BACKGROUND: Large superficial neoplasias of the ileocecal region pose an increased degree of complexity for endoscopic resection. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for large superficial colorectal neoplasias including ileocecal lesions.METHODS: A total of 33 superficial colorectal neoplasias, including eight neoplasias in the ileocecal region, were treated with ESD from December 2005 to April 2009. Therapeutic efficacy, complications, and follow-up results were retrospectively evaluated among three groups: ileocecal region, colon, and rectum.RESULTS: The mean size of all resected neoplasias was 35 +/- 15 mm (range, 20-80 mm) and that of all resected specimens was 41 +/- 15 mm (range, 23-82 mm). The mean procedural time was 121 +/- 90 min (range, 22-420 min). The difference in mean values among the three groups was not significant. The overall rate of en bloc resection was 91% (30/33). Histopathologically, both the lateral and vertical margins in the specimens resected en bloc tested negative (30/30). The rate for en bloc resection in the ileocecal region did not differ significantly from that for the other two groups (p = 0.20 compared with the rate for the colon and p = 0.12 compared with the rate for the rectum). Complications such as perforation and postoperative bleeding did not occur in the ileocecal group. No recurrence was observed in any cases during the mean follow-up period of 20 +/- 12 months (range, 4-44 months).CONCLUSIONS: The ESD approach is safe and effective for treating large superficial neoplasias of the ileocecal region such as other colorectal neoplasias.
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