Novel through-the-scope suture closure of colonic EMR defects (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Large colon polyps removed by EMR can be complicated by delayed bleeding. Prophylactic defect clip closure can reduce post-EMR bleeding. Larger defects can be challenging to close using through-the-scope clips (TTSCs), and proximal defects are difficult to reach using over-the-scope techniques. A novel, through-the-scope suturing (TTSS) device allows direct closure of mucosal defects without scope withdrawal. The goal of this study was to evaluate the rate of delayed bleeding after the closure of large colon polyp EMR sites with TTSS. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed involving 13 centers. All defect closure by TTSS after EMR of colon polyps ≥2 cm from January 2021 to February 2022 were included. The primary outcome was rate of delayed bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients (52% female; mean age, 65 years) underwent EMR of predominantly right-sided (n = 62 [66%]) colon polyps (median size, 35 mm; interquartile range, 30-40 mm) followed by defect closure with TTSS during the study period. All defects were successfully closed with TTSS alone (n = 62 [66%]) or with TTSS and TTSCs (n = 32 [34%]), using a median of 1 (interquartile range, 1-1) TTSS system. Delayed bleeding occurred in 3 patients (3.2%), with 2 requiring repeated endoscopic evaluation/treatment (moderate). CONCLUSION: TTSS alone or with TTSCs was effective in achieving complete closure of all post-EMR defects, despite a large lesion size. After TTSS closure with or without adjunctive devices, delayed bleeding was seen in 3.2% of cases. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings before wider adoption of TTSS for large polypectomy closure.

Through-the-scope suture closure of nonampullary duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection defects: a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Delayed bleeding is among the most common adverse events associated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of nonampullary duodenal polyps. We evaluated the rate of delayed bleeding and complete defect closure using a novel through-the-scope (TTS) suturing system for the closure of duodenal EMR defects. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent EMR for nonampullary duodenal polyps of ≥ 10 mm and prophylactic defect closure with TTS suturing between March 2021 and May 2022 at centers in the USA. We evaluated the rates of delayed bleeding and complete defect closure. RESULTS: 36 nonconsecutive patients (61 % women; mean [SD] age, 65 [12] years) underwent EMR of ≥ 10-mm duodenal polyps followed by attempted defect closure with TTS suturing. The mean (SD) lesion size was 29 (19) mm, defect size was 37 (25) mm; eight polyps (22 %) involved > 50 % of the lumen circumference. Complete closure was achieved in all cases (78 % with TTS suturing alone), using a median of one TTS suturing kit. There were no cases of delayed bleeding and no adverse events attributed to application of the TTS suturing device. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic closure of nonampullary duodenal EMR defects using TTS suturing resulted in a high rate of complete closure and no delayed bleeding events.

A novel through-the