Predictors of Morbidity, Mortality, and Hospital Utilization Among Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-related Hospitalizations: A Five-year Nationwide Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the hospital frailty risk score on the inpatient mortality, morbidity, and health care resource utilization among endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related hospitalizations. BACKGROUND: Data regarding the inpatient mortality, morbidity, and health care resource utilization of ERCP among frail individuals remain limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we compared the odds of inpatient mortality and morbidity of ERCP-related hospitalizations among individuals with low frailty scores, intermediate frailty scores (IFSs), and high frailty scores (HFSs). RESULTS: Overall, 776,025 ERCP-related hospitalizations were recorded from 2016 to 2020. 552,045 had a low frailty score, whereas 217,875 had an IFS, and 6105 had an HFS. Frail individuals had a 5-fold increase in mortality [IFS: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.81, 95% CI: 3.77-6.14; HFS: aOR = 4.62, 95% CI: 2.48-8.63]. An IFS was associated with a 24% increase in post-ERCP pancreatitis (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11-1.41), a 3-fold increase in post-ERCP bleeding (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.82-3.67), and a 2-fold increase in post-ERCP duct perforation (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.38-2.64). Frail individuals experienced higher odds of in-hospital morbidity, including secondary sepsis, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, cerebrovascular accidents, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study presents strong evidence in support of using the hospital frailty risk score as an index to predict mortality and morbidity during ERCP-related hospitalizations. Additional caution is warranted in the management of frail individuals undergoing ERCP.

Reporting Quality of Endoscopic Colorectal Cancer Screening Randomized Controlled Trials: Adherence to Recommendations and Interventions.

Background and Aims: In 2013, the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) steering group published recommendations to standardize reporting quality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aim to assess adherence to SPIRIT reporting guidelines in RCTs on endoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and participants' adherence to trial protocols. Methods: We searched databases for RCTs evaluating flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy for CRC screening published in English language through September 2023. Each eligible study was evaluated using the 8 core SPIRIT statement areas, totaling 51 points. Each item received 1 point if it met the criteria and 0 points if it did not. Adherence to SPIRIT items was calculated, and participant adherence to RCT protocols was assessed as the proportion of participants screened compared to those invited. Results: Five RCTs, including 4 on flexible sigmoidoscopy and 1 on colonoscopy, were analyzed. Adherence to SPIRIT guidance ranged from 82.4% to 92.2%. The most missed recommendation was item 2b (trial registrations), scored 0 across all studies. Additionally, item 32 (informed consent materials) scored 20%, and items 17a & b (blinding) scored 40% each. In total, 587,572 participants were randomized across the 5 RCTs. Of these, 37% (200,610) underwent CRC screening, with 69.8% (139,983/200,610) adhering to the protocol. The Nordic-European Initiative on Colorectal Cancer (NordICC) trial, employing a unique invitation method, had a lower adherence rate of 42%. Excluding this trial would raise the adherence rate to 74.3% (128,050/172,390). Conclusion: The published CRC screening trials have acceptable adherence to the SPIRIT reporting guidelines. However, reporting appended consent form materials and disclosing all WHO trial registration data can be improved.

The impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes in the United States from 1990 to 2021.

AIM: Elevated body mass index (BMI) presents a significant public health challenge in the United States, contributing to considerable morbidity, mortality and economic burden. This study investigates the health burden of overweight and obesity in the United States from 1990 to 2021, leveraging the Global Burden of Disease data set to analyse trends, disparities and potential determinants of high BMI-related health outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study focused on the United States, analysing trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and deaths attributable to high BMI, defined as a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher for adults. Statistical analyses included estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in age-standardized DALY rates and age-standardized death rates. Pearson correlation was performed between EAPCs and the socio-demographic index (SDI), with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized DALY rates attributable to high BMI increased by 24.9%, whereas the age-standardized death rates increased by 5.2%. Age disparities showed DALYs peaking at 60-64 years for males and 65-69 years for females, with deaths peaking at 65-69 years for males and 90-94 years for females. A strong negative correlation was found between the EAPC in age-standardized DALY and death rates and the SDI. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity significantly impact public health in the United States, especially among older adults and lower socio-demographic regions. Comprehensive public health strategies integrating behavioural, technological and environmental interventions are crucial. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, personalized interventions and policy-driven approaches to address the multifaceted influences on high BMI.

Emerging trends and demographic disparities in anal cancer mortality across the United States census regions: An analysis of National Center for Health Statistics mortality data.

