EUS-Guided Choledocho-duodenostomy Using Lumen Apposing Stent Versus ERCP With Covered Metallic Stents in Patients With Unresectable Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (DRA-MBO Trial).

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Several studies have compared primary endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with insertion of metal stents in unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO) and the results were conflicting. The aim of the current study was to compare the outcomes of the procedures in a large-scale study. METHODS: This was a multicenter international randomized controlled study. Consecutive patients admitted for obstructive jaundice due to unresectable MDBO were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to receive EUS-guided choledocho-duodenostomy (ECDS) or ERCP for drainage. The primary outcome was the 1-year stent patency rate. Other outcomes included technical success, clinical success, adverse events, time to stent dysfunction, reintervention rates, and overall survival. RESULTS: Between January 2017 and February 2021, 155 patients were recruited (ECDS 79, ERCP 76). There were no significant differences in 1-year stent patency rates (ECDS 91.1% vs ERCP 88.1%, P = .52). The ECDS group had significantly higher technical success (ECDS 96.2% vs ERCP 76.3%, P < .001), whereas clinical success was similar (ECDS 93.7% vs ERCP 90.8%, P = .559). The median (interquartile range) procedural time was significantly shorter in the ECDS group (ECDS 10 [5.75-18] vs ERCP 25 [14-40] minutes, P < .001). The rate of 30-day adverse events (P = 1) and 30-day mortality (P = .53) were similar. CONCLUSION: Both procedures could be options for primary biliary drainage in unresectable MDBO. ECDS was associated with higher technical success and shorter procedural time then ERCP. Primary ECDS may be preferred when difficult ERCPs are anticipated. This study was registered to Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03000855.

Partially covered versus uncovered pyloro-duodenal stents for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy of partially covered duodenal stent (PCDS) vs. uncovered duodenal stent (UCDS) in patients suffering from unresectable primary malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). METHODS: This was a prospective international randomized controlled study conducted in 10 high-volume institutions. Consecutive patients suffering from malignant GOO were recruited. The primary outcome measurement was the reintervention rate. Secondary outcomes included technical and clinical success, 30-day adverse events, 30-day mortality, causes of stent dysfunction, and the duration of stent patency. RESULTS: Between March 2017 and October 2020, 115 patients (59 PCDS, 56 UCDS) were recruited. The 1-year reintervention was not significantly different (PCDS vs. UDCS = 12/59, 20.3% vs. 14/56, 25%, P = 0.84). There was a trend to fewer patients with tumor ingrowth in the PCDS group (6/59 [10.2%]) vs. 13/56 [23.2%], P = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the technical success (100% vs. 100%, P = 1), clinical success (91.5% vs. 98.2%, P = 0.21), procedural time (21.5 [interquartile range [IQR] 17-30] vs. 20.0 [IQR 15-34.75], P = 0.62), hospital stay (4 [IQR 3-12] vs. 5 [IQR 3-8] days, P = 0.81), 30-day adverse events (18.6% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.62), or 30-day mortality (6.8% vs. 5.2%, P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: The use of PCDS was associated with a lower risk of tumor ingrowth but did not improve on reintervention rates or stent patency. Both kinds of stents could be used in this group of patients.

The effect of Andrographis paniculata water extract on palliative management of metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-A phase II clinical trial.

