Delayed Perforation After Endoscopic Resection of Upper Gastrointestinal Tumors: CT Findings to Identify Patients Requiring Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical and imaging factors associated with surgical treatment in patients with delayed perforation after endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively included patients with delayed perforation after endoscopic tumor resection for gastric or duodenal tumors between January 2007 and December 2021 in a tertiary hospital. We compared the clinical, endoscopic, and CT findings of the surgical and conservative treatment groups. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with surgery.

RESULTS

Among 10,423 patients who had undergone endoscopic tumor resection, 52 (0.50%) experienced delayed perforation, with 20 patients (35.5%) treated surgically and 32 patients (64.5%) treated conservatively. The CT findings of gross perforation (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=6.75, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-43.89; P =0.045) and presence of peritonitis (OR=34.26, 95% CI, 5.52-212.50; P <0.001) were significantly associated with surgical treatment. Other clinical factors as well as CT-measured amount of pneumoperitoneum were not significant factors.

CONCLUSIONS

CT findings of gross perforation and peritonitis are significant factors associated with surgery in delayed perforation after endoscopic tumor resection. These factors can aid in guiding the patients towards an appropriate treatment plan.