Impedance planimetry during per-oral endoscopic myotomy is associated with decreased inadvertent capnoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become an accepted minimally invasive alternative to Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia and other disorders of esophageal dysmotility. One associated adverse event is the inadvertent creation of capnoperitoneum. A proposed mechanism is that extension of the submucosal tunnel below the esophageal hiatus and onto the gastric wall leads to transmural perforation. We hypothesized that the use of impedance planimetry with the endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP) more accurately identifies the esophagogastric junction and helps to better define the myotomy's ideal limits, thus lowering the incidence of inadvertent capnoperitoneum. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective review of consecutive POEM cases from 06/11/2011 to 08/08/2022, with EndoFLIP introduced in 2017. Patient and procedural characteristics, including the incidence of clinically significant capnoperitoneum and decompression, were analyzed using univariate and multivariable linear regression statistics. RESULTS: There were 140 POEM cases identified, 74 (52.9%) of which used EndoFLIP. Clinically significant capnoperitoneum was encountered in 26 (18.6%) cases, with no differences in patient characteristics between those who had capnoperitoneum and those who did not. There was a decreased incidence of capnoperitoneum in cases using EndoFLIP compared to those without (n = 6, 23% vs n = 20, 77%, p = 0.001), with zero instances in the final 56 cases. After adjusting for potentially confounding factors, EndoFLIP use was associated with a - 15.93% (95% confidence interval - 30.68%, - 1.18%) decrease in procedure duration. CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of EndoFLIP during POEM was associated with decreased incidence of clinically significant capnoperitoneum, potentially due to improved myotomy tailoring and decreased duration of insufflation with shorter procedure times.

What role does the submucosa play in the pathophysiology and treatment of achalasia? An analysis of impedance planimetry during POEM.

BACKGROUND: It is thought the therapeutic benefit of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of esophageal dysmotility disorders is from longitudinal myotomy creation, but it is unknown if the submucosa contributes to the pathophysiology. This study investigates if submucosal tunnel (SMT) dissection alone contributes to POEM's luminal changes as measured by EndoFLIP. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review of consecutive POEM cases from June 1, 2011 to September 1, 2022 with intraoperative luminal diameter and distensibility index (DI) data as measured by EndoFLIP. Patients with diagnoses of achalasia or esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction were grouped by those with pre-SMT and post-myotomy measurements (Group 1) and those with a third measurement post-SMT dissection (Group 2). Outcomes and EndoFLIP data were analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistics. RESULTS: There were 66 patients identified, of whom 57 (86.4%) had achalasia, 32 (48.5%) were female, and median pre-POEM Eckardt score was 7 [IQR: 6-9]. There were 42 (64%) patients in Group 1, and 24 (36%) patients in Group 2, with no differences in baseline characteristics. In Group 2, SMT dissection changed luminal diameter by 2.15 [IQR: 1.75-3.28]cm, which comprised 38% of the median 5.6 [IQR: 4.25-6.3]cm diameter of complete POEM change. Similarly, the median post-SMT change in DI of 1 [IQR: 0.5-1.2]units comprised 30% of the median 3.35 [2.4-3.98]units overall change in DI. Post-SMT diameters and DI were both significantly lower than the full POEM. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal diameter and DI are significantly affected by SMT dissection alone, though not equaling the magnitude of diameter or DI changes from full POEM. This suggests that the submucosa does play a role in achalasia, presenting a future target for refining POEM and developing alternative treatment strategies.

