Endocytoscopic visualization of squamous cell islands within Barrett's epithelium.

Aim: To study the endocytoscopic visualization of squamous cell islands within Barrett's epithelium.

Methods: Endocytoscopy (ECS) has been studied in the surveillance of Barrett's esophagus, with controversial results. In initial studies, however, a soft catheter type endocytoscope was used, while only methylene blue dye was used for the staining of Barrett's mucosa.

Training in peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been developed in the context of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) as a minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for symptomatic esophageal achalasia, which is a chronic progressive benign disease with severe morbidity and difficult management. Since September 2008, POEM has been successfully performed in more than 200 consecutive patients with symptomatic achalasia at the Digestive Disease Center of Showa University, Northern Yokohama Hospital, Yokohama, Japan, with excellent short- and long-term results and absence of serious complications. International experience of POEM within clinical studies is also promising.

Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment strategies in early gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Both endoscopic and surgical approaches are employed in the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). The aim of this study was to establish appropriate treatment strategies for early gastric cancer.

Methods: We retrospectively examined clinicopathological data of EGC patients who had undergone surgery.

Endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and beyond: full-layer resection for gastric cancer with nonexposure technique (CLEAN-NET).

Mucosal cancer in the gastrointestinal tract generally has low risk of lymph node metastasis. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are techniques of local excision of neoplasia confined to the mucosal layer. Specimens from EMR/ESD contribute to several diagnoses, and histologic results affect treatment decisions.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: technique, indication, and outcomes.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been developed as an incisionless, minimally invasive endoscopic treatment intending a permanent cure for esophageal achalasia. The concept of endoscopic myotomy was first reported about 3 decades ago, but the direct incision method through the mucosal layer was not considered to be a safe and reliable approach. A novel method of endoscopic myotomy was developed and established by the authors.

Clinical usefulness of pit patterns for detecting colonic lesions requiring surgical treatment.

Background: The number of patients suffering from colorectal cancer is increasing. According to Japanese guidelines, lesions with a submucosal invasive depth >1,000 μm should be treated with radical proctocolectomy. We propose and evaluate a new clinical classification for pit patterns that uses endoscopy to assess lesion depth for determination of the appropriate therapeutic approach for early colorectal cancers and adenomas.