Background/aims: We have performed endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy for early gastric cancer since June 1993. In order to increase the complete resection rate, it is necessary to place the cancer in the center of the resection field. To facilitate complete resection, a circular incision to guide aspiration mucosectomy was made with a cutting knife (pre-cutting) before endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy, a procedure that we call endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy, with pre-cutting.
Methodology: Eleven patients who had undergone endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy with pre-cutting for early gastric cancer at our department were included in this study. All resected specimens were examined macroscopically and histopathologically to assess the curative potential of this modified method of mucosectomy.
Results: The resected specimens ranged from 22 to 28 mm (mean: 25 mm) in maximum diameter, while the tumors ranged from 10 to 18 mm (mean: 12 mm) in size. Each resected specimen had the tumor at its center. The resection rating was EA in 10 (90.9%) of the 11 lesions and EC in 1 lesion (9.1%).
Conclusions: For curative endoscopic surgery, there is no dispute that complete resection is essential. Thus, endoscopic aspiration mucosectomy with pre-cutting should contribute to the cure of early gastric cancer.