A retrospective analysis of 26 cases of duodenal neuroendocrine tumor treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Abstract

Background: Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (D-NETs) are rare but clinically significant tumors that can occur in various parts of the duodenum, including the duodenal papilla. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option for D-NETs, offering potential advantages in terms of tumor removal and postoperative recovery. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of ESD for D-NETs.

Methods: A total of 26 cases of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (27 lesions), including duodenal papillary neuroendocrine tumors, were studied retrospectively.

Results: A total of 26 patients with D-NETs (27 lesions) were pathologically diagnosed, and 27 lesions were found by chance during endoscopy. The lesions included duodenal bulbar, descending part, and duodenal papilla. Nineteen tumors were <1 cm (70.4%) in diameter, and eight tumors were 1-2 cm (29.6%) in diameter. There were five cases of duodenal papilla NETs. G1: 24 (88.8%) and G2: 3 (11.1%). Endoscopic ultrasonography showed that 27 lesions were confined to the submucosa. One case was a neuroendocrine tumor 2 mm inside a tubular adenoma at the papilla. All operations were performed by senior doctors in the department. The total resection rate was 100%, and the incidence of intraoperative bleeding and perforation was 0. Delayed bleeding and perforation were 0. The shortest operation time was 25 min, and the longest was 70 min. Burning tumor cells at the basal resection margin were noted in 11 lesions, necessitating careful pathological assessment. There were 24 cases of G1 type and 3 cases of G2 type. All 26 patients underwent abdominal CT before operation to confirm the absence of lymph node and distal metastasis. One patient with papillary lesion had positive lesion base resection and was treated with additional operation. Temporary biliary and pancreatic duct stents were placed before or after ESD in all five cases of duodenal papillary lesions, and no biliary and pancreatic complications occurred after surgery. Postoperative follow-up gastroscopy and abdominal CT confirmed no recurrence or metastasis during a follow-up period of 3 months to 4.5 years. There was no recurrence or metastasis during a follow-up period of 3 months to 4 ½ years.

Conclusion: ESD may be an effective and safe intervention for D-NETs ≤20 mm confined to the mucosa or submucosa of the duodenum, including the papilla. Clinicians should remain vigilant about potential complications during and after surgery. Duodenal ESD treatment NET has high requirements in terms of treatment technology, and clinicians should pay attention to the potential complications of ESD during operation.