American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of therapeutic EUS in the management of biliary tract disorders: summary and recommendations.

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides an evide-based approach for the role of therapeutic EUS in the management of biliary tract disorders. This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework and addresses the following: 1: The role of EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in resolving biliary obstruction in patients after failed ERCP. 2: The role of EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy versus EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy in resolving distal malignant biliary obstruction after failed ERCP. 3: The role of EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) versus laparoscopic-assisted ERCP and enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (E-ERCP) in resolving biliary obstruction in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) anatomy. 4: The role of EUS-BD versus E-ERCP and PTBD in resolving biliary obstruction in patients with surgically altered anatomy other than RYGB. 5: In patients with acute cholecystitis who are not candidates for cholecystectomy, how does EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) compare with percutaneous gallbladder drainage and endoscopic transpapillary transcystic gallbladder drainage in resolving acute cholecystitis?

Diagnostic accuracy of bowel ultrasonography in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Bowel ultrasonography (BUS) is emerging as a promising noninvasive tool for assessing disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of BUS in IBD patients against the gold standard diagnostic method, standard colonoscopy. Methods: Major databases were searched from inception to May 2023 for studies on BUS diagnostic accuracy in IBD. Outcomes of interest were pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values. Endoscopic confirmation served as ground truth. Standard meta-analysis methods with a random-effects model and I2 statistics were applied. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Results: Twenty studies (1094 patients) were included in the final analysis. The majority (75%) of studies considered bowel wall thickness >3 mm as abnormal. Endoscopic evaluation was performed between days 3 and 180. The pooled diagnostic accuracy of BUS in IBD was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI] 58-72%; I2=78%), sensitivity was 88.6% (95%CI 85-91%; I2=77%), and specificity 86% (95%CI 81-90%; I2=95%). PPV and NPV were 94% (95%CI 93-96%; I2=25%) and 74% (95%CI 66-80%; I2=95%), respectively. On subgroup analysis, small-intestine contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (SICUS) demonstrated high sensitivity (97%, 95%CI 91-99%; I2=83%), whereas BUS exhibited high specificity (94%, 95%CI 92-96%; I2=0%) and NPV (76%, 95%CI 68-83%; I2=80.9%). Meta-regression revealed a significant relation between side-to-side anastomosis and BUS specificity (P=0.02) and NPV (P=0.004). Conclusion: The high diagnostic accuracy of BUS in detecting bowel wall inflammation suggests utilizing regular BUS as the primary modality, with subsequent consideration of SICUS if clinically warranted.

Treatment of walled-off necrosis using lumen-apposing metal stents versus plastic stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Walled-off necrosis (WON) is highly morbid disease most effectively managed by endoscopic drainage with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) or plastic stents, with or without necrosectomy. This meta-analysis compared the clinical outcomes of patients included in randomized trials treated using LAMSs or plastic stents. METHODS: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to identify all data collected from randomized trials comparing LAMSs and plastic stents for the treatment of WON. The primary outcome measure was need for endoscopic necrosectomy. RESULTS: Three studies comprising 206 patients met inclusion criteria. Except for procedure duration, which was significantly shorter for LAMSs (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.22, 95%CI -1.64 to -0.79), there was no significant difference in need for necrosectomy (38.5% vs. 41.2%; risk ratio [RR] 1.07, 95%CI 0.79-1.45), number of interventions (SMD -0.09, 95%CI -0.40 to 0.22), treatment success (90.7% vs. 94.5%; RR 0.96, 95%CI 0.87-1.06), recurrence (4.6% vs. 0.6%; RR 3.73, 95%CI 0.42-33.0), readmission (42.6% vs. 50.2%; RR 0.84, 95%CI 0.62-1.14), length of hospitalization (SMD -0.06, 95%CI -0.55 to 0.43), mortality (8.5% vs. 9.8%; RR 0.70, 95%CI 0.30-1.66), new-onset organ failure (10.6% vs. 14.6%; RR 0.72, 95%CI 0.16-3.32), bleeding (11.0% vs. 10.7%; RR 1.09, 95%CI 0.34-3.44), procedural adverse events (23.6% vs. 19.2%; RR 1.38, 95%CI 0.82-2.33), or overall costs (SMD -0.04, 95%CI -0.31 to 0.24) between LAMSs and plastic stents, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Except for procedure duration, there is no significant difference in clinical outcomes for patients with WON treated using LAMSs or plastic stents.

