Gastrointestinal endoscopy training in the United States: Program structure and competence assessment.

The general principles of gastrointestinal endoscopy training in the United States were formulated and summarized more than a decade ago and the principles have been consistent until now. To summarize, trainees should be prepared to (i) appropriately recommend endoscopic procedures as indicated by the findings of the consultative evaluation, with an explicit understanding of accepted specific indications, contraindications, and diagnostic/therapeutic alternatives, (ii) perform procedures safely, completely, and expeditiously, including possessing a thorough understanding of the principles of conscious sedation/analgesia techniques, the use of anesthesia-assisted sedation where appropriate, and pre-procedure clinical assessment and patient monitoring, (iii) correctly interpret endoscopic findings and integrate them into medical or endoscopic therapy, (iv) identify risk factors for each procedure, understand how to minimize each, and recognize and appropriately manage complications when they occur, (v) acknowledge the limitations of endoscopic procedures and personal skills and know when to request help, and (vi) understand the principles of quality measurement and improvement. This article provides an overview of the endoscopy training system and structure, evaluation scheme, and competence and credentialing process in the United States.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis after self-expandable metal stent placement for distal malignant biliary obstruction (SPHINX): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement is the preferred approach for biliary drainage in patients with suspected distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). However, FCSEMS placement is associated with a high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Endoscopic sphincterotomy prior to FCSEMS placement may reduce PEP risk. OBJECTIVE: To compare endoscopic sphincterotomy to no sphincterotomy prior to FCSEMS placement. DESIGN: This multicentre, randomised, superiority trial was conducted in 17 hospitals and included patients with suspected distal MBO. Patients were randomised during ERCP to receive either endoscopic sphincterotomy (sphincterotomy group) or no sphincterotomy (control group) prior to FCSEMS placement. The primary outcome was PEP within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included procedure-related complications and 30-day mortality. An interim analysis was performed after 50% of patients (n=259) had completed follow-up. RESULTS: Between May 2016 and June 2023, 297 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis, with 156 in the sphincterotomy group and 141 in the control group. After the interim analysis, the study was terminated prematurely due to futility. PEP did not differ between groups, occurring in 26 patients (17%) in the sphincterotomy group compared with 30 patients (21%) in the control group (relative risk 0.78, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.26, p=0.37). There were no significant differences in bleeding, perforation, cholangitis, cholecystitis or 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: This trial found that endoscopic sphincterotomy was not superior to no sphincterotomy in reducing PEP in patients with distal MBO. Therefore, there was insufficient evidence to recommend routine endoscopic sphincterotomy prior to FCEMS placement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NL5130.

Not just a BLiP: early experience with a novel multidisciplinary case conference for benign hepatopancreatobiliary disease at a tertiary Canadian healthcare center.

BACKGROUND: Benign Liver and Pancreas (BLiPs) rounds, implemented in 2022 at our Canadian tertiary care center, are a novel concept of a multidisciplinary case conference (MCC) for discussion of benign hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) disease. BLiPs Rounds are a monthly virtual meeting of surgeons, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists experienced in biliary and pancreatic disease. METHODS: This case series was completed to review the patient cases discussed over the first year of BLiPs rounds, and to evaluate the effect of the multidisciplinary discussion on patient management plans. Meeting minutes were reviewed for BLiPs rounds between May 2022 and July 2023. Data were collected retrospectively on all discussed patients by review of the electronic medical record, and analyzed using frequencies and means with standard deviations. RESULTS: Between May 2022 and July 2023, 56 cases were discussed at 12 case conferences. 68% of cases concerned pancreatic pathology, 25% concerned biliary pathology, the remainder liver or duodenal pathology. 49 cases (88%) were presented to discuss therapeutic options, and 7 presented as diagnostic challenges. Cases were usually presented once, but 7 patients were discussed at multiple conferences due to complex issues or ongoing symptomatology. 40 patients (71%) had undergone previous endoscopic, percutaneous, or surgical interventions prior to discussion. Endoscopic intervention was recommended in 32% of cases, percutaneous interventional approach in 13%, a combined endoscopic and percutaneous approach in 9%, and surgery in 18%. Repeat imaging or observation was recommended in 29% of cases. Discussion at rounds led to a change or adjustment in the proposed management in 46 cases (82%). The plan recommended by the MCC was carried out in 71% of cases. CONCLUSION: BLiPs case conference provides a valuable venue to discuss cases, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and refine treatment approaches, leading to a change in proposed management plan in over three-quarters of cases presented.

