Comparison of the performance of MS enteroscope series and Japanese double- and single-balloon enteroscopes.

BACKGROUND: Small intestine disease endangers human health and is not easy to locate and diagnose. AIM: To observe the effect of the MS series of small intestine endoscopes on the gastrointestinal tract, the changes in serum gastrin levels and intestinal tissue, and the time required for the examination. METHODS: In vivo experiments in 20 Living pigs were conducted, Bowel preparation was routinely performed, Intravenous anesthesia with propofol and ketamine was applied, the condition of the small intestine was observed and the detection time of the MS series of small intestine endoscopes were recorded, The changes in intestinal tissue using the MS series of small intestine endoscopes observed and compared before and after the examination, Venous blood (3-5 mL) from pigs was collected before and after the experiment; changes in intestinal tissue after use of the MS series of small intestine endoscopes observed after examination. After completion of each type of small intestine endoscope experiment, the pigs were allowed to rest and the next type of small intestine endoscope experiment was performed after 15 days of normal feeding. The detection time data of the single-balloon small intestine endoscope and double-balloon small intestine endoscope were collected from four hospitals. RESULTS: One case of Ascarislumbricoides, one of suspected Crohn's disease, one small intestinal diverticulum and one anesthesia accident were observed in pigs. The small intestine showed no differences in the MS series of small intestine endoscopes and there were no differences in serum gastrin between the groups (P > 0.05). The time required for inspection was recorded, and the overall detection time for the Japanese small intestine endoscopes was approximately 1.68 ± 0.16 h. CONCLUSION: Intestinal ascariasis is a common disease in pigs. Some pigs have abnormal intestinal variation. After continuous upgrade and improvement, the MS-3 and MS-4 small intestine endoscope appear superior in terms of detection time.

Efficacy and Safety of Short-type Single Balloon Enteroscopy-assisted Peroral Direct Cholangioscopy Using an Ultra-slim Endoscope in Patients With Surgically Altered Anatomy.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-type single balloon enteroscope (s-SBE)-assisted PDCS using an ultra-slim endoscope in patients with SAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 12 sessions of PDCS performed in 8 patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal or pancreatobiliary anatomy between November 2017 and September 2019 at our institution. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using s-SBE was initially performed. Subsequently, the s-SBE was exchanged for an ultra-slim endoscope through an overtube with an inflated balloon to perform PDCS. We analyzed the success rates and adverse events resulting from the procedure. RESULTS: Six patients had biliary stones and 2 had biliary strictures. The types of reconstruction were Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (n=5), Billroth II gastrectomy (n=2), and Roux-en-Y gastrectomy (n=1). Biliary insertion of the ultra-slim endoscope was successful in all 12 sessions. Biliary interventions included electronic hydraulic lithotripsy in 5 sessions, stone removal using basket catheter in 3 sessions, biopsy in 2 sessions, and diagnosis of no residual stones in 2 sessions. Complete stone removal was finally achieved in all 6 patients with biliary stones. Biliary strictures in 2 patients were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma following a biopsy. The adverse events were cholangitis of mild severity in 3 sessions. CONCLUSION: S-SBE-assisted PDCS using an ultra-slim endoscope was useful and safe in patients with SAA, although care should be taken to avoid adverse events.

The efficacy of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy plus endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for removal of large bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: The removal of large bile duct stones (> 15 mm) by conventional endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) can be challenging, requiring mechanical lithotripsy (ML) in addition to EST or EPBD. The primary complication of ML is basket and stone impaction, which can lead to complications such as pancreatitis and cholangitis. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of limited EST plus endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EST-EPLBD) for large bile duct stone extraction with an extent of cutting < 1/2 the length of the papillary mound. METHODS: We enrolled 185 patients with ≥15 mm bile duct stones who received EST, EPLBD and limited EST-EPLBD treatment from January 1, 2010 to February 28, 2018, at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Kaohsiung, Taiwan). All patients were categorized into three groups: EST group (n = 31), EPLBD group (n = 96), and limited EST-EPLBD group (n = 58). The primary outcome variables were the success rate of complete stone removal and complications. RESULTS: The limited EST-EPLBD group exhibited a higher success rate of the first-session treatment compared with the EST and EPLBD groups (98.3% vs. 83.9% vs. 86.5%; P = 0.032) but required a longer procedure time (32 (12-61) min vs. 23.5 (17-68) min vs. 25.0 (14-60) min; P = 0.001). The need for ML during the procedure was 4 (12.9%) in the EST group, 10 (10.4%) in the EPLBD group and 2 (3.4%) in the limited EST-EPLBD group. Post-procedure bleeding in the EST group was more common than that in the limited EST-EPLBD group (9.7% vs. 0%; P = 0.038). Furthermore, dilated bile duct was the only risk factor for bile duct stone recurrence in the limited EST-EPLBD group. CONCLUSIONS: Limited EST-EPLBD exhibits a higher success rate but requires marginally longer procedure time for the first-session treatment. Furthermore, dilated bile duct is the only risk factor for bile duct stone recurrence in patients undergoing limited EST-EPLBD.

