A location-based anatomic classification system for acute pancreatic fluid collections: Roadmap for optimal intervention in the step-up era.

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is a local complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis frequently requiring intervention. Treatment is typically through the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Current management guidelines recommend a step-up approach beginning with minimally invasive techniques (percutaneous or transmural endoscopic drainage) followed by escalation to more invasive procedures if needed. Although the step-up approach is an evidence-based treatment paradigm for management of pancreatic fluid collections, it lacks guidance regarding optimal invasive technique selection based on the anatomic characteristics of pancreatic fluid collections. Similarly, existing cross-sectional imaging-based classification systems of pancreatic fluid collections have been used to predict disease severity and prognosis; however, none of these systems are designed to guide intervention. We propose a novel classification system which incorporates anatomic characteristics of pancreatic fluid collections (location and presence of disconnected pancreatic duct) to guide intervention selection and clinical decision making. We believe adoption of this simple classification system will help streamline treatment algorithms and facilitate cross-study comparisons for pancreatic fluid collections.

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage after failed ERCP: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Background and study aims Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is the traditional second-line option after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG) is a viable alternative to PTBD. Our study aimed to compare outcomes of EUS-HG and PTBD for benign and malignant biliary diseases following failed ERCP. Patients and methods This single-center study retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing EUS-HG and PTBD for benign and malignant biliary disorders. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed using age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. The primary outcome was clinical success, which we defined as a decrease in total bilirubin by ≥ 50% at 2 weeks for malignant disease and resolution of the biliary disorder for benign disease. Results In total, 41 patients underwent EUS-HG and 138 patients underwent PTBD. After propensity score matching in a 1:2 ratio, 32 EUS-HG patients were matched with 64 PTBD. Technical success was achieved in 29 of 32 (91%) for EUS-HG and 63 of 64 (98%) for PTBD ( P =0.11). Clinical success was 100% for EUS-HG and 75% for PTBD ( P =0.0021). EUS-HG was associated with a lower adverse event rate (EUS-HG 13% vs. PTBD 58%, P <0.0001), shorter procedure duration (median 60 vs. 115 minutes, P <0.0001), shorter post-procedure length of stay (median 2 vs. 4 days, P <0.0001), and fewer reinterventions (median 1 vs. 3, P <0.0001). Conclusions Our results suggest that EUS-HG is superior to PTBD in the treatment of benign and malignant biliary disorders after failed ERCP.

Enteroscopy-Assisted EUS-Guided Trans-gastric Intervention After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed trans-gastric interventions (EDGI) using lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) have been increasingly utilized in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. We present a case of a 71-year-old woman with Roux-en-Y anatomy presenting with choledocholithiasis and enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Given inability to identify the excluded stomach on routine EUS, enteroscopy was performed with retrograde filling of the excluded stomach to allow for its localization on EUS. The patient underwent LAMS placement to create a jejuno-gastric anastomosis. Subsequently, she had an ERCP (via the LAMS) for removal of bile duct stone and an EUS with fine needle aspiration of the para-aortic lymph node (via the LAMS) confirming malignancy. The LAMS was removed after 2 weeks and the defect closed with APC and clips. An upper GI series obtained at 4 weeks did not show any residual leak. Patient continues to follow up with oncology for workup of primary malignancy.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gastro-gastrostomy Using Lumen Apposing Metal Stent for Management of High-Grade Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Vertical Banded Gastroplasty.

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is associated with an increased risk of pouch stricture secondary to narrowing of the banded gastroplasty outlet. We describe a case of a 60-year-old male with stage 4 small cell lung cancer presenting with recurrent gastric outlet obstruction secondary to stenosis at the site of VBG. Given a prior history of failed standard endoscopic maneuvers including balloon dilation and steroid injection, the decision was made to create an endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastro-gastrostomy using lumen opposing metal stent. The patient did well post procedure and was able to tolerate a soft mechanical diet within 24 h. He was subsequently discharged to hospice for his advanced metastatic disease.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage: Beyond Cholecystitis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is an alternative to surgery for acute cholecystitis (AC) in poor operative candidates. However, the role of EUS-GBD in non-cholecystitis (NC) indications has not been well studied. We compared the clinical outcomes of EUS-GBD for AC and NC indications. Consecutive patients undergoing EUS-GBD for all indications at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-one patients underwent EUS-GBD during the study period. Thirty-nine (76%) patients had AC while 12 (24%) had NC indications. NC indications included malignant biliary obstruction (n = 8), symptomatic cholelithiasis (n = 1), gallstone pancreatitis (n = 1), choledocholithiasis (n = 1), and Mirizzi's syndrome (n = 1). Technical success was noted in 92% (36/39) for AC and 92% (11/12) for NC (p > 0.99). The clinical success rate was 94% and 100%, respectively (p > 0.99). There were four adverse events in the AC group and 3 in the NC group (p = 0.33). Procedure duration (median 43 vs. 45 min, p = 0.37), post-procedure length of stay (median 3 vs. 3 days, p = 0.97), and total gallbladder-related procedures (median 2 vs. 2, p = 0.59) were similar. EUS-GBD for NC indications is similarly safe and effective as EUS-GBD in AC.

Pancreatic Cancer Screening for At-Risk Individuals (Pancreas Scan Study): Yield, Harms, and Outcomes From a Prospective Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines endorse pancreatic cancer screening in genetically susceptible individuals. We conducted a prospective, multicenter study to determine yield, harms, and outcomes of pancreatic cancer screening. METHODS: All high-risk individuals undergoing pancreatic cancer screening at 5 centers from 2020 to 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Pancreas findings were designated as low-risk (fatty or chronic pancreatitis-like changes), intermediate-risk (neuroendocrine tumor [NET] <2 cm or branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm [IPMN]), or high-risk lesions (high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia/dysplasia, main-duct IPMN, NET >2 cm, or pancreatic cancer). Harms from screening included adverse events during screening or undergoing low-yield pancreatic surgery. Annual screening was performed using endoscopic ultrasound and or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Annual screening for new-onset diabetes using fasting blood sugar was also performed ( ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT05006131). RESULTS: During the study period, 252 patients underwent pancreatic cancer screening. Mean age was 59.9 years, 69% were female, and 79.4% were White. Common indications were BRCA 1/2 (36.9%), familial pancreatic cancer syndrome kindred (31.7%), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (3.5%), Lynch syndrome (6.7%), Peutz-Jeghers (4.3%), and familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (3.5%). Low-risk lesions were noted in 23.4% and intermediate-risk lesions in 31.7%, almost all of which were branch-duct IPMN without worrisome features. High-risk lesions were noted in 2 patients (0.8%), who were diagnosed with pancreas cancer at stages T2N1M0 and T2N1M1. Prediabetes was noted in 18.2% and new-onset diabetes in 1.7%. Abnormal fasting blood sugar was not associated with pancreatic lesions. There were no adverse events from screening tests, and no patient underwent low-yield pancreatic surgery. DISCUSSION: Pancreatic cancer screening detected high-risk lesions with lower frequency than previously reported. No harms from screening were noted.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of a Postoperative Fluid Collection in the Setting of Roux-en-Y Anatomy.

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Cholecystocolonic fistula following endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for stump cholecystitis.

Cholecystocolonic fistulas are a rare sequela of gallstone disease. Presenting symptoms are variable but a triad of chronic diarrhea, vitamin K malabsorption, and pneumobilia has been proposed. If untreated, recurrent biliary sepsis can occur with substantial morbidity and mortality. Definitive management is surgical although endoscopic treatment has been described in nonsurgical patients. We present a case of a cholecystocolonic fistula following transgastric endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage with a lumen-apposing metal stent for stump cholecystitis. The patient's presenting symptom was diarrhea. Upper endoscopy and cholecystoscopy 4 weeks following gallbladder drainage revealed a cholecystocolonic fistula. The cholecystogastric tract was closed through the scope clips. The patient had no episodes of cholangitis and had a patent biliary tree with a prior biliary sphincterotomy so clinical observation was chosen. Colonoscopy 1 month later confirmed the closure of the fistula and the patient had a resolution of diarrhea. Our case highlights a novel adverse event of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage caused by direct pressure of the lumen apposing metal and double pigtail stents on an already inflamed gallbladder wall. Endoscopic therapies that aid in transcapillary biliary drainage are viable alternatives to surgery and can result in fistula closure.

Factors predictive of persistent fistulas in EUS-directed transgastric ERCP: a multicenter matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) is an established method for managing pancreaticobiliary pathology in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients, with high rates of technical success and low rates of serious adverse events (AEs). However, widespread adoption of the technique has been limited because of concerns about the development of persistent gastrogastric or jejunogastric fistulas. Gastrogastric and jejunogastric fistulas have been reported in up to 20% of cases in some series, but predictive risk factors and long-term management and outcomes are lacking. Therefore, our aims were to assess factors associated with the development of persistent fistulas and the technical success of endoscopic fistula closure. METHODS: This is a case-control study involving 9 centers (8 USA, 1 Europe) from February 2015 to September 2021. Cases of persistent fistulas were defined as endoscopic or imaging evidence of fistula more than 8 weeks after lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) removal. Control subjects were defined as endoscopic or imaging confirmation of no fistula more than 8 weeks after LAMS removal. AEs were defined and graded according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients identified to have evidence of a persistent fistula on follow-up surveillance (cases) were matched with 50 patients with no evidence of a persistent fistula on follow-up surveillance (control subjects) based on age and sex. Mean LAMS dwell time was 74.7 ± 106.2 days. After LAMS removal, argon plasma coagulation (APC) ablation of the fistula was performed in 46 patients (61.3%). Primary closure of the fistula was performed in 26.7% of patients (20: endoscopic suturing in 17, endoscopic tacking in 2, and over-the-scope clips + endoscopic suturing in 1). When comparing cases with control subjects, there was no difference in baseline demographics, fistula site, LAMS size, or primary closure frequency between the 2 groups (P > .05). However, in the persistent fistula group, the mean LAMS dwell time was significantly longer (127 vs 48 days, P = .02) and more patients had ≥5% total body weight gain (33.3% vs 10.3%, P = .03). LAMS dwell time was a significant predictor of persistent fistula (odds ratio, 4.5 after >40 days in situ, P = .01). The odds of developing a persistent fistula increased by 9.5% for every 7 days the LAMS was left in situ. In patients with a persistent fistula, endoscopic closure was attempted in 19 (76%) with successful resolution in 14 (73.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Longer LAMS dwell time was found to be associated with a higher risk of persistent fistulas in EDGE patients. APC or primary closure of the fistula on LAMS removal was not found to be protective against developing a persistent fistula, which, if present, can be effectively managed through endoscopic closure in most cases.

Delayed endoscopic necrosectomy improves hospital length of stay and reduces endoscopic interventions in patients with symptomatic walled-off necrosis.

Objectives: Advancements in the endoscopic management of walled-off necrosis using lumen apposing metal stents have improved outcomes over its surgical and percutaneous alternatives. The ideal procedural technique and timing of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) have yet to be clarified. Methods: From November 2015 to June 2021, a retrospective comparative cohort analysis was performed comparing clinical outcomes for patients undergoing immediate DEN (iDEN) versus delayed DEN (dDEN). Subgroups were identified based on the quantification of necrosis. Wilcoxon two-sample tests were used to compare continuous variables and Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables. Results: A total of 80 patients underwent DEN for management of walled-off necrosis (iDEN = 43, dDEN = 37). Technical success was achieved in all patients. Clinical success was seen in 39 (91%) patients in the iDEN group and 34 (92%) in the dDEN group. Amongst iDEN patients, the mean number of necrosectomies was 2.5 (standard deviation [SD] 1.4) in comparison to 1.5 (SD 1.0) for dDEN (p-value = 0.0011). The median index hospital length of stay was longer with iDEN than dDEN (7.5 days vs. 3.0 days respectively, p-value = 0.010). Subgroup analysis was performed based on the percentage of necrosis (<25% vs. >25% necrosis). iDEN was associated with more necrosectomies than dDEN regardless of the percentage of necrosis (p = 0.017 and 0.0067, respectively). Conclusion: Patients undergoing dDEN had a shorter index hospital stay and fewer necrosectomies than iDEN. The large diameter of lumen apposing metal stents permits adequate drainage allowing a less aggressive approach thereby improving clinical outcomes and avoiding unnecessary interventions.

EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy for management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in a patient with Roux-en-Y anatomy.

Video 1Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy.

EUS-directed transgastric interventions in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy: a multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Placement of a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) between the gastric pouch and the excluded stomach allows for EUS-guided transgastric interventions (EDGIs) in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Although EUS-guided transgastric ERCP (EDGE) outcomes have been reported, data are scant on other endoscopic interventions. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes and safety of EDGIs. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 9 centers (United States, 8; Europe, 1) and included patients with RYGB who underwent EDGIs between June 2015 and September 2021. The primary outcome was the technical success of EDGIs. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs), length of hospital stay, and fistula follow-up and management. RESULTS: Fifty-four EDGI procedures were performed in 47 patients (mean age, 61 years; 72% women), most commonly for the evaluation of a pancreatic mass (n = 16) and management of pancreatic fluid collections (n = 10). A 20-mm LAMS was used in 26 patients and a 15-mm LAMS in 21, creating a gastrogastrostomy in 37 patients and jejunogastrostomy in 10. Most patients (n = 30, 64%) underwent a dual-session EDGI, with a median interval of 17 days between the 2 procedures. Single-session EDGI was performed in 17 patients, of whom 10 (59%) had anchoring of the LAMS. The most common interventions were diagnostic EUS (with or without FNA or fine-needle biopsy sampling; n = 28) and EUS-guided cystgastrostomy (n = 8). The mean procedural time was 97.6 ± 78.9 minutes. Technical success was achieved in 52 patients (96%). AEs occurred in 5 patients (10.6%), of which only 1 AE (2.1%) was graded as severe. Intraprocedural LAMS migration was the most common AE, occurring in 3 patients (6.4%), whereas delayed spontaneous LAMS migration occurred in 2 (4.3%). Four of the 5 LAMS migration events were managed endoscopically, and 1 required surgical repair. LAMS anchoring was found to be protective against LAMS migration (P = .001). The median duration of hospital stay was 2.1 ± 3.7 days. Of the 17 patients who underwent objective fistula assessment endoscopically or radiologically after LAMS removal, 2 (11.7%) were found to have persistent fistulas. In 1 case the fistula was intentionally left open to assist with weight gain. The other fistula was successfully closed endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: EDGI is effective and safe for the diagnosis and management of pancreaticobiliary and foregut disorders in RYGB patients. It is associated with high rates of technical success and low rates of severe AEs. LAMS migration is the most common AE with evidence that anchoring can be protective against its occurrence. Persistent fistulas may occur, but endoscopic closure seems to be effective.

Preoperative Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy Facilitates Decompression and Diagnosis in Patients With Suspected Malignant Biliary Obstruction: A Case Series.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG) is increasingly being used as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP). This technique has also been utilized for diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction by providing biliary access for antegrade cholangioscopy with biopsies and brushings for cytology and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). However, the potential impact of EUS-HG on surgical candidacy in cases with resectable disease remains unknown. We present three patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) for suspected distal malignant biliary obstruction following EUS-HG. Biliary drainage was achieved in all three patients preoperatively and a diagnosis of malignancy could be established in two of the three cases using this technique. There were no procedure-related complications. The HG metal stent was removed eight weeks post-operatively with cholangiogram showing a patent hepaticojejunostomy in all three patients. Mean length of follow-up after EUS-HG was 298 +/- 96 days. Our case series demonstrates that EUS-HG is an effective method to achieve biliary decompression in patients with an inaccessible papilla. The mature HG tract can subsequently be used to obtain a tissue diagnosis. Lastly, EUS-HG does not preclude patients from undergoing a curative Whipple procedure.

Role of functional luminal imaging probe in the management of postmyotomy clinical failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A small percentage of patients with esophageal dysmotility disorders (EDDs) fail to improve or relapse after management by laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). In this study, we aimed to describe the role of functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) in identifying patients who might benefit from lower esophageal sphincter (LES)-directed retreatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective study at 6 tertiary care centers (United States, 4; Europe, 1; Asia, 1) between January 2015 and April 2021 involving patients with prior failed myotomy. The primary outcome was the impact of the use of FLIP on the management of patients with prior failed myotomy. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients (62 women [50%]; mean age, 53 ± 21.1 years) who underwent LHM (n = 53, 43%) or POEM (n = 70, 57%) for the management of achalasia (n = 98) or other EDDs (n = 25) had clinical failure at a median time of 10.8 months (interquartile range, .8-17.3) postprocedure. Twenty-nine patients had apposing "abnormal" diagnoses in terms of integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) >15 mm Hg on HRM and distensibility index (DI) <2.8 mm2/mm Hg on FLIP, with ultimate change in management noted in 15 patients (10 directed toward conservative management, 5 directed toward LES-directed retreatment). The impact of FLIP on both diagnosis and management was noted in 15 of 29 patients (52%). In the subgroup analysis of 44 patients who underwent LES-directed retreatment, clinical success was highest among patients with both abnormal IRP and DI (21/25 [84%]) versus patients with only abnormal IRP (8/14 [57%]) or only abnormal DI (3/5 [60%], P = .04), with DI at 40-mL distension volume on FLIP identified as an independent predictor of clinical success (odd ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.1; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The finding of this study further suggests the important role of using FLIP in addition to HRM in evaluating patients with clinical failure postmyotomy.

Endoscopic management of cystic duct stones and Mirizzi's syndrome: experience at an academic medical center.

Background and study aims Cystic duct stones (CDS) are challenging to treat with conventional ERCP techniques due to the small diameter and tortuous nature of the cystic duct. There have been limited studies focused on endoscopic management of CDS. We present our experience managing CDS endoscopically and demonstrate that new advances in endoscopic technology have rendered CDS easier to manage. Patients and methods From 2013 to 2020, we prospectively maintained a database of patients undergoing endoscopic management of CDS. ERCP was performed in all patients, and if unsuccessful in removing stones, cholangioscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) was utilized. All patients were followed in clinic for outcomes. Results Of 5,123 ERCPs performed at our institution during the study period, 21 patients were diagnosed with CDS. Six patients were successfully treated with conventional ERCP alone. Cholangioscopy with EHL was used in 15 patients undergoing 18 procedures to achieve stone clearance. CDS clearance was achieved in all patients. There was one adverse event (post-ERCP pancreatitis). Spyglass DS was associated with a significant decrease in average procedure time in comparison to first-generation SpyGlass (89.3 vs. 54.4 minutes, P  = 0.004). Thirteen patients (87 %) were discharged from the hospital within 24 hours. The median follow-up duration was 23.2 months. Conclusions Endoscopy should be the preferred management strategy for CDS, especially in patients with prior cholecystectomy. Surgical outcomes have been associated with high patient morbidity and hospital length of stay. Our case series is the largest cohort of CDS patients successfully managed with cholangioscopy and EHL in the United States.

Clinical and technical outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy using 20-mm vs. 15-mm lumen-apposing metal stents.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) utilized a 15-mm lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). More recently, a 20-mm LAMS has become available. This study aimed to compare rates of technical and clinical success and adverse events (AEs) in patients undergoing EUS-GE using a 20-mm vs. 15-mm LAMS. METHODS: Patients who underwent EUS-GE with 15-mm or 20-mm LAMS for malignant GOO during the period from January 2018 to October 2020 were included. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as an increase in the gastric outlet obstruction score (GOOS) by at least 1 point during follow-up. Secondary outcomes were technical success, maximum tolerated diet, re-intervention rate, and rate/severity of AEs. RESULTS: 267 patients (mean age 67 years, 43 % women) with malignant GOO from 19 centers underwent EUS-GE. Clinical success rates were similar for the 15-mm and 20-mm stents (89.2 % [95 %CI 84.2 %-94.2 %] vs. 84.1 % [77.4%-90.6 %], respectively). However, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the 20-mm group tolerated a soft solid/complete diet at the end of follow-up (91.2 % [84.4 %-95.7 %] vs. 81.2 % [73.9 %-87.2 %], P = 0.04). Overall, AEs occurred in 33 patients (12.4 % [8.4 %-16.3 %]), with similar rates for 15-mm and 20-mm stents (12.8 % [7.5 %-18.2 %] vs. 11.8 % [6 %-17.6 %]), including incidence of severe/fatal AEs (2 % [0.4 %-5.8 %] vs. 3.4 % [0.9 %-8.4 %]). CONCLUSIONS: The 20-mm and 15-mm LAMS show similar safety and efficacy for patients undergoing EUS-GE for malignant GOO. The 20-mm LAMS allows a more advanced diet and is, thus preferred for EUS-GE.

Novel 15-mm-long lumen-apposing metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections located ≥10 mm from the luminal wall.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) by cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has largely been limited to collections located < 10 mm from the luminal wall. We present outcomes of the use of a novel 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS for drainage of PFCs located ≥ 10 mm away. METHODS: This international, multicenter study analyzed all adults with PFCs located ≥ 10 mm from the luminal wall who were treated by EUS-guided drainage using the 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included clinical success (decrease in PFC size by ≥ 50 % at 30 days and resolution of clinical symptoms without surgical intervention), complications, and recurrence. RESULTS: 35 patients (median age 57 years; interquartile range [IQR] 47-64 years; 49 % male) underwent novel LAMS placement for drainage of PFCs (26 walled-off necrosis, 9 pseudocysts), measuring 85 mm (IQR 64-117) maximal diameter and located 11.8 mm (IQR 10-12.3; range 10-14) from the gastric/duodenal wall. Technical and clinical success were high (both 97 %), with recurrence in one patient (3 %) at a median follow-up of 123 days (58-236). Three complications occurred (9 %; one mild, two moderate). CONCLUSIONS: The 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS was feasible and safe for drainage of PFCs located 10-14 mm from the luminal wall.

Artificial intelligence in colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically computer aided detection and computer-aided diagnosis offer promising methods of increasing adenoma detection rates with the goal of removing more pre-cancerous polyps. Conversely, these methods also may allow for smaller non-cancerous lesions to be diagnosed in vivo and left in place, decreasing the risks that come with unnecessary polypectomies. This review will provide an overview of current advances in the use of AI in colonoscopy to aid in polyp detection and characterization as well as areas of developing research.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the left hepatic duct treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided radiofrequency ablation.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the biliary tree (IPNB) is a rare non-invasive neoplasm that carries a high potential for progression to malignancy. Typically, these tumors are managed via surgery with total resection being the fundamental goal. Recently, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained momentum as a treatment option for biliary cancers. Prior studies examining the effect of RFA on biliary tumors usually group all tumor types together, leaving few reports looking at sole outcomes in IPNB. We present an elderly woman with advanced dementia who was admitted with obstructive jaundice secondary to intrahepatic IPNB, and underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with RFA and stenting resulting in objective improvement in both the size of the lesion and laboratory markers. In the right subset of patients, endobiliary RFA can be used as a safe and effective modality of treatment with minimal complications.