AIMS: Anal cancer, despite its rarity, is a matter of serious concern in the United States, with an uptrend in recent years and marked racial disparities in mortality rates. The aim of this work was to investigate anal cancer mortality trends and sex race disparities in the United States from 1999 to 2020. METHOD: This is a retrospective study using data from the CDC WONDER database (1999-2020). We investigated deaths attributed to anal cancer, identified by the ICD-10 code C21.1, and excluded individuals aged 14 years and under. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to investigate temporal trends and a t-test was used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: Both male and female age-adjusted mortality attributed to anal cancer increased significantly during the study period across all subgroups, including race (Black and White), US Census region (Northeast, Midwest, South and West) and age (15-64 and ≥65 years) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). For each subgroup, women demonstrated significantly higher rates of mortality than men, except in the Black population, where Black men had higher rates than Black women (0.40 vs. 0.29, p < 0.001). Additionally, Black men had significantly higher mean mortality rates than White men (0.40 vs. 0.27, p < 0.001). The highest rates of anal cancer mortality were among geriatric individuals, especially women aged ≥65 years, at 1.18 per 100 000. CONCLUSION: The rise in anal cancer mortality and racial and sex disparities present a significant challenge for healthcare providers and policy makers. Further studies are required to devise evidence-based strategies to effectively tackle this challenge.

Risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation in colonoscopy: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) prior to colonoscopy remains a common problem. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the risk factors associated with IBP. METHODS: We searched multiple databases for studies that assessed risk factors for IBP after adjustment and reported the data as adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model, and pooled adjusted ORs for risk factors reported in ≥3 studies were constructed. RESULTS: 154 studies with 258,257 participants were included. We analyzed 48 unique risk factors. Sociodemographic predictors of IBP were Medicaid insurance, obesity, current tobacco use, age≥65, Black race, low education level, male gender, and unmarried status. Comorbidity-related predictors of IBP were any psychiatric disease, cirrhosis, ASA class≥3, poor functional status, constipation, diabetes, prior abdominopelvic surgery, and hematochezia. Medication-related predictors of IBP were tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), antidepressants, opioid, non-TCA antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers. Preparation/procedure-related predictors of IBP were brown liquid rectal effluent, any incomplete bowel preparation (BP) intake, lack of split-dose BP, increased BP-to-defecation interval, any non-adherence to dietary instructions, increased BP-to-colonoscopy interval, any BP intolerance, prior IBP, and inpatient status. While afternoon colonoscopy was a predictor of IBP, subgroup analysis of prospective studies revealed no significant association. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis focused on adjusted risk factors to provide precise estimates of the most important risk factors for IBP. Our findings could help develop a validated prediction model to identify high-risk patients for IBP, improve colonoscopy outcomes, reduce the need for repeat colonoscopies, and reduce associated healthcare costs.

Inflammatory bowel disease burden in the Middle East and North Africa Region: a comprehensive analysis of incidence, prevalence, and mortality from 1990-2019.

Background: The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has changed rapidly in recent years. Objective data concerning the IBD burden in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is limited. We aimed to provide a systematic report on the IBD burden in the MENA region. Additionally, we aimed to study the age- and sex-specific trends in IBD incidence, prevalence and mortality rates from 1990-2019. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 Study Database, we investigated the changes in incidence, prevalence and mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), at a regional and country level between 1990 and 2019. Results: In 2019, there were 282,534 cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 239,506-334,478) of IBD in the MENA region (50.5% male). There was an overall increase in the incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019, while a simultaneous decrease in overall mortality rates was identified. Incidence rates were highest in Jordan, at 6.9 (95%CI 5.8-8.1) per 100,000, and lowest in Morocco, at 1.6 (95%CI 1.4-2) per 100,000. From 1990-2019, the incidence was found increased in males at a higher rate than in females. The age-standardized mortality rate decreased for both sexes by 24% from 1990-2019. Conclusion: The trends and geographic variations in IBD within the MENA region provide policymakers with vital information for making informed decisions in policy, research, and investment, thereby enabling the development of more effective strategies and better allocation of resources.

