Precutting Endoscopic Band Ligation-Assisted Resection Is Safe and Effective for Treating Gastric Submucosal Tumors from the Muscularis Propria.

BACKGROUND: We previously treated small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer by precutting endoscopic band ligation but lacked precise pathological results. Then, precutting endoscopic band ligation was modified by additional snare resection after ligation to obtain tumor specimens, termed precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection. AIMS: In this study, we aimed to explore the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection. METHODS: From 2021 to 2022, a total of 16 consecutive patients underwent precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection to treat small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. The clinical demography, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: With a mean operative time of 21.3 min, all lesions were successfully and completely resected, and no severe adverse events or local recurrences occurred postoperatively. More importantly, en bloc and R0 resection were achieved in all 16 patients. CONCLUSION: Precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection is a safe, effective, and time-saving endoscopic technique for managing gastric small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria for both diagnosis and eradication.

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty vs. rubber band ligation: a randomized trial comparing 2 mini-invasive treatment for grade II hemorrhoids.

PURPOSE: As a minimally invasive procedure, laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) can not only relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids, but also protect the anal cushion structure. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of LHP in the treatment of grade II hemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with grade II hemorrhoids were randomly assigned to receive LHP or Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) (n = 35 per group) in 2019 from a single center. The postoperative pain, bleeding, feeling of anal distension(local falling, swelling, foreign body sensation, stool) and postoperative recurrence rate were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The postoperative pain, bleeding, and feeling of anal distension in the LHP group were improved significantly as compared with the RBL group within 2 weeks after surgery (P < 0.01). Both methods can relieve the symptoms of grade II hemorrhoids. There was no difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups at 1 year after surgery (P > 0.05). The patients in LHP group took less time to return to normal activities (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As a minimally invasive treatment, LHP is easy and not traumatic and results in mild postoperative pain and few complications. It is an ideal choice for grade II hemorrhoids.

Predictors and management of post-banding ulcer bleeding in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Post-banding ulcer bleeding (PBUB) is an understudied complication of oesophageal varices endoscopic band ligation (EBL). This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed at: (a) evaluating the incidence of PBUB in patients with cirrhosis treated with EBL in primary or secondary prophylaxis or urgent treatment for acute variceal bleeding and (b) identifying predictors of PBUB. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of articles in English published in 2006-2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Searches were made in eight databases including Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to determine the incidence, mean interval and predictors of PBUB. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (9034 patients) were included. The incidence of PBUB was 5.5% (95% CI 4.3-7.1). The mean time for it to occur was 11 days (95% CI 9.94-11.97). Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (OR 1.162, 95% CI 1.047-1.291) and EBL done in emergency setting (OR 4.902, 95% CI 2.99-8.05) independently predicted post-ligation ulcer bleeding. Treatment included drugs, endoscopic procedures and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Refractory bleeding was treated with self-expandable metallic stents or balloon tamponade. Mortality was on average 22.3% (95% CI 14.1-33.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high MELD score and receiving EBL in an emergency setting are more prone to develop PBUB. Prognosis is still poor and the best therapeutic strategy to address remains to be ascertained.

HEmoRhoidal disease management with Band ligation versus polidocanol Sclerotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis (the HerBS Review).

PURPOSE: Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids affect up to 40% of people in Western society. Patients with grade I-III hemorrhoids, who fail lifestyle and medical management, may benefit from office-based procedures. As per the American Society of Colon and Rectum Surgeons (ASCRS), rubber band ligation (RBL) is the first-line office-based treatment. Polidocanol sclerotherapy is a relatively new approach for these patients. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the efficacy of RBL and polidocanol sclerotherapy with the treatment of symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. METHODS: The systematic review was completed by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases from inception to August 2022 for prospective studies comparing RBL and polidocanol sclerotherapy or evaluating the efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy alone for adult (> 18 years) patients with grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. Treatments were evaluated for therapeutic success and post-procedure morbidity. RESULTS: Of 155 citations obtained, 10 studies (3 comparative and 7 single-arm studies) and 4 abstracts (2 comparative and 2 single arm) were included in the study. The patients undergoing sclerotherapy had a 93% (151/163) therapeutic success rate compared to 75% (68/91) in the RBL group (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.48-7.74, p < 0.01). The post-procedure morbidity was 8% (17/200) in the sclerotherapy group and 18% (23/128) in the RBL group (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.15-1.82, p = 0.31). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that polidocanol sclerotherapy may be associated with higher therapeutic success in patients with symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. Further evaluations in the form of randomized trials are required to evaluate patient populations, which may benefit more from sclerotherapy.