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of non-achalasia esophageal dysmotility disorders: experience from a single high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is a rare disorder of esophageal motility that induces progressive intolerance to oral intake. Other esophageal dysmotility disorders include esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), distal esophageal spasm (DES), hypercontractile esophagus (HE), and other minor disorders of peristalsis (MDP) and can present similarly to achalasia despite different pathophysiologies. Prior studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of POEM in the treatment of achalasia, but little is reported regarding POEM's role in treating non-achalasia esophageal dysmotility disorders (NAEDD). This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of POEM in the treatment of NAEDD. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of consecutive POEM cases from June 1, 2011, to February 1, 2021. NAEDD were characterized according to the Chicago classification. Primary outcome measure was the resolution of preoperative symptoms. Secondary outcomes include preoperative diagnosis, myotomy length, conversion to laparoscopic or open procedure, operative time, and length of stay (LOS). Technical success was defined as the completion of an 8 cm myotomy including the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and extending 2 cm distal to the EGJ. Clinical success was defined as a postoperative Eckardt score ≤ 3. RESULTS: Of 124 cases of POEM performed during the study period, 17 were performed for NAEDD. Technical success was achieved in all 17 patients (100%). Of the fifteen patients that had documented postoperative Eckardt scores, 13 were ≤ 3, achieving a clinical success rate of 87%. Subgroup analysis (HE/MDP/DES vs. EGJOO) showed no significant differences in the preoperative or postoperative Eckardt scores between groups, and both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in Eckardt scores after POEM. No cases were aborted for technical or clinical reasons, and there were no adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: POEM is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for NAEDD. Further work is needed to develop optimal treatment strategies for this complex group of diseases.

Impedance planimetry values for predicting clinical response following peroral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in developing impedance planimetry as a tool to enhance the clinical outcomes for endoscopic and surgical management of achalasia. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether impedance planimetry measurements can predict clinical response and reflux following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). METHODS: A multicenter cohort study of patients with achalasia undergoing POEM was established from prospective databases and retrospective chart reviews. Patients who underwent impedance planimetry before and after POEM were included. Clinical response was defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3. Tenfold cross-validated area under curve (AUC) values were established for the different impedance planimetry measurements associated with clinical response and reflux development. RESULTS: Of the 290 patients included, 91.7 % (266/290) had a clinical response and 39.4 % (108/274) developed reflux following POEM. The most predictive impedance planimetry measurements for a clinical response were: percent change in cross-sectional area (%ΔCSA) and percent change in distensibility index (%ΔDI), with AUCs of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. Optimal cutoff values for %ΔCSA and %ΔDI to determine a clinical response were a change of 360 % and 272 %, respectively. Impedance planimetry values were much poorer at predicting post-POEM reflux, with AUCs ranging from 0.40 to 0.62. CONCLUSION: Percent change in CSA and distensibility index were the most predictive measures of a clinical response, with a moderate predictive ability. Impedance planimetry values for predicting reflux following POEM showed weak predictive capacity.

Rehospitalization, Treatment, and Resource Use After Inpatient Admission for Achalasia in the USA.

INTRODUCTION: Readmission for achalasia treatment is associated with significant morbidity and cost. Factors predictive of readmission would be useful in identifying patients at risk. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study using the Nationwide Readmission Database for the year 2016 and 2017. We collected data on hospital readmissions of 17,848 adults who were hospitalized for achalasia and discharged. The 30-day readmission rate as well as the primary cause, mortality rate, in-hospital adverse events, and total hospitalization charges were examined. A cox multivariate regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for 30-day readmission, including the surgical or endoscopic treatment used during the index admission. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2017, the 30-day readmission rate for index admission with achalasia was 15.2%. Of these 15.2%, 34% were readmitted with persistent symptoms of achalasia or treatment-related complications. Older age, higher comorbidity index, possessing private insurance, and those with either pneumatic balloon dilation or no endoscopic/surgical treatment showed higher odds of readmission on multivariate analysis. Those treated with laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) or peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) showed lower odds of readmission. There was no difference in rates of readmission between those undergoing POEM or LHM, but mortality rate for readmission was significantly higher for the LHM group. The in-hospital mortality rate and length of stay were significantly higher for readmissions (p < 0.01) than the index admissions. CONCLUSION: Three in 20 patients admitted with achalasia are likely to be readmitted within 30 days of their initial hospitalization, a number which can be higher in untreated patients and in those with multiple comorbidities. Rehospitalizations bear a higher mortality rate than the initial admission and present a burden to the healthcare system.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Editorial Board top 10 topics: advances in GI endoscopy in 2018.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy's Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Editorial Board reviewed original endoscopy-related articles published during 2018 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and 10 other leading medical and gastroenterology journals. Votes from each individual member were tallied to identify a consensus list of 10 topic areas of major advances in GI endoscopy. Individual board members summarized important findings published in these 10 areas of adenoma detection, bariatric endoscopy, EMR/submucosal dissection/full-thickness resection, artificial intelligence, expandable metal stents for palliation of biliary obstruction, pancreatic therapy with lumen-apposing metal stents, endoscope reprocessing, Barrett's esophagus, interventional EUS, and GI bleeding. This document summarizes these "Top 10" endoscopic advances of 2018.

