Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage with long-term lumen-apposing metal stent indwell: 1-year results from a prospective nationwide observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to determine safety and risk factors for adverse events (AEs) of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) with long-term indwell of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). METHODS: This study is a multicenter prospective observational study on consecutive high surgical-risk patients requiring gallbladder drainage who underwent EUS-GBD with LAMS over 12 months. Centralized telephone follow-up interviews were conducted every 3 months for 1 year. Patients were censored at LAMS removal, cholecystectomy, or death. AE-free survival was determined using log-rank tests. Cumulative risks were estimated using life-table analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included (53.7% male, median [interquartile range] age of 84.6 [76.5-89.8] years, and 85.4% with acute cholecystitis). Technical success was achieved in 79 (96.3%), and clinical success in 73 (89%). No patient was lost to follow-up; 45 patients (54.9%) completed 1-year follow-up with in situ LAMS. Median (interquartile range) LAMS indwell time was 364 (47-367) days. Overall, 12 (14.6%) patients presented 14 AEs, including 5 (6.1%) recurrent biliary events (3 acute cholangitis, 1 mild acute pancreatitis, and 1 acute cholecystitis). Patients with pancreatobiliary malignancy had an increased risk of recurrent biliary events (33% vs 1.5%, P = 0.001). The overall 1-year cumulative risk of recurrent biliary events was 9.7% (4.1-21.8%). The 1-year risk of AEs and of severe AEs was 18.8% (11-31.2%) and 7.9% (3.3-18.2%), respectively. Pancreatobiliary malignancy was the single risk factor for recurrent biliary events; LAMS misdeployment was the strongest risk factor for AEs. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term LAMS indwell does not increase the risk of delayed AEs following EUS-GBD.

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Upper Gastrointestinal Leaks and Perforations: Analysis From a Multicenter Spanish Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is a novel technique for closing upper gastrointestinal (UGI) defects. Available literature includes single-center retrospective cohort studies with small sample sizes. Furthermore, evidence about factors associated with EVT failure is scarce. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of EVT for the resolution of UGI defects in a multicenter study and to investigate the factors associated with EVT failure and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study in which consecutive EVT procedures for the treatment of UGI defects from 19 Spanish hospitals were recorded in the national registry between November 2018 and March 2022. RESULTS: We included 102 patients: 89 with anastomotic leaks and 13 with perforations. Closure of the defect was achieved in 84 cases (82%). A total of 6 patients (5.9%) had adverse events related to the EVT. The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.7%. A total of 6 patients (5.9%) died because of EVT failure and 1 case (0.9%) due to a fatal adverse event. Time from diagnosis of the defect to initiation of EVT was the only independent predictor for EVT failure (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.05, P = 0.005). EVT failure (OR 24.5, 95% CI 4.5-133, P = 0.001) and development of pneumonia after EVT (OR 246.97, 95% CI 11.15-5,472.58, P = 0.0001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. DISCUSSION: EVT is safe and effective in cases of anastomotic leak and perforations of the upper digestive tract. The early use of EVT improves the efficacy of this technique.

Management of small subepithelial tumors by endoscopic banding without resection and single-incision needle-knife-assisted biopsy sampling: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) without resection combined with single-incision needle-knife (SINK) biopsy sampling may have a positive impact on small GI subepithelial tumor (SET) management, but the method needs to be tested. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of this strategy in small-sized SETs. METHODS: This prospective multicenter observational cohort study in 7 centers included patients with SETs ≤15 mm (confirmed by EUS) between March 2017 and March 2020. The primary outcome was clinical success at 4 weeks, defined as complete SET disappearance on EUS. Secondary outcomes were long-term (1-year) clinical success, technical difficulty level, clinical impact, yield pathology, and safety. RESULTS: Of 273 patients screened, 122 (62.3% women; mean age, 60.9 ± 13.2 years) were included with SETs (mean size, 9 ± 2.8 mm; gastric location, 77%; superficial layer dependence, 63%). The primary endpoint was achieved in 73.6% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.8-81.2). At the 1-year follow-up, the success rate was 68.4% (95% CI, 59.1-76.8). A favorable clinical impact was observed in 97 cases (79.5%; 95% CI, 71.3-86.3). Pathology diagnosis was known in 70%. Potentially malignant lesions were present in 24.7%. The related adverse events rate was 4.1% (95% CI, 1.3-9.3; all mild: 2 bleeding, 2 abdominal pain). On multivariable analysis, the ≤10-mm SET group was associated with a greater success rate (1 year, 87%; relative risk, 5.07; 95% CI, 2.63-9.8) and clinical impact rate (92.7%; relative risk, 6.15; 95% CI, 2.72-13.93). CONCLUSIONS: EBL plus SINK biopsy sampling seems to be feasible and safe, and it may offer a favorable clinical impact in small-sized SETs. In particular, SETs ≤10 mm are the best candidates. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03247231.).

