Risk of De Novo Barrett's Esophagus Post Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies with Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures worldwide. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a major concern in patients undergoing SG and is a risk factor for Barrett's esophagus (BE). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the incidence of and analyze predictive factors for post-SG BE. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in April 2024, for studies reporting on incidence of BE, erosive esophagitis (EE), and hiatal hernia (HH) post-SG. Primary outcomes were post-SG pooled rates of de novo BE, EE, GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitor use, and HH. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess if patient and post-SG factors influenced the rates of post-SG BE. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with 2046 patients (79% females) were included. Mean age was 42.2 years (standard deviation, 11.1) and follow-up ranged from 2 to 11.4 years. The pooled rate of de novo BE post-SG was 5.6% (confidence interval, 3.5-8.8). Significantly higher pooled rates of EE (risk ratio [RR], 3.37], HH (RR, 2.09), GER/GERD symptoms (RR, 3.32), and proton pump inhibitor use (RR, 3.65) were found among patients post-SG. GER/GERD symptoms post-SG positively influenced the pooled BE rates, whereas age, sex, body mass index, post-SG EE, and HH did not. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that SG results in a significantly increased risk of de novo BE and higher rates of EE, proton pump inhibitor use, and HH. Our findings suggest that clinicians should routinely screen patients with SG for BE and future surveillance intervals should be followed as per societal guidelines.

Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Limited evidence exists regarding the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on upper endoscopy. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively review the available evidence on this subject. METHODS: A systematic bibliographic search was carried out until May 2024. Pooled estimates were analyzed using a random-effects model, with results presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome assessed was the rate of retained gastric content (RGC), while secondary outcomes included rates of aborted and repeated procedures, adverse event rate, and rates of aspiration. RESULTS: This analysis included 13 studies involving a total of 84,065 patients. Patients receiving GLP-1RA therapy exhibited significantly higher rates of RGC (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 3.35 to 9.23), a trend that was consistent among patients with diabetes (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 2.23 to 3.02). Adjusted analysis, accounting for variables such as sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, and other therapies, confirmed the elevated rates of RGC in the GLP-1RA user group (adjusted OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 3.42 to 5.15). Furthermore, rates of aborted and repeated procedures were higher in the GLP-1RA user group (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 3.01 to 8.75; and OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.35; respectively). However, no significant differences were found in AE and aspiration rates between the 2 groups (OR, 4.04; 95% CI, 0.63 to 26.03; and OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 0.64 to 4.77; respectively). CONCLUSION: Use of GLP-1RAs is associated with increased retention of gastric contents and more frequent aborted procedures during upper endoscopy. However, the adverse event and aspiration rates do not seem different; therefore, adjusting fasting time instead of routinely withholding GLP-1RAs could be reasonable in these patients.

Adverse events of the single-operator cholangioscopy system: a Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The SpyGlass (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass, USA) single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) system is generally considered to be safe but adds additional risks to those associated with standard ERCP. METHODS: We evaluated adverse events (AEs) associated with the SpyGlass system reported in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database between January 2016 and August 2023. RESULTS: From the database, 2311 device problems (SpyGlass DS, 1301; SpyGlass DS II, 1010) were reported. An optical problem was the most reported issue (SpyGlass DS, 83; SpyGlass DS II, 457). Patient-related events were found in 62 of 1743 reports (3.5%): 33 with the SpyGlass DS and 29 with the SpyGlass DS II. The most common AEs were bleeding/hemorrhage followed by perforation; infection, fever, or sepsis; and pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings add to the existing literature and provide a fuller picture of potential problems associated with the SpyGlass SOC.

Comparative diagnostic yield of different endoscopic techniques for tissue sampling of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions: a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the comparative diagnostic performance of endoscopic tissue sampling techniques for subepithelial lesions. We performed a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare these techniques. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the sample adequacy and diagnostic accuracy of bite-on-bite biopsy, mucosal incision-assisted biopsy (MIAB), endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), and EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (FNB). Results were expressed as relative risk (RR) and 95%CI. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were identified. EUS-FNB was significantly superior to EUS-FNA in terms of sample adequacy (RR 1.20 [95%CI 1.05-1.45]), whereas none of the other techniques significantly outperformed EUS-FNA. Additionally, bite-on-bite biopsy was significantly inferior to EUS-FNB (RR 0.55 [95%CI 0.33-0.98]). Overall, EUS-FNB appeared to be the best technique (surface under cumulative ranking [SUCRA] score 0.90) followed by MIAB (SUCRA 0.83), whereas bite-on-bite biopsy showed the poorest performance. When considering lesions <20 mm, MIAB, but not EUS-FNB, showed significantly higher accuracy rates compared with EUS-FNA (RR 1.68 [95%CI 1.02-2.88]). Overall, MIAB ranked as the best intervention for lesions <20 mm (SUCRA score 0.86 for adequacy and 0.91 for accuracy), with EUS-FNB only slightly superior to EUS-FNA. When rapid on-site cytological evaluation (ROSE) was available, no difference between EUS-FNB, EUS-FNA, and MIAB was observed. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNB and MIAB appeared to provide better performance, whereas bite-on-bite sampling was significantly inferior to the other techniques. MIAB seemed to be the best option for smaller lesions, whereas EUS-FNA remained competitive when ROSE was available.

