D0228 - Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Cancer in a Patient with Decompensated Cirrhosis: The Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Peri-Procedure Planning in Complex Clinical Scenarios

Introduction: Endoscopic therapy is effective for management of early esophageal cancer (EC), however serious complications such as bleeding and perforation can occur. Patient selection, optimization of co-morbidities and peri-procedure management help mitigate risk and improve patient outcomes. We present a patient with decompensated cirrhosis who required complex peri-procedure planning prior to endoscopic treatment of early EC.

Case Description/Methods: A 71-year male with decompensated cirrhosis (portal hypertension, esophageal varices, ascites) and recent DVT on apixaban was found to have a 1cm raised focal lesion at the GEJ; biopsies revealed high-grade dysplasia (HGD). He was referred for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). After extensive discussion with hematology, patient was admitted for anticoagulation management with intravenous (IV) heparin. EGD confirmed an 8mm nodule at the GEJ (Image 1A,B,C). Grade 3 non-bleeding esophageal varices were noted at the GEJ and in the distal esophagus, prohibiting safe EMR. Biopsies again showed HGD. After multidisciplinary tumor board discussion, a transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was performed to decompress the portal system and reduce bleeding risk from the planned EMR.



Doppler ultrasound a few weeks later confirmed patent TIPS. Repeat diagnostic EGD showed decompression of varices. EUS revealed a mucosal lesion with no lymphadenopathy. Biopsy revealed intramucosal adenocarcinoma. Based on this evaluation and after detailed discussion with the patient, EMR was planned with appropriate anticoagulation management. En-bloc multiband mucosectomy was performed (image 1D,E). Intraprocedural bleeding was controlled with band ligation and hemostatic spray (Image 1F). Patient remained inpatient for observation on octreotide and IV pantoprazole drip without further bleeding. Apixaban 2.5mg was resumed on day 3 and he was discharged home on acid suppression. Pathology confirmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, pT1a. Tumor board discussion recommended continued endotherapy (cryotherapy) to the residual dysplastic Barrett’s mucosa which he is tolerating well.

Discussion: Endoscopic treatment is effective for the management of early EC. However, when complex scenarios present in an elderly frail patient, multidisciplinary collaborative management and stepwise risk-mitigation strategies need to be in place to minimize morbidity and maximize success (table 1). Tumor board and shared decision making are key patient centric strategies that reflect best practice.