Effect of radiofrequency ablation in addition to biliary stent on overall survival and stent patency in malignant biliary obstruction: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used in addition to stent placement to manage extrahepatic malignant biliary obstruction. We aimed to study the effect of RFA on overall survival (OS) and stent patency in malignant biliary obstruction. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed from inception to May 2022 for all studies measuring the effect of RFA plus stents compared to stents placement only on OS and stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. We measured differences in OS, stent patency, and odds of adverse events. A random effect model was used to pool data for stent patency, OS, and adverse event. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies (14 observational and 3 RCT) containing 1766 patients were included in the analysis. The weighted pooled mean survival difference was 58.5 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 32.6-84.4, I2 = 71%] in favor of the RFA treatment group. The weighted mean difference in stent patency was better in the RFA plus stent group by 45.3 days (95% CI: 30.1-60.5, I2 = 16.4%) compared to stent only group. The pooled odds of adverse events were the same in both groups [odds ratio (OR) 1.52, 95% CI: 0.96-2.43, I2 = 59%], and no serious adverse event was seen in either group, or no death reported secondary to RFA procedure. No difference in stent patency based on procedure type, including percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (P = 0.06), and an underline cause of bile duct obstruction was found (P = 0.261). CONCLUSION: RFA treatment, in addition to stent placement in malignant biliary obstruction, potentially improves OS and stent patency duration.

Outcomes of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increased use of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT), systematic evidence of its outcomes remains limited. AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of TPIAT. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception through March 2019 for studies on TPIAT outcomes. Data were extracted and analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. The random-effects model was used for all variables. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 measure and Cochrane Q-statistic. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies published between 1980 and 2017 examining 1011 patients were included. Eighteen studies were of adults, while three studied pediatric populations. Narcotic independence was achieved in 53.5% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 45-62, P < 0.05, I2 = 81%] of adults compared to 51.9% (95%CI: 17-85, P < 0.05, I2 = 84%) of children. Insulin-independence post-procedure was achieved in 31.8% (95%CI: 26-38, P < 0.05, I2 = 64%) of adults with considerable heterogeneity compared to 47.7% (95%CI: 20-77, P < 0.05, I2 = 82%) in children. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) 12 mo post-surgery was reported in four studies with a pooled value of 6.76% (P = 0.27). Neither stratification by age of the studied population nor meta-regression analysis considering both the study publication date and the islet-cell-equivalent/kg weight explained the marked heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: These results indicate acceptable success for TPIAT. Future studies should evaluate the discussed measures before and after surgery for comparison.

Second exam of right colon improves adenoma detection rate: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background and study aims A second examination of the right colon, either as a second forward view (SFV) or as retroflexion (RF) in the cecum, can increase adenoma detection rate (ADR) in the right colon. In this meta-analysis, we have evaluated the role of a second examination of the right colon in improving ADR. Methods We reviewed several databases to identify randomized controlled trials that compared right colon SFV with no SFV, and RCTs that compared SFV with RF in the right colon, and reported data on ADR. Our outcomes of interest were ADR and polyp detection rate (PDR) with SFV vs no SFV, right colon and total withdrawal times, and additional ADR and PDR with SFV vs RF. For categorical variables, we calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs); for continuous variables, we calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % CI. Data were analyzed using random effects model. Results We included six studies with 3901 patients. Comparing SFV with no SFV, right colon ADR and PDR were significantly higher in the SFV group: ADR (RR [95 % CI] 1.39 [1.22,1.58]) and PDR (RR [95 % CI] 1.47 [1.30, 1.65]). We found no significant difference in right colon withdrawal time (SMD [95 % CI] 1.54 [-0.20,3.28]) or total withdrawal time (SMD (95 % CI) 0.37 [-0.39,1.13]) with and without SFV. We found no significant difference in additional ADR between SFV and RF. Conclusions SFV of the right colon significantly increases right-sided and overall ADR.

Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Preoperative Anemia Undergoing Colectomy for Colon Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative anemia is relatively common in colon cancer patients; however, its impact on short-term surgical outcomes is not well established. The aim of our study was to evaluate short-term surgical outcomes in colon cancer patients with preoperative anemia undergoing colectomy. METHODS: We performed a 4-year analysis of the ACS-NSQIP and included all adult patients who underwent colectomy for colon cancer. Patients were stratified into two groups based on preoperative anemia (Preop Anemia, No Preop Anemia). Our outcome measures were 30-day complications, 30-day unplanned readmissions, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 35,243 colon cancer patients who underwent colectomy were included in the analysis, of whom 50.4% had preoperative anemia. The mean age was 65 ± 13 years and the mean hemoglobin level was 12 ± 2 g/dL. Patients in the anemia group were more likely to be African American, have higher ASA class ≥3, and were more likely to receive at least 1 unit of packed red blood cells preoperatively (7.1% versus 0.3%, P < 0.01). Patients in the anemia group had higher rates of 30-day complications (34.5% versus 16.6%, P < 0.01), 30-day readmission related to the principal procedure (11.7% versus 8.7%, P < 0.01), and 30-day mortality (3.1% versus 1%, P < 0.01). On regression analysis, preoperative anemia was independently associated with higher odds of 30-day complications (P < 0.01), but not 30-day readmission, or 30-day mortality (P = 0.464 and P = 0.362 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anemia appears to be associated with postoperative complications. Preoperatively optimizing hemoglobin levels may lead to improved outcomes.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Treatment of Superficial Pharyngeal Cancers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies evaluating the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers have reported promising results. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of ESD in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. METHODS: We reviewed several databases from inception to September 03, 2020, to identify studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of ESD in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. Our outcomes of interest were en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, adverse events, and rates of local recurrence. Pooled rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all outcomes were calculated using random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic. We assessed publication bias by using funnel plots and Egger's test. We conducted meta-regression analysis to explore heterogeneity in analyses. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in analyses. All studies were from Asia. Pooled rates (95% CI) for en bloc resection and complete resection were 94% (87%, 97%) and 72% (62%, 80%), respectively. The pooled rates (95% CI) for adverse events and local recurrence were 10% (5%, 17%) and 1.9% (0.9%, 4%), respectively. Most of the analyses were limited by substantial heterogeneity. On meta-regression analysis, the heterogeneity was explained by size of tumor and histology. Funnel plots and Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis including studies from Asian countries demonstrated that ESD is an efficacious and safe option in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. More studies and studies from Western countries are needed to further validate these findings.

An Urban Center Experience Exploring Barriers to Adherence to Endoscopic Surveillance for Non-Dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus.

Background Data regarding barriers to Barrett's esophagus (BE) surveillance is limited. Studying an urban center population, we aimed to characterize non-dysplastic BE surveillance rates and identify health, racial, and socioeconomic disparities affecting surveillance. Methods Patients with biopsy-confirmed BE were retrospectively identified between January 2002 and December 2012. Non-dysplastic BE patients were analyzed for adherence to established surveillance guidelines. Demographic, racial, comorbidities, and socioeconomic variables were extracted. Annual gross income (AGI) was utilized as a marker of socioeconomic status (SES). Univariate and multivariate analyses compared adherent vs. non-adherent patients to surveillance guidelines. Results A total of 217 patients with non-dysplastic BE were analyzed. The majority were male (67.3%) and Caucasian (75.6%), with only 47.5% adherent with the first surveillance endoscopy. Patients with a high average AGI were more likely to be adherent with the initial surveillance endoscopy than those with low AGI (p=0.032). Initial compliance with first surveillance was associated with better surveillance at regular intervals (p=0.001). No significant differences in age, primary language, insurance type, marital status, or Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) between adherent and non-adherent patients were found. Conclusions Although overall adherence to guidelines was suboptimal, this study identifies important socioeconomic disparities in the endoscopic surveillance for non-dysplastic BE. Identifying and understanding the barriers to care among these lower socioeconomic groups may ultimately lead to improved screening compliance and early BE detection.

Hypercalcemia of Malignancy and Acute Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Hypercalcemia of malignancy confers a poor prognosis. This systematic review evaluated published cases of hypercalcemia of malignancy presenting with acute pancreatitis (AP), in terms of clinical presentation and outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive review of PubMed and Embase until March 18, 2020, was conducted. Studies were included if they reported on patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy and AP with attempts to exclude other etiologies of hypercalcemia and AP. Two independent reviewers selected and appraised studies using the Murad tool. RESULTS: Thirty-seven cases were identified. Mean (standard deviation) age was 44.8 (2.46) years. Mean (standard deviation) presenting corrected calcium was 14.5 (0.46) mg/dL. Parathyroid carcinoma (21.6%) and multiple myeloma (21.6%) were the most common malignancies. Cases were classified as severe (37.8%), mild (21.6%), and moderately severe (18.9%), whereas 21.6% did not report severity. Necrotizing pancreatitis developed in 21.6% of cases. Most cases were treated with intravenous hydration and bisphosphonates or calcitonin/calcitonin analogues. Mortality was 32.4% during the same presentation of AP. Among mortality cases, 10 of 12 had severe AP, and 5 of 12 had necrotizing pancreatitis. Degree of hypercalcemia did not influence mortality. CONCLUSION: Acute pancreatitis associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy is rare. One in 3 patients with this presentation may not survive AP.

Role of routine second-look endoscopy in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies evaluating the role of routine second-look endoscopy in patients with acute upper GI bleed because of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have reported conflicting results. This meta-analysis evaluates the usefulness of routine second-look endoscopy in these patients. METHODS: We reviewed several databases from inception to September 15, 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared routine second-look endoscopy with no planned second-look endoscopy in patients with acute upper GI bleed because of PUD. Our outcomes of interest were recurrent bleeding, mortality, need for surgery, and mean number of units of blood transfused. For categorical variables, we calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs); for continuous variables, we calculated standardized mean difference with 95% CIs. Data were analyzed using a random effects model. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to ascertain the quality of evidence. RESULTS: We included 9 RTCs comprising 1452 patients; 726 patients underwent planned/routine second-look endoscopy and 726 did not. We found no significant difference in recurrent bleeding (RR, .79; 95% CI, .51-1.23), need for surgery (RR, .58; 95% CI, .29-1.15), mortality (RR, .69; 95% CI, .33-1.45), or mean number of units of blood transfused (standardized mean difference, -.06; 95% CI, -.19 to .07). Quality of evidence ranged from low to moderate based on the GRADE framework. CONCLUSIONS: Single endoscopy with complete endoscopic hemostasis is not inferior to routine second-look endoscopy in reducing the risk of recurrent bleeding, mortality, or need for surgery in patients with acute upper GI bleed because of PUD.

Efficacy and safety of supplemental intravenous lidocaine for sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Some studies have shown that intravenous (IV) lidocaine reduces the dose requirement of propofol in GI endoscopic procedures. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of IV lidocaine and propofol compared with propofol alone in GI endoscopic procedures. METHODS: We reviewed several databases from inception to October 13, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the role of IV propofol and lidocaine with IV propofol plus placebo for sedation in endoscopic procedures. Our outcomes of interest were the differences in total dose of propofol administered, procedure time, and intraoperative adverse events. For categorical variables, we calculated pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI); for continuous variables, we calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI. Data were analyzed using a random effect model. We used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) framework to ascertain the quality of evidence. RESULTS: We included 5 randomized controlled trials with 318 patients. We found that the total dose of propofol administered was significantly lower in the lidocaine group than the control group (SMD, -0.76; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.42). We found no significant difference in procedure time (SMD, 0.16; 95% CI, -0.26 to 0.57) or adverse events (risk ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.35-1.03) between the groups. There was moderate to substantial heterogeneity in the data. Quality of evidence based on the GRADE framework ranged from low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate quality of evidence suggests that IV lidocaine decreases the dose of propofol administered for GI endoscopic procedures.

Cholestatic Hepatitis in Graves' Disease: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Cholestatic hepatitis is a rare presentation of thyrotoxicosis potentially confused as an adverse effect of antithyroid therapy. We report a 37-year-old man with cholestatic hepatitis as an initial presentation of Graves' disease. Diagnostic evaluation demonstrated (i) elevated transaminases and alkaline phosphatase (R-factor value: 2.6), and marked cholestasis (total bilirubin: 17.3 mg/dL, direct bilirubin: 9.4 mg/dL); (ii) negative hepatitis, viral, and autoimmune serologies; (iii) normal magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography; (iv) liver biopsy with marked cholestasis and no fibrosis; (v) thyroid-stimulating hormone <0.01, fT4 (free thyroxine): 1.5, fT4 (free triiodothyronine): 4.3 and positive thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. Radioiodine uptake scan confirmed Graves' disease. Clinical resolution was achieved with propranolol, prednisone, methimazole, and thyroidectomy.

A Comprehensive Review of Endoscopic Management of Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery leaks result in significant morbidity and mortality. Experts report variable therapeutic approaches, without uniform guidelines or consensus. OBJECTIVE: To review the pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of gastric sleeve leaks, with a focus on endoscopic approaches. In addition, the efficacy and success rates of different treatment modalities are assessed. DESIGN: A comprehensive review was conducted using a thorough literature search of 5 online electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science) from the time of their inception through March 2020. Studies evaluating gastric sleeve leaks were included. MeSH terms related to "endoscopic," "leak," "sleeve," "gastrectomy," "anastomotic," and "bariatric" were applied to a highly sensitive search strategy. The main outcomes were epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: Literature search yielded 2418 studies of which 438 were incorporated into the review. Shock and peritonitis necessitate early surgical intervention for leaks. Endoscopic therapies in acute and early leaks involve modalities with a focus on one of: (i) defect closure, (ii) wall diversion, or (iii) wall exclusion. Surgical revision is required if endoscopic therapies fail to control leaks after 6 months. Chronic leaks require one or more endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical approaches for fluid collection drainage to facilitate adequate healing. Success rates depend on provider and center expertise. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management of leaks post sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive and effective alternative to surgery. Their effect may vary based on clinical presentation, timing or leak morphology, and should be tailored to the appropriate endoscopic modality of treatment.

Viral-Attributed Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review.

Infectious etiologies are rare cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). We sought to investigate the frequency of viral-attributed AP (VIAP) and describe its natural course and clinical features. Comprehensive review of PubMed and EMBASE in English until December 31, 2019, was performed. AP diagnosis and severity were defined per the Revised Atlanta Classification. Viral infections were diagnosed by serology and/or histology. A diagnosis of viral infection, with a concurrent AP diagnosis, a temporal resolution of both entities, and the attempt to exclude the most common etiologies of AP defined VIAP. Two independent reviewers reviewed eligible publications. Bias risk was assessed with the Murad tool. A total of 209 cases identified in 128 publications met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 38.9 ± 1.28 years. Male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1, and 28% of patients were immunocompromised. Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) was the most common virus and accounted for 34.4% of cases, followed by coxsackie and echoviruses (14.8%), hemorrhagic fever viruses (12.4%), CMV (12.0%), VZV (10.5%), mumps and measles (3.8%), primary HIV infection (3.8%), HSV (1.9%), EBV (1.9%), and the remainder of cases (2.9%) attributed to adenovirus, influenza H1N1, and multiple viruses. Severity of AP was: 43.1% mild, 11.7% moderately severe, 32.4% severe. Death occurred in 42 (20.1%) patients. A significant portion of VIAP patients were immunocompromised (28.0%) and accounted for 71.4% of mortality cases. Mortality was higher than that reported for AP from other etiologies in the literature.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the role of tranexamic acid in acute upper GI bleeding (UGIB) have reported conflicting results. In this systematic review, we have evaluated the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in UGIB. METHODS: We searched several databases from inception to June 6, 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared tranexamic acid and placebo in UGIB. Our outcomes of interest were mortality, rebleeding, all thromboembolic events, venous thromboembolic events, need for transfusion, endoscopic intervention and surgery. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed effect model. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: We included 12 RCTs comprising 14,100 patients. We found no significant difference in mortality, pooled RR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.74-1.01), rebleeding, pooled RR (95% CI) 0.90 (0.79-1.02), need for surgery, pooled RR (95% CI) 0.86 (0.73-1.02), need for transfusion, pooled RR (95% CI) 1.00 (0.99-1.01) or thromboembolic events, RR (95% CI) 1.16 (0.87-1.56) between treatments. We found an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events with tranexamic acid, pooled RR (95% CI) 1.94 (1.23-3.05). Certainty of evidence based on the GRADE framework for the different outcomes ranged from low to very low. CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid does not improve outcomes in UGIB and may increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events.