Use of a Transparent Cap Increases the Diagnostic Yield in Antegrade Single-Balloon Enteroscopy for Obscure GI Bleed.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is utilized in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but 40-50% of these patients experience continued GI blood loss, in part due to missed lesions. The utilization of a transparent cap attached to the end of the endoscope can improve mucosal visualization in other endoscopic applications, but has not yet been evaluated in SBE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a cap on the diagnostic yield of SBE. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients scheduled for anterograde SBE for the evaluation of obscure GI bleeding were screened for inclusion from 2014 to 2017. Patients were randomized to SBE with or without a transparent cap. The primary outcome was the proportion of enteroscopies in which a P2 lesion (high potential for bleeding) was identified. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients (65.7 ± 12.7 years old, 47.7% female) were analyzed. There were significantly more P2 arteriovenous malformations identified in the cap group (14.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.02). Additionally, the use of a cap was associated with a significantly greater depth of small bowel insertion (191.9 cm vs. 156.2 cm, p = 0.01). There was one perforation in the group without a cap, successfully treated with clip placement, and no adverse events in the cap group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a transparent cap during SBE performed for the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding may be an important, safe augmentation to standard SBE techniques.

Clinical utility of novel ultrathin single-balloon enteroscopy: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: The advent of balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) has facilitated the examination of the entire digestive tract. However, using a rigid sliding tube during the procedure reduces patient acceptance. This study evaluated the clinical application of a newly developed ultrathin single-balloon enteroscope for BAE. METHODS: 28 outpatients underwent enteroscopy with a novel ultrathin single-balloon enteroscope. None of the subjects required therapeutic procedures, such as balloon dilation or hemostasis. The insertability, efficacy, and safety of the ultrathin single-balloon endoscope were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: 7 patients underwent transoral enteroscopy and 21 patients underwent transanal enteroscopy under conscious sedation. No adverse events related to the procedure were reported in any patients. Targeted observation and/or targeted biopsy were achieved in all procedures. All transoral procedures allowed evaluation of the jejunum beyond the ligament of Treitz. All transanal procedures allowed intubation of the terminal ileum, despite several patients having severe stenosis of the colon and ileum. CONCLUSION: A novel ultrathin single-balloon enteroscope showed adequate insertability and safety for outpatient surveillance enteroscopy under conscious sedation.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided internalization of a pancreaticocutaneous fistula utilizing a balloon-target technique: A case report.

RATIONALE: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment has been recently described for internalizing refractory pancreaticocutaneous fistulas (PCFs). However, the existing techniques are limited because of the difficulty in accessing nondilated pancreatic ducts or fistulas. In an attempt to overcome this limitation, we present a case where a EUS-guided intervention utilizing a balloon-target technique was employed to internalize a PCF into the stomach. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 78-year-old woman underwent percutaneous drainage and 4 percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomies for walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) after severe acute pancreatitis due to choledocholithiasis. Although the WOPN was resolved, refractory PCFs remained. DIAGNOSIS: Pancreaticocutaneous fistulas. INTERVENTIONS: An echoendoscope was introduced into the stomach, but the narrow PCF lumen made visualization of the fistula by EUS difficult. Subsequently, a balloon catheter was percutaneously inserted into the fistula, and then the inflated balloon was visualized by EUS from the stomach. The balloon was punctured with a 19-gauge fine needle through the posterior wall of the upper body of the stomach (balloon-target technique). A guidewire was then passed through the fistula to the outside of the body through the EUS scope. After dilating the gastro-fistula space with an 8-mm balloon dilation catheter, a 7-French double pigtail catheter was placed from the stomach into the PCF. OUTCOMES: The percutaneous drainage tube was removed after one week, and the patient was discharged 6 months after admission. No adverse outcomes have been observed in the 2 years since the procedure. LESSONS: PCFs can be successfully managed using EUS-guided internalization with a balloon-target technique.