Myotomy length informed by high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) results in improved per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) outcomes for type III achalasia.

INTRODUCTION: High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is essential in characterizing achalasia subtype and the extent of affected segment to plan the myotomy starting point during per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). However, evidence is lacking that efficacy is improved by tailoring myotomy to the length of the spastic segment on HREM. We sought to investigate whether utilizing HREM to dictate myotomy length in POEM impacts postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Comparative analysis of HREM-tailored to non-tailored patients from a prospectively collected database of all POEMs at our institution January 2011 through July 2017. A tailored myotomy is defined as extending at least the length of the diseased segment, as initially measured on HREM. RESULTS: Forty patients were included (11 tailored versus 29 non-tailored). There were no differences in patient age (p = 0.6491) or BMI (p = 0.0677). Myotomy lengths were significantly longer for tailored compared to non-tailored overall (16.6 ± 2.2 versus 13.5 ± 1.8; p < 0.0001), and for only type III achalasia (15.9 ± 2.4 versus 12.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.0453), likely due to more proximal starting position in tailored cases (26.0 ± 2.2 versus 30.0 ± 2.7; p < 0.0001). Procedure success (Eckardt < 3) was equivalent across groups overall (p = 0.5558), as was postoperative Eckardt score (0.2 ± 0.4 versus 0.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.4004). Postoperative Eckardt score was significantly improved in the tailored group versus non-tailored for type III only (0.2 ± 0.4 versus 1.3 ± 1.5; p = 0.0435). A linear correlation was seen between increased length and greater improvement in Eckardt score in the non-tailored group (p = 0.0170). CONCLUSIONS: Using HREM to inform surgeons of the proximal location of the diseased segment resulted in longer myotomies, spanning the entire affected segment in type III achalasia, and in lower postoperative Eckardt scores. Longer myotomy length is often more easily achieved with POEM than with Heller myotomy, which raises the question of whether POEM results in better outcomes for type III achalasia, as types I and II do not generally have measurable spastic segments.

An international multicenter study evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of per-oral endoscopic myotomy in octogenarians.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia is particularly appealing in the elderly because it is minimally invasive. However, data in patients aged ≥80 years are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of POEM in octogenarians. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study at 8 centers. Consecutive octogenarians with achalasia who underwent POEM between 2010 and 2016 were included. Rates of technical success (completion of myotomy), clinical response (Eckardt score ≤3), and adverse events (severity graded as per American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (47.4% female, mean age 84 years) underwent POEM for treatment of achalasia: type I, 17.1%; type II, 35.5%; type III, 17.1%; and unspecified, 30.3%. Overall, 41.1% were treatment naïve, whereas others had previous botulinum toxin injection and/or pneumatic dilation. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score was 6.2 ± 2.4, with the majority of patients having American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA) scores of II/III. Technical success was 93.4%, with a median follow-up of 256 days. Fourteen adverse events occurred in 11 patients (14.5%). There were 3 inadvertent mucosotomies, 6 cases of symptomatic capnoperitoneum and/or capnomediastinum, 2 esophageal leaks, 1 cardiac arrhythmia, and 2 other). The severities of these adverse events were mild (78.6%), moderate (14.3%), and severe (7.1%). Clinical success was achieved in 90.8% of patients, with a mean (± SD) Eckardt score reduction from 7.0 ± 2.3 to 0.8 ± 0.1 (P < .001), a median follow-up of 256 days, and interquartile range of 66 to 547. CONCLUSION: Although the rate of technical success may be somewhat lower and the rate of adverse events slightly higher than previously reported, our data suggest that POEM in octogenarians is safe and effective, supporting its role as a primary modality for achalasia in this patient population.