Band Ligation Can Be Used to Treat Barrett's Esophagus and Concurrent Esophageal Varices: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal varices present a unique management dilemma. Endoscopic ablation and endoscopic resection are not suitable treatment options due to bleeding risk. Data are limited on successful eradication of BE and esophageal varices utilizing band ligation. AIMS: To assess the outcomes of patients with BE and esophageal varices treated with banding. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with BE and esophageal varices who were treated with band ligation. RESULTS: A total of eight patients were included in the case series. In all eight cases, BE and esophageal varices were successfully treated with band ligation alone. There were no bleeding, perforation or infectious complications in any patients undergoing banding for treatment of BE. Four patients had biopsy-proven dysplasia prior to treatment with band ligation. After band ligation, the 2 of 4 dysplastic cases that had repeat biopsies showed histologic resolution of the dysplasia. All patients who received banding for BE were followed at least yearly except for one patient lost to follow up. No interval esophageal cancers were reported in any patients with BE that were banded. CONCLUSIONS: Band ligation was used to treat BE pathology in eight patients with esophageal varices. Treatment of dysplasia through this method yielded negative biopsies both for dysplasia and BE on repeat endoscopy. This case series highlights the value of utilizing band ligation to address the management dilemma of BE in the context of esophageal varices.

Band-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection for small (≤ 1.5 cm) submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria in the gastric fundus: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To date, no prospective study has compared the safety and efficacy of band-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (BA-EMR) with those of endoscopic dissection (ESD) for the treatment of submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the gastric fundus. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BA-EMR with those of ESD for SMTs ≤ 1.5 cm in the gastric fundus. METHODS: In total, 62 patients with SMTs ≤ 1.5 cm in the gastric fundus underwent band ligation; the lesions that could be completely ligated were excised using a snare, while others were removed by ESD. RESULTS: Of 62 patients, 42 had their lesions completely ligated by the band and underwent BA-EMR, while 20 had lesions that could not be completely ligated and underwent ESD. The average tumor size was 0.94 ± 0.16 and 1.30 ± 0.16 cm in the BA-EMR and ESD groups, respectively. Compared with ESD, BA-EMR had significantly fewer complications and a significantly shorter mean operating time and hospital stay. CONCLUSION: BA-EMR is a safe and effective method for small SMTs in the gastric fundus, but is only suitable for SMTs < 1.2 cm. For small SMTs (< 1.2 cm) in the gastric fundus, BA-EMR may simplify the treatment procedure, shorten the operation time, and reduce complications.

Efficacy of two endoscopic rubber band ligation methods for symptomatic hemorrhoids: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) is considered an effective nonsurgical treatment for symptomatic grade I to III hemorrhoids; however, it is unclear whether ligation of hemorrhoids or simultaneous ligation of hemorrhoids and proximal normal mucosa (combined ligation) is safer and more effective. This controlled, open-label, and prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of both methods for symptomatic grade I to III hemorrhoids. METHODS: Seventy patients with symptomatic grade I to III hemorrhoids were randomly assigned to the hemorrhoid and combined ligation groups (35 in each group). Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess symptom improvement, complications, and recurrence. The primary outcome was overall therapeutic success rate (complete resolution and partial resolution rates). The secondary outcomes included recurrence rate and efficacy for each symptom. Complications and patient satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (31 in each group) completed the 12-month follow-up; 42 (67.8%) experienced complete resolution, 17 (27.4%) experienced partial resolution, and 3 (4.8%) experienced no change in overall efficacy. The rates of complete resolution, partial resolution, and no change in the hemorrhoid ligation and combined ligation groups were 71.0 and 64.5%, 22.6 and 32.3%, and 6.5 and 3.2%, respectively. No significant differences in overall efficacy, recurrence rate, or efficacy for each symptom (including bleeding, prolapse, pain, anal swelling, itching, soiling, and constipation) were observed between groups. No life-threatening events requiring surgical intervention occurred. The incidence of postoperative pain was higher in the combined ligation group (74.2% vs. 45.2%, P = 0.02). No significant differences between groups in terms of incidences of other complications or patient satisfaction were observed. CONCLUSION: Both methods achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects. No significant differences in efficacy and safety of the two ligation methods were observed; however, combined ligation resulted in a higher incidence of postprocedural pain.

