Submucosal injection fluid and tattoo agents

Background and Aims

EMR and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, developed for the removal of benign and early malignant lesions throughout the GI tract. Submucosal injection of a marking agent can help to identify lesions during surgery. Endoscopic resection frequently involves “lifting” of the lesions by injection of a substance within the submucosal space to create a cushion for safe resection. This review summarizes the current techniques and agents available for endoscopic marking and lifting of GI tract lesions.

Methods

The MEDLINE database was searched through April 2023 for relevant articles related to the lifting and marking aspect of EMR by using key words such as “endoscopy” or “endoscopic” combined with “marking,” “tattoo,” and “lifting.” The report was drafted, reviewed, and edited by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Technology Committee and approved by the Governing Board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Results

This technology review describes the techniques for endoscopic tattoo placement and submucosal lifting, along with currently available agents, safety, and costs.

Conclusions

Endoscopists performing EMR and ESD have several choices in submucosal injection materials for lifting and marking agents for tattoos. These may be commercially prepared agents or off-the-shelf materials with or without additives to facilitate visualization. A thorough understanding of the indications, techniques, properties of various agents, costs, and adverse events is necessary in choosing the appropriate materials and technique to optimize lesion resection in EMR and ESD.