Risk Factors for Local Recurrence of Early Gastric Cancer after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Abstract

Background/Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely accepted method of treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) without lymph node metastasis. However, there have been few studies about factors associated with local recurrence. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk factors for local recurrence in patients with EGC after ESD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients who underwent ESD of EGC at Gachon University Gil Medical Center. From February 2008 to July 2011, ESD for EGC was performed in 222 cases involving 214 patients. Patients with additional treatment after ESD, patients with recurred EGC, and patients with endoscopic follow-up of < 12 months were excluded. After exclusions, a total of 150 cases were included. Results: The mean age of the patients was 63.9 ± 9.8 years, and 74.3% were male. The en bloc resection rate was 139/150 (92.7%), and the complete resection rate was 131/150 (87.3%). Local recurrence at the ESD site was found in 5 cases (5/150, 3.3%) during a mean follow-up period of 24 months. In multivariate analysis, tumor involvement at the lateral resection margin [HR: 13.12 (1.19 145.10); p = 0.036], piecemeal resection [HR: 25.31 (1.24 - 517.57); p = 0.036], and lymphovascular invasion [HR: 485.06 (2.30 102449.79); p = 0.024] were associated with local recurrence after ESD. Conclusions: Local recurrence after ESD was significantly associated with involvement of the lateral resection margin, piecemeal resection, and lymphovascular invasion. Therefore, patients who have these risk factors should be followed up more carefully to detect local recurrence. (Korean J Med 2013;85:285-293)