Comparisons Between Endoscopic Band Ligation, Radiofrequency Ablation and Endoscopic Thermal Therapy for Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have emerged as alternative therapies of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) in addition to endoscopic thermal therapy (ETT), but the optimum choice remains inconclusive. AIM: We conducted a meta-analysis in order to compare these three treatments for GAVE. METHODS: We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials without any language restrictions and also performed a manual literature search of bibliographies located in both retrieved articles and published reviews for eligible publications prior to December 8, 2021. We included comparative trials which had evaluated the efficacy and safety of interventions in adults (aged ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with symptomatic GAVE and was confirmed according to clinical backgrounds and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. We included reports that compared three interventions, ETT, EBL, and RFA. The study was comprised of adults diagnosed with GAVE and focused on overall mortality, bleeding cessation, endoscopic improvement, complications, hospitalization, hemoglobin improvement, number of sessions and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: Twelve studies were performed involving a total of 571 participants for analysis. When compared with ETT, EBL achieved better bleeding cessation (OR 4.48, 95% CI 1.36-14.77, p = 0.01), higher hemoglobin improvement (MD 0.57, 95% CI 0.31-0.83, p < 0.01) and lower number of sessions (MD - 1.44, 95% CI - 2.54 to - 0.34, p = 0.01). Additionally, EBL was superior to ETT in endoscopic improvement (OR 6.00, 95% CI 2.26-15.97, p < 0.01), hospitalization (MD - 1.32, 95% CI - 1.91 to - 0.74, p < 0.01) and transfusion requirement (MD - 2.66, 95% CI - 4.67 to - 0.65, p = 0.01) with statistical significance, with the exception of mortality (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.19-1.77, p = 0.34) and complication rate (OR 5.33, 95% CI 0.58-48.84, p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: For GAVE, we suggest that EBL be initially recommended, and APC and RFA be used as alternative treatment choices based upon a very low quality of evidence.

Quality of life and outcomes after rubber band ligation for haemorrhoidal disease.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact on quality of life after rubber band ligation (RBL) in patients with symptomatic grade II-III haemorrhoids who did not improve after 6 months of conservative treatment, using quality of life scores. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort observational study where patients with haemorrhoidal disease and indication for RBL were included between December 2019 and December 2020. RBL was offered as first-line treatment in this group. Patient´s quality of life was assessed by scores: HDSS (Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score) and SHS (Short Health Scale).Secondary objectives were: to evaluate the rate of patients requiring one or more RBL procedures, to establish the overall success rate of RBL and to analyse complications. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were finally included. Regarding the impact on quality of life after RBL, a significant reduction was found in the HDSS and SHS scores (p < 0.001). The main improvement was found in the first month and it was maintained until the sixth month. A high degree of satisfaction with the procedure was reported by 76% of patients. The overall success rate of banding was 89%. A 12% complication rate was detected, the most frequent complication was severe anal pain (58.3%) and self-limiting bleeding (41.7%). CONCLUSION: Rubber band ligation, as a treatment for symptomatic grade II-III haemorrhoids that do not respond to medical treatment, leads to a significant improvement in patients' symptoms and quality of life. It also has a high degree of satisfaction between patients.

Local anaesthetic for pain post rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids: a prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rubber band ligation (RBL) is a widely accepted intervention for the treatment of haemorrhoids. However, post procedure pain is a common complaint. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of local anaesthetic (LA) to the haemorrhoid pedicle base, post RBL, aids in reducing early post-procedure pain. Additionally, to compare perceived perianal numbness, oral analgesia usage and total consumption, and adverse events. METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were recruited from colorectal clinics in two Australian hospitals between 2018-2019. Patients randomised to the intervention (LA) group received 2mls bupivacaine 0.5% with adrenaline 1:200,000 to each haemorrhoid base. Patients in the control group were not administered LA. Pain scores were recorded over 48 h using visual analogue scales. Analgesia consumption was documented and other secondary objectives were recorded dichotomously (yes/no). RESULTS: At 1 h post-procedure, patient reported pain scores were significantly lower in the LA group compared to the control group (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in pain scores between the groups at 4, 24 or 48 h. Additionally, there were no significant differences between groups with respect to oral analgesia usage, perianal numbness or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: LA to the haemorrhoid pedicle post RBL may significantly reduce early post procedure pain without any increased risk of adverse effects.

Variceal Bleeding: Beyond Banding.