ENDOLUMINAL RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION WITH STENTING VS STENTING ONLY IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT BILIARY OBSTRUCTION: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED TRIALS.

INTRODUCTION: Endoluminal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a palliative treatment for patients suffering from malignant biliary obstruction. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of RFA on stent patency, patient survival, and adverse events. METHODS: Major databases were searched through November 2023 for patients who underwent stenting with or without RFA for extra-hepatic malignant biliary obstruction. A random effects model was employed for analysis and results conveyed using relative risk ratio with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 750 subjects (n=374 RFA plus stent vs. n=376 stent only) with malignant biliary obstruction were included. Meta-analysis revealed similar risks of stent patency at 3 months (RR = 1.01; 95% CI [0.92 - 1.11], I2=4% for RFA plus stenting vs. stent only). Meta-analysis showed improved survival at 6 months (RR = 0.84; 95% CI [0.73 - 0.96], I2=21%, P=0.01 for RFA plus stenting vs. stent only). Subgroup analysis comparing plastic vs uncovered metal stents showed that stent patency was unaffected at 3 months (RR = 1.06; 95% CI [0.91 - 1.23]; I2=17%). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with cholangiocarcinoma experienced an overall survival benefit with RFA plus stenting vs. stent only (P<0.001), however, stent patency remained unaffected (P=0.08). An increased incidence of cholecystitis was noted with RFA plus stent vs. stent only (5.1%; 95% CI [3.1% - 7.8%] vs 0.3%; 95% CI [0.01% - 1.5%], respectively). CONCLUSION: Combining endoluminal RFA and stenting may improve overall survival in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. RFA did not impact stent patency significantly.

Efficacy of Rituximab in Autoimmune-Mediated IgG4 Pancreaticobiliary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: IgG4 pancreaticobilliary disease (IgG4-PBD) typically shows a rapid improvement with glucocorticoid treatment, yet most patients experience a recurrence. Rituximab (RTX) has emerged as a hopeful approach to prevent relapses in IgG4-PBD. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data on the efficacy and safety of RTX in IgG4-PBD. In this study, we aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the pooled efficacy of RTX in this patient population. METHODS: Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Embase, were searched (in March 2024) using specific terms for studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of RTX in IgG4 pancreatic biliary disease. Outcomes of interest were relapse, remission, partial remission rates, and adverse events. Standard meta-analysis methods were used using the random-effects model. I2% heterogeneity was used to assess the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the study (257 patients). The pooled rate of complete remission was 68% (54% to 80%), I2 =53%, respectively. The pooled relapse rate was 23% (13% to 36%), I2=64%. The pooled rate of total adverse events was 21% (12% to 35%), I2=52%. The pooled partial remission rate is 16% (7% to 32%), I2=25%. The pooled rate of complete and partial remission was 81% (66% to 90%), I2=75%. The pooled infusion reaction and infection were 12% (7% to 18%), I2=0% and 14% (8% to 22%), I2=16%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RTX therapy appears effective in inducing and maintaining remission of pancreaticobiliary disease with a low rate of side effects. RTX presents as a promising treatment option for patients grappling with recurrent or unresponsive IgG4-related ailments. In addition, RTX emerges as an attractive alternative for individuals intolerant to steroids or experiencing IgG4-related disease relapses. Future studies comparing RTX with other immunomodulators will offer deeper insights into relapse factors and elucidate the appropriateness of utilizing this maintenance treatment following the initial flare.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Therapy in Symptomatic Pancreatic Divisum: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreas divisum (PD) is a congenital malformation of the pancreas and is implicated as a cause of pancreatitis. The role of endotherapy has been variable in symptomatic PD indicated by recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), or chronic pancreatic-type abdominal pain (PP). The aim of this study was to analyze the pooled data to determine the success of endoscopic intervention for pancreas divisum. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of several databases (inception to July 2023) to identify studies reporting on the use of endoscopic therapy in symptomatic pancreatic divisum. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled rates and I2% values were used to assess the heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies were retrieved that reported endoscopic intervention in pancreatic divisum. The calculated pooled rate of technical success was 92% (95% CI: 87-95; I2=63%). The calculated pooled rate of clinical success was 65% (95% CI: 60-70; I2=60%). The rate of clinical success by PD subtypes was highest in RAP at 71% (95% CI: 65-76; I2=24%). Available studies had significant heterogeneity in defining clinical success. The rate of adverse events was 71% (95% CI: 65-76; I2=24%). CONCLUSIONS: The role of endoscopic therapy in pancreatic divisum is variable with the highest success rate in recurrent acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic intervention is associated with a higher-than-usual rate of adverse events, including post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Safety and Effectiveness of Vedolizumab in Elderly Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on Vedolizumab utilization in elderly patients. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of Vedolizumab in this subset population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases including Cochrane Central, Embase, Medline (via Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched in August 2022 to identify studies that assessed Vedolizumab therapy in elderly patients. Pooled proportion and risk ratios (RR) were calculated. RESULTS: Total 11 studies with 3546 IBD patients (1314 elderly and 2232 young) were included in the final analysis. Pooled rate of overall and serious infections in the elderly cohort was 8.45% (95% CI=6.27-11.29; I 2 23%) and 2.59% (95% CI=0.78-8.29; I 2 76%), respectively. However, there was no difference in overall infection rates between elderly and young patients. Pooled rate of endoscopic, clinical, and steroid-free remission for elderly IBD patients was 38.45% (95% CI=20.74-59.56; I 2 93%), 37.95% (95% CI=33.08-43.06; I 2 13%), and 38.8% (95% CI=31.6-46.4; I 2 77%), respectively. Elderly patients had lower steroid-free remission rates [RR 0.85, 95% CI=0.74-0.99; I 2 0%, P =0.03]; however, there was no difference in rates of clinical (RR 0.86, 95% CI=0.72-1.03; I 2 0%, P =0.10) or endoscopic remission (RR 1.06, 95% CI=0.83-1.35; I 2 0%, P =0.63) compared with younger patients. Pooled rate of IBD-related surgery and IBD-related hospitalizations was 9.76% (95% CI=5.81-15.92; I 2 78%) and 10.54% (95% CI=8.37-13.2; I 2 0%), respectively for the elderly cohort. There was no statistical difference in IBD-related surgeries between elderly and young IBD patients, RR 1.20 (95% CI=0.79-1.84; I 2 16%), P =0.4. CONCLUSIONS: Vedolizumab is equally safe and effective for clinical and endoscopic remission in elderly and younger populations.

