Hydrogels for preventing post-endoscopic submucosal dissection stenosis in early esophageal cancer: a comprehensive literature review

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has emerged as a cornerstone therapy for early-stage esophageal cancer due to its minimally invasive characterization and high efficacy. However, postoperative esophageal stricture remains a critical complication, particularly in cases involving circumferential mucosal defects, with reported incidence rates exceeding 80%. Conventional preventive strategies, including local or systemic steroid administration, esophageal stent placement, and repeated balloon dilation, are limited by side-effect concerns, procedural complexity, and suboptimal long-term outcomes. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have highlighted hydrogels as innovative tissue-shielding materials with significant potential to mitigate post-ESD stenosis. These hydrophilic polymer networks exhibit unique advantages such as biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and the ability to transfer therapeutic agents directly to the wound. This review synthesizes current evidence on synthetic and natural hydrogels, emphasizing their mechanisms in promoting epithelial regeneration, reducing fibrosis, and synergizing with current therapies (e.g., steroid-loaded formulations or stent placement). Key findings suggest that hydrogel-based interventions significantly lower stricture rates and minimize the need for invasive procedures, offering a promising paradigm shift in p

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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