Prediction of adenoma recurrence after piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection: interobserver agreement and utilization of the Sydney EMR recurrence tool.

Background and aims: Piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (pEMR) allows resection of larger non-invasive colorectal lesions. Adenoma recurrence is an important limitation and occurs in ≤20%. The present study aimed to validate the Sydney EMR recurrence tool (SERT) score as a predictor of both endoscopic and histologic recurrence and evaluate interobserver agreement in adenoma recurrence based on endoscopic scar assessment, among nonexperts in EMR.Methods: Retrospective cohort and cross-sectional study, in which all patients submitted to pEMR in a tertiary care center in Portugal, between 2012 and 2018 were included. SERT-score was calculated for all lesions and compared with the SMSA (size, morphology, site, access) score already validated as a predictor of adenoma recurrence. Image based offline analysis was performed to evaluate adenoma recurrence prediction and assess the interobserver agreement within a heterogeneous group of participants, mostly composed by nonexperts in EMR.Results: There was a moderate positive correlation between the SERT and SMSA scores (p <.001; r = 0.61). SERT-score was significantly associated with endoscopic recurrence (p =.005) and histologic recurrence (p = .015). Endoscopic prediction of recurrence had high coefficient of agreement (k-0.806; p < .001).Conclusion: Histologic recurrence after pEMR can be predicted by SERT score and optical diagnosis of recurrent adenoma has high interobserver agreement between nonexperts in EMR.

Refractory tracheoesophageal fistula management with Amplatzer Occluder® placement.

Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF) in adults can be managed either surgically or endoscopically, depending on their etiology, size, anatomy and patient comorbidities. A 68-year-old female was admitted to the ER due to dysphagia and a cough. The patient had a medical history of TEF resulting from a tracheostomy and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Previous endoscopic treatment had failed, namely 3-attempts of closure with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC®). The patient refused surgery. After a multidisciplinary discussion (Gastroenterology, Pneumology, Surgery and Interventional-Cardiology), we decided to attempt Amplatzer-Occluder® placement. An 8mm Amplatzer-Occluder® was placed from the tracheal side, with sequential opening of the esophageal and tracheal strands (under endoscopic, bronchofibroscopic and fluoroscopic visualization). Nevertheless, migration of the device occurred 8-weeks later. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was placed and the patient was referred to surgery. When there is extensive fibrosis that is not amendable to the application of clips, atrial septal defect occluder devices can be considered to manage TEF. Nevertheless, there is a need to develop strategies to minimize migration risk.