Background/aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether the routine closure of mucosal defects after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can enhance mucosal healing and reduce ESD-associated bleeding.
Methods: Patients with gastric epithelial neoplasias and no obvious submucosal invasion were prospectively enrolled. Mucosal defects were left untreated in the control group. In the study group, mucosal closure was attempted with a 2-channel endoscope, a detachable snare, and clips. All participants received a second-look endoscopy the day after ESD, and coagulation therapy was administered to patients with visible vessels and active bleeding points.
Results: Fifty-two patients were enrolled in the study, and 26 patients were assigned to each group. Complete mucosal defect closure occurred in 16 patients (61%) in the study group; incomplete closure occurred in 8 patients (31%) in the study group, and failed closure occurred in 2 patients (8%). Coagulation therapy at the second-look endoscopy was performed more often in the control group than in the study group (31% vs 4%, p=0.024). There were no significant differences in the incidence of immediate or delayed bleeding or in the two-week decrease in hemoglobin between the groups. The prevalence of open ulcers after 8 weeks was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (18% vs 43%, p=0.012).
Conclusions: Routine mucosal closure after ESD supports earlier healing of artificial ulcers. A larger-scale trial is necessary to determine whether mucosal closure can reduce ESD-associated bleeding.
Keywords: Closure; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Stomach neoplasms.