Basic Principles and Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Differentiation of Pancreatic Cancer from Other Pancreatic Lesions: A Comprehensive Review of Endoscopic Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Pancreatic lesions consist of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions and often pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to similar clinical and radiological features. In recent years, pancreatic lesions have been discovered more frequently as incidental findings due to the increased utilization and widespread availability of abdominal cross-sectional imaging. Therefore, it becomes imperative to establish an early and appropriate diagnosis with meticulous differentiation in an attempt to balance unnecessary treatment of benign pancreatic lesions and missing the opportunity for early intervention in malignant lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an important diagnostic modality for the identification and risk stratification of pancreatic lesions due to its ability to provide detailed imaging and acquisition of tissue samples for analysis with the help of fine-needle aspiration/biopsy. The recent development of EUS-based technology, including contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound, real-time elastography-endoscopic ultrasound, miniature probe ultrasound, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and the application of artificial intelligence has significantly augmented the diagnostic accuracy of EUS as it enables better evaluation of the number, location, dimension, wall thickness, and contents of these lesions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of the different types of EUS available for the diagnosis and differentiation of pancreatic cancer from other pancreatic lesions while discussing their key strengths and important limitations.

Artificial intelligence in gastrointestinal endoscopy: a comprehensive review.

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy heralds a significant leap forward in managing GI disorders. AI-enabled applications, such as computer-aided detection and computer-aided diagnosis, have significantly advanced GI endoscopy, improving early detection, diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. AI algorithms have shown promise in the analysis of endoscopic data, critical in conditions with traditionally low diagnostic sensitivity, such as indeterminate biliary strictures and pancreatic cancer. Convolutional neural networks can markedly improve the diagnostic process when integrated with cholangioscopy or endoscopic ultrasound, especially in the detection of malignant biliary strictures and cholangiocarcinoma. AI's capacity to analyze complex image data and offer real-time feedback can streamline endoscopic procedures, reduce the need for invasive biopsies, and decrease associated adverse events. However, the clinical implementation of AI faces challenges, including data quality issues and the risk of overfitting, underscoring the need for further research and validation. As the technology matures, AI is poised to become an indispensable tool in the gastroenterologist's arsenal, necessitating the integration of robust, validated AI applications into routine clinical practice. Despite remarkable advances, challenges such as operator-dependent accuracy and the need for intricate examinations persist. This review delves into the transformative role of AI in enhancing endoscopic diagnostic accuracy, particularly highlighting its utility in the early detection and personalized treatment of GI diseases.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication with or without hiatal hernia repair for gastroesophageal reflux disease after peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) occurs in 40% to 60% of patients. There are limited data evaluating antireflux surgery or transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for refractory post-POEM GERD. Patients and methods In a single-center prospective cohort study, consecutive patients with medically refractory post-POEM regurgitation and/or GERD treated with TIF or combined laparoscopic hernia repair and TIF (cTIF) were evaluated. Baseline evaluation: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HQRL) and Reflux Symptom Questionnaire 7-day recall (RESQ-7) questionnaires, EGD, high-resolution manometry (HRM), 48-hour pH test off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and impedance planimetry of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to calculate the diameter distensibility index (EGJ-DI). A PPI was taken twice daily for 2 weeks after TIF and restarted later if required. Patients returned 9 to 12 months after treatment when all preoperative studies were repeated. Quality of life, pH studies and EGJ metrics before and after antireflux surgery were compared. Results Seventeen patients underwent TIF (n=2, 12%) or cTIF (n=15, 88%) a mean 25±15 months after POEM. At follow-up a mean of 9±1 months after TIF/cTIF, patients required less frequent daily PPIs (n=0.001), were more satisfied (P=0.008), had improved GERD-HQRL (P=0.001), less intensity and frequency of GERD (P=0.001) and fewer reflux episodes (P=0.04) by pH testing. There was no change in EGJ-DI, EGJ diameter, integrated relaxation pressure, % total time pH <4, or DeMeester score. Conclusions TIF and cTIF for difficult-to-control post-POEM GERD appear safe, decrease PPI use and reflux episodes, and improve QOL without significant change in IRP, EGJ compliance, diameter or esophageal acid exposure time.

Early and Late Readmissions of Radiation Proctitis in the United States: Are We Getting Better?