Impact of endoprosthesis type on inflammatory response in patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of endoprosthesis type on inflammatory response in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). METHODS: Patients undergoing EUS-guided PFC drainage and treated using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) or plastic endoprostheses constituted the study cohort. The primary outcome was the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after index intervention. Secondary outcomes were persistent organ failure, new onset organ failure, duration of hospitalization, and treatment success. RESULTS: In all, 303 patients were treated using LAMS (n = 247) or plastic stents (n = 56). At 48 h postintervention, the presence of SIRS (25.0 vs. 14.2%, P = 0.047), new onset SIRS (10.0 vs. 1.8%, P = 0.017), and new organ failure (5.4 vs. 0.4%, P = 0.003) were significantly higher in the plastic stent cohort compared to LAMS. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the use of plastic stents (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-6.0, P = 0.014), patients receiving high-acuity care (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.5-10.4, P < 0.001) and the presence of ≥33% of necrosis (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.0-10.0, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the presence of SIRS or new organ failure. While there was no significant difference in treatment success (96.4 vs. 95.5%, P = 0.77), duration of hospitalization was significantly longer for the plastic stent cohort (mean [standard deviation] 12.5 [17.8] vs. 7.9 [10.1] days, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Use of plastic stents as compared to LAMS was associated with a higher proportion of SIRS and new organ failure that prolonged hospital stay. Therefore, placement of LAMS is recommended in sick patients and those with ≥33% necrosis to minimize inflammatory response.

Upfront endoscopic necrosectomy or step-up endoscopic approach for infected necrotising pancreatitis (DESTIN): a single-blinded, multicentre, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the preferred management approach for patients with infected necrotising pancreatitis is endoscopic transluminal stenting followed by endoscopic necrosectomy as step-up treatment if there is no clinical improvement, the optimal timing of necrosectomy is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to compare outcomes between performing upfront necrosectomy at the index intervention versus as a step-up measure in patients with infected necrotising pancreatitis. METHODS: This single-blinded, multicentre, randomised trial (DESTIN) was done at six tertiary care hospitals (five hospitals in the USA and one hospital in India). We enrolled patients (aged ≥18 years) with confirmed or suspected infected necrotising pancreatitis with a necrosis extent of at least 33% who were amenable to endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage. By use of computer-generated permuted block randomisation (block size four), eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either upfront endoscopic necrosectomy or endoscopic step-up treatment. Endoscopists were not masked to treatment allocation, but participants, research coordinators, and the statistician were. Lumen-apposing metal stents (20 mm diameter; 10 mm saddle length) were used for drainage in both groups. In the upfront group, direct necrosectomy was performed immediately after stenting in the same treatment session. In the step-up group, direct necrosectomy or additional drainage was done at a subsequent treatment session if there was no clinical improvement (resolution of any criteria of systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis or one or more organ failure and at least a 25% percentage decrease in necrotic collection size) 72 h after stenting. The primary outcome was the number of reinterventions per patient to achieve treatment success from index intervention to 6 months' follow-up, which was defined as symptom relief in conjunction with disease resolution on CT. Reinterventions included any endoscopic or radiological procedures performed for necrosectomy or additional drainage after the index intervention, excluding the follow-up procedure at 4 weeks for stent removal. All endpoints and safety were analysed by intention-to-treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05043415 and NCT04113499, and recruitment and follow-up have been completed. FINDINGS: Between Nov 27, 2019, and Oct 26, 2022, 183 patients were assessed for eligibility and 70 patients (24 [34%] women and 46 [66%] men) were randomly assigned to receive upfront necrosectomy (n=37) or step-up treatment (n=33) and included in the intention-to-treat population. At the time of index intervention, seven (10%) of 70 patients had organ failure and 64 (91%) patients had walled-off necrosis. The median number of reinterventions was significantly lower for upfront necrosectomy (1 [IQR 0 to 1] than for the step-up approach (2 [1 to 4], difference -1 [95% CI -2 to 0]; p=0·0027). Mortality did not differ between groups (zero patients in the upfront necrosectomy group vs two [6%] in the step-up group, difference -6·1 percentage points [95% CI -16·5 to 4·5]; p=0·22), nor did overall disease-related adverse events (12 [32%] patients in the upfront necrosectomy group vs 16 [48%] patients in the step-up group, difference -16·1 percentage points [-37·4 to 7·0]; p=0·17), nor procedure-related adverse events (four [11%] patients in the upfront necrosectomy group vs eight [24%] patients in the step-up group, difference -13·4 percentage points [-30·8 to 5·0]; p=0·14). INTERPRETATION: In stabilised patients with infected necrotising pancreatitis and fully encapsulated collections, an approach incorporating upfront necrosectomy at the index intervention rather than as a step-up measure could safely reduce the number of reinterventions required to achieve treatment success. FUNDING: None.