Environmental impact of single-use versus reusable gastroscopes.

INTRODUCTION: The environmental impact of endoscopy is a topic of growing interest. This study aimed to compare the carbon footprint of performing an esogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with a reusable (RU) or with a single-use (SU) disposable gastroscope. METHODS: SU (Ambu aScope Gastro) and RU gastroscopes (Olympus, H190) were evaluated using life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040) including the manufacture, distribution, usage, reprocessing and disposal of the endoscope. Data were obtained from Edouard Herriot Hospital (Lyon, France) from April 2023 to February 2024. Primary outcome was the carbon footprint (measured in Kg CO2 equivalent) for both gastroscopes per examination. Secondary outcomes included other environmental impacts. A sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the impact of varying scenarios. RESULTS: Carbon footprint of SU and RU gastroscopes were 10.9 kg CO2 eq and 4.7 kg CO2 eq, respectively. The difference in carbon footprint equals one conventional car drive of 28 km or 6 days of CO2 emission of an average European household. Based on environmentally-extended input-output life cycle assessment, the estimated per-use carbon footprint of the endoscope stack and washer was 0.18 kg CO2 eq in SU strategy versus 0.56 kg CO2 eq in RU strategy. According to secondary outcomes, fossil eq depletion was 130 MJ (SU) and 60.9 MJ (RU) and water depletion for 6.2 m3 (SU) and 9.5 m3 (RU), respectively. CONCLUSION: For one examination, SU gastroscope have a 2.5 times higher carbon footprint than RU ones. These data will help with the logistics and planning of an endoscopic service in relation to other economic and environmental factors.

Robotics in interventional endoscopy-evolution and the way forward.

The integration of robotics into gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy represents a transformative advancement and bears the potential to bridge the gap between traditional limitations by offering unprecedented precision and control in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This review explores the historical progression, current applications and future potential of robotic platforms in GI endoscopy. Originally designed for surgical applications, robotic systems have expanded their reach into endoscopy, potentially enhancing procedural accuracy and reducing ergonomic strain on practitioners. Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) emerged as a promising technique, leveraging natural orifices to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Despite its initial potential, several factors, including limitations of the available instrumentations and lack of reliable closure techniques, hindered its widespread adoption and progress. Conventional endoscopic tools often fall short in terms of triangulation, traction and degrees of freedom, necessitating the adoption of robotic interventions. Over recent decades, robotic endoscopy has significantly evolved, focusing on both diagnostic and complex therapeutic procedures such as endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). Various robotic platforms demonstrate enhanced safety and efficiency in GI procedures. As the field progresses, the emphasis on clinical validation, advanced training and the exploration of new applications remains crucial. Continuous innovation in robotic technology and endoscopic techniques promises to overcome existing limitations, further revolutionizing the management of GI diseases and improving patient outcomes.

[Upper gastro-intestinal tumour stenosis treated by a new endoscopic approach]. / Sténose digestive tumorale haute traitée par une nouvelle approche endoscopique.

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a mechanical obstruction of the distal stomach or proximal duodenum. Surgical gastro-jejunostomy and self-expanding metal duodenal stents were the conventional treatments for GOO. In recent years, a new treatment option emerged using echo-guided endoscopic gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). It appears to be a safe and effective technique with a clinical success rate of 85-90 % and a side effect rate of less than 18 %. Compared to metal duodenal prostheses, the risk of recurrence of GOO and of re-intervention is lower with EUS-GE. The rate of side effects also appears to be lower than with the surgical technique, with a shorter length of hospital stay. Randomised studies comparing these different techniques are still needed to determine a new treatment algorithm for GOO. We report a case of successful EUS-GE performed at our institution.