Endoscopic removal of lumen-apposing metal stents - risk factors for stent embedment, complex removals, and adverse events: analysis from a multicenter prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Removing lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) may be difficult and even harmful, but these features have seldom been analyzed. We aimed to generate a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility and safety of LAMS retrieval procedures. METHODS: A prospective multicenter case series including all technically successfully deployed LAMSs between January 2019 and January 2020 that underwent endoscopic stent removal. All retrieval-related data were prospectively recorded using standardized telephone questionnaires as part of centralized follow-up that ended after stent removal had been performed. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the potential risk factors for complex removal. RESULTS: For the 407 LAMSs included, removal was attempted in 158 (38.8 %) after an indwell time of 46.5 days (interquartile range [IQR] 31-70). The median (IQR) removal time was 2 (1-4) minutes. Removal was labelled as complex in 13 procedures (8.2 %), although advanced endoscopic maneuvers were required in only two (1.3 %). Complex removal risk factors were stent embedment (relative risk [RR] 5.84, 95 %CI 2.14-15.89; P = 0.001), over-the-wire deployment (RR 4.66, 95 %CI 1.60-13.56; P = 0.01), and longer indwell times (RR 1.14, 95 %CI 1.03-1.27; P = 0.01). Partial and complete embedment were observed in 14 (8.9 %) and five cases (3.2 %), respectively. The embedment rate during the first 6 weeks was 3.1 % (2/65), reaching 15.9 % (10/63) during the following 6 weeks (P = 0.02). The adverse event rate was 5.1 %, including seven gastrointestinal bleeds (5 mild, 2 moderate). CONCLUSIONS: LAMS removal is a safe procedure, mostly requiring basic endoscopic techniques attainable in conventional endoscopy rooms. Referral to advanced endoscopy units should be considered for stents with known embedment or long indwell times, which may require more technically demanding procedures.

Half of the patients with subepithelial tumors present borderline or pathologic anxiety-distress and carcinophobia: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Minor nonspecific gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions (usually defined by the term 'tumor') are usually associated with a malignant illness and cancer. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety-distress and carcinophobia in patients referred to specialized monographic outpatient clinics for evaluation and treatment of this type of lesion. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Specific self-reported questionnaires were used to report threatening life-experiences and to assess levels of distress (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and cancer-related worries (The Cancer Worry Scale). RESULTS: Forty participants were included and analyzed at baseline. Pathologic and borderline anxiety were detected in 13% (5/40, 95%CI: 4-27%) and 35% (14/40, 95%CI: 21-52%) of participants, respectively, whereas, cancer-related worries (moderate to very high) were observed in 48% (19/40, 95%CI: 32-64%) of participants. Pathologic global distress was identified in 25% (10/40, 95%CI: 13-42%) of subjects. Higher educational level (university studies), a lack of lifetime psychiatric comorbidity and a lack of family history of cancer were associated with less anxiety, global distress and carcinophobia. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the patients diagnosed with a minor nonspecific gastrointestinal subepithelial lesion presented anxiety-distress and/or carcinophobia. Specific associations with anxiety-distress reaction and fears were detected.

Joint position statement of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Radiologia on gastroenterologist-led ultrasound in Catalonia. / Documento de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Radiologia: ecografía para especialistas en enfermedad digestiva en Catalunya.

