Experimental study of magnetic hydrogel assisted magnetic anchorguided endoscopic submucosal dissection in colonic tumors

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established treatment for gastrointestinal tumors and enables en bloc resection. Adequate counter traction with good visualization is important for safe and effective dissection. OBJECTIVE: Based on magnetic anchor-guided endoscopic submucosal dissection (MAG-ESD), we would like to explore the feasibility of magnetic hydrogel as an internal magnetic anchor that can be injected into the submucosa through an endoscopic needle to assist colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection. METHODS: This prospective trial was conducted on 20 porcine colons ex vivo. We injected magnetic hydrogel into submucosa of the porcine colons ex vivo for MAG-ESD to evaluate the traction effect and operation satisfaction. RESULTS: Magnetic hydrogel assisted ESD was successfully performed on 20 porcine colons ex vivo. Adequate counter traction with good visualization was successfully obtained during the procedure of dissection. CONCLUSION: Magnetic hydrogel assisted MAG-ESD is feasible and effective.