La «gastric outlet obstruction¼ (GOO) est une obstruction mécanique de l'estomac distal ou du duodénum proximal. La gastro-jéjunostomie chirurgicale et les endoprothèses métalliques auto-expansibles duodénales étaient les traitements conventionnels de la GOO. Ces dernières années, une nouvelle option thérapeutique est apparue utilisant la gastro-entéro-anastomose par voie endoscopique écho-guidée (GE-EEG). Elle semble être une technique sûre et efficace avec un taux de succès clinique de 85 à 90 % et un taux d'effets secondaires de moins de 18 %. Comparé aux prothèses duodénales métalliques, le risque de récidive de la GOO et de réintervention est plus faible avec la GE-EEG. Le taux de manifestations indésirables semble également être plus faible qu'avec la technique chirurgicale, avec une durée de séjour hospitalier plus courte. Des études randomisées comparant ces différentes techniques sont encore nécessaires pour déterminer un nouvel algorithme de traitement pour la GOO. Nous rapportons un cas de GE-EEG réalisée avec succès dans notre institution.

From Scalpel to Scope: How Surgical Techniques Made Way for State-of-The-Art Endoscopic Procedures.

The continuous evolution of endoscopic tools over the years has paved the way for minimally invasive alternatives to surgical procedures for multiple gastrointestinal conditions. While few endoscopic techniques have supplanted their surgical counterparts like percutaneous gastrostomy tubes, many have emerged as noninferior, less morbid alternatives for such diverse conditions as achalasia (peroral endoscopic myotomy), obesity (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty), drainage of pancreatic walled off necrosis (EUS-guided cystogastrostomy), and gastric outlet obstruction (EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy). These techniques were based on surgical concepts and would not have been feasible without collaboration between surgeons and endoscopists. Such collaboration is exemplified by the antireflux fundoplication, which features combined hiatal hernia repair with transoral and incisionless fundoplication. The burgeoning armamentarium of endoscopic alternatives to traditional surgical procedures requires a multidisciplinary discussion and individually tailored treatment plans that consider patient preferences as well as the relative risks and benefits of surgical and endoscopic approaches. As technological advances give rise to ever more innovative endoscopic techniques, studies to evaluate clinical outcomes and define their role in treatment algorithms will be required.

Diagnostic yield from symptomatic gastroscopy in the UK: British Society of Gastroenterology analysis using data from the National Endoscopy Database.

OBJECTIVE: This national analysis aimed to calculate the diagnostic yield from gastroscopy for common symptoms, guiding improved resource utilisation. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted of diagnostic gastroscopies between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020 using the UK National Endoscopy Database. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used, incorporating random (endoscopist) and fixed (symptoms, age and sex) effects on two dependent variables (endoscopic cancer; Barrett's oesophagus (BO) diagnosis). Adjusted positive predictive values (aPPVs) were calculated. RESULTS: 382 370 diagnostic gastroscopies were analysed; 30.4% were performed in patients aged <50 and 57.7% on female patients. The overall unadjusted PPV for cancer was 1.0% (males 1.7%; females 0.6%, p<0.01). Other major pathology was found in 9.1% of procedures, whereas 89.9% reported only normal findings or minor pathology (92.5% in females; 94.6% in patients <50).Highest cancer aPPVs were reached in the over 50s (1.3%), in those with dysphagia (3.0%) or weight loss plus another symptom (1.4%). Cancer aPPVs for all other symptoms were below 1%, and for those under 50, remained below 1% regardless of symptom. Overall, 73.7% of gastroscopies were carried out in patient groups where aPPV cancer was <1%.The overall unadjusted PPV for BO was 4.1% (males 6.1%; females 2.7%, p<0.01). The aPPV for BO for reflux was 5.8% and ranged from 3.2% to 4.0% for other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer yield was highest in elderly male patients, and those over 50 with dysphagia. Three-quarters of all gastroscopies were performed on patients whose cancer risk was <1%, suggesting inefficient resource utilisation.