Over recent years, ultrasonography has been used increasingly in various medical specialties and is now an indispensable diagnostic tool. In gastroenterology, bedside or point-of-care ultrasound allows the early diagnosis and monitoring of multiple intraabdominal conditions. Ultrasound guidance is also highly useful in certain therapeutic procedures, increasing procedural safety. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique but has the drawback of being very operator dependent. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the professionals who perform ultrasonography have a sufficient level of training in the technique. In Catalonia, abdominal ultrasound is usually carried out by radiologists and has not yet been incorporated as an investigation performed by gastroenterologists. In view of this, the Societat Catalana de Radiologia and the Societat Catalana de Digestologia judged it necessary to develop a consensus framework document on ultrasound use and training for gastroenterologists. The document establishes the suggested format for training, the appropriate indications, the minimum material requirements and appropriate documentation of the procedure to ensure that gastroenterologist-performed ultrasound is useful and safe.

Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound in patients with minilithiasis and/or biliary sludge as a cause of symptoms of probable biliary origin after cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a more sensitive technique than transabdominal ultrasound for the diagnosis of gallstones. This greater sensitivity, especially in the diagnosis of microlithiasis/biliary sludge, facilitates the indication of cholecystectomy in patients with symptoms of probable biliary origin but may result in over-indication of this surgery. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the role of EUS in the diagnosis of minilithiasis/biliary sludge in patients with digestive symptoms of probable biliary origin by resolving the symptoms after cholecystectomy. Analyse factors related to the remission of symptoms following cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, longitudinal, single-centre study based on a prospective database of 1.121 patients undergoing EUS. Seventy-four patients were identified as meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria (diagnosed with minilithiasis/sludge by EUS after presenting digestive symptoms of probable biliary origin without a history of complicated cholelithiasis). A telephone questionnaire for symptoms was conducted with cholecystectomized patients. Factors related to a good response were analysed with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 50 were cholecystectomized (67.5%), mean age 49 years (SEM 2.26) (41 women). Seventy percent of patients (35/50) presented remission of symptoms with median follow-up 353.5 days (95% CI, 270-632.2). The only variable associated with remission of symptoms was the presence of typical biliary colic with an OR of 7.8 (95% CI, 1.8-34; p=0.006). No complications associated with EUS were recorded. One patient (2%) suffered haemoperitoneum and 18% (9/50) suffered diarrhoea following cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is a very useful technique for the indication of cholecystectomy in patients with minilithiasis/sludge and typical symptoms of biliary colic.

Position Statement. Recommendations of the Spanish Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) on the treatment of strictures in Crohn's disease. / Documento de posicionamiento. Recomendaciones del grupo español de trabajo en enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa (GETECCU) sobre el tratamiento de la estenosis en la enfermedad de Crohn.

Despite pharmacological advances, strictures in Crohn's disease (CD) continues to be an important problem that leads in a high percentage of patients to undergo endoscopic and/or surgical treatments. There are currently no clinical scores or diagnostic tools that allow predicting which patients will develop this complication, and when a stricture is diagnosed, it is usually already well established and clinically relevant. The current role of pharmacological treatment is limited to treat inflammation and once there is significant fibrosis, the only therapeutic options are endoscopic and/or surgical. To establish a correct therapeutic algorithm and based on the current scientific evidence available, the Spanish Group Working on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) has decided to conduct this position statement on the treatment of strictures in CD. This document embraces the three mentioned therapeutic approaches, medical, endoscopic and surgical. Recommendations and therapeutic algorithms are established to help us to choose the most appropriate option based on the characteristics of the stricture and the patient.

Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 2: Treatment and follow-up. Interdisciplinary Position Paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees. / Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 2: Tratamiento y seguimiento. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees.

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with impaired quality of life, high incidence of comorbidities, serious complications and mortality. Healthcare costs are exorbitant. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for treatment based on scientific evidence, but the gathered level of evidence for any individual topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on multidisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 2 of these paper series discuss topics on treatment and follow-up. The therapeutic approach should include assessment of etiological factors, clinical manifestations and complications. The complexity of these patients advocates for detailed evaluation in multidisciplinary committees where conservative, endoscopic, interventional radiology or surgical options are weighed. Specialized multidisciplinary units of Pancreatology should be constituted. Indications for surgery are refractory pain, local complications, and suspicion of malignancy. Enzyme replacement therapy is indicated if evidence of exocrine insufficiency or after pancreatic surgery. Response should be evaluated by nutritional parameters and assessment of symptoms. A follow-up program should be planned for every patient with chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 1: Etiology and diagnosis. Interdisciplinary position paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees. / Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 1: etiología y diagnóstico. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees.

