3]. Considering a previous report showing fibroblast migration by PGA [4], and the important role of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the repair processes of the intestinal mucosa [5], fibroblast migration by PGA sheets may play a role in the clean mucosal healing mechanism.

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Nagami Y, Fukunaga S, Kanamori A. et al. Endoscopic closure using polyglycolic acid sheets for delayed perforation after colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection. Endoscopy 2020; 52: E11-E12
• 2 Sakaguchi Y, Tsuji Y, Yamamichi N. et al. Successful closure of a large perforation during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection by application of polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. Gastrointest Endosc 2016; 84: 374-375
• 3 Sakaguchi Y, Tsuji Y, Ono S. et al. Polyglycolic acid sheets with fibrin glue can prevent esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection. Endoscopy 2015; 47: 336-340
• 4 Tashiro K, Takeno S, Kawano F. et al. Endoscopic filling with polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue of persistent fistula after esophagectomy. Endoscopy 2021; 53: 288-292
• 5 Rieder F, Brenmoehl J, Leeb S. et al. Wound healing and fibrosis in intestinal disease. Gut 2007; 56: 130-139

Publication History

Article published online:
18 November 2022