The NOVEL trial: natural orifice versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy-a prospective, randomized evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: The evolution of Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery® (NOTES®) represents a case study in surgical procedural evolution. Beginning in 2004 with preclinical feasibility studies, and followed by the creation of the NOSCAR® collaboration between The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, procedural development followed a stepwise incremental pathway. The work of this consortium has included white paper analyses, obtaining outside independent funding for basic science and procedural development, and, ultimately, the initiation of a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing NOTES® cholecystectomy as an alternative procedure to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomized into a randomized clinical trial with the primary objective of demonstrating non-inferiority of the transvaginal and transgastric arms to the laparoscopic arm. In the original trial design, there were both transgastric and transvaginal groups to be compared to the laparoscopic control group. However, after enrollment and randomization of 6 laparoscopic controls and 4 transgastric cases into the transgastric group, this arm was ultimately deemed not practical due to lagging enrollment, and the arm was closed. Three transgastric via the transgastric approach were performed in total with 9 laparoscopic control cases enrolled through the TG arm. Overall a total of 41 transvaginal and their 39 laparoscopic cholecystectomy controls were randomized into the study with 37 transvaginal and 33 laparoscopic cholecystectomies being ultimately performed. Overall total operating time was statistically longer in the NOTES® group: 96.9 (64.97) minutes versus 52.1 (19.91) minutes. RESULTS: There were no major adverse events such as common bile duct injury or return to the operating room for hemorrhage. Intraoperative blood loss, length of stay, and total medication given in the PACU were not statistically different. There were no conversions in the NOTES® group to a laparoscopic or open procedure, nor were there any injuries, bile leaks, hemorrhagic complications, wound infections, or wound dehiscence in either group. There were no readmissions. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were 3.4 (CI 2.82) in the laparoscopic group and 2.9 (CI 1.96) in the transvaginal group (p = 0.41). The clinical assessment on cosmesis scores was not statistically different when recorded by clinical observers for most characteristics measured when the transvaginal group was compared to the laparoscopic group. Taken as a whole, the results slightly favor the transvaginal group. SF-12 scores were not statistically different at all postoperative time points except for the SF-12 mental component which was superior in the transvaginal group at all time points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The safety profile for transvaginal cholecystectomy demonstrates that this approach is safe and produces at least non-inferior clinical results with superior cosmesis, with a transient reduction in discomfort. The transvaginal approach to cholecystectomy should no longer be considered experimental. As a model for intersociety collaboration, the study demonstrated the ultimate feasibility and success of partnership as a model for basic research, procedural development, fundraising, and clinical trial execution for novel interventional concepts, regardless of physician board certification.

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Treatment of Achalasia After Failed Heller Myotomy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In patients with persistent symptoms after Heller myotomy (HM), treatment options include repeat HM, pneumatic dilation, or peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of POEM in patients with achalasia with prior HM vs without prior HM. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 180 patients with achalasia who underwent POEM at 13 tertiary centers worldwide, from December 2009 through September 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with prior HM (HM group, exposure; n = 90) and those without prior HM (non-HM group; n = 90). Clinical response was defined by a decrease in Eckardt scores to 3 or less. Adverse events were graded according to criteria set by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Technical success, clinical success, and rates of adverse events were compared between groups. Patients were followed up for a median of 8.5 months. RESULTS: POEM was technically successful in 98% of patients in the HM group and in 100% of patients in the non-HM group (P = .49). A significantly lower proportion of patients in the HM group had a clinical response to POEM (81%) than in the non-HM group (94%; P = .01). There were no significant differences in rates of adverse events between the groups (8% in the HM group vs 13% in the non-HM group; P = .23). Symptomatic reflux and reflux esophagitis after POEM were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: POEM is safe and effective for patients with achalasia who were not treated successfully by prior HM. Although the rate of clinical success in patients with prior HM is lower than in those without prior HM, the safety profile of POEM is comparable between groups.

Measurement of the quality of care of patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Process-based quality measures are increasingly used to evaluate hospital performance. However, practices vary, and patients with cirrhosis are a challenge to manage, given their risks of mortality, morbidity, and resources utilization. In 2010, process-based quality measures were developed to improve the care of these patients. We examined adherence with these quality measures for a cohort of patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis in 2009. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital with decompensated cirrhosis in 2009 (n = 149,379) hospitalizations. Quality indicator (QI) scores were calculated for each admission as a fraction, i.e., the number of quality markers met divided by the number of possible quality indices, given the patient's presentation (range, 0-1). QI scores were correlated with patient characteristics and clinical outcomes (30-day readmission; inpatient death). RESULTS: Quality indicators were met 45% of the time (95% confidence interval, 40-51%). In multivariable analysis, QI scores were significantly lower among non-English-speaking patients and those who had congestive heart failure. QI scores were higher among patients with gastrointestinal bleeding or encephalopathy-related admission to the hospital. QI scores were not associated with inpatient mortality or 30-day readmission. CONCLUSION: There is substantial opportunity to improve the care of patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis. Additional research is needed to identify effective strategies for closing gaps in care. Adherence to quality measures did not affect clinical outcomes, but if easily measured in other settings could be used to compare hospitals and practices.