Background/Aims: Radiation proctitis (RP), a well-known complication of pelvic radiation therapy, may lead to recurrent hospitalizations. We aimed to assess readmissions of RP in the United States. Methods: We analyzed the Nationwide Readmission Database from 2016 to 2020 to identify all 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions of RP in the United States. Hospitalization characteristics, predictors, clinical outcomes, and healthcare burdens were assessed. Results: From 2016 to 2020, we noted a declining trend of 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions of RP in the US. However, the all-cause 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates of RP were still high at 13.7%, 19.4%, and 23.16%, respectively. On readmission, RP was identified as the admitting diagnosis in only 20.61%, 17.87%, and 15.76% of 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions, respectively. The mean age for all readmissions was 70 years with a significant male dominance. Lower endoscopy at index admission reduced the risk of readmissions within 90 days, but this was not statistically significant. However, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was an independent predictor of all readmissions. Furthermore, the mean length of stay was 5.57 (95% CI 5.15-6), 5.50 (95% CI 5.12-5.89), and 5.47 (95% CI 5.07-5.87) days and the mean hospitalization charge was USD 60,451 (95% CI USD 54,728-66,174), USD 62,671 (95% CI USD 57,326-68,015), and USD 62,144 (95% CI USD 57,144-67,144) for 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions. The all-cause inpatient mortality for 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions was 3.58%, 3.89%, and 3.46%, respectively. Conclusions: RP readmissions are a significant healthcare burden. Further efforts must be directed toward improving management strategies to reduce readmission rates.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection with versus without traction for pathologically staged T1B esophageal cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Positive vertical margins (VMs) are common after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of T1b esophageal cancer (EC) and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Traction during ESD provides better exposure of the submucosa and may allow deeper dissection, potentially reducing the risk of positive VMs. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study to compare the proportion of resections with positive VMs in ESD performed with versus without traction in pathologically staged T1b EC. METHODS: Patients who underwent ESD revealing T1b EC (squamous or adenocarcinoma) at 10 academic tertiary referral centers in the United States (n = 9) and Brazil (n = 1) were included. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted. ESD using either traction techniques (tunneling, pocket) or traction devices (clip line, traction wire) were classified as ESD with traction (Tr-ESD) and those without were classified as conventional ESD without traction. The primary outcome was a negative VM. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with negative VMs. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients with pathologically staged T1b EC underwent Tr-ESD (n = 63; 38%) or conventional ESD without traction (n = 103; 62%). Baseline factors were comparable between both groups. On multivariable analysis, Tr-ESD was found to be independently associated with negative VMs (odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.91; P = .037) and R0 resection (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-6.23; P = .008). CONCLUSION: Tr-ESD seems to be associated with higher odds of negative VMs than ESD without traction for pathologically staged T1b EC, and future well-conducted prospective studies are warranted to establish the findings of the current study.

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided primary and secondary prophylaxis for gastric variceal bleeding.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided injection of cyanoacrylate (CYA) for primary prophylaxis (PP) of gastric varices (GV) is controversial. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of this intervention. METHODS: Patients treated for PP of GV bleeding by EUS injection of CYA with or without coils were identified. Endoscopic techniques, outcomes, and adverse events (AEs) were reviewed and compared with a group treated for secondary prophylaxis (SP). Patients were followed until: (i) loss to follow-up; (ii) GV bleeding; (iii) interventional radiology or surgery decompression; (iv) liver transplant; or (v) death or comfort care. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen patients (61 men; mean 59 ± 12 years) underwent EUS for PP (n = 24) or SP (n = 95). The PP group was treated with CYA alone (n = 18) or with coils (n = 4). Eight (33%) mild (n = 6) or moderate (n = 2) AEs and no index GV bleeding occurred during a mean of 6.1 ± 5.9 months follow-up. Repeat EUS in 22 (92%) PP patients showed 7 (32%) residual GVs, which were retreated with CYA alone (n = 6) or with coils (n = 1). Two (29%) mild (n = 1) or moderate (n = 1) AEs occurred after repeat EUS and 1/22 (5%) index GV bleed occurred during a mean 23 ± 25 months follow-up. Compared to the SP group, the PP group had lower Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (P = 0.03), fewer GV stigmata (P < 0.001), required less CYA (P = 0.019) during index EUS, and had a longer time between index and surveillance EUS (P = 0.014). The incidence of AEs and GV bleeding between the two groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Posttreatment GV bleeding and AEs are similar following EUS-guided primary and secondary GV prophylaxis.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Versus Surgery or Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Metachronous Early Gastric Cancer: a Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Resection options for early gastric cancer (EGC) include endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and surgery. In patients with metachronous EGC following previous resection, the optimal resection technique is not well elucidated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing ESD to EMR, or ESD to surgery, in patients with metachronous EGC. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search of studies reporting on outcomes and AEs following ESD versus either EMR or surgery for patients with metachronous EGC. Pooled odds ratios (OR) of included studies were obtained using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. Funnel plots were produced and visually inspected for evidence of publication bias. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: A total of 9367 abstracts were screened and 10 observational studies were included. The odds of complete resection were higher amongst patients undergoing ESD compared to EMR (OR 5.88, 95% confidence intervals, CI, 1.79-19.35), whereas the odds of complete resection were no different between ESD and surgery (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.04-8.24). There were no differences in the odds of local recurrence with ESD versus surgery (OR 5.01, 95% CI 0.86-29.13). Post-procedural bleeding did not differ significantly between ESD and EMR (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.16-3.00). There was no evidence of publication bias. DISCUSSION: For metachronous EGC, ESD or surgery is preferred over EMR depending on local expertise and patient preferences, largely due to a higher risk of incomplete resection with EMR. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021270445.

EUS-guided fine needle aspiration-based clues to mistaken or uncertain identity: serous pancreatic cysts.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) present a diagnostic challenge given their increasing frequency of detection and benign nature yet relatively high rate of misdiagnosis. Here, imaging and analyses associated with EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are evaluated for their ability to provide a correct preoperative diagnosis of SCN. METHODS: A surgical cohort with confirmed pathological diagnosis of SCN (n = 62) and a surveillance cohort with likely SCN (n = 31) were assessed for imaging (CT/MRI/EUS) and EUS-FNA-based analyses (cytology/DNA analysis for Von Hippel-Lindau [VHL] gene alterations/biomarkers). RESULTS: In the surgical cohort, CT/MRI and EUS respectively predicted SCN in 4 of 58(7%) and 19 of 62(31%). Cyst fluid cytology and VHL alterations predicted SCN in 1 of 51(2%) and 5 of 21(24%), respectively. High specificity cyst fluid biomarkers (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]/glucose/carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]/amylase) correctly identified SCN in 25 of 27(93%). In the surveillance cohort, cyst fluid biomarkers predicted SCN in 12 of 12(100%) while VHL alterations identified SCN 3 of 10(30%). CONCLUSION: High specificity cyst fluid biomarkers provided the most sensitive means of diagnosing SCN preoperatively. To obtain a preoperative diagnosis of SCN at the highest level of certainty, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken to inform appropriate SCN management.

Endoscopic Versus Conservative Therapy for Bleeding Peptic Ulcer with Adherent Clot: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcers with adherent clots are associated with a high-risk of rebleeding and mortality. However, the optimal management of bleeding ulcers with adherent clots remains unclear. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare endoscopic therapy and conservative therapy to manage bleeding ulcers with adherent clots. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases through October 2022 to include all studies comparing the endoscopic and conservative therapeutic approaches for bleeding ulcers with adherent clots. Our primary outcome was rebleeding (overall and 30-day). The secondary outcomes were mortality (overall and 30-day), need for surgery, and length of hospital stay (LOS). The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with the corresponding confidence intervals (CI) for proportional and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: Eleven studies (9 RCTs) with 833 patients (431 received endoscopic therapy vs. 402 received conservative therapy) were included. Overall, endoscopic therapy was associated with lower overall rebleeding (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.79, P = 0.007), 30-day rebleeding (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.89, P = 0.002), overall mortality (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.95, P = 0.04), 30-day mortality (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.89, P = 0.002), need for surgery (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.95, P = 0.04), and LOS (MD - 3.17 days, 95% CI - 4.14, - 2.19, P < 0.00001). However, subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed no significant difference in overall mortality (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.24-2.52, P = 0.68) between the two strategies, with numerically lower but statistically non-significant rates of overall rebleeding (7.2% vs. 18.5%, respectively; OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-1.05, P = 0.06), statistically lower rate of need for surgery (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.96, P = 0.04) with endoscopic therapy compared to conservative therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that endoscopic therapy was overall associated with lower rates of rebleeding (overall and 30-day), mortality (overall and 30-day), need for surgery, and LOS, compared to conservative therapy for the management of bleeding ulcers with adherent clots. However, subgroup analysis of RCTs showed that endoscopic therapy was associated with numerically lower but statistically non-significant rates of overall rebleeding and a statistically lower rate of need for surgery compared to conservative therapy with similar overall mortality rates. Combined treatment with thermal therapy and injection therapy was the most effective treatment modality in reducing rebleeding risk. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to validate our findings.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on endoscopic submucosal dissection for the management of early esophageal and gastric cancers: methodology and review of evidence.

This document from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) provides a full description of the methodology used in the review of the evidence used to inform the final guidance outlined in the accompanying Summary and Recommendations document regarding the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the management of early esophageal and gastric cancers. This guideline used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework and specifically addresses the role of ESD versus EMR and/or surgery, where applicable, for the management of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and their corresponding precursor lesions. For ESCC, the ASGE suggests ESD over EMR for patients with early-stage, well-differentiated, nonulcerated cancer >15 mm, whereas in patients with similar lesions ≤15 mm, the ASGE suggests either ESD or EMR. The ASGE suggests against surgery for such patients with ESCC, whenever possible. For EAC, the ASGE suggests ESD over EMR for patients with early-stage, well-differentiated, nonulcerated cancer >20 mm, whereas in patients with similar lesions measuring ≤20 mm, the ASGE suggests either ESD or EMR. For GAC, the ASGE suggests ESD over EMR for patients with early-stage, well or moderately differentiated, nonulcerated intestinal type cancer measuring 20 to 30 mm, whereas for patients with similar lesions <20 mm, the ASGE suggests either ESD or EMR. The ASGE suggests against surgery for patients with such lesions measuring ≤30 mm, whereas for lesions that are poorly differentiated, regardless of size, the ASGE suggests surgical evaluation over endosic approaches.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on endoscopic submucosal dissection for the management of early esophageal and gastric cancers: summary and recommendations.

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) provides an evidence-based summary and recommendations regarding the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the management of early esophageal and gastric cancers. It is accompanied by the document subtitled "Methodology and Review of Evidence," which provides a detailed account of the methodology used for the evidence review. This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework and specifically addresses the role of ESD versus EMR and/or surgery, where applicable, for the management of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and their corresponding precursor lesions. For ESCC, the ASGE suggests ESD over EMR for patients with early-stage, well-differentiated, nonulcerated cancer >15 mm, whereas in patients with similar lesions ≤15 mm, the ASGE suggests either ESD or EMR. The ASGE suggests against surgery for such patients with ESCC, whenever possible. For EAC, the ASGE suggests ESD over EMR for patients with early-stage, well-differentiated, nonulcerated cancer >20 mm, whereas in patients with similar lesions measuring ≤20 mm, the ASGE suggests either ESD or EMR. For GAC, the ASGE suggests ESD over EMR for patients with early-stage, well- or moderately differentiated, nonulcerated intestinal type cancer measuring 20 to 30 mm, whereas for patients with similar lesions <20 mm, the ASGE suggests either ESD or EMR. The ASGE suggests against surgery for patients with such lesions measuring ≤30 mm, whereas for lesions that are poorly differentiated, regardless of size, we suggest surgical evaluation over endoscopic approaches.

Role of Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Management of Pancreatic Cancer: An Endoscopic Oncologist Perspective.

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with an aggressive clinical course. Patients with pancreatic cancer are usually asymptomatic until significant progression of their disease. Additionally, there are no effective screening guidelines for pancreatic cancer in the general population. This leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and low survival rates. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an indispensable tool for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer. In the modern era, with exponential advancements in technology and device innovation, EUS is also being increasingly used in a variety of therapeutic interventions. In the context of pancreatic cancer where therapies are limited due to the advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis, EUS-guided interventions offer new and innovative options. Moreover, due to their minimally invasive nature and ability to provide real-time images for tumor localization and therapy, they are associated with fewer complication rates compared to conventional open and laparoscopic approaches. In this article, we detail the most current and important therapeutic applications of EUS for pancreatic cancer, namely EUS-guided Fine Needle Injections, EUS-guided Radiotherapy, and EUS-guided Ablations. Furthermore, we also discuss the feasibility and safety profile of each intervention in patients with pancreatic cancer to provide gastrointestinal medical oncologists, radiation and surgical oncologists, and therapeutic endoscopists with valuable information to facilitate patient discussions and aid in the complex decision-making process.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of malignancy in biliary strictures of undetermined etiology: summary and recommendations.

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides an evidence-based approach for the diagnosis of malignancy in patients with biliary strictures of undetermined etiology. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework and addresses the role of fluoroscopic-guided biopsy sampling, brush cytology, cholangioscopy, and EUS in the diagnosis of malignancy in patients with biliary strictures. In the endoscopic workup of these patients, we suggest the use of fluoroscopic-guided biopsy sampling in addition to brush cytology over brush cytology alone, especially for hilar strictures. We suggest the use of cholangioscopic and EUS-guided biopsy sampling especially for patients who undergo nondiagnostic sampling, cholangioscopic biopsy sampling for nondistal strictures and EUS-guided biopsy sampling distal strictures or those with suspected spread to surrounding lymph nodes and other structures.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of malignancy in biliary strictures of undetermined etiology: methodology and review of evidence.

Biliary strictures of undetermined etiology pose a diagnostic challenge for endoscopists. Despite advances in technology, diagnosing malignancy in biliary strictures often requires multiple procedures. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to rigorously review and synthesize the available literature on strategies used to diagnose undetermined biliary strictures. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis of each diagnostic modality, including fluoroscopic-guided biopsy sampling, brush cytology, cholangioscopy, and EUS-guided FNA or fine-needle biopsy sampling, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Standards of Practice Committee provides this guideline on modalities used to diagnose biliary strictures of undetermined etiology. This document summarizes the methods used in the GRADE analysis to make recommendations, whereas the accompanying article subtitled "Summary and Recommendations" contains a concise summary of our findings and final recommendations.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of ergonomics for prevention of endoscopy-related injury: summary and recommendations.

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides an evidence-based approach to strategies to prevent endoscopy-related injury (ERI) in GI endoscopists. It is accompanied by the article subtitled "Methodology and Review of Evidence," which provides a detailed account of the methodology used for the evidence review. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The guideline estimates the rates, sites, and predictors of ERI. Additionally, it addresses the role of ergonomics training, microbreaks and macrobreaks, monitor and table positions, antifatigue mats, and use of ancillary devices in decreasing the risk of ERI. We recommend formal ergonomics education and neutral posture during the performance of endoscopy, achieved through adjustable monitor and optimal procedure table position, to reduce the risk of ERI. We suggest taking microbreaks and scheduled macrobreaks and using antifatigue mats during procedures to prevent ERI. We suggest the use of ancillary devices in those with risk factors predisposing them to ERI.

Endoscopic versus surgical management for colonic volvulus hospitalizations in the United States.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonic volvulus (CV), a common cause of bowel obstruction, often requires intervention. We aimed to identify hospitalization trends and CV outcomes in the United States. METHODS: We used the National Inpatient Sample to identify all adult CV hospitalizations in the United States from 2007 to 2017. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and inpatient outcomes were highlighted. Outcomes of endoscopic and surgical management were compared. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2017, there were 220,666 CV hospitalizations. CV-related hospitalizations increased from 17,888 in 2007 to 21,715 in 2017 (p=0.001). However, inpatient mortality decreased from 7.6% in 2007 to 6.2% in 2017 (p<0.001). Of all CV-related hospitalizations, 13,745 underwent endoscopic intervention, and 77,157 underwent surgery. Although the endoscopic cohort had patients with a higher Charlson comorbidity index, we noted lower inpatient mortality (6.1% vs. 7.0%, p<0.001), mean length of stay (8.3 vs. 11.8 days, p<0.001), and mean total healthcare charge ($68,126 vs. $106,703, p<0.001) compared to the surgical cohort. Male sex, increased Charlson comorbidity index scores, acute kidney injury, and malnutrition were associated with higher odds of inpatient mortality in patients with CV who underwent endoscopic management. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic intervention has lower inpatient mortality and is an excellent alternative to surgery for appropriately selected CV hospitalizations.

Predictors of marginal ulcer after gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Marginal ulcer (MU) is a common complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with an incidence rate of up to 25%. Several studies have evaluated different risk factors associated with MU with inconsistent findings. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to identify the predictors of MU after RYGB. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted through April 2022. All studies that used a multivariate model to assess risk factors for MU after RYGB were included. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk factors reported in ≥ 3 studies were obtained within a random-effects model. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 344,829 patients who underwent RYGB were included. Eleven different risk factors were analyzed. Meta-analysis demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (OR 4.97 [2.24-10.99]), smoking (OR 2.50 [1.76-3.54]), and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.80 [1.15-2.80]), were significant predictors of MU. Increased age, body mass index, female gender, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and alcohol use were not predictors of MU. There was a trend of an increased risk of MU associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR 2.43 [0.72-8.21]) and a lower risk of MU with proton pump inhibitors use (OR 0.44 [0.11-2.11]). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation, optimizing glycemic control, and eradication of HP infection reduce the risk of MU following RYGB. Recognition of predictors of MU after RYGB will allow physicians to identify high-risk patients, improve surgical outcomes, and reduce the risk of MU.

Combined Drainage and Protocolized Necrosectomy Through a Coaxial Lumen-apposing Metal Stent for Pancreatic Walled-off Necrosis: A Prospective Multicenter Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a protocolized endoscopic necrosectomy approach with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) in patients with large symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON) comprising significant necrotic content, with or without infection. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Randomized trials have shown similar efficacy of endoscopic treatment compared with surgery for infected WON. DESIGN: We conducted a regulatory, prospective, multicenter single-arm clinical trial examining the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound -guided LAMS with protocolized necrosectomy to treat symptomatic WON ≥6 cm in diameter with >30% solid necrosis. After LAMS placement, protocolized WON assessment was conducted and endoscopic necrosectomy was performed for insufficient WON size reduction and persistent symptoms. Patients with radiographic WON resolution to ≤ 3 cm and/or 60-day LAMS indwell had LAMS removal, then 6-month follow-up. Primary endpoints were probability of radiographic resolution by 60 days and procedure-related serious adverse events. RESULTS: Forty consecutive patients were enrolled September 2018 to March 2020, of whom 27 (67.5%) were inpatients and 19 (47.5%) had clinical evidence of infection at their index procedure. Mean WON size was 15.0 ± 5.6 cm with mean 53.2% ± 16.7% solid necrosis. Radiographic WON resolution was seen in 97.5% (95% CI, 86.8%, 99.9%) by 60 days, without recurrence in 34 patients with 6-month follow-up data. Mean time to radiographic WON resolution was 34.1 ± 16.8 days. Serious adverse events occurred in 3 patients (7.5%), including sepsis, vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteremia and shock, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. There were no procedure-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage with protocolized endoscopic necrosectomy to treat large symptomatic or infected walled-off necrotic pancreatic collections was highly effective and safe. Clinicaltrials.-gov no: NCT03525808.

Prevalence and impact of opioid use in patients undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic narcotic use may cause opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction and associated type III achalasia, hypercontractile esophagus (HE), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). The frequency of opioid use and its impact on peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in these patients is unknown. METHODS: Consecutive patients between April 2017 and September 2021 who underwent POEM for type III achalasia, EGJOO, DES, or HE with ≥6 months follow-up were identified. Baseline evaluation was done with EGD, esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM), and functional lumen impedance planimetry (FLIP) of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Eckardt scores (ESs) were calculated at baseline and follow-up at 6 to 12 months after POEM for opioid users and nonusers. Clinical response was defined as ES ≤3, EGJ distensibility index >2.8 mm2/mm Hg, maximum EGJ diameter >14 mm, and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) <15 mm Hg. Opioid use before baseline HRM was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six patients underwent POEM, and 89 had ≥6 months of follow-up. Daily opioid use was present in 18 of 89 patients (20%). Baseline demographics, FLIP metrics, IRP, distribution of motility disorders, and POEM characteristics were similar between both groups. At 6 to 12 months after POEM, clinical response and frequency of GERD, esophagitis, and proton pump inhibitor use were similar between opioid users and nonusers. Heartburn was more frequent in the opioid group (82.4% vs 38.6%, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center study of 89 patients with type III achalasia, EGJOO, DES, or HE treated with POEM, daily opioid use was present in 20%. Response to POEM and post-POEM GERD were similar between opioid users and nonusers. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02770859.).