Application of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) in Treatment of Gastrointestinal Lesions-Single Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions, originating from Japan, is becoming more frequently used in European countries. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ensure minimally invasive removal of benign, premalignant, and early neoplastic tumors of esophagus, stomach, and intestine in selected group of patients. Aim of this study was to determine the outcomes, radical resection rate (R0), and complication rate of ESD procedures performed in our department. Methods: The data from 100 ESD procedures of esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and colorectal lesions performed in out unit between 02.01.2020 and 30.06.2023 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 42 male and 58 female patients in the median age of 64 years (range, 31-89 years) underwent ESD. Mean duration of the procedure was 66 minutes (ranging 25-185 minutes). Tumors were located in the esophagus in 8 cases (8%), stomach in 25 cases (25%), duodenum in 1 case (1%), and colon in 66 cases (66%). Radical resection was achieved in 98 cases (98%); 2 patients were qualified for surgical treatment. Average size of dissection lesions was 26 × 19 mm. The biggest one was 60 × 60 mm (sigmoid adenoma), and the smallest one was 5 × 5 mm (gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors). Complication occurred in 10 patients (10%)-9 perforations of the wall of intestine (9%) and 1 hemorrhage, which required endoscopic intervention (1%). Conclusions: Implementation of ESD to clinical practice gives the opportunity for minimally invasive, radical treatment of benign, premalignant, and early neoplastic lesions of gastrointestinal tract in selected group of patients. Experienced endoscopists, following current guidelines and standardized process of qualification, are crucial to minimize the risk of severe complications.

UK-wide survey of gastroenterology and hepatology trainees in 2022: endoscopy, workforce planning and the Shape of things to come.

Objective: Shape of Training has shortened the gastroenterology curriculum in the UK from a 5 to 4-year programme. There are ongoing concerns that this will negatively impact training and the attainment of competencies expected at consultant level. We undertook a UK-wide survey of gastroenterology trainees to establish their views. Method: The British Society of Gastroenterology Trainees Section collected anonymised survey responses from trainees between June and September 2022 via an online platform. Results: 40.3% of trainees responded. Strikingly, only 10% of respondents felt they could achieve certificate of completion of training (CCT) within a 4-year programme. Furthermore, 31% were not confident they would attain the required expertise in their subspecialist interest during training. 70.8% reported spending a quarter or more of their training in general internal medicine (GIM) and 71.6% felt this negatively impacted on their gastroenterology training. Only 21.6% of respondents plan to pursue a consultant post with GIM commitments.Regarding endoscopy, only 36.1% of ST7s had provisional and 22.2% full accreditation in colonoscopy. Although 92.3% of respondents wanted exposure to a 'bleed rota', this was the case for only 16.2%. Teaching quality was judged to be insufficient by 45.9% of respondents. Conclusion: Respondents had struggled to achieve the necessary competencies for CCT even prior to the newly reduced 4-year curriculum. While still maintaining service provision, we must safeguard gastroenterology training from encroaching GIM commitments. This will be critical in order to provide capable consultants of the future and prevent UK standards from falling behind internationally.

