Radial incision and cutting for dilation before endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with esophageal cancer on the distal side of severe benign esophageal strictures.

We investigated the efficacy and safety of radial incision and cutting as a novel dilation method for strictures just before endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with metachronous esophageal cancer localized on the distal side of strictures and determined the optimal dilation method. Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas localized on the distal side of severe strictures were investigated retrospectively and assigned to a radial incision and cutting (19 patients; 23 lesions) or an endoscopic balloon dilation (20 patients; 20 lesions) group. We evaluated the passage success rates of cap-wearing endoscopes with diameters ≥8.9 mm, the procedural success, en bloc resection, complete resection, major adverse event rates, and total procedure times. Compared to the endoscopic balloon dilation group, the passage success rate of a conventional endoscope with a transparent cap (87% vs. 50%) and procedural success rate (96% vs. 63%) were significantly higher in the radial incision and cutting group. The mean procedure time of 'dilation and ESD' was significantly shorter in the radial incision and cutting group than in the endoscopic balloon dilation group. Neither group experienced any serious adverse events. Radial incision and cutting followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection was effective and safe in patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas localized on the distal side of severe benign esophageal strictures. Endoscopic submucosal dissection using a cap-wearing endoscope was possible with radial incision and cutting, and the procedure time was shorter than that for endoscopic balloon dilation.