Inflammatory bowel disease and pulmonary embolism: a nationwide perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) hospitalized with pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study analyzed data from the 2016 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample to investigate hospitalizations for PE in the USA, stratified by the presence or absence of IBD. Adult patients were selected using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for PE, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics were collected. Statistical analysis included univariable and multivariable logistic regression using Stata/BE 17.0, focusing on in-hospital mortality and complications in PE patients with and without IBD. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated when appropriate. RESULTS: PE/IBD group was younger (mean age 58.3 vs. 62.7 years; P < 0.001), had a higher proportion of white patients (81.2% vs. 70.9%; P < 0.001), and had a greater prevalence of chronic liver disease (7.54% vs. 6.02%; P = 0.002) when compared to PE/non-IBD patients. The PE/IBD group had lower prevalence rates of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Regarding primary outcomes, there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.09; P = 0.355). However, the IBD/PE group had a higher risk of acute kidney injury, sepsis, septic shock, cardiac arrhythmias, and deep vein thrombosis. As for secondary outcomes, PE/IBD patients had more extended hospital stays and higher healthcare costs compared with PE/non-IBD patients. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized PE patients with IBD differ demographically and have a different comorbidity profile compared to those without IBD. PE/IBD patients demonstrate greater use of healthcare resources and elevated risk of hospitalization adverse events than PE/non-IBD patients, highlighting the necessity for individualized management approaches in this population.

Efficacy and Safety of Interleukin-12/23 and Interleukin-23 Inhibitors for Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review Ad Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Targeting interleukin-23 (IL-23) represents a significant therapeutic avenue for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). STUDY QUESTION: What are the effectiveness and safety of selective inhibitors targeting IL-23p19 and IL-12/23p40 in individuals with moderate-to-severe UC? DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases till January 15, 2024, to identify randomized controlled trials comparing IL-23p19 and IL-12/23p40 inhibitors against placebo or active comparators in UC patients. The primary outcome was clinical remission, with secondary outcomes including clinical response, endoscopic remission, and safety profiles during induction and maintenance phases. Using a fixed-effect model, we pooled dichotomous data with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for analysis. RESULTS: In 5 trials involving 1120 patients with moderate to severe UC, targeting IL-23 showed significant superiority in inducing clinical remission [RR: 2.08, 95% CI, (1.66-2.61)], endoscopic remission [RR: 1.73, 95% CI, (1.39-2.16)], and histologic remission [RR: 1.88, 95% CI, (1.34-2.64)]. Additionally, individuals treated with IL-12/23p40 or IL-23p19 antagonists maintained clinical remission [RR: 1.85, 95% CI, (1.53-2.23)], endoscopic remission [RR: 2.03, 95% CI, (1.60-2.57)], and histologic remission [RR: 1.66, 95% CI, (1.11-2.48)]. Targeting IL-23 was linked with a reduced risk of any adverse events (AE) during both induction [RR: 0.94, 95% CI, (0.86-1.02)] and maintenance phases [RR: 0.93, 95% CI, (0.86-0.99)], any serious AE during the induction phase [RR: 0.53, 95% CI, (0.36-0.78)], and withdrawal due to AEs compared to patients receiving placebo during induction [RR: 0.24, 95% CI (0.14, 0.43)]. CONCLUSION: Targeting IL-23 demonstrates efficacy and safety for inducing and maintaining clinical and endoscopic remission in moderate-to-severe UC patients.

The Effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Gender and Medical School Diversity in Gastroenterology Fellowship Matching.

Background and Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the medical field, including the gastroenterology (GI) fellowship application process. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on GI fellowship applications, with a focus on applicants' gender and medical school training type. Methods: Data from the GI match results for 2018-2022 were collected, including the number and percentage of matched applicants per year, categorized by gender, US medical graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate trends and changes in matching rates, both before and during the pandemic. Results: There was a significant increase in the number of females matching into GI fellowships over the 5-year period. DOs also witnessed a significant increase in matching rates during the COVID-19-impacted years (2021-2022). However, no significant changes were observed for US medical graduates and IMGs. Conclusion: The study highlights positive trends in gender and DO representation in GI fellowships. Despite these improvements, gender disparities persist, necessitating continued efforts to promote diversity and equity in the field. Additionally, challenges for IMGs remain, requiring attention to structural barriers. The long-term effects of the pandemic on fellowship matching and diversity warrant further investigation to inform future policies and practices in GI training programs.

Shifting tides in cardiology fellowship: an analysis of trends and the virtual interview revolution, 2017 to 2021.

Introduction: This investigation aimed to delineate the trends in cardiology fellowship applications and match rates between 2017 and 2021, with a particular focus on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Resident Matching Program and the American Board of Internal Medicine covering 6693 applicants, we conducted chi-square tests to assess match rate variations. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study noted an increase in matched US MD applicants (from 482 in 2017 to 549 in 2021, P = 0.0001) but a decrease in their match rate (from 89.8% to 83.1%). Matched US DO applicants rose significantly from 60 in 2017 to 103 in 2021 (P = 0.0001). A decline in first-choice matches and an increase in matches beyond the third choice were observed after the shift to virtual interviews. Conclusions: The study's analysis of cardiology fellowship trends from 2017 to 2021 underscores the escalating competitiveness in this field and signals a critical need for further research.