Patients with metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have a grave prognosis with limited life expectancy. Here, a phase II clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of Andrographis paniculata (AP) on the palliative care of patients with metastatic ESCC. Patients with metastatic or locally advanced ESCC deemed unfit for surgery, and who have already completed palliative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy or are not fit for these treatments, were recruited. These patients were prescribed AP concentrated granules for 4 months. They also received clinical and quality of life assessments for clinical response, as well as positron emission tomography-computed tomography at 3 and 6 months after AP treatment for the assessment of tumor volume. Furthermore, the change in gut microbiota composition after AP treatment was studied. From the results, among the 30 recruited patients, 10 completed the entire course of AP treatment, while 20 received partial AP treatment. Patients who completed the AP treatment achieved significantly longer overall survival periods with the maintenance of the quality of life during the survival period when compared to those who could not complete AP treatment. The treatment effect of AP also contributed to the shift of the overall structure of gut microbiota for ESCC patients towards those of healthy individuals. The significance of this study is the establishment of AP as a safe and effective palliative treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial of AP water extract in esophageal cancer patients demonstrating its new medicinal use.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass, duodenal stent or laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) can be relieved by either laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ), endoscopic stenting (SEMS) or endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy (endoscopic ultrasound-guided balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass; EPASS). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the three treatment methods. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who suffered from malignant GOO between January 2012 to November 2020 that received either EPASS, LGJ or SEMS. The outcomes included the technical and clinical success, 30-day adverse events and mortality, pre and post stenting GOO scores (GOOSs), stent patency and causes of stent dysfunction. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients were included (30 EPASS, 35 LGJ, 49 SEMS). The technical success of EPASS, LGJ and SEMS were 93.3%, 100%, 100% (P = 0.058) and clinical success rates were 93.3%, 80%, 87.8% (P = 0.276), respectively. Procedural time was longest for the LGJ group (P < 0.001). The EPASS group had the shortest hospital stay (EPASS 1.5 [1-17], LGJ 7 [2-44], SEMS 5 [2-46] days, P < 0.001). EPASS group also had the lowest rates of recurrent obstruction (EPASS 3.3%, LGJ 17.1%, SEMS 36.7%, P = 0.002) and re-intervention (EPASS 3.3%, LGJ 17.1%, SEMS 26.5%, P = 0.031). The 1-month GOOS was highest in the EPASS group (EPASS 3 [1-3], LGJ 3 [0-3], SEMS 2 [0-3], P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy was associated with better clinical outcomes then the other two procedures. The procedure may be the best option provided that the expertise is available.

Droplet nuclei are generated during colonoscopy and are decreased by the use of carbon dioxide and water immersion technique.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns on whether colonoscopies (CS) carry a transmission risk. The aim was to determine whether CS are aerosol-generating procedures. METHODS: This was a prospective observational trial including all patients undergoing CS at the Prince of Wales Hospital from 1 June to 31 July 2020. Three particle counters were placed 10 cm from each patient's anus and near the mouth of endoscopists and nurses. The particle counter recorded the number of particles of size 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 5, and 10 µm. Patient demographics, seniority of endoscopists, use of CO2 and water immersion technique, and air particle count (particles/cubic foot, dCF) were recorded. Multilevel modeling was used to test all the hypotheses with a post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were recruited. During CS, the level of 5 µm and 10 µm were significantly higher than the baseline period (P = 0.002). Procedures performed by trainees had a higher level of aerosols when compared to specialists (0.3 µm, P < 0.001; 0.5 µm and 0.7 µm, P < 0.001). The use of CO2 and water immersion techniques had significantly lower aerosols generated when compared to air (CO2 : 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 µm: P < 0.001; water immersion: 0.3 µm: P = 0.048; 0.7 µm: P = 0.03). There were no significant increases in any particle sizes during the procedure at the endoscopists' and nurses' mouth. However, 8/117 (6.83%) particle count tracings showed a simultaneous surge of all particle sizes at the patient's anus and endoscopists' and nurses' level during rectal extubation. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy generates droplet nuclei especially during rectal extubation. The use of CO2 and water immersion techniques may mitigate these risks.

EUS-guided fiducial marker insertion for radiotherapy in advanced esophageal carcinoma: submucosal insertion may lead to less migration when compared to intratumoral insertion.

BACKGROUND: The use of radiotherapy is frequently required in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the margins of the tumor are often difficult to ascertain on computed tomography. Thus, EUS-guided fiducial marker insertion can aid the localization of the margins of the tumor. However, the optimal technique of the procedure is still uncertain. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients that received EUS-guided fiducial marker insertion between March 2015 and December 2018. All patients suffering from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma scheduled for radiotherapy underwent the procedure within one week of the scheduled appointment. Gold fiducial markers were inserted under EUS guidance either intratumorally or within the submucosa just proximal and distal to the tumor. Outcome parameters included tumor characteristics, early and late migration rates, and tumor response rates. RESULTS: During the study period, 40 patients were recruited. 10 fiducial markers were placed intratumorally and 30 markers were placed submucosally. When comparing fiducials that were placed in the submucosa versus intratumorally, significantly more fiducials had early (40% vs 0%, RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.36, 1.00) and late migration (60% vs 0%, RR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.13, 0.84) in the intratumoral group. The submucosal group had significantly more patients intended for curative intent (96.7% vs 70%, RR = 0.34, 95%CI 0.003, 0.361) and more patients with partial and complete response. There was no difference between the gross tumor volume, the clinical target volume, and the total radiation dose. CONCLUSION: In esophageal carcinomas planned for radiotherapy, fiducial markers placed in the submucosa may lead to less migration.