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas with prevalence around 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It appears to originate from diverse and yet mixed etiological factors. It shows highly variable presenting features, complication types and disease progression rates. Treatment options are as wide as the multiple personalized scenarios the disease might exhibit at a given time point. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for diagnosis and treatment based on scientific evidence. Although these efforts are to be acknowledged, the gathered level of evidence for any topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present series of position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on interdisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 1 of this paper series discusses topics on aetiology and diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Main clinical features are abdominal pain, exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and symptoms derived from complications. Some patients remain symptom-free. Diagnosis (definitive, probable or uncertain) should be based on objective data obtained from imaging, histology, or functional tests.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis Is Not Required for Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions, Based on a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Guidelines recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic cysts, but there is conflicting evidence for its necessity. We investigated whether performing the procedure without antimicrobial prophylaxis increases the incidence of infection. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial to compare prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin vs placebo in patients with a pancreatic cyst requiring EUS-FNA at multiple centers in Spain. From September 2014 to June 2018, patients were randomly assigned to groups that received the prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin (n = 112) or saline solution (n = 114, placebo). We recorded patients' demographic data, lesion characteristics, and procedure data and followed patients for 21 days. A total of 205 patients completed the trial (90.7%), receiving ciprofloxacin or the control, with no statistically significant differences in demographics, baseline data, or procedure characteristics between groups. The primary outcome was FNA-related infection. Secondary outcomes were incidence of fever, procedure complications, and medication-related adverse events. RESULTS: The only case of FNA-related infection (0.44%) occurred in a patient in the placebo group (0.87%); this patient developed acute pancreatitis and bacteremia after the procedure. Prevention of infection was not inferior in the control group; the difference between proportions was 0.87% (95% confidence interval, -0.84% to 2.59%). There were no differences between groups in fever (2 patients in each group: 1.78% vs 1.76%; P = 1.00) or other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial of patients undergoing EUS-FNA for pancreatic cyst evaluation, we found the risk of infection to be low. The incidence of infections did not differ significantly with vs without ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT02261896).

Is a coaxial plastic stent within a lumen-apposing metal stent useful for the management of distal malignant biliary obstruction?

BACKGROUND: There are uncertainties concerning the possible benefits derived from the insertion of double-pigtail plastic stents (DPS) within lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDS). The aim of this study was to determine whether a DPS within a biliary LAMS offers a potential benefit in EUS-guided CDS for the palliative management of malignant biliary obstruction. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective study at three tertiary institutions. PERIOD: May 2015 to August 2020. Two interventional strategies (LAMS alone and LAMS plus DPS) were compared. The choice was the endoscopist's discretion. Inclusion: unresectable/inoperable biliopancreatic tumours with previous failed ERCP. Clinical success: bilirubin decrease > 30% at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Forty-one consecutive cases of EUS-CDS using biliary LAMS were treated (22 women; mean age, 72.3 years) during the study period. The procedure was technically successful in 39 (95.1%), who were managed using the two strategies (22 LAMS alone; 17 LAMS plus DPS). No differences between the groups, in terms of clinical success (77.3 vs 87.5%, p = 0.67), adverse events (AEs, 13.6 vs 11.8%, p = 0.99), recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO, 13.6 vs 23.5%, p = 0.67), or survival rate (p = 0.67) were encountered. The LAMS alone group had a shorter length of procedure (50 min vs 66 min, p = 0.102). No risk factors related to clinical success, AEs, RBO, or survival were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The technical variant of adding a coaxial DPS within LAMS in EUS-CDS seems not to be enough to prevent biliary morbidities, and it is a time-consuming strategy. Although prospective studies are needed, these results do not support its routine use.

Clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasound in the study of adrenal gland: cytomegalovirus infection mimicking a neoplasic hypercaptation in PET.

A 71-year-old woman with stage IV follicular lymphoma in complete remission since 2006. In March 2019, chemotherapy treatment was initiated due to a relapse with pulmonary involvement. At three months, the patient presented a bad general condition and fever. A positron emission tomography (PET) showed abnormal metabolic activity in the left adrenal gland (AG), suggestive of lymphoma recurrence.

Correction to: Efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation in inflammatory bowel disease: results of the large multicenter study of the ENEIDA registry.

Javier P. Gisbert was listed incorrectly as Javier Pérez-Gisbert.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation in inflammatory bowel disease: results of the large multicenter study of the ENEIDA registry.

BACKGROUND: There is no information regarding the outcome of Crohn's disease (CD) patients treated with endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in non-referral hospitals, nor on the efficacy of EBD in ulcerative colitis (UC). We report herein the results of the largest series published to date. AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of EBD for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) stenosis performed in 19 hospitals with different levels of complexity and to determine factors related to therapeutic success. METHODS: We identified IBD patients undergoing EBD in the ENEIDA database. Efficacy of EBD was compared between CD and UC and between secondary and tertiary hospitals. Predictive factors of therapeutic success were assessed with multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Four-hundred dilations (41.2% anastomotic) were performed in 187 IBD patients (13 UC/Indeterminate colitis). Technical and therapeutic success per dilation was achieved in 79.5% and 55.3%, respectively. Therapeutic success per patient was achieved in 78.1% of cases (median follow-up: 40 months) with 49.7% requiring more than one dilation. No differences related to either diagnosis or hospital complexity was found. Technical success [OR 4.12 (95%CI 2.4-7.1)] and not receiving anti-TNF at the time of dilation [OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.6)] were independently related to therapeutic success per dilation. A stricture length ≤ 2 cm [HR 2.43 (95% CI 1.11-5.31)] was a predictive factor of long-term success per patient. The rate of major complications was 1.3%. CONCLUSIONS: EBD can be performed with similar efficacy and safety in hospitals with differing levels of complexity and it might be a suitable treatment for UC with short stenosis. To achieve a technical success and the short length of the stenosis seem to be critical for long-term therapeutic success.

Cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Pancreatic endocrine or neuroendocrine tumor. Endoscopic ultrasonography.

Cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (cPNETs) represent less than 8% of all pancreatic cysts and approximately 13% of pancreatic endocrine tumors (PNETs). According to a recent review, the percentage of non-functional (NF) PNETs is 85% and 44.6% are incidentalomas. In our series of 75 PNET cases, ten cPNET cases (13%) were identified which are discussed and summarized below.

EUS-guided recanalization of complete gastrointestinal strictures.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Complete gastrointestinal strictures are a technically demanding problem. In this setting, an anterograde technique is associated with a high risk of complications and a combined anterograde-retrograde technique requires a prior ostomy. Our aim was to assess the outcome of a first case series for the management of complete gastrointestinal strictures using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided puncture as a novel endoscopic approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective case-series describes four cases that were referred for treatment of complete benign gastrointestinal strictures, three upper and one lower. Recanalization was attempted with EUS-guided puncture using a 22G or 19G needle and contrast filling was visualized by fluoroscopy. Afterwards, a cystotome and/or a dilator balloon were used under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. A fully covered metal stent was placed in two cases, keeping the strictures open in order to prevent another stricture. Feasibility, adverse events, efficacy and the number of dilations required after recanalization were evaluated. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success was achieved in three of the four cases (75%). A first dilation was performed using a dilator balloon in all successful cases and fully covered metal stents were used in two cases. These patients underwent a consecutive number of balloon dilatations (range 1-4) and all three were able to eat a soft diet. No adverse events were related to the EUS-guided approach. In the failed case with a long stricture (> 3 cm), an endoscopic rendezvous technique was attempted which caused a pneumothorax requiring a chest tube placement. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided recanalization, as a first approach in the treatment of complete digestive stricture, is a feasible and promising procedure that can help to avoid major surgery.