Analysis and review of endoscopic features of submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection in the treatment of intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intramural esophageal bronchogenic cyst (EBC) is a rare congenital malformation. Due to few reports, there are still shortcomings in the overview of endoscopic characteristics and the selection of treatment methods. This study aimed to evaluate the endoscopic characteristics of EBCs and the safety and reliability of submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection (STER) for EBCs through case collection and literature review.

METHODS

The clinical information, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) characteristics, endoscopic treatment related features, postoperative adverse events and follow-up results of 16 patients at our center and 19 patients reported with EBCs treated through STER were recorded and used for analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with reported patients, there was no difference in age (44.8 ± 13.8 vs. 51.2 ± 11.1 years), male proportion (62.5% vs. 68.4%) and lesion location of patients in our center. Basically, all the cases under EUS showed hypoechoic occupation from musculi propria, and no enhancement was found in the cases under contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. A total of 25 patients (71.4%) were completely stripped by STER, and the remaining patients conducted partial stripped combined with cyst wall damage. No adverse events were observed during the operation. Overall, four patients presented with fever, and one patient with pneumothorax showed improvement following treatment. All patients demonstrated good recovery. No recurrence of EBCs was observed in all cases during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

STER may be a safe, effective and reliable ultra-minimally invasive technique for the treatment of EBCs.