Current status in endoscopic management of upper gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas.

Recent advancement in endoscopic closure techniques have revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas. Traditionally, these have been managed surgically. The treatment strategy depends on the size and location of the defect, degree of contamination, presence of healthy surrounding tissues, patients' condition and the availability of expertise. One of the basic principles of management includes providing a barricade to the flow of luminal contents across the defect. This can be achieved with a wide range of endoscopic techniques. These include endoclips, stenting, suturing, tissue adhesives and glue, and endoscopic vacuum therapy. Each method has their distinct indications and shortcomings. Often, a combination of these techniques is required. Apart from endoscopic closure, drainage procedures by the interventional radiologist and surgical management also play an important role. In this review article, the outcomes of each of these endoscopic closure techniques in the literature is provided in tables, and practical management algorithms are being proposed.

Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 During Aerosol-Generating Procedures in Critical Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of coronavirus transmission to healthcare workers performing aerosol-generating procedures and the potential benefits of personal protective equipment during these procedures. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched using a combination of related MeSH terms and keywords. STUDY SELECTION: Cohort studies and case controls investigating common anesthetic and critical care aerosol-generating procedures and transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to healthcare workers were included for quantitative analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Qualitative and quantitative data on the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus to healthcare workers via aerosol-generating procedures in anesthesia and critical care were collected independently. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seventeen studies out of 2,676 yielded records were included for meta-analyses. Endotracheal intubation (odds ratio, 6.69, 95% CI, 3.81-11.72; p < 0.001), noninvasive ventilation (odds ratio, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.86-7.19; p < 0.001), and administration of nebulized medications (odds ratio, 10.03; 95% CI, 1.98-50.69; p = 0.005) were found to increase the odds of healthcare workers contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The use of N95 masks (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.39; p < 0.001), gowns (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48-0.73; p < 0.001), and gloves (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.29-0.53; p < 0.001) were found to be significantly protective of healthcare workers from contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. CONCLUSIONS: Specific aerosol-generating procedures are high risk for the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from patients to healthcare workers. Personal protective equipment reduce the odds of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Comparison of EUS-guided endoscopic transpapillary and percutaneous gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis: a systematic review with network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The optimal method of gallbladder drainage (GBD) for acute cholecystitis in nonsurgical candidates is uncertain. The aim of the current study was to conduct a network meta-analysis comparing the 3 methods of GBD (percutaneous [PT], endoscopic transpapillary [ETP], and EUS-guided). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for all comparative studies assessing the efficacy of either 2 or all modalities used for treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients at high risk for cholecystectomy was performed. Primary outcomes of technical and clinical success and postprocedure adverse events were assessed. Secondary outcomes were reintervention, unplanned readmissions, recurrent cholecystitis, and mortality. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified, comprising 1267 patients (472 EUS-GBD, 493 PT-GBD, and 302 ETP-GBD). In the network ranking estimate, PT-GBD and EUS-GBD had the highest likelihood of technical success (EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD vs ETP-GBD: 2.00 vs 1.02 vs 2.98) and clinical success (EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD vs ETP-GBD: 1.48 vs 1.55 vs 2.98). EUS-GBD had the lowest risk of recurrent cholecystitis (EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD vs ETP-GBD: 1.089 vs 2.02 vs 2.891). PT-GBD had the highest risk of reintervention (EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD vs ETP-GBD: 1.81 vs 2.99 vs 1.199) and unplanned readmissions (EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD vs ETP-GBD: 1.582 vs 2.944 vs 1.474), whereas ETP-GBD was associated with the lowest rates of mortality (EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD vs ETP-GBD: 2.62 vs 2.09 vs 1.29). CONCLUSIONS: The 3 modalities of GBD have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Selection of technique will depend on available expertise. In centers with expertise in endoscopic GBD, the techniques are preferred over PT-GBD with improved outcomes. (Clinical trial registration number: CRD42020181972.).