Cold Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (c-EMR) of Nonpedunculated Colorectal Polyps ≥20 mm: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that cold endoscopic mucosal resection (c-EMR) can effectively treat large colorectal polyps. We aim to appraise the current literature and evaluate outcomes following c-EMR for nonpedunculated colonic polyps ≥20 mm. METHODS: Major databases were searched. Primary outcomes included recurrence rate and adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Nine articles were included in the final analysis, which included 817 patients and 1077 colorectal polyps. Average polyp size was 28.8 (±5.1) mm. The pooled recurrence rate of polyps of any histology at 4 to 6 months was 21.0% (95% CI: 9.0%-32.0%, P <0.001, I2 =97.3, P <0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that recurrence was 10% for proximal lesions (95% CI: 0.0%-20.0%, P =0.054, I2 =93.7%, P =0.054) and 9% for distal lesions (95% CI: 2.0%-21.0%, P =0.114, I2 =95.8%, P =0.114). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that recurrence was 12% for adenoma (95% CI: 4.0%-19.0%, P =0.003, I2 =98.0%, P =0.003), and 3% for sessile serrated polyps (95% CI: 1.0%-5.0%, P =0.002, I2 =34.4%, P =0.002). Post-polypectomy bleeding occurred in 1% (n=8/817) of patients, whereas abdominal pain occurred in 0.2% (n=2/817) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: C-EMR for nonpedunculated colorectal polyps ≥20 mm shows an excellent safety profile with a very low rate of delayed bleeding as well as significantly less recurrence for sessile serrated polyps than adenomas.

Cold Snare Polypectomy in Small (<10 mm) Pedunculated Colorectal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic removal techniques for colorectal polyps include cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and hot snare polypectomy (HSP). Although HSP is recommended for pedunculated polyps (PPs) larger than 10 mm, data regarding use of CSP for PPs <10 mm continues to emerge. We aimed to investigate outcomes of these techniques in small (<10 mm) pedunculated colorectal polyps. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched till June 2022 to identify studies involving the removal of small PPs with CSP and HSP. Random effects model was used to calculate outcomes and 95% CI. Primary outcome was the pooled rate of successful en-bloc resection. Secondary outcomes were immediate and delayed bleeding with CSP and HSP as well as prophylactic and post resection clip placement. RESULTS: Six studies including 1025 patients (1111 polyps with a mean size 4 to 8.5 mm) were analyzed. 116 and 995 polyps were removed with HSP and CSP, respectively. The overall pooled rate of successful en-bloc resection with CSP was 99.7% (CI 99.1-99.9; I2 0%). Pooled immediate and delayed bleeding after CSP was 49.8% (CI 46.8-52.91; I2 98%) and 0% (CI 0.00-0.00; I2 0%), respectively. Delayed bleeding was higher with HSP, relative risk 0.05 (CI 0.01-0.43; I2 0%), P =0.006, whereas immediate bleeding was higher with CSP, relative risk 7.89 (CI 4.36-14.29; I2 0%), P <0.00001. Pooled rates of prophylactic clip placement and post-procedure clip placement (to control immediate bleeding) were 55.3% and 47.2%, respectively. Finally, right colon polyp location significantly correlated with frequency of immediate bleeding. CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that CSP is safe and effective for resection of small PPs.