Pancreatic and biliary stents.

Biliary and pancreatic stents are used in a variety of benign and malignant conditions including strictures and leaks and in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.Both plastic and metal stents are safe, effective, and easy to use. SEMSs have traditionally been used for inoperable malignant disease. Covered SEMSs are now being evaluated for use in benign disease. Increasing the duration of patency of both plastic and metal stents remains an important area for future research.

Endoluminal bariatric techniques.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Technology Committee provides reviews of new or emerging endoscopic technologies that have the potential to have an impact on the practice of GI endoscopy. Evidence-based methodology is used, with a MEDLINE literature search to identify pertinent preclinical and clinical studies on the topic and a MAUDE (U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health) database search to identify the reported complications of a given technology. Both are supplemented by accessing the "related articles" feature of PubMed and by scrutinizing pertinent references cited by the identified studies. Controlled clinical trials are emphasized, but in many cases, data from randomized, controlled trials are lacking. In such cases, large case series, preliminary clinical studies, and expert opinions are used. Technical data are gathered from traditional and Web-based publications, proprietary publications, and informal communications with pertinent vendors. For this review, the MEDLINE database was searched through January 2011 using the keywords "bariatric," "endoscopic," "intragastric balloon," "duodenojejunal bypass sleeve," and "transoral gastroplasty." Reports on Emerging Technologies are drafted by 1 or 2 members of the ASGE Technology Committee, reviewed and edited by the committee as a whole, and approved by the Governing Board of the ASGE. These reports are scientific reviews provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Reports on Emerging Technologies are not rules and should not be construed as establishing a legal standard of care or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment or payment for such treatment.

Mucinous Signet-Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Ileum: A Diagnostic Challenge-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Malignancies of the small intestine are rare. Signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is one of the rarest forms of adenocarcinoma that can arise in the small intestines. We present a case of a patient who originally presented with abdominal pain and radiographic findings suggestive of ileal congestion. The ileal biopsy specimens were nonspecific, and the patient began a trial of corticosteroid treatment for suspected Crohn's disease. A repeat colonoscopy yielded biopsies that were positive for malignancy. The patient then underwent an exploratory laparotomy which led to the diagnosis of SRCC. Given their similar presentations and the extreme rarity of this unusual malignancy, it can be difficult to differentiate between new-onset Crohn's disease and SRCC. A review of the literature was conducted to provide us with an improved understanding of previously documented cases of SRCC.

GI endoscopes.

The ASGE Technology Committee provides reviews of existing, new, or emerging endoscopic technologies that have an impact on the practice of GI endoscopy. Evidence-based methodology is used, performing a MEDLINE literature search to identify pertinent clinical studies on the topic and a MAUDE (U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health) database search to identify the reported complications of a given technology. Both are supplemented by accessing the "related articles" feature of PubMed and by scrutinizing pertinent references cited by the identified studies. Controlled clinical trials are emphasized, but in many cases data from randomized, controlled trials are lacking. In such cases, large case series, preliminary clinical studies, and expert opinions are used. Technical data are gathered from traditional and Web-based publications, proprietary publications, and informal communications with pertinent vendors. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are drafted by 1 or 2 members of the ASGE Technology Committee, reviewed and edited by the Committee as a whole, and approved by the Governing Board of the ASGE. When financial guidance is indicated, the most recent coding data and list prices at the time of publication are provided. For this review, the MEDLINE database was searched through September 2010 for articles related to endoscopy by using the key words "gastroscope," "colonoscope," "echoendoscope," "duodenoscope," "choledochoscope," "ultraslim endoscope," "variable stiffness colonoscope," and "wide-angle colonoscope." Technology Status Evaluation Reports are scientific reviews provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are not rules and should not be construed as establishing a legal standard of care or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment or payment for such treatment.

