Endoscopic Resection of Subepithelial Tumors

Subepithelial tumors (SETs) are often incidentally found during endoscopic examinations. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a good method for differential diagnosis of SETs, but a definite diagnosis cannot be made based on EUS features alone in some cases. Periodic follow-up examinations by endoscopy and EUS remains the recommended management strategy, which involves issues related to patient compliance, cost-effectiveness, and the risk associated with repeated endoscopic procedures and delayed diagnosis of malignancy. Endoscopic resection of the SETs is another technique to treat them as well as to obtain tissue specimens for accurate histologic diagnosis. Herein, a various endoscopic techniques ranging from simple snare resection to endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection for the management of SETs will be reviewed.