Advanced endoscopic techniques for colorectal lesion treatment.

Beyond Traditional Surgery: How Advanced Endoscopic Techniques are Revolutionizing Colorectal Treatments

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the innovative world of endoscopic procedures that are transforming the landscape of colorectal lesion management, offering less invasive options and improved patient outcomes."

For years, traditional surgery has been the standard approach for removing complex colorectal lesions. While effective, surgery often comes with significant recovery times, potential complications, and a considerable impact on a patient's quality of life. But what if there were less invasive options that could achieve similar results with fewer drawbacks? Recent advancements in endoscopic techniques are making this a reality, offering new hope for patients facing colorectal lesion removal.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) has emerged as a powerful tool for removing complex colorectal lesions. While ESD is highly effective, it can be technically challenging and associated with a higher incidence of adverse events. This has spurred the development of hybrid techniques like Knife-assisted resection (KAR).

This article delves into two innovative endoscopic techniques—Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) and Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD)—that are revolutionizing the treatment of colorectal lesions. We'll explore how these techniques work, their benefits, and the impact they're having on patient care.

Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR): A Novel Technique

Advanced endoscopic techniques for colorectal lesion treatment.

STAR is a novel approach developed to improve the outcomes of complex colorectal lesion removals. This technique involves using a snare tip to assist in the resection of lesions, particularly those that are difficult to remove with traditional methods. Here’s a closer look at how it works:

The STAR procedure begins with lifting the lesion using a standard EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection) solution. Then, the tip of a stiff spiral snare is advanced by 1-2 mm. Using endocut current, a deep submucosal incision is made, which is then extended circumferentially via a tapping technique. This creates a groove in which the snare can be opened and engaged to complete the resection.

Key aspects of the STAR technique include:

Enhanced precision in lesion removal.
Applicability to lesions with early malignancy.
Use in recurrent or scarred lesions.
Assistance in resecting polyps with flat components.

A study involving 51 lesions in 50 patients showcased the effectiveness of STAR. The lesion sizes varied from 0.5 to 7 cm, with two-thirds of the lesions showing endoscopic features suggestive of early malignancy. The en-bloc resection was successful in 56% of cases. Histological analysis revealed cancer in 32% of specimens and focal high-grade dysplasia in 24%. Impressively, nine of the cancerous lesions had complete endoscopic resection, with four requiring no further treatment.

The Future of Colorectal Lesion Treatment

The advancements in endoscopic techniques like STAR and FTRD represent a significant leap forward in the treatment of colorectal lesions. By offering less invasive alternatives to traditional surgery, these techniques are improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and enhancing the overall quality of life. As these methods continue to evolve, they promise to play an increasingly important role in the management of complex colorectal conditions, providing hope and better options for patients worldwide.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) and how does it work?

Snare Tip Assisted Resection, or STAR, is a novel endoscopic technique designed to improve the removal of complex colorectal lesions. It involves using a snare tip to make a deep submucosal incision and then extend it circumferentially via a tapping technique. This creates a groove that allows the snare to open and engage for complete lesion resection. STAR enhances precision, applies to lesions with early malignancy, aids in recurrent or scarred lesions, and assists in resecting polyps with flat components. The technique addresses the limitations of standard Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) in challenging colorectal cases.

How do techniques like Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD) and Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) compare to traditional surgery for colorectal lesions?

Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD) and Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) represent advancements over traditional surgery by offering less invasive methods for removing colorectal lesions. Traditional surgery often involves longer recovery times, higher complication rates, and a greater impact on a patient's quality of life. FTRD and STAR aim to achieve similar results with fewer drawbacks, providing precise and effective lesion removal while minimizing the invasiveness and associated risks of conventional surgical approaches. These techniques mark a shift towards more patient-friendly and efficient treatment options in colorectal lesion management.

What are some limitations of Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) not discussed?

While the text highlights the benefits of Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) in treating colorectal lesions, it does not delve into the limitations in detail. Although STAR improves precision and success rates in certain cases, there are a few considerations. It may not be suitable for all types of lesions. Lesions in difficult-to-reach locations or those with very advanced malignancy might still require traditional surgical approaches. Also the text does not explore factors such as the learning curve for endoscopists adopting the STAR technique, the availability of necessary equipment, and the overall cost-effectiveness compared to other methods like Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) or traditional surgery. Further studies and real-world experience are needed to fully understand its limitations and optimal applications.

How does Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) compare to other endoscopic techniques like Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) and Knife-assisted resection (KAR)?

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is a method for removing colorectal lesions, but it can be technically challenging and have a higher rate of complications. Knife-assisted resection (KAR) addresses some of the challenges associated with ESD by using a knife to assist in the resection process. In contrast, Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) uses a snare tip to achieve precise lesion removal, particularly in difficult cases like lesions with early malignancy or recurrent lesions. STAR aims to improve the precision and success rates compared to both ESD and KAR, offering an alternative approach that may be more suitable for certain types of colorectal lesions.

What are the potential impacts of evolving techniques like Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) and Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD) on patient care and healthcare costs?

The evolution of techniques like Snare Tip Assisted Resection (STAR) and Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD) could significantly impact patient care and healthcare costs related to colorectal lesion management. These less invasive endoscopic methods typically result in shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery times, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. This can lead to lower overall healthcare expenses, including decreased costs for hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care. Patients benefit from improved quality of life, quicker return to normal activities, and reduced risk of surgical complications, making these advancements valuable for both patients and healthcare systems.