Advancements in Early Detection and Screening Strategies for Pancreatic Cancer: From Genetic Susceptibility to Novel Biomarkers.

Pancreatic cancer is a rare but lethal cancer due to its biologically aggressive nature, advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, and poor response to oncologic therapies. The risk of pancreatic cancer is significantly higher to 5% in certain high-risk individuals with inherited genetic susceptibility. Screening for pancreatic cancer in these individuals from high-risk groups can help with the early detection of pancreatic cancer as well as the detection of precursor lesions leading to early surgical resection and improved overall outcomes. The advancements in radiological imaging as well as advanced endoscopic procedures has made a significant impact on the early diagnosis, surveillance, and staging of pancreatic cancer. There is also a significant advancement in the development of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, which has also led to the development of liquid biopsy, allowing for microRNA detection in serum and circulating tumor cells. Various societies and organizations have provided guidelines for pancreatic cancer screening and surveillance in high-risk individuals. In this review, we aim to discuss the hereditary risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer, summarize the screening recommendations by different societies, and discuss the development of novel biomarkers and areas for future research in pancreatic cancer screening for high-risk individuals.

Racial and ethnic disparities in gallbladder cancer: A two-decade analysis of incidence and mortality rates in the US.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy that is usually diagnosed at a late stage. Prior data showed increasing incidence of GBC in the US. However, little is known about race/ethnic-specific incidence and mortality trends of GBC per stage at diagnosis. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a time-trend analysis of GBC incidence and mortality rates categorized by race/ethnicity and stage-at-diagnosis. METHODS: Age-adjusted GBC incidence and mortality rates were calculated using SEER*Stat software from the United States Cancer Statistics database (covers ~98% of US population between 2001 and 2020) and NCHS (covers ~100% of the US population between 2000 and 2020) databases, respectively. Race/Ethnic groups were Non-Hispanic-White (NHW), Non-Hispanic-Black (NHB), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic-Asian/Pacific-Islander (NHAPI), and Non-Hispanic-American-Indian/Alaska-Native (NHAIAN). Stage-at-diagnoses were all stages, early, regional, and distant stages. Joinpoint regression was used to generate time-trends [annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC)] with parametric estimations and a two-sided t-test (p-value cut-off 0.05). RESULTS: 76,873 patients were diagnosed with GBC with decreasing incidence rates in all races/ethnicities except NHB who experienced an increasing trend between 2001 and 2014 (APC = 2.08, p < 0.01) and plateauing afterward (APC = -1.21, p = 0.31); (AAPC = 1.03, p = 0.03). Among early-stage tumors (9927 patients), incidence rates were decreasing only in Hispanic (AAPC = -4.24, p = 0.006) while stable in other races/ethnicities (NHW: AAPC = -2.61, p = 0.39; NHB: AAPC = -1.73, p = 0.36). For regional-stage tumors (29,690 patients), GBC incidence rates were decreasing only in NHW (AAPC = -1.61, p < 0.001) while stable in other races/ethnicities (NHB: AAPC = 0.73, p = 0.34; Hispanic: AAPC = -1.58, p = 0.24; NHAPI: AAPC = -1.22, p = 0.07). For distant-stage tumors (31,735 patients), incidence rates were increasing in NHB (AAPC = 2.72, p < 0.001), decreasing in Hispanic (AAPC = -0.64, p = 0.04), and stable in NHW (AAPC = 0.07, p = 0.84) and NHAPI (AAPC = 0.79, p = 0.13). There were 43,411 deaths attributed to GBC with decreasing mortality rates in all races/ethnicities except NHB who experienced a stable trend (AAPC = 0.25, p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Nationwide data over the last two decades show that NHB patients experienced increasing GBC incidence between 2001 and 2014 followed by stabilization of the rates. This increase was driven by late-stage tumors and occurred in the first decade. NHB also experienced non-improving GBC mortality, compared to other race and ethnic groups who had decreasing mortality. This can be due to lack of timely-access to healthcare leading to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes. Future studies are warranted to investigate contributions to the revealed racial and ethnic disparities, especially in NHB, to improve early detection.

