Objective        To discuss the clinical application value of the treatment of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions within the near-circumferential (more than three-quarter of the circumferential) section using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).       Methods        Retrospective analysis of the endoscopy

pathology and follow-up was performed in 26 patients with early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions within the near-circumferential undergone with ESD.       Results        The lesions in all patients were completely resected

and the complete resection rate was 100%. The time of ESD was about 75 to 140 min

with an average of 95 min. Complications such as bleeding

perforation and severe infection were not occurred after ESD. All of these dissected lesions were confirmed by pathology

and there was no lesion in basement and incisal margin. During the follow-up of 3 to 43 months (mean 15.6 months)

the surface of wound was completely closed up

with only one case of recurrence. The rate of esophageal stenosis was approximately 50% after ESD and the stenosis could be clinically cured through endoscopic balloon dilation.       Conclusion        ESD is still a suitable and safe method with small damage for resection of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions within the near-circumferential (more than three-quarter of the circumferential) section. The esophageal stenosis can be clinically cured through endoscopic balloon dilation after ESD. These results provide a novel trial for treatment of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions within the near-circumferential section

avoiding the tremendous trauma of surgical operation.