Plastic pigtail vs lumen-apposing metal stents for drainage of walled-off necrosis (PROMETHEUS study): an open-label, multicenter randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have displaced double-pigtail plastic stents (DPS) as the standard treatment for walled-off necrosis (WON),ß but evidence for exclusively using LAMS is limited. We aimed to assess whether the theoretical benefit of LAMS was superior to DPS. METHODS: This multicenter, open-label, randomized trial was carried out in 9 tertiary hospitals. Between June 2017, and Oct 2020, we screened 99 patients with symptomatic WON, of whom 64 were enrolled and randomly assigned to the DPS group (n = 31) or the LAMS group (n = 33). The primary outcome was short-term (4-weeks) clinical success determined by the reduction of collection. Secondary endpoints included long-term clinical success, hospitalization, procedure duration, recurrence, safety, and costs. Analyses were by intention-to-treat. CLINICALTRIALS: gov, NCT03100578. RESULTS: A similar clinical success rate in the short term (RR, 1.41; 95% CI 0.88-2.25; p = 0.218) and in the long term (RR, 1.2; 95% CI 0.92-1.58; p = 0.291) was observed between both groups. Procedure duration was significantly shorter in the LAMS group (35 vs. 45-min, p = 0.003). The hospital admission after the index procedure (median difference, - 10 [95% CI - 17.5, - 1]; p = 0.077) and global hospitalization (median difference - 4 [95% CI - 33, 25.51]; p = 0.82) were similar between both groups. Reported stent-related adverse events were similar for the two groups (36 vs.45% in LAMS vs. DPS), except for de novo fever, which was significantly 26% lower in LAMS (RR, 0.26 [0.08-0.83], p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical superiority of LAMS over DPS for WON therapy was not proved, with similar clinical success, hospital stay and similar safety profile between both groups, yet a significant reduction in procedure time was observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03100578.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Resections Larger than 10 cm: Outcomes from a Portuguese Center.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive technique for en bloc resection of superficial neoplastic lesions, independent of their size. However, for giant gastrointestinal superficial neoplasia, the risk of invasive cancer is higher, and ESD is typically challenging. Despite the increasing literature on giant resections, data on their efficacy and safety are still lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe ESD outcomes from a Portuguese center, compare them with other international studies, and analyze the possible risk factors influencing outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center review using a prospectively collected database, including patients with rectal ESD resections larger than 10 cm, between January 2016 and December 2021. Clinical, procedural, and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Revision of the literature for comparison with international results was done through PubMed. Data were analyzed and statistical analysis performed, using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, to identify significant risk factors. Results: The study included 15 rectal resections, with a mean diameter of 140.9 mm (range 105-270), corresponding to lesions of 125.9 mm (87-238). The overall en bloc resection rate was 100% (n = 15). According to ESGE criteria, procedure was considered curative in 53.3% (n = 8), non-curative with high risk in 13.3% (n = 2), and local-risk recurrence in 33.3% (n = 5). Adverse events occurred in 26.7% (n = 4): 1 minor perforation and 3 stenosis, most endoscopically managed. For non-curative resections with local-risk recurrence, surveillance without adjuvant therapy was performed in all cases. For high-risk non-curative resections, surgery was performed in 1 patient and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in another. Follow-up (mean 16 months) demonstrated a recurrence rate of 0%. Statistical analysis revealed resection size ≥20 cm as a risk factor for perforation (p value 0.067), and involvement of ≥90% of the circumference and procedural time ≥4 h as risk factors for stenosis (p value 0.029 and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions: Although challenging, ESD for giant lesions seems effective and safe, with a still relevant rate of complications, which were mostly endoscopically treated. Rigorous characterization of lesions is crucial to predict and avoid complications or the need for therapy escalation.