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a propensity score analysis with 1-year follow-up data.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is a safe alternative to percutaneous cholecystostomy (PT-GBD) for acute cholecystitis. How the procedure compares with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is uncertain. The aim of the current study is to compare the outcomes of EUS-GBD with LC for acute cholecystitis. METHODS: This was propensity score analysis of all patients admitted for acute cholecystitis between 2012 and 2018. Consecutive patients who received EUS-GBD or LC were included. Patients were matched for age, sex, and age-adjusted Charlson score. Outcome measurements included 30-day adverse events, mortality, recurrent cholecystitis, recurrent biliary events, reinterventions, and readmissions. RESULTS: During the study period, 60 patients were selected (30 EUS-GBD vs 30 LC) after propensity score matching. Technical success rates (100% vs 100%), clinical success rates (93.3% vs 100%, P = 1), lengths of hospital stay (6.8 [8.1] vs 5.5 [2.7], P = 1), 30-day adverse events (4 [13.3%] vs 4 [13.3%], P = 1), and mortality rates (2 [6.7%] vs 0 [0%], P = .492) were similar. The rates of recurrent biliary events (3 [10%] vs 3 [10%], P = .784), reinterventions (4 [13.3%] vs 3 [10%], P = 1), and unplanned readmissions (3 [10%] vs 3 [10%], P = .784) in 1 year were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of EUS-GBD for acute cholecystitis were comparable with LC with acceptable rates of recurrent acute cholecystitis. These results support the role of EUS-GBD as an alternative to LC in patients who may or may not be surgically fit to undergo definitive cholecystectomy.

Use of a novel lumen apposing metallic stent for drainage of the bile duct and gallbladder: Long term outcomes of a prospective international trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-term placement of lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) with high lumen apposing force may result in adverse events. The aim of the current study was to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of a self-approximating LAMS with lower lumen apposing force for endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) and -gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD). METHODS: Five Asian institutions participated in this study. Consecutive patients suffering from obstructive jaundice with failed ERCP or acute cholecystitis that were at high risk for cholecystectomy were recruited. We evaluated the technical and clinical success rates, adverse events rates, types of interventions through the stent and the patency profile. RESULTS: From June 2017 to Oct 2018, a total of 53 patients received EUS-CDS (26) and EUS-GBD (27). The technical and clinical success rates were similar between the two groups (88.5% vs 88.9%, P = 1 and 88.5% vs 88.9%, P = 1 respectively). The differences in 30-day mortality rates [2 (7.7%) vs 2 (7.7%), P = 1] and adverse events [3 (11.5%) vs 3 (11.5%), P = 1] did not reach significance. Regarding long-term outcomes, two patients in each group suffered from adverse events (P = 1). One patient in the EUS-GBD group who was on direct oral anticoagulant suffered from stent induced bleeding. CONCLUSION: The self-approximating LAMS with lower lumen apposing force was effective and safe with a low risk of buried stent syndrome and bleeding in the longer term. The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier was NCT03002051.

Endosonography-guided gallbladder drainage versus percutaneous cholecystostomy in very high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis: an international randomised multicentre controlled superiority trial (DRAC 1).

OBJECTIVE: The optimal management of acute cholecystitis in patients at very high risk for cholecystectomy is uncertain. The aim of the current study was to compare endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) to percutaneous cholecystostomy (PT-GBD) as a definitive treatment in these patients under a randomised controlled trial. DESIGN: Consecutive patients suffering from acute calculous cholecystitis but were at very high-risk for cholecystectomy were recruited. The primary outcome was the 1-year adverse events rate. Secondary outcomes include technical and clinical success, 30-day adverse events, pain scores, unplanned readmissions, re-interventions and mortalities. RESULTS: Between August 2014 to February 2018, 80 patients were recruited. EUS-GBD significantly reduced 1 year adverse events (10 (25.6%) vs 31 (77.5%), p<0.001), 30-day adverse events (5 (12.8%) vs 19 (47.5%), p=0.010), re-interventions after 30 days (1/39 (2.6%) vs 12/40 (30%), p=0.001), number of unplanned readmissions (6/39 (15.4%) vs 20/40 (50%), p=0.002) and recurrent cholecystitis (1/39 (2.6%) vs 8/40 (20%), p=0.029). Postprocedural pain scores and analgesic requirements were also less (p=0.034). The technical success (97.4% vs 100%, p=0.494), clinical success (92.3% vs 92.5%, p=1) and 30-day mortality (7.7% vs 10%, p=1) were statistically similar. The predictor to recurrent acute cholecystitis was the performance of PT-GBD (OR (95% CI)=5.63 (1.20-53.90), p=0.027). CONCLUSION: EUS-GBD improved outcomes as compared to PT-GBD in those patients that not candidates for cholecystectomy. EUS-GBD should be the procedure of choice provided that the expertise is available after a multi-disciplinary meeting. Further studies are required to determine the long-term efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02212717.

