Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

The innovative procedure, later named endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), was invented in Japan in the late 1990s to address the existing limitations of and to expand endoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer. Multiple Japanese physicians modified the available equipment and techniques to perfect the procedure and improve outcomes over the past decade, and now ESD is performed in nearly all segments of the gastrointestinal tract and is practiced in many countries. Moreover, the indications of ESD are ever expanding due to further refinement of the technique and as we learn more about the evidence related to excellent outcomes of patients treated by this procedure. ESD has benefited many patients who were diagnosed with an early stage of gastrointestinal cancer, and this has prompted a significant worldwide demand to learn more about its indications, technical aspects, and outcomes to adopt ESD in major academic medical centers and possibly even individual physicians’ practices for the benefit of patients.

In this issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America , we invited pioneers and experts in this field to share recent advancements and expansions of ESD and its technical aspects in different organ systems. In addition, this issue covers the associated techniques of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to further advance understanding of the latest breakthroughs in endoscopic therapy. Current trends surrounding ESD around the world—in Asia, Europe, and the United States—are addressed as well.

Some articles include videos for readers to watch ESD procedures in action, performed by experts, for easier understanding of ESD techniques. I have no doubt that this issue will inspire more physicians to explore the expanding possibilities of endoscopic therapy such as ESD and POEM and to advocate minimally invasive treatment for patients.

I would like to thank all the authors for their excellent contributions that make this issue a comprehensive review and update for all physicians who are eager to learn ESD. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Charles J. Lightdale, whose vision and inspiring leadership made this issue possible, and Kerry K. Holland, Senior Editor of Elsevier, for her effort and dedication to this issue. Last, I conclude with my gratitude to Alissa Bults, MS, whose assistance was vital to the success of this issue.

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