Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection assisted by intralesional cross-traction using silicone bands

Several traction techniques for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of gastric neoplasms have been reported to be useful [1–5]. We have previously reported an intralesional traction technique using a single traction band [5]. Since this creates a traction force within the lesion, theoretically, it could be applied to any gastric lesions. However, we do encounter cases in a few regions of the stomach where the traction force is insufficient. Here, we have proposed an intralesional cross-traction technique using dual traction bands (▶Fig. 1), which might overcome the weaknesses of the previous method (▶Video 1). A 77-year-old man with a 20-mm gastric neoplasm in the lower stomach was referred to our hospital. ESD using the intralesional cross-traction method was applied. After the circumferential mucosal incision (▶Fig. 2 a), the first clip with a silicon band was placed on the proximal mucosal flap of the lesion and the second clip with a silicon band was placed at nearly one-fourth of the circumference away from the first clip (▶Fig. 2 b). The third clip, without a silicon band, was hooked through the silicon band of the first clip (▶Fig. 2 c) and placed on the mucosal flap opposite (▶Fig. 2d). This was repeated with the fourth and the second clip (▶Fig. 2 e), in such a way that the bands crossed each other at the center of the lesion (▶Fig. 2 f). This resulted in the elevation of a large area of submucosal layer toward the center by cross-traction, providing a clear view for submucosal dissection that was conducted safely and efficiently The lesion was sufficiently elevated until the dissection was completed, and en bloc resection was achieved without complications. The intralesional cross-traction method, which provides traction force over a large area and bundles the submucosal layer toward the center of the lesion, can be applied to any gastric lesion. This is one of the best assistive methods for gastric ESD.