Prospective multicenter international study on the outcomes of a newly developed self-approximating lumen-apposing metallic stent for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and endoscopic necrosectomy.

BACKGROUND: A novel self-approximating lumen-apposing metallic stent (LAMS; Niti-S Spaxus, Taewoong Medical, Gyeonggi-do, Korea) has recently become available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). METHODS: This was a prospective international multicentered study conducted in six high-volume institutions across Asia. Consecutive patients suffering from pancreatic pseudocyst or walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) requiring endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage were recruited. Outcomes included technical and clinical success, adverse events, procedural events, interventions through the stent and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Between August 2016 and November 2017, 59 patients were recruited to this study. Thirty-nine patients (66.1%) had WOPN and mean (SD) size of PFC was 11.5 (5.1) cm. Technical and clinical success rates were 100%. Mean (SD) procedural time was 35.0 (17.2) minutes. Sixteen-millimeter stents were used in 66.1% of the patients. Fifty-four sessions of necrosectomy were carried out with the stent in situ in 17 patients. Stent-related adverse event (AE) rate was 6.8%. Three patients (5.1%) suffered from bleeding after stenting and one required angiographic embolization. Two patients (3.4%) suffered from recurrence during a mean (SD) follow-up time of 325.6 (355.5) days. There were no differences in outcomes between those with pseudocysts or WOPN except for the duration of hospital stay (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Use of a self-approximating LAMS for drainage of PFC was safe and effective. Endoscopic necrosectomy could be carried out through the stent with ease. The device was associated with a low rate of stent-related AE.

Per oral endoscopic tumor (POET) resection for treatment of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal tunneling has evolved to allow endoscopic resection of subepithelial tumors of gastrointestinal tract without full-thickness perforation. This study aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of submucosal tunnel resection for these tumors. METHOD: Patients with subepithelial tumors (SET) located in esophagus, gastric cardia, lesser curvature, and antrum were recruited. The size of tumor was limited to < 40 mm. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia. A mucosal entrance was created 2 cm proximal to the SET after submucosal injection. Submucosal tunnel was then extended and the tumor was dissected and mobilized with intact overlying mucosa. After complete dissection, the tumors would be retrieved per orally and mucosal entrance closed by endoclips. RESULTS: From June 2012 to December 2016, 51 patients with subepithelial tumors received POET. 39 patients had SET in stomach, 11 located in esophagus, and 1 in duodenum. The mean operative time was 90.46 ± 46.49 min, while the mean size of the tumors was 20.71 ± 14.05 mm. The POET was converted to endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) in three patients with gastric subepithelial tumors located at greater curvature. The overall complication rate was 4.0%, and there was no bleeding, mucosal dehiscence, or leakage. The time to resume diet was 1.7 days, while the average hospital stay was 3.2 ± 1.0 days. The mean follow-up period was 19 ± 16 months, and only 1 patient developed recurrence of leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: Per oral endoscopic tumor resection is safe and effective treatment for esophageal and gastric SET located at cardia, lesser curvature, and antrum. Currently, POET for treatment of upper GI SET is limited by the size and location of the tumor.

Randomized controlled trial of EndoWrist-enabled robotic versus human laparoendoscopic single-site access surgery (LESS) in the porcine model.

