Standardised training for endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps to reduce recurrence (*STAR-LNPCP study): a multicentre cluster randomised trial

Lonne W T Meulen, Roel M M Bogie, Peter D Siersema, Bjorn Winkens, Marije S Vlug, Frank H J Wolfhagen, Martine Baven-Pronk, Michael van der Voorn, Matthijs P Schwartz, Lauran Vogelaar, Wouter H de Vos Tot Nederveen Cappel, Tom C J Seerden, Wouter L Hazen, Ruud W M Schrauwen, Lorenza Alvarez Herrero, Ramon-Michel M Schreuder, Annick B van Nunen, Esther Stoop, Gijs J de Bruin, Philip BosWillem A Marsman, Edith Kuiper, Marc de Bièvre, Yasser A Alderlieste, Robert Roomer, John Groen, Marloes Bargeman, Monique E van Leerdam, Linda Roberts-Bos, Femke Boersma, Karsten Thurnau, Roland S de Vries, Jos M Ramaker, Frank P Vleggaar, Rogier J de Ridder, María Pellisé, Michael J Bourke, Ad A M Masclee, Leon M G Moons*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the preferred treatment for non-invasive large (=20?mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) but is associated with an early recurrence rate of up to 30%. We evaluated whether standardised EMR training could reduce recurrence rates in Dutch community hospitals. DESIGN: In this multicentre cluster randomised trial, 59 endoscopists from 30 hospitals were randomly assigned to the intervention group (e-learning and 2-day training including hands-on session) or control group. From April 2019 to August 2021, all consecutive EMR-treated LNPCPs were included. Primary endpoint was recurrence rate after 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 1412 LNPCPs were included; 699 in the intervention group and 713 in the control group (median size 30 mm vs 30 mm, 45% vs 52% size, morphology, site and access (SMSA) score IV, 64% vs 64% proximal location). Recurrence rates were lower in the intervention group compared with controls (13% vs 25%, OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.78; p=0.005) with similar complication rates (8% vs 9%, OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.36; p=0.720). Recurrences were more often unifocal in the intervention group (92% vs 76%; p=0.006). In sensitivity analysis, the benefit of the intervention on recurrence rate was only observed in the 20-40?mm LNPCPs (5% vs 20% in 20-29?mm, p=0.001; 10% vs 21% in 30-39?mm, p=0.013) but less evident in =40?mm LNPCPs (24% vs 31%; p=0.151). In a post hoc analysis, the training effect was maintained in the study group, while in the control group the recurrence rate remained high. CONCLUSION: A compact standardised EMR training for LNPCPs significantly reduced recurrences in community hospitals. This strongly argues for a national dedicated training programme for endoscopists performing EMR of =20?mm LNPCPs. Interestingly, in sensitivity analysis, this benefit was limited for LNPCPs =40?mm. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR7477.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)741-750
Number of pages10
JournalGut
Volume73
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • COLORECTAL ADENOMAS
  • COLORECTAL NEOPLASIA
  • ENDOSCOPIC POLYPECTOMY
  • ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES
  • THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY

Cite this