Background: A dissecao endoscopica da submucosa (DES) e uma tecnica minimamente invasiva para ressecao em bloco de tumores superficiais, independentemente do seu tamanho. No entanto, nas neoplasias superficiais gastrointestinais gigantes, o risco de cancro invasivo esta aumentado e a DES e tipicamente desafiante. Apesar do incremento da literatura acerca de ressecoes gigantes, dados da sua eficacia e seguranca sao ainda escassos. Objetivo: Descricao de outcomes de DES de um centro portugues e comparacao com estudos internacionais. Analise de eventuais fatores de risco influenciando os outcomes. Métodos: Revisao retrospetiva de um centro, usando a sua base de dados prospectivamente colhida, incluindo pacientes com ressecoes rectais por DES maiores que 10 cm, entre janeiro 2016 e dezembro 2021. Dados clinicos, endoscopicos e patologicos foram colhidos e analisados. A literatura foi revista atraves do PubMed, para comparacao com resultados internacionais. A analise dos resultados e estatistica foi realizada, utilizando o Microsoft Excel e SPSS, para a identificacao de fatores de risco com impacto significativo nos outcomes. Resultados: O estudo incluiu um total de 15 ressecoes retais, com uma media de diametros de 140,9 mm (intervalo 105­270), correspondendo a lesoes 125,9 mm (intervalo 87­238). A taxa de ressecao em bloco foi de 100% (n = 15). Segundo os criterios da ESGE, o procedimento foi curativo em 53,3% (n = 8), nao curativo com alto risco em 13,3% (n = 2) e com risco de recorrencia local em 33,3% (n = 5). Eventos adversos ocorreram em 26,7% (n = 4): 1 microperfuracao e 3 estenoses, a maioria geridas endoscopicamente. Os 5 casos nao curativos com risco de recorrencia local ficaram apenas sob vigilancia. Nas resseccoes nao curativas de alto risco, um paciente foi submetido a cirurgia e outro a quimioradioterapia adjuvante. O follow-up (media de 16 meses) demonstrou uma taxa de recorrencia de 0%. A analise estatistica demonstrou o tamanho da resseccao ≥20 cm como fator de risco significativo para perfuracao (p value 0.067); e envolvimento de ≥ 90% da circunferencia do lumen e tempo de procedimento ≥4h como fatores de risco significativos para estenose (p value 0.029 e 0.009, respetivamente). Conclusão: Apesar de desafiante, a DES para lesoes gigantes parece eficaz e segura, com uma taxa de complicacoes importante, possiveis de tratamento endoscopico. A caracterizacao rigorosa destas lesoes e crucial para predizer e evitar complicacoes ou a necessidade de escalada terapeutica.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for the management of symptomatic cricopharyngeal bar (C-POEM): a case series and video demonstration.

Background: A cricopharyngeal bar refers to a radiological description of a prominent cricopharyngeal muscle. While these may be incidental, they can lead to significant oropharyngeal dysphagia due to incoordination of the upper esophageal sphincter and true luminal narrowing. Various treatments have been used for the management of cricopharyngeal bar, including botulinum toxin injection, dilation, and surgical myotomy. Cricopharyngeal peroral endoscopic myotomy (C-POEM) is a novel procedure that uses the principles of "third-space" endoscopy to treat symptomatic cricopharyngeal bar. Methods: We report a retrospective case series of 5 patients referred with oropharyngeal dysphagia to 2 UK tertiary referral centers between 2022 and 2023 who subsequently underwent C-POEM. Technical success was defined as completion of all steps of the C-POEM procedure and clinical success as a reduction in the pre-treatment Dakkak and Bennett score to ≤1, or 0 if the pre-treatment score was 1. Results: C-POEM was associated with a technical success of 100% and clinical success of 100% over a median follow up of 2 months (interquartile range 1-8). There was 1 adverse event due to a small mucosal defect and associated leak on barium swallow, which was the result of difficult access during mucosal closure. This was managed conservatively with antibiotics. A step-by-step video demonstration of the procedure is provided. Conclusion: C-POEM offers an alternative upfront therapy for symptomatic cricopharyngeal bar, but should be undertaken by endoscopists with significant experience in third-space endoscopy in view of the difficulty of working within the hypopharynx.