Despite advances in the management of complications of portal hypertension, variceal bleeding continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While endoscopic variceal band ligation remains first line therapy for treating bleeding and high-risk non-bleeding esophageal varices, alternate therapies have been explored, particularly in cases of refractory bleeding. The therapies being explored include stent placement, hemostatic powder use, over-the-scope clips and others. For gastric variceal bleeding, endoscopic ultrasound-guided therapies have recently emerged as promising interventions for hemostasis. The aim of this article is to highlight these alternative therapies and their potential role in the management of gastric and esophageal variceal bleeding.

Modified rubber band ligation for treatment of grade II/III hemorrhoids: clinical efficacy and safety evaluation-a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Massive, delayed bleeding (DB) is the most common major complication of Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) for internal hemorrhoids caused by premature band slippage. In this study we modified conventional RBL to prevent early rubber band slippage and evaluated its clinical efficacy and safety. METHODS: Study participants were consecutive patients with grade II or III internal hemorrhoids treated with RBL at Ningbo Medical Center of Lihuili Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Postoperative minor complications such as pain, swelling, anal edema, prolapse recurrence and major complications like DB were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients were enrolled, including 149 patients treated with modified RBL and 125 treated with conventional RBL. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at baseline. Five cases of postoperative DB have been observed in the conventional RBL group, compared to none in the modified ones, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Within three months after surgery, 8 cases in the modified RBL group experienced a recurrence rate of 5.4%, whereas 17 patients in the conventional RBL group experienced a recurrence rate of 13.6%. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The VAS score, edema, and incidence of sensation of prolapse between the two groups were not significantly different at 3 and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.05). There were also no significant differences in HDSS and SHS scores between the two groups after surgery (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Modified RBL may be associated with a lower rate of complications, especially with lower DB rate in comparison with standard RBL. Further studies in larger samples and different design are necessary to confirm these results.

Variceal recurrence 4 years post endoscopic band ligation in hepatitis C patients who achieved sustained virological response with oral direct-acting antiviral therapy.

Oral Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are safe, highly effective altering disease burden and prognosis in hepatitis C patients. Sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved nowadays in more than 90% of the treated patients and related to the improvements in functions of the liver, fibrosis plus survival. Furthermore, portal hypertension is thought to be improved with achievement of virological response, parallel to the improvements in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. We aimed to assess the recurrence rate of oesophageal varices by long-term follow-up in patients treated with different DAAs regimens who had achieved SVR. We studied 176 Child A cirrhotic HCV patients who achieved SVR after DAAs treatment and had a history of endoscopic oesophageal varices obliteration and were on maximum tolerated propranolol dose. They were subjected to follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy repeated every 6 months for 4 years. Fifty-two patients (29.5%) had recurrence of oesophageal varices observed during the 4-years follow-up upper GIT endoscopy. On multivariate analysis, platelet count was the only significant variable, P-value = .007*. HbA1C, HOMA IR, BMI 1 and BMI 2 showed non-significant differences between the studied groups. By ROC analysis, we identified baseline platelet count of 96 000/µL with 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] [91%-100%]) and 74% specificity (95% CI [65%-81%]). Spearman correlation showed a positive correlation between AFP, age, AST, Bilirubin, creatinine, INR. Patients who achieved SVR post DAAs showed a significant decrease in oesophageal varices recurrence post endoscopic obliteration. Baseline platelet count was found to be a strong independent predictor for oesophageal varices recurrence.