Combined use of single-balloon enteroscope and colonoscope for self-expandable metal stent placement in patients with malignant small intestinal obstruction: a single-center comparative clinical observation.

Small intestinal obstruction is a common complication of primary gastrointestinal cancer or metastatic cancers. Patients with this condition are often poor candidates for surgical bypasses, and placement of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) can be technically challenging. In this study, we examined the feasibility of combined application of single-balloon enteroscope (SBE) and colonoscope for SEMS placement in patients with malignant small intestinal obstruction. Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this study, among which 22 patients received SEMS placement by using SBE and colonoscope, while the other 12 patients received conservative medical treatment. The patients were followed up for one year. Stent placement was technically feasible in 95.5% (21/22). Clinical improvement was achieved in 86.4% (19/22). For the 19 clinical success cases, the average time of benefits from a gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) increase ≥1 was 111.9±89.5 days. For the 12 patients receiving conservative medical treatment, no significant improvement in GOOSS score was observed. Moreover, a significant increase of Short-Form-36 health survey score was observed in the 19 patients at time of 30 days after stent placement. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, a significant survival improvement was observed in patients with successful SEMS placement, compared with patients receiving conservative medical treatment. Taken together, combined use of SBE and colonoscope makes endoscopic stent placement feasible in patients with malignant small intestinal obstruction, and patients can benefit from it in terms of prolonged survival and improved quality of life.

Utility of newly developed short-type double-balloon endoscopy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in postoperative patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The utility of conventional short-type double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) for pancreatobiliary disease in patients with postoperative anatomy had been widely acknowledged and accepted. However, some technical difficulties yet remained. In an attempt to solve these problems, the new short-type DBE (N-short DBE) was uniquely designed for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in postoperative patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of N-short DBE for ERC in postoperative patients. METHODS: From August 2015 to April 2016, ERC using N-short DBE (DB-ERC) was performed in 100 postoperative patients (112 procedures). We retrospectively studied the success rate of reaching the blind end, the median time to reach the blind end, the diagnostic success rate, the therapeutic success rate, the median time to complete ERC-related interventions, the overall success rate, the median time to complete DB-ERC, and adverse events. RESULTS: The success rate of reaching the blind end was 99.1%. The median time to reach the blind end was 10 min (interquartile range [IQR], 6-19 min). The diagnostic success rate was 98.2%. The therapeutic success rate was 100%. The median time to complete ERC-related interventions was 36 min (IQR, 22-62 min). The overall DB-ERC success rate was 97.3%. The median time to complete DB-ERC was 54 min (IQR, 37-73 min). The occurrence of adverse events was 2.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The N-short DBE for ERC in postoperative patients is useful and safe. DB-ERC is promising therapeutic modality in such patients and should be selected as the first-line policy.

Outcome and Safety of Anterograde and Retrograde Single-Balloon Enteroscopy: Clinical Experience at a Tertiary Medical Center in Taiwan.

Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is designed for identifying possible small bowel lesions with balloon-assisted enteroscopy that allows deep intubation of the intestine. However, data regarding the outcome and safety of SBE remain limited. We conducted this study to evaluate the outcome and safety of anterograde and retrograde SBE approaches. This retrospective review from a tertiary medical center in Taiwan included endoscopic reports and chart data from 128 patients with 200 anterograde and retrograde procedures from September 2009 to November 2014. In this study, the most common indication for both anterograde and retrograde SBE was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (64.4% vs. 60.6%). There were no significant differences between anterograde and retrograde approaches in terms of the diagnostic yield (69.3% vs. 52.5%) and intervention rate (23.8% vs. 17.2%). The procedure time was shorter for anterograde SBE than for retrograde SBE (68.1 ± 23.9 vs. 76.8 ± 27.7 min, P = 0.018). In addition, among the subgroup of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, the most common etiologies for those in different age-groups were angiodysplasia (≥ 65 years), non-specific ulcers (30-64 years), and Meckel's diverticulum (< 30 years). The major complication rate during the study was 1.5%; the rate of asymptomatic hyperamylasemia was higher for patients who underwent anterograde SBE than for those who underwent retrograde SBE (13.9% vs. 2%, P = 0.005). The outcome and safety of anterograde and retrograde SBE are similar. However, anterograde SBE has a shorter procedural time and a higher rate of asymptomatic hyperamylasemia.