Standardised training for endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps to reduce recurrence (*STAR-LNPCP study): a multicentre cluster randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the preferred treatment for non-invasive large (≥20 mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) but is associated with an early recurrence rate of up to 30%. We evaluated whether standardised EMR training could reduce recurrence rates in Dutch community hospitals. DESIGN: In this multicentre cluster randomised trial, 59 endoscopists from 30 hospitals were randomly assigned to the intervention group (e-learning and 2-day training including hands-on session) or control group. From April 2019 to August 2021, all consecutive EMR-treated LNPCPs were included. Primary endpoint was recurrence rate after 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 1412 LNPCPs were included; 699 in the intervention group and 713 in the control group (median size 30 mm vs 30 mm, 45% vs 52% size, morphology, site and access (SMSA) score IV, 64% vs 64% proximal location). Recurrence rates were lower in the intervention group compared with controls (13% vs 25%, OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.78; p=0.005) with similar complication rates (8% vs 9%, OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.36; p=0.720). Recurrences were more often unifocal in the intervention group (92% vs 76%; p=0.006). In sensitivity analysis, the benefit of the intervention on recurrence rate was only observed in the 20-40 mm LNPCPs (5% vs 20% in 20-29 mm, p=0.001; 10% vs 21% in 30-39 mm, p=0.013) but less evident in ≥40 mm LNPCPs (24% vs 31%; p=0.151). In a post hoc analysis, the training effect was maintained in the study group, while in the control group the recurrence rate remained high. CONCLUSION: A compact standardised EMR training for LNPCPs significantly reduced recurrences in community hospitals. This strongly argues for a national dedicated training programme for endoscopists performing EMR of ≥20 mm LNPCPs. Interestingly, in sensitivity analysis, this benefit was limited for LNPCPs ≥40 mm. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR7477.

Long-term follow-up study of necrotising pancreatitis: interventions, complications and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the long-term consequences of necrotising pancreatitis, including complications, the need for interventions and the quality of life. DESIGN: Long-term follow-up of a prospective multicentre cohort of 373 necrotising pancreatitis patients (2005-2008) was performed. Patients were prospectively evaluated and received questionnaires. Readmissions (ie, for recurrent or chronic pancreatitis), interventions, pancreatic insufficiency and quality of life were compared between initial treatment groups: conservative, endoscopic/percutaneous drainage alone and necrosectomy. Associations of patient and disease characteristics during index admission with outcomes during follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 13.5 years (range 12-15.5 years), 97/373 patients (26%) were readmitted for recurrent pancreatitis. Endoscopic or percutaneous drainage was performed in 47/373 patients (13%), of whom 21/47 patients (45%) were initially treated conservatively. Pancreatic necrosectomy or pancreatic surgery was performed in 31/373 patients (8%), without differences between treatment groups. Endocrine insufficiency (126/373 patients; 34%) and exocrine insufficiency (90/373 patients; 38%), developed less often following conservative treatment (p<0.001 and p=0.016, respectively). Quality of life scores did not differ between groups. Pancreatic gland necrosis >50% during initial admission was associated with percutaneous/endoscopic drainage (OR 4.3 (95% CI 1.5 to 12.2)), pancreatic surgery (OR 3.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 9.5) and development of endocrine insufficiency (OR13.1 (95% CI 5.3 to 32.0) and exocrine insufficiency (OR6.1 (95% CI 2.4 to 15.5) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Acute necrotising pancreatitis carries a substantial disease burden during long-term follow-up in terms of recurrent disease, the necessity for interventions and development of pancreatic insufficiency, even when treated conservatively during the index admission. Extensive (>50%) pancreatic parenchymal necrosis seems to be an important predictor of interventions and complications during follow-up.