Rubber band ligation of symptomatic hemorrhoids: an old solution to an everyday problem.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study is to present the results of rubber band ligation (RBL) in 2635 consecutive patients with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree symptomatic hemorrhoids, the pain risk factors, and the applicability of the method in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. METHODS: A total of 1256 patients with 2nd, 1159 with 3rd, and 220 with 4th degree hemorrhoids were included in the study. Fifty-seven patients with hemorrhoids had liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. RBL was performed using St Marks', McGinvey, and suction ligators. Single ligation was done in 178 patients, while 2457 patients had synchronous multiple ligations, in one (272), two (1289), and three (896 patients) sessions. RESULTS: After the end of treatment, 86.8% of our patients were asymptomatic and 84.5% remained asymptomatic 2 years later. A total of 593 patients had complications. Thirty required hospitalization, while pain was the most frequent complication (16.16 %). Multiple banding, young age, male sex, and external hemorrhoids were pain risk factors. RBL proved to be safe in 57 patients with coagulation disorders due to cirrhosis. Symptomatic recurrence was detected in 327 out of 2110 patients (15.49%), with repeat RBL in 219 cases and surgery in 108 cases. CONCLUSION: RBL is a safe, effective method for treating symptomatic 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids. It can also be applied in selected cases of 4th degree hemorrhoids and patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Bedside risk-scoring model for predicting 6-week mortality in cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic band ligation for acute variceal bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a fatal adverse event of cirrhosis, and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is the standard treatment for AVB. We developed a novel bedside risk-scoring model to predict the 6-week mortality in cirrhotic patients undergoing EBL for AVB. METHODS: Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relationship of clinical, biological, and endoscopic variables with the 6-week mortality risk after EBL in a derivation cohort (n = 1373). The primary outcome was the predictive accuracy of the new model for the 6-week mortality in the validation cohort. Moreover, we tested the adequacy of the mortality risk-based stratification and the discriminative performance of our new model in comparison with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and the model for end-stage liver disease scores in the validation cohort (n = 200). RESULTS: On multivariate Cox regression analysis, five objective variables (use of beta-blockers, hepatocellular carcinoma, CTP class C, hypovolemic shock at initial presentation, and history of hepatic encephalopathy) were scored to generate a 12-point risk-prediction model. The model stratified the 6-week mortality risk in patients as low (3.5%), intermediate (21.1%), and high (53.4%) (P < 0.001). Time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for 6-week mortality showed that this model was a better prognostic indicator than the CTP class alone in the derivation (P < 0.001) and validation (P < 0.001) cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: A simplified scoring model with high potential for generalization refines the prediction of 6-week mortality in high-risk cirrhotic patients, thereby aiding the targeting and individualization of treatment strategies for decreasing the mortality rate.

Cumulative evidence for reducing recurrence of colonic diverticular bleeding using endoscopic clipping versus band ligation: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Either clipping or band ligation will become the most common endoscopic treatment for colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB). Rebleeding is a significant clinical outcome of CDB, but there is no cumulative evidence comparing reduction of short-term and long-term rebleeding between them. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine which endoscopic treatment is more effective to reduce recurrence of CDB. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase was performed through December 2019. Main outcomes were early and late rebleeding rates, defined as bleeding within 30 days and 1 year of endoscopic therapy for CDB. Initial hemostasis, need for transcatheter arterial embolization, or surgery were also assessed. Overall pooled estimates were calculated. RESULTS: Sixteen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, and a total of 790 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of early rebleeding was significantly lower for band ligation than clipping (0.08 vs 0.19; heterogeneity test, P = 0.012). The pooled prevalence of late rebleeding was significantly lower for band ligation than clipping (0.09 vs 0.29; heterogeneity test, P = 0.024). No significant difference of initial hemostasis rate was noted between the two groups. Pooled prevalence of need for transcatheter arterial embolization or surgery was significantly lower for band ligation than clipping (0.01 vs 0.02; heterogeneity test, P = 0.031). There were two cases with colonic diverticulitis due to band ligation but none in clipping. CONCLUSION: Band ligation therapy was more effective compared with clipping to reduce recurrence of colonic diverticular hemorrhage over short-term and long-term durations.

Safety and Effectiveness of Endoscopic Band Ligation for Colonic Diverticular Bleeding in Elderly Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Colonic diverticulosis increases with age, leading to a higher risk of colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) in the elderly. As life expectancy continues to increase, the need for endoscopic hemostasis for CDB in the elderly can also be expected to increase. However, there have been no reports to date on the feasibility of endoscopic hemostasis for elderly CDB patients. Several recent studies have addressed the effectiveness of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for CDB. In this study, we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of EBL in elderly CDB patients compared to younger CDB patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of consecutive patients treated with EBL for the first time at a tertiary referral center between March 2011 and November 2017. Patients were grouped according to age into those at least 75 years old (the Elderly) and those <75 years old (the Nonelderly). Patient characteristics, technical success, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: EBL was performed in 153 patients during the study period (49 Elderly patients and 104 Nonelderly patients). Elderly patients were less likely to be male (p < 0.001) and had lower hemoglobin levels on admission (p < 0.001). Bleeding on the right side of the splenic flexure was observed more frequently in the Nonelderly (p = 0.002). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and use of antithrombotic agents were significantly higher in the Elderly (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Active bleeding tended to be observed more frequently in the Elderly (p = 0.054), while the difference was not significant. There were no significant differences in the shock index, procedure time, or units of packed red blood cells transfused between the 2 groups. No significant differences in the technical success rate (97.1 vs. 98%, p = 0.76), early rebleeding rate (10.2 vs. 14.4%, p = 0.47), or other complications (2 vs. 1%, p = 0.58) were observed. Perforation and abscess formation were not observed in either group. Female gender, left-sidedness, higher CCI, and lower hemoglobin level were all significantly more frequently observed in the Elderly on multiple logistic regression analysis. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: EBL may be similarly safe and effective for the treatment of CDB in the elderly as in the nonelderly.

