Snare Tip Is an Alternative Tool for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection is typically performed by specialized knife, such as a dual knife. However, it is not covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance. In the literature review, using a traditional snare tip for endoscopic submucosal dissection has been reported for stomach lesions only.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection using a snare tip.We retrospectively reviewed the clinical using of a snare tip compared with a dual knife for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. Postoperative short- and long-term outcomes were investigated after the procedure.This study was conducted at a single tertiary care institution.Patients who could not afford the expense of a specialized knife were included.Dissection time, dissection speed, and perioperative complications were used for short-term outcome measurement. Recurrence-free rate was used for long-term outcome measurement.Twenty-one lesions were in the snare tip group and 57 lesions in the dual knife group. The outcomes, including rate of en bloc resection, complication, local recurrence, and recurrence-free interval, between the 2 groups were similar. The mean resected specimen diameter in the dual knife group is larger than the snare tip group (p = 0.041). The dissection time of the snare tip group was shorter than the dual knife group (p = 0.025). However, the dissection speed was significantly slower in the snare tip group than in the dual knife group (p = 0.008).This study was a retrospective and single doctor chart review in nature with a limited patient number.The snare tip is an alternative tool for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in a selected population without the support of specialized knives, such as the dual knife. Although the dissection speed is slower using a snare tip, it is still a recommended technique for developing country or low-income patients.