Learning curve of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with prevalence-based indication in unsupervised Western settings: a retrospective multicenter analysis

Background and aims As there is still no consensus about the adequate training strategy for ESD in Western countries, we evaluated unsupervised prevalence-based learning curves including detailed organ-specific subgroup analysis. Methods The first 120 ESDs of four operators ( n = 480) were divided into three groups (1: ESD 1–40, 2: ESD 41–80, 3: ESD 81–120). Outcome parameters were rates of technical success, en bloc and R0 resection, the resection speed, rates of conversion to EMR, curative resection, adverse events, surgery due to adverse events, and recurrence. In addition, we analyzed the achievement of quality benchmarks indicating levels of expertise. Results After exclusion of pretreated lesions, 438 procedures were enrolled in the final analysis. Technical success rates were > 96% with significant improvements regarding rate of en bloc resection (from 82.6 to 91.2%), resection speed (from 4.54 to 7.63 cm 2 /h), and rate of conversion to EMR (from 22.0 to 8.1%). No significant differences could be observed for rates of R0 resection (65.9 vs. 69.6%), curative resection (55.8 vs. 55.7%), adverse events (16.3 vs. 11.7%), surgery due to adverse events (1.5 vs. 1.3%), and recurrence (12.5 vs. 4.5%). Subgroup and benchmark analysis revealed an improvement in esophageal, gastric, and rectal ESD with achievement of competence levels for the esophagus and stomach within 80 and most of the benchmarks for proficiency level within 120 procedures. Some of the benchmarks could also be achieved in rectal ESD. Conclusions This trial confirms safety and feasibility of unsupervised ESD along the initial learning curve with prevalence-based indication and exclusion of colonic cases.