Endoscopic cardial constriction with band ligation in the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: a preliminary feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disease, could cause extra-esophageal symptoms. Peroral endoscopic cardial constriction with band ligation (PECC-b) is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of GERD in recent years. The goals of this study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PECC-b to treat gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing PECC-b between January 2017 and December 2018 at a single institution was conducted. All patients confirmed GERD by endoscopy, esophageal PH-impedance monitoring, esophageal manometry and symptom questionnaires. The outcome measures included reflux-related scores, patients' satisfaction and drug independence after 12 months following surgery. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients, with follow-up of 12 months post surgery, were included in the final analysis. The symptom scores were all significantly decreased as compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). The esophageal symptom scores showed a better improvement than extra-esophageal symptoms (P < 0.001). Fifty-three (77.9%) patients achieved complete drug therapy independence and 52 (76.5%) patients were completely or partially satisfied with the symptom relief following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The PECC-b is a safe, effective and recommended approach for the control of GERD-related symptoms. Further multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm these outcomes.

Rubber band ligation versus haemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of grade II-III haemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review clinical outcome of haemorrhoidectomy and rubber band ligation in grade II-III haemorrhoids. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the WHO International Trial Registry Platform were searched, from inception until May 2018, to identify randomised clinical trials comparing rubber band ligation with haemorrhoidectomy for grade II-III haemorrhoids. The primary outcome was control of symptoms. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, postoperative complications, anal continence, patient satisfaction, quality of life and healthcare costs were assessed. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-four studies were identified. Eight trials met the inclusion criteria. All trials were of moderate methodological quality. Outcome measures were diverse and not clearly defined. Control of symptoms was better following haemorrhoidectomy. Patients had less pain after rubber band ligation. There were more complications (bleeding, urinary retention, anal incontinence/stenosis) in the haemorrhoidectomy group. Patient satisfaction was equal in both groups. There were no data on quality of life and healthcare costs except that in one study patients resumed work more early after rubber band ligation. CONCLUSIONS: Haemorrhoidectomy seems to provide better symptom control but at the cost of more pain and complications. However, due to the poor quality of the studies analysed/it is not possible to determine which of the two procedures provides the best treatment for grade II-III haemorrhoids. Further studies focusing on clearly defined outcome measurements taking patients perspective and economic impact into consideration are required.

New treatment method for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): C-BLART (clip band ligation anti-reflux therapy)-a short-term study.

OBJECTIVES: C-BLART (clip band ligation anti-reflux therapy) has been reported as a new alternative endoscopic treatment for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluated the short-term efficacy of C-BLART for controlling GERD symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, esophagitis, and quality of life. METHODS: Patients with refractory GERD were recruited for a nonrandomized concurrent comparison, with 60 patients in the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group and 43 patients in the BID proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group. The primary outcomes were esophageal acid exposure and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. The GERD-Q score, esophagitis grade, and adherence degree were also recorded. Crossover from the BID PPI group to the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group was allowed after 6 months. RESULTS: The LES pressure and GERD-Q score improved more in the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group (P < 0.001) after 6 months, with no significant difference in the decrease in esophagitis compared with the baseline endoscopic results (P = 0.268). Treatment with PPIs had been halted in 43% of the patients at 6 months after C-BLART. At 12 months after C-BLART, the DeMeester score showed a significant improvement compared with the baseline measurements (P = 0.025). The GERD-Q score and LES pressure did not significantly improve compared with the baseline values (P = 0.102, P = 0.184) in C-BLART with tailored PPI use group. At 6 to 12 months, n = 6 (10%) patients had undergone laparoscopic fundoplication to control their symptoms in all the patients after C-BLART. CONCLUSION: C-BLART is a novel treatment for controlling refractory GERD symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, and LES pressure according to this short-term analysis, safely performed endoscopically to create an anti-reflux barrier with ligated bands. Despite improvements in DeMeester score, LES pressure, and GERD-Q scores in the C-BLART with tailored PPI use group, many patients continue to demonstrate objective evidence of GERD.