Endoluminal Approaches for Colorectal Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, A Viable Alternative for Colectomy?

Abstract

IntroductionEndoscopic resection of visible dysplastic lesions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provides an alternative to colectomy for management. Endoscopic techniques that can be used include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and a combined hybrid approach of ESD and EMR. These endoscopic treatments may allow organ preservation in patients with IBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of endoscopic resection, including EMR, ESD and hybrid ESD/EMR, for the treatment of colorectal dysplasia in patients with IBD. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of IBD patients who underwent endoscopic resection for colorectal dysplasia at our tertiary care center between 2014 to 2023. Patients were identified through a search of our endoscopy database. Medical records were reviewed to collect data on patient demographics, IBD history, details of endoscopic technique, procedural factors, final pathology results, and outcomes including recurrence of dysplasia. ResultsA total of 50 IBD patients underwent endoscopic resection, including 38 ESD, 11 hybrid ESD/EMR, and 1 EMR. Median age was 62 (IQR: 54-68) years and 34 (68%) were male. Median BMI was 27.6 (IQR: 24.8-31.7). Underlying diagnosis was ulcerative colitis in 33 (66%) and Crohn's disease in 17 (33%). Median disease duration was 27.5 years (IQR 8-30). Polyp locations were distributed as follows: right colon, rectum, left colon, transverse colon, and cecum, with 9 (18%) in each area. Median procedure time was 47.5minutes (IQR: 31.2-73.7). En bloc resection was achieved in 34 (68%) and piecemeal resection in 16 (32%). On pathology, median lesion size was 23.5 (IQR: 20.2-40) mm. High-grade dysplasia was found in 7 (14%) and low-grade dysplasia in 15 (30%). During a median follow-up period of 7.2 years, 18% of patients experienced recurrence. No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between the ESD and ESD/EMR groups. ConclusionEndoscopic resection, including EMR, ESD and hybrid techniques, enables effective treatment of visible dysplastic lesions as an alternative to colectomy in patients with IBD. In this cohort, favorable short-term outcomes were demonstrated after endoscopic resection.