Endoscopic full-thickness resection of upper gastrointestinal lesions

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) refers to the resection of a gastrointestinal (GI) lesion involving all layers of the endoluminal GI tract. These lesions may involve any layer of the GI tract. However, most EFTRs are performed for lesions that reach into the submucosa or deeper muscular layers. By definition, EFTR results in an orifice that exposes the GI luminal contents with the peritoneum or adjacent organs. Therefore, the defect must be tightly closed to prevent spillage of luminal contents outside the luminal GI tract. This closure can be achieved endoscopically with or without laparoscopic assistance, before or after the resection.