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Over 2.5 million gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are carried out in the United Kingdom (UK) every year. Procedures are carried out with local anaesthetic r with sedation. Sedation is commonly used for gastrointestinal endoscopy, but the type and amount of sedation administered is influenced by the complexity and nature of the procedure and patient factors. The elective and emergency nature of endoscopy procedures and local resources also have a significant impact on the delivery of sedation. In the UK, the vast majority of sedated procedures are carried out using benzodiazepines, with or without opiates, whereas deeper sedation using propofol or general anaesthetic requires the involvement of an anaesthetic team. Patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy need to have good understanding of the options for sedation, including the option for no sedation and alternatives, balancing the intended aims of the procedure and reducing the risk of complications. These guidelines were commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) Endoscopy Committee with input from major stakeholders, to provide a detailed update, incorporating recent advances in sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy.This guideline covers aspects from pre-assessment of the elective 'well' patient to patients with significant comorbidity requiring emergency procedures. Types of sedation are discussed, procedure and room requirements and the recovery period, providing guidance to enhance safety and minimise complications. These guidelines are intended to inform practising clinicians and all staff involved in the delivery of gastrointestinal endoscopy with an expectation that this guideline will be revised in 5-years' time.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in advanced therapeutic flexible endoscopy: Introducing the concept of enhanced recovery after therapeutic endoscopy (ERATE).

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines are evidence-based recommendations designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications after surgery. Although the ERAS guidelines focus primarily on surgical procedures, many of the principles could be applied also to therapeutic endoscopy as well. An extensive literature research on Embase and PubMed was thus made to reviewed articles regarding ERAS protocols applied to therapeutic endoscopy, organized by specific endoscopic field. Out of 214 papers, only 6 were relevant to the topic. Few studies explored in real life and in trial setting the hypothesized significance of ERAS principles applied to endoscopic procedures, mostly retrospective, not even covering the entire field of therapeutic endoscopy. This field of knowledge appears neglected so far by scientific community and endoscopic organizations. We believe that endoscopy units could benefit anyway from developing and implementing structured enhanced recovery pathways for their patients, therefore we subsequently created and suggested a simply and easily applicable, Enhanced Recovery protocol After Therapeutic Endoscopy which include preoperative preparation, anesthesia and sedation, nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis, and postoperative care.

Clinical profile and treatment outcomes of Boerhaave's syndrome: A 13-year experience from an upper gastrointestinal surgical unit.

Objectives: IBoerhaave's syndrome (BS) is a rare, but potentially fatal condition, characterized by barogenic esophageal rupture and carries a high mortality. We aimed to study our institutional experience of managing patients with BS. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of patients with BS presenting to a tertiary care centre from 2005 to 2018 was carried out in this study. Clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluations, treatments received, and treatment outcomes were studied. Perforations were classified as early (<24 hours) and delayed (>24 hours), based on the time elapsed. Surgical complications were graded using Clavien-Dindo grade. The Pittsburgh perforation severity score was correlated with short-term treatment outcomes. Results: Of the 12 patients [male, 75%; mean (range) age, 53 (28-80) years] included, 10 patients had a delayed (>24 hours) presentation. Chest pain was the dominant symptom (58.3%); six patients presented either in shock (n= 1) or with organ failure (n= 3) or both (n= 2). All the perforations were sited in the lower thoracic esophagus, of which three were contained and nine were uncontained. The seal of the perforation was achieved by surgical repair in four patients (primary repair, 2; repair over a T-tube, 2) and endoscopic techniques in four patients (clipping, 1; stenting, 3). Sepsis drainage [surgical, 7 (open-5, minimally-invasive-2); non-surgical, 5] and feeding jejunostomy were performed in all patients. Five (41.7%) patients received a re-intervention. Median (range) hospital stay was 25.5 (12-101) days, 30-day operative morbidity was 50%, and there was one in-hospital death. The Pittsburgh perforation severity score was as follows: 2-5 in two patients and >5 in 10 patients; there were more delayed presentations, increased surgical interventions, post-procedure morbidity, and in-hospital mortality in the latter group, but the differences were statistically not significant. In 11 patients followed-up [median (range):1507 (17-5929) days], there was no disease recurrence, symptomatic reflux or dysphagia. Conclusion: Favourable treatment outcomes, including reduced mortality and organ preservation can be achieved for Boerhaave's perforations, through a multimodality approach. Minimally invasive, endoluminal or open surgical techniques may be safely utilized in its management. The Pittsburgh severity score can be a useful clinical tool that can be used to select the initial intervention and to predict treatment outcomes.