INTRODUCTION: A robotic laparoendoscopic single-site access surgery (R-LESS) platform that incorporates the EndoWrist function of robotic instruments may provide better triangulation and retraction during LESS. The aim of the study is to assess if R-LESS is feasible with standard robotic instruments via a single incision and whether the approach could reduce the difficulty of the procedure and confer additional benefits over conventional LESS. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled study investigating the workload performance, efficacy, and risks of performing R-LESS when compared with human LESS (H-LESS) in a survival porcine model for cholecystectomy and gastrojejunostomy. The primary outcome is the NASA task load index. Secondary outcomes included the difficulty of the procedures, procedural time, morbidities, and mortalities. RESULTS: Twenty-four cholecystectomies and gastrojejunostomies using the R-LESS or H-LESS approach (12:12) were performed. None of the swine suffered from procedural adverse events and none of the procedures required conversion. In both the cholecystectomy and gastrojejunostomy groups, R-LESS was associated with significantly lower NASA task load index (P < 0.001) and reduced difficulties in various steps of the procedures. No differences in the overall procedure times of the two procedures were observed (P = 0.315). CONCLUSION: The R-LESS approach significantly reduced the workload and difficulties of LESS cholecystectomies and gastrojejunostomies. A dedicated single-site platform that could reduce instrument clashing while retaining the EndoWrist function is eagerly awaited.

Feasibility of per-oral cholecystoscopy and advanced gallbladder interventions after EUS-guided gallbladder stenting (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The recent development of EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EGBD) with a lumen-apposing stent has made endoscopic assessment and advanced gallbladder interventions via the stent possible. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of per-oral cholecystoscopy and the types of gallbladder interventions that can be performed. METHODS: This was a retrospective review conducted in the Prince of Wales Hospital from June 2012 to March 2016. All patients who had acute cholecystitis with EGBD were included. Cholecystoscopy was performed 1 to 3 months after stent insertion. Patients' demographic data, technical success, types of intervention, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cholecystoscopies were performed in 25 patients. Twenty-seven of 29 cholecystoscopies were successful (93.1%). Magnifying endoscopy was performed in 10 patients, confocal endomicroscopy and EUS in 1 patient, and endocytoscopy in another patient. Fourteen patients (56%) had spontaneous stone passage. Eleven patients (44%) had residual gallstones on cholecystoscopy, and removed in 8. Overall stone clearance rate was 88% after a mean (standard deviation) number of 1.25 (0.46) sessions of cholecystoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Per-oral cholecystoscopy and advanced gallbladder interventions were feasible and safe. This opens up exciting possibilities for endoscopic treatment of gallbladder pathologies.

DDW 2016 review: Advances in therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

This is a review of the abstracts presented at Digestive Disease Week 2016, 21-24 May 2016 in San Diego, CA, USA, focusing on novel advances in therapeutic endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Ex vivo comparison of the lumen-apposing properties of EUS-specific stents (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several EUS-specific stents have become available. It has been claimed that some of these stents have lumen-apposing properties, but objective data measuring such properties are not available. The aim of this study is to measure the lumen-apposing force (LAF) of these stents. METHODS: The LAF of 3 EUS-specific metallic stents (stents A, N, and S) were compared in an ex vivo setting. Four types of anastomoses were performed with the stents including cholecysto-duodenal, cholecysto-gastric, gastro-gastric, and gastro-jejunal and compared with a hand-sewn (HS) equivalent of the anastomosis. The outcome parameter was the LAF created by each type of stent. RESULTS: Sixty-four anastomoses were created. The overall mean (standard deviation) LAFs were significantly higher for stents A and S (P < .001). This difference persisted regardless of the type of anastomosis: gastro-gastric (P = .002), gastro-jejunal (P = .005), cholecysto-gastric (P = .002), and cholecysto-jejunal (P = .003). The differences in LAF created by each type of stent across different types of anastomoses were also compared. A trend to significance was observed in the anastomoses created by stent N (P = .064) and stent A (P =.052); a significant difference in LAF was observed among different anastomoses created by stent S (P = .015). The LAF created by HS anastomosis was significantly higher than that for all stents across all anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Stents A and S had a higher LAF. The use of these stents should be considered when performing EUS-guided transmural luminal anastomoses in non-adherent organs. Further studies are required to confirm the clinical efficacies of these EUS-specific stents.