Does Timing of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis Matter in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Orthotopic Liver Transplantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Pouchitis is the most common complication in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), which can develop in up to 66% of patients. There is limited data on the effect of orthoptic liver transplantation (OLT) on the risk of developing pouchitis. We aimed to objectively assess whether OLT itself significantly modifies the risk of developing pouchitis in patients with overlap PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Method: We searched Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases from inception through September 2023 for studies that describe the outcomes of IPAA in patients with PSC and IBD who also have a history of OLT. Pooled proportions, Odds Ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for data were calculated utilizing a random effects model. Using the Freeman-Turkey double arcsine transformation (FTT) method, the pooled weight-adjusted estimate of event rates for clinical outcomes in each group was also calculated. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistic (I2). Results: Seven studies with a total of 291 patients with a history of PSC, IBD, and OLT were identified. The pooled overall risk of pouchitis in PSC/IBD patients with a history of OLT was 65% (95% CI: 0.57-0.72), with no heterogeneity observed in the analysis (I2 = 0%). In a subgroup analysis of patients who had IPAA followed by OLT, 3 studies with 28 patients were included; the pooled risk of pouchitis after IPAA and OLT was 83% (95% CI: 0.71-0.94; I2 = 0%), which was significantly higher (P < .001) than the OLT followed by IPAA group (59%; 95 CI: 0.48-0.71; I2 = 0%). There was no difference in the risk of pouchitis between OLT and non-OLT groups (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.37-5.0). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revelaed that pouchitis is common in patients who underwent OLT for PSC, especially in those who had IPAA before the OLT. OLT before IPAA may reduce the risk of pouchitis. Further larger studies are warranted to reproduce this and investigate the reason behind this difference.

Needle-Knife Fistulotomy Versus Needle-Knife Papillotomy in Difficult Biliary Cannulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential endoscopic therapeutic modality for biliary and pancreatic diseases. Needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) and papillotomy (NKP) are the two most commonly used rescue techniques for patients with difficult biliary cannulation. However, there remains a need for comparative studies on these approaches to inform clinical decision-making. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NKF compared to NKP as a rescue technique in difficult biliary cannulation after failed conventional ERCP. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases through November 2023 to include all studies that directly compared the outcomes of NKF with NKP in difficult biliary cannulation. Single-arm studies were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data related to clinical events were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random-effect model. The primary outcome was the biliary cannulation success rate. Results: Four studies with 823 patients (n = 376 NKF vs. n = 447 NKP) were included in our analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in biliary cannulation success rate (91.7% vs. 86.9%, respectively; OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.21 - 2.49, P = 0.14; I2 = 0%). However, the overall rate of adverse events was significantly lower in the NKF group than in the NKP group (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25 - 0.84, P = 0.01). Pancreatitis (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.05 - 1.11, P = 0.07) and bleeding (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.59 - 3.46, P = 0.42) were similar between the two groups. No significant differences in cholangitis, cholecystitis, perforation, or mortality were observed. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates comparable success rates in comparing NKF and NKP techniques for difficult biliary cannulation after failed conventional ERCP cannulation. Notably, the NKF technique significantly reduces overall adverse events compared to NKP, suggesting that NKF may be preferable due to its favorable safety profile. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to evaluate the interval benefit of an NKF technique.

Is Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy Safe and Effective after Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography?-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) has emerged as an alternative option for biliary drainage in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of EUS-HGS. In this comprehensive meta-analysis, we aim to study the safety and efficacy of EUS-HGS in cases of failed conventional ERCP. Methods: Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to include all studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS. Using the random effect model, the pooled weight-adjusted event rate estimate for clinical outcomes in each group were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success rates. Secondary outcomes included overall adverse events (AEs), rates of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), and rates or re-intervention. Results: Our analysis included 70 studies, with a total of 3527 patients. The pooled technical and clinical success rates for EUS-HGS were 98.1% ([95% CI, 97.5-98.7]; I2 = 40%) and 98.1% ([95% CI, 97.5-98.7]; I2 = 40%), respectively. The pooled incidence rate of AEs with EUS-HGS was 14.9% (95% CI, 12.7-17.1), with bile leakage being the most common (2.4% [95% CI, 1.7-3.2]). The pooled incidence of RBO was 15.8% [95% CI, 12.2-19.4], with a high success rate for re-intervention (97.5% [95% CI, 94.7-100]). Conclusions: Our analysis showed high technical and clinical success rates of EUS-HGS, making it a feasible and effective alternative to ERCP. The ongoing development of dedicated devices and techniques is expected to make EUS-HGS more accessible and safer for patients in need of biliary drainage.