Comparison of the Performance of Monopolar Current Cutting Knife and Bipolar RFA Knife in Colonic Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a novel technique for the removal of advanced colonic polyps with high-risk features. ESD is minimally invasive and allows the removal of colonic adenomatous polyp without resorting to surgery. The process of ESD includes marking the lesions selected for removal, followed by submucosal injection of a lifting agent, then circumferential incisions using a specialized knife followed by submucosal dissection of the entire lesion.

Traditionally, knifes utilizing monopolar current such as dual knife or hybrid knife were the preferred tools for endoscopic submucosal dissection. These knifes allows accurate dissection and excellent hemostasis. However, due to monopolar current generated heat, post coagulation syndrome can be seen in up to 8 to 40 % of patients. Post coagulation syndrome present with abdominal pain, fever and leukocytosis and requires supportive treatment with IV fluid and antibiotics. Recently, a novel bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) knife were approved by FDA for the performance of ESD. The knife utilizes bipolar RFA current for submucosal dissection which can potentially expedite submucosal dissection and decrease the rates of post polypectomy syndrome.

Our tertiary referral center Baylor St Luke's Medical Center is center of excellence for ESD procedure and we have previously reported our ESD experience using specialized stability and traction device and monopolar current knife in 111 patients. The goal of our protocol is to compare the performance of monopolar current cutting knife and bipolar RFA knife in colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection.