Training in basic gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) Position Statement.

This ESGE Position Statement provides structured and evidence-based guidance on the essential requirements and processes involved in training in basic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures. The document outlines definitions; competencies required, and means to their assessment and maintenance; the structure and requirements of training programs; patient safety and medicolegal issues. 1: ESGE and ESGENA define basic endoscopic procedures as those procedures that are commonly indicated, generally accessible, and expected to be mastered (technically and cognitively) by the end of any core training program in gastrointestinal endoscopy. 2: ESGE and ESGENA consider the following as basic endoscopic procedures: diagnostic upper and lower GI endoscopy, as well as a limited range of interventions such as: tissue acquisition via cold biopsy forceps, polypectomy for lesions ≤ 10 mm, hemostasis techniques, enteral feeding tube placement, foreign body retrieval, dilation of simple esophageal strictures, and India ink tattooing of lesion location. 3: ESGE and ESGENA recommend that training in GI endoscopy should be subject to stringent formal requirements that ensure all ESGE key performance indicators (KPIs) are met. 4: Training in basic endoscopic procedures is a complex process and includes the development and acquisition of cognitive, technical/motor, and integrative skills. Therefore, ESGE and ESGENA recommend the use of validated tools to track the development of skills and assess competence. 5: ESGE and ESGENA recommend incorporating a multimodal approach to evaluating competence in basic GI endoscopic procedures, including procedural thresholds and the measurement and documentation of established ESGE KPIs. 7: ESGE and ESGENA recommend the continuous monitoring of ESGE KPIs during GI endoscopy training to ensure the trainee's maintenance of competence. 9: ESGE and ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy training units fulfil the ESGE KPIs for endoscopy units and, furthermore, be capable of providing the dedicated personnel, infrastructure, and sufficient case volume required for successful training within a structured training program. 10: ESGE and ESGENA recommend that trainers in basic GI endoscopic procedures should be endoscopists with formal educational training in the teaching of endoscopy, which allows them to successfully and safely teach trainees.

Perspectives and awareness of endoscopy healthcare professionals on sustainable practices in gastrointestinal endoscopy: results of the LEAFGREEN survey.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is one of healthcare's main contributors to climate change. We aimed to assess healthcare professionals' attitudes and the perceived barriers to implementation of sustainable GI endoscopy. METHODS: The LEAFGREEN web-based survey was a cross-sectional study conducted by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Green Endoscopy Working Group. The questionnaire comprised 39 questions divided into five sections (respondent demographics; climate change and sustainability beliefs; waste and resource management; single-use endoscopes and accessories; education and research). The survey was available via email to all active members of the ESGE and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) in March 2023. RESULTS: 407 respondents participated in the survey (11% response rate). Most participants (86%) agreed climate change is real and anthropogenic, but one-third did not consider GI endoscopy to be a significant contributor to climate change. Improvement in the appropriateness of endoscopic procedures (41%) and reduction in single-use accessories (34%) were considered the most important strategies to reduce the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. Respondents deemed lack of institutional support and knowledge from staff to be the main barriers to sustainable endoscopy. Strategies to reduce unnecessary GI endoscopic procedures and comparative studies of single-use versus reusable accessories were identified as research priorities. CONCLUSIONS: In this survey, ESGE and ESGENA members acknowledge climate change as a major threat to humanity. Further improvement in sustainability beliefs and professional attitudes, reduction in inappropriate GI endoscopy, and rational use of single-use accessories and endoscopes are critically required.

Colorectal polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2024.

1: ESGE recommends cold snare polypectomy (CSP), to include a clear margin of normal tissue (1-2 mm) surrounding the polyp, for the removal of diminutive polyps (≤ 5 mm).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 2: ESGE recommends against the use of cold biopsy forceps excision because of its high rate of incomplete resection.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 3: ESGE recommends CSP, to include a clear margin of normal tissue (1-2 mm) surrounding the polyp, for the removal of small polyps (6-9 mm).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 4: ESGE recommends hot snare polypectomy for the removal of nonpedunculated adenomatous polyps of 10-19 mm in size.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 5: ESGE recommends conventional (diathermy-based) endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for large (≥ 20 mm) nonpedunculated adenomatous polyps (LNPCPs).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 6: ESGE suggests that underwater EMR can be considered an alternative to conventional hot EMR for the treatment of adenomatous LNPCPs.Weak recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 7: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may also be suggested as an alternative for removal of LNPCPs of ≥ 20 mm in selected cases and in high-volume centers.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends that, after piecemeal EMR of LNPCPs by hot snare, the resection margins should be treated by thermal ablation using snare-tip soft coagulation to prevent adenoma recurrence.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 9: ESGE recommends (piecemeal) cold snare polypectomy or cold EMR for SSLs of all sizes without suspected dysplasia.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 10: ESGE recommends prophylactic endoscopic clip closure of the mucosal defect after EMR of LNPCPs in the right colon to reduce to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 11: ESGE recommends that en bloc resection techniques, such as en bloc EMR, ESD, endoscopic intermuscular dissection, endoscopic full-thickness resection, or surgery should be the techniques of choice in cases with suspected superficial invasive carcinoma, which otherwise cannot be removed en bloc by standard polypectomy or EMR.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence.

A simple clinical score to stratify the risk of procedure-related adverse events in ERCP procedures with trainee involvement.

BACKGROUND : Optimal training strategies in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remain controversial despite the shift toward competence-based training models, with limited data available on patient safety during training. We aimed to assess whether pre-procedural clinical predictors could identify patients at low risk of developing procedure-related adverse-events (AEs) in a training environment. METHODS : We performed a prospective, multicenter, cohort study in five training centers. A data collection system documenting indication, clinical data, trainee performance (assessed using a validated competence assessment tool), technical outcomes, and AEs over a 30-day follow-up was utilized. We developed a clinical risk score (Trainee Involvement in ERCP Risk Score [TIERS]) for patients undergoing ERCP and compared the rate of AEs in a training environment between low-risk and high-risk groups. The association between trainee performance and AE rate was also evaluated. RESULTS : 1283 ERCPs (409 [31.9 %, 95 %CI 29.3 %-34.4 %] with trainee involvement) performed by 11 trainers and 10 trainees were analyzed. AEs were more frequent in the high-risk compared with the low-risk group: 26.7 % (95 %CI 20.5 %-34.7 %) vs. 17.1 % (95 %CI 12.8 %-22.2 %). TIERS demonstrated a high negative predictive value for AEs (82.9 %, 95 %CI 79.4 %-85.8 %) and was the only predictor of AEs on multivariable analysis (odds ratio 1.38, 95 %CI 1.09-1.75). Suboptimal trainee performance was associated with an increase in AE rates. CONCLUSION : Simple, clinical-based predictive tools could improve ERCP training by selecting the most appropriate cases for hands-on training, with the aim of increasing patient safety.

Reducing the environmental footprint of gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) Position Statement.

Climate change and the destruction of ecosystems by human activities are among the greatest challenges of the 21st century and require urgent action. Health care activities significantly contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste production, with gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy being one of the largest contributors. This Position Statement aims to raise awareness of the ecological footprint of GI endoscopy and provides guidance to reduce its environmental impact. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) outline suggestions and recommendations for health care providers, patients, governments, and industry. MAIN STATEMENTS 1: GI endoscopy is a resource-intensive activity with a significant yet poorly assessed environmental impact. 2: ESGE-ESGENA recommend adopting immediate actions to reduce the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. 3: ESGE-ESGENA recommend adherence to guidelines and implementation of audit strategies on the appropriateness of GI endoscopy to avoid the environmental impact of unnecessary procedures. 4: ESGE-ESGENA recommend the embedding of reduce, reuse, and recycle programs in the GI endoscopy unit. 5: ESGE-ESGENA suggest that there is an urgent need to reassess and reduce the environmental and economic impact of single-use GI endoscopic devices. 6: ESGE-ESGENA suggest against routine use of single-use GI endoscopes. However, their use could be considered in highly selected patients on a case-by-case basis. 7: ESGE-ESGENA recommend inclusion of sustainability in the training curricula of GI endoscopy and as a quality domain. 8: ESGE-ESGENA recommend conducting high quality research to quantify and minimize the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. 9: ESGE-ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy companies assess, disclose, and audit the environmental impact of their value chain. 10:  ESGE-ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy should become a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions practice by 2050.

Impact of trainee involvement on the outcome of ERCP procedures: results of a prospective multicenter observational trial.

BACKGROUND: Training in advanced endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be driven by key performance measures and standardized competence assessment in order to provide safe and high-quality interventions. We aimed to determine whether the involvement of trainees influences the outcome of the procedure and the incidence of ERCP-related adverse events. METHODS: This was an international, multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted at six high- and low-volume centers across Europe between October 2016 and October 2018, and included independent operators and their trainees. Standard report forms documenting indication, trainee involvement, technical outcome, and complications over a 30-day follow-up of consecutive ERCP procedures were included in the analysis. Technical success of the procedure and procedure-related adverse events were compared between procedures in the trainee group and the control group using bivariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: 21 trainees and 16 control endoscopists performed 1843 ERCPs during the study period. Trainee involvement in ERCP procedures did not decrease technical success (92.4 % vs. 93.7 %; P = 0.30) or increase the risk of adverse events (14.7 % vs. 14.6 %; P > 0.99). Conversely, there were significantly more moderate or severe adverse events in the control group compared with the trainee group (6.2 % vs. 3.4 %, P = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, only increased bilirubin levels, time to cannulation, and procedure difficulty level increased the risk of any procedure-related adverse event. CONCLUSION: Trainee involvement in ERCP interventions within a proper teaching setting is safe and does not compromise the success of the procedure.

Prevalence and impact on survival of hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in a cohort of cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis increase the risk for decompensation of the liver disease and death. Previous studies show common pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to assess the link between these entities and their effect on disease-related patient morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Seventy-four consecutive cirrhotic patients without prior history of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease were included in a prospective observational study. Routine blood work, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry measurements, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and contrast enhanced echocardiography examination with tissue Doppler imaging were performed in all patients. Patients were followed up for a median of 6 months and disease-related adverse events and death were the main outcomes tested. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome or cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: Hepatopulmonary syndrome was diagnosed in 17 patients (23%) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in 30 patients (40.5%). There was no association between the presence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and the existence of mild or moderate hepatopulmonary syndrome. No echocardiographic parameters were useful in predicting the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and length of QT interval did not aid in diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Neither entity had significant influence on disease-related outcomes in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are independent complications arising in cirrhosis and have a limited influence on morbidity and mortality on a pre-liver transplantation population.

Markers of cardiac dysfunction associated with inflammation in a cohort of patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammation underpinning acute decompensation (AD) of liver disease is an important driver for the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure or death. We aimed to investigate associations between inflammatory biomarkers and impaired cardiac function in patients admitted for AD of cirrhosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a well-characterized prospective cohort of patients with AD of liver disease admitted to a tertiary referral center. All patients had echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function and serum samples at admission. We reclassified patients according to the CLIF-C AD score, measured inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-ɑ, CD206) and cardiac-specific (NT-proBNP, troponin T) biomarkers and tested for associations with echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function. We explored the impact on outcome of these factors in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: We included 70 patients (58 ±â€…10 years, 28 women), with a mean CLIF-C AD score of 47 ±â€…7. Thirty-nine patients (56%) fulfilled the echocardiographic criteria for cardiac dysfunction. We found associations between parameters of diastolic dysfunction and serum concentrations of IL-6 and CD206. Echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function were not associated with markers of liver dysfunction such as the CLIF-C AD score. In multivariate analysis higher MELD, higher NT-proBNP, and IL-8 concentrations as well as the absence of echocardiographic criteria for cardiac dysfunction significantly associated with death during follow-up. CONCLUSION: We found evidence in favor of a clinically relevant link between serum biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6, CD206) and echocardiographic signals of cardiac dysfunction in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis.

Total bile acid levels are associated with left atrial volume and cardiac output in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bile acids (BAs) are potent signaling molecules involved in the regulation of several metabolic and functional aspects of cardiovascular homeostasis. BA pool alteration in cirrhosis may contribute toward the development of hemodynamic and cardiac disturbances. We aimed to investigate the association between total BA levels and echocardiographic and biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Cirrhotic patients were enrolled prospectively in this hypothesis-generating study and evaluated for cardiac and hemodynamic dysfunction through clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical means. Associations between total serum BA concentrations and markers of systolic or diastolic dysfunction and the presence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy were tested through univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with cirrhosis were assessed in this monocentric study. 49 (85%) patients had decompensated cirrhosis according to the Child class. The median total BA level was 45 µmol/l. There was no correlation between BA levels and the etiology of cirrhosis (P=0.2), current alcohol use (P=0.8), sex (P=0.1), smoking status (P=0.2), age, or BMI. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction were rare in the cohort. Total BA levels associated with several echocardiographic parameters of the hyperdynamic syndrome in univariate analysis but only with left atrial volume in multivariate analysis (P=0.007). BA concentrations did not differ according to the presence of echocardiographically diagnosed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in the two models tested. CONCLUSION: Total serum BA levels are associated with enlarged left atrial volume and markers of the hyperdynamic circulation in patients with cirrhosis irrespective of the etiology or the severity of liver disease.

Rapid fecal calprotectin level assessment and the SIBDQ score can accurately detect active mucosal inflammation in IBD patients in clinical remission: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mucosal healing is an important predictor of disease-related outcome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, including those in clinical remission. However, colonoscopy is an invasive procedure and many patients decline repeated endoscopic examinations. We aimed to assess whether noninvasive biomarkers could accurately detect endoscopic mucosal inflammatory activity in IBD patients in clinical remission. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study on IBD patients in clinical remission at Colentina Hospital, Bucharest. Clinical activity was assessed using the Mayo score and Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), quality of life was assessed using the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels were determined. All patients underwent ileo-colonoscopy to assess mucosal inflammatory activity. RESULTS: 48 patients were included in this study, with 67% showing endoscopic disease activity. SIBD questionnaire and FC performed well as noninvasive markers of intestinal inflammation (AUROC 0.78 and 0.77, respectively), while CRP could not accurately predict endoscopic disease activity. Fecal calprotectin levels > 30 µg/g showed a 93% sensitivity and a 50% specificity for detecting inflammatory changes of the mucosa while a combined test using FC > 30µg/g and a SIBDQ score < 6 achieved 81.2% sensitivity and 75% specificity, respectively, in detecting active endoscopic disease. CONCLUSION: Fecal calprotectin and SIBDQ have good diagnostic accuracy in detecting mucosal inflammatory changes in IBD patients in clinical remission. Combining simple, noninvasive tests such as the SIBDQ and FC levels appears to be a practical method for monitoring disease activity in these patients, possibly reducing the need for repeat endoscopic examinations.