Enteral stents.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Technology Committee provides reviews of existing, new, or emerging endoscopic technologies that have an impact on the practice of GI endoscopy. Evidence-based methodology is used, with a MEDLINE literature search to identify pertinent clinical studies on the topic and a MAUDE (U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health) database search to identify the reported complications of a given technology. Both are supplemented by accessing the "related articles" feature of PubMed and by scrutinizing pertinent references cited by the identified studies. Controlled clinical trials are emphasized, but in many cases, data from randomized, controlled trials are lacking. In such cases, large case series, preliminary clinical studies, and expert opinions are used. Technical data are gathered from traditional and Web-based publications, proprietary publications, and informal communications with pertinent vendors. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are drafted by 1 or 2 members of the ASGE Technology Committee, reviewed and edited by the committee as a whole, and approved by the Governing Board of the ASGE. When financial guidance is indicated, the most recent coding data and list prices at the time of publication are provided. For this review, the MEDLINE database was searched through August 2010 for articles related to enteral, esophageal, duodenal, and colonic stents. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are scientific reviews provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are not rules and should not be construed as establishing a legal standard of care or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment or payment for such treatment.

Computer-assisted personalized sedation.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Technology Committee provides reviews of new or emerging endoscopic technologies that have the potential to have an impact on the practice of GI endoscopy. Evidence-based methodology is used, with a MEDLINE literature search to identify pertinent preclinical and clinical studies on the topic, and a MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health) database search to identify the reported complications of a given technology. Both are supplemented by accessing the "related articles" feature of PubMed and by scrutinizing pertinent references cited by the identified studies. Controlled clinical trials are emphasized but, in many cases, data from randomized, controlled trials are lacking. In such cases, large case series, preliminary clinical studies, and expert opinions are used. Technical data are gathered from traditional and Web-based publications, proprietary publications, and informal communications with pertinent vendors. For this review, the MEDLINE database was searched through January 2010 using the keywords "computer," "computerized," "computer-assisted," "sedation," "propofol." Reports on Emerging Technology are drafted by 1 or 2 members of the ASGE Technology Committee, reviewed and edited by the committee as a whole, and approved by the Governing Board of the ASGE. These reports are scientific reviews provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Reports on Emerging Technology are not rules and should not be construed as establishing a legal standard of care or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment or payment for such treatment.

NOTES(®) stapled cystgastrostomy: a novel approach for surgical management of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND: Traditional approach for surgical management of mature pancreatic pseudocysts is by internal surgical drainage. Endoscopic drainage procedures have also been described. We describe Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES(®)) stapled cystgastrostomy as a less invasive surgical procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: NOTES(®) cystgastrostomy was performed in six patients with mature pseudocysts from June 2007 to July 2009 under institutional review board (IRB) protocol. The size of the pseudocysts varied from 8 to 23 cm, and all of the pseudocysts were considered complex pseudocysts. The operative team included two general surgeons and a gastroenterologist. The procedure included endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided puncture of the stomach just below the gastroesophageal (GE) junction to gain access to the pseudocyst, guidewire placement, and then dilatation with a balloon to 18-20 mm. Endoscopic necrosectomy and debridement were performed when possible, followed by transoral surgical anastomosis under endoscopic visualization with the SurgAssist™ SLC 55 (Power Medical Interventions, Langhorne, PA) 4.8-mm stapler. Anastomotic length varied from 5.5 to 8 cm. In one patient, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed after the procedure due to inadvertent pneumoperitoneum; no leak or perforation was identified. RESULTS: Length of stay varied between 2 and 14 days. All patients had routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively to evaluate patency; computed tomography (CT) scan was done at 2-3 months to demonstrate resolution of the pseudocyst. All patients had significant decrease in pseudocyst size with patent anastomosis on postoperative EGD, although one patient required endoscopic anastomotic dilatation due to continued symptoms 6 weeks after the operation. Her pseudocyst completely resolved 4 months postoperatively. An additional patient required subsequent distal pancreatectomy due to recurrent symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: NOTES(®) cystgastrostomy is comparable to previously described surgical approaches, yet is as minimally invasive as endoscopic drainage procedures previously described for management of pseudocysts. It is less invasive than laparoscopic or open cystgastrostomy, yet provides definitive treatment.