Orlando Protocol for single session ductal clearance of common bile duct stones at endosopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

OBJECTIVES: Approach to management of common bile duct stones (CBDS) by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not standardized. We examined outcomes by applying predetermined protocol for CBDS management. METHODS: When standard extraction techniques failed at ERCP, presence of tapered bile duct and stone-duct ratio were calculated. Large balloon sphincteroplasty (LBS) and/or mechanical/single-operator cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy was performed based on presence of tapered bile duct and stone-duct mismatch. Primary outcome was single-session ductal clearance. Secondary outcome was adverse events. RESULTS: Of 409 patients treated over 16 months, 321 (78.5%) had no tapered bile duct or stone-duct mismatch, and single-session ductal clearance was achieved using standard techniques in 99.7% over median duration of 14 min (interquartile range [IQR] 9-21 min). Of 88 (21.5%) patients with difficult CBDS, tapered duct was seen in 79 (89.8%) and/or stone-duct mismatch in 36 (40.9%). Single-session ductal clearance was achieved in all 88 patients (100%) by LBS in 79 (89.8%), mechanical lithotripsy in 20 (22.7%), and single-operator cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy in 16 (18.2%) over a median duration of 29 min (IQR 17-47 min). Overall, single-session ductal clearance was achieved in 99.8% with adverse events in 17 (4.2%) that included perforation in two, postsphincterotomy bleeding in one, and mild/moderate post-ERCP pancreatitis in 14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A predetermined protocol optimized outcomes by enabling single-session ductal clearance of CBDS with high technical success and low adverse events.

Impact of Slim Linear Echoendoscope on the Practice of EUS.

BACKGROUND: Standard linear echoendoscopes have a large distal tip and bending radius, which can preclude adequate examination in some patients. OBJECTIVE: We examined the impact of having available slim linear echoendoscopes (SLE) on our endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a quality improvement measure, data on the need for the use of SLE were documented in 2000 consecutive procedures performed over a 10-month period from February to November 2022. When examination using a standard size echoendoscope failed due to technical limitations, the procedure was reattempted in the same session using a SLE. The main outcome was the impact of SLE, which was defined as the establishment of a new diagnosis or if findings altered treatment plan. RESULTS: A complete EUS examination failed in 23 of 2000 procedures (1.15%, 95% CI, 0.73-1.72%) performed using standard size echoendoscope (14 male, median age 73 y [IQR 66 to 79]). The examination was technically successful when using SLE in 22 of 23 (95.6%) patients. SLE impacted clinical management in all 22 patients (100%) by establishing tissue diagnosis in 19 and/or altering subsequent treatment plan in 5. Adverse event of transient hypoxia was observed in one patient (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: A very experienced EUS team required SLE in 1.1% of consecutive examinations. Our findings suggest that when used, 95% of patients benefitted as it had a significant impact on their clinical management.

Diagnostic accuracy of convolutional neural network-based machine learning algorithms in endoscopic severity prediction of ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic assessment of ulcerative colitis (UC) can be performed by using the Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) or the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS). In this meta-analysis, we assessed the pooled diagnostic accuracy parameters of deep machine learning by means of convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms in predicting UC severity on endoscopic images. METHODS: Databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were searched in June 2022. Outcomes of interest were the pooled accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Standard meta-analysis methods used the random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2statistics. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled diagnostic parameters of CNN-based machine learning algorithms in endoscopic severity assessment of UC were as follows: accuracy 91.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.3-93.8; I2 = 84%), sensitivity 82.8% (95% CI, 78.3-86.5; I2 = 89%), specificity 92.4% (95% CI, 89.4-94.6; I2 = 84%), PPV 86.6% (95% CI, 82.3-90; I2 = 89%), and NPV 88.6% (95% CI, 85.7-91; I2 = 78%). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly better sensitivity and PPV with the UCEIS scoring system compared with the MES (93.6% [95% CI, 87.5-96.8; I2 = 77%] vs 82% [95% CI, 75.6-87; I2 = 89%], P = .003, and 93.6% [95% CI, 88.7-96.4; I2 = 68%] vs 83.6% [95% CI, 76.8-88.8; I2 = 77%], P = .007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CNN-based machine learning algorithms demonstrated excellent pooled diagnostic accuracy parameters in the endoscopic severity assessment of UC. Using UCEIS scores in CNN training might offer better results than the MES. Further studies are warranted to establish these findings in real clinical settings.

Artificial intelligence in endoscopic imaging for detection of malignant biliary strictures and cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI), when applied to computer vision using a convolutional neural network (CNN), is a promising tool in "difficult-to-diagnose" conditions such as malignant biliary strictures and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and review the available data on the diagnostic utility of endoscopic AI-based imaging for malignant biliary strictures and CCA. Methods: In this systematic review, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were reviewed for studies published from January 2000 to June 2022. Extracted data included type of endoscopic imaging modality, AI classifiers, and performance measures. Results: The search yielded 5 studies involving 1465 patients. Of the 5 included studies, 4 (n=934; 3,775,819 images) used CNN in combination with cholangioscopy, while one study (n=531; 13,210 images) used CNN with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The average image processing speed of CNN with cholangioscopy was 7-15 msec per frame while that of CNN with EUS was 200-300 msec per frame. The highest performance metrics were observed with CNN-cholangioscopy (accuracy 94.9%, sensitivity 94.7%, and specificity 92.1%). CNN-EUS was associated with the greatest clinical performance application, providing station recognition and bile duct segmentation; thus reducing procedure length and providing real-time feedback to the endoscopist. Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is increasing evidence to support a role for AI in the diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures and CCA. CNN-based machine leaning of cholangioscopy images appears to be the most promising, while CNN-EUS has the best clinical performance application.

Artificial intelligence in medical imaging for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis: A systematic review with scientometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI), by means of computer vision in machine learning, is a promising tool for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) diagnosis. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of AI in medical imaging for CCA diagnosis. METHODS: A systematic review with scientometric analysis was conducted to analyze and visualize the state-of-the-art of medical imaging to diagnosis CCA. RESULTS: Fifty relevant articles, published by 232 authors and affiliated with 68 organizations and 10 countries, were reviewed in depth. The country with the highest number of publications was China, followed by the United States. Collaboration was noted for 51 (22.0%) of the 232 authors forming five clusters. Deep learning algorithms with convolutional neural networks (CNN) were the most frequently used classifiers. The highest performance metrics were observed with CNN-cholangioscopy for diagnosis of extrahepatic CCA (accuracy 94.9%; sensitivity 94.7%; and specificity 92.1%). However, some of the values for CNN in CT imaging for diagnosis of intrahepatic CCA were low (AUC 0.72 and sensitivity 44%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there is increasing evidence to support the role of AI in the diagnosis of CCA. CNN-based computer vision of cholangioscopy images appears to be the most promising modality for extrahepatic CCA diagnosis. Our social network analysis highlighted an Asian and American predominance in the research relational network of AI in CCA diagnosis. This discrepancy presents an opportunity for coordination and increased collaboration, especially with institutions located in high CCA burdened countries.

Endoscopic Stricturotomy and Strictureplasty.

Strictures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually occur because of long-standing inflammation and fibrosis causing luminal narrowing. Strictures in the setting of Crohn's disease (CD) can occur de novo, or in the postsurgical setting (anastomotic strictures). Historically these strictures are managed with invasive surgical procedures which may result in considerable morbidity. Endoscopic interventions for IBD complications have evolved significantly in the last decade providing a minimally invasive option. Endoscopic balloon dilation is the commonly performed technique for CD strictures. Endoscopic stricturotomy and strictureplasty are relatively novel techniques for the management of CD strictures that can achieve comparable efficacy to surgery albeit with fewer complications and a low rate of surgical interventions. Although immediate bleeding can be an adverse event as the strictures are directly targeted with precision, there is a lower rate of major adverse events including perforation. In this review, we will focus on endoscopic stricturotomy and strictureplasty in the management of strictures in CD.

Management of pouch neoplasia: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium.

Surveillance pouchoscopy is recommended for patients with restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis, with the surveillance interval depending on the risk of neoplasia. Neoplasia in patients with ileal pouches mainly have a glandular source and less often are of squamous cell origin. Various grades of neoplasia can occur in the prepouch ileum, pouch body, rectal cuff, anal transition zone, anus, or perianal skin. The main treatment modalities are endoscopic polypectomy, endoscopic ablation, endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, surgical local excision, surgical circumferential resection and re-anastomosis, and pouch excision. The choice of the treatment modality is determined by the grade, location, size, and features of neoplastic lesions, along with patients' risk of neoplasia and comorbidities, and local endoscopic and surgical expertise.

Validation of the Orlando Protocol for endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections in the era of lumen-apposing metal stents.

OBJECTIVES: Although lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are being increasingly used in lieu of plastic stents, the clinical approach to endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is poorly standardized. We compared outcomes of approaches over two time intervals, initially using plastic stents and later integrating LAMS. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational, before-after study of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients with symptomatic PFCs managed over two time periods. In the initial period (January 2010-January 2015) endoscopic treatment was undertaken with plastic stents and in the later period (February 2015-August 2020) by integration of LAMS with selective use of plastic stents. The treatment strategy in both periods were tailored to size, extent, type of PFC and stepwise response to intervention. The main outcome was treatment success, defined as resolution of PFC and presenting symptoms at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients were treated with plastic stents and 227 patients were treated using an integrated LAMS approach. Treatment success was significantly higher for the integrated approach compared to using only plastic stents (95.6 vs. 89.4%; P = 0.018), which was confirmed to be predictive of treatment success on multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1-6.4; P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: A structured approach integrating LAMS with selective use of plastic stents improved treatment success in patients with PFCs compared to an approach using only plastic stents.

Treatment of pouchitis, Crohn's disease, cuffitis, and other inflammatory disorders of the pouch: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium.

Pouchitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch, cuffitis, polyps, and extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease are common inflammatory disorders of the ileal pouch. Acute pouchitis is treated with oral antibiotics and chronic pouchitis often requires anti-inflammatory therapy, including the use of biologics. Aetiological factors for secondary pouchitis should be evaluated and managed accordingly. Crohn's disease of the pouch is usually treated with biologics and its stricturing and fistulising complications can be treated with endoscopy or surgery. The underlying cause of cuffitis determines treatment strategies. Endoscopic polypectomy is recommended for large, symptomatic inflammatory polyps and polyps in the cuff. The management principles of extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with pouches are similar to those in patients without pouches.

Diagnosis and classification of ileal pouch disorders: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium.

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is an option for most patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis who require colectomy. Although the construction of an ileal pouch substantially improves patients' health-related quality of life, the surgery is, directly or indirectly, associated with various structural, inflammatory, and functional adverse sequelae. Furthermore, the surgical procedure does not completely abolish the risk for neoplasia. Patients with ileal pouches often present with extraintestinal, systemic inflammatory conditions. The International Ileal Pouch Consortium was established to create this consensus document on the diagnosis and classification of ileal pouch disorders using available evidence and the panellists' expertise. In a given individual, the condition of the pouch can change over time. Therefore, close monitoring of the activity and progression of the disease is essential to make accurate modifications in the diagnosis and classification in a timely manner.

Endoscopic evaluation of surgically altered bowel in inflammatory bowel disease: a consensus guideline from the Global Interventional Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group.

The majority of patients with Crohn's disease and a proportion of patients with ulcerative colitis will ultimately require surgical treatment despite advances in diagnosis, therapy, and endoscopic interventions. The surgical procedures that are most commonly done include bowel resection with anastomosis, strictureplasty, faecal diversion, and ileal pouch. These surgical treatment modalities result in substantial alterations in bowel anatomy. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, endoscopy plays a key role in the assessment of disease activity, disease recurrence, treatment response, dysplasia surveillance, and delivery of endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic evaluation and management of surgically altered bowel can be challenging. This consensus guideline delineates anatomical landmarks and endoscopic assessment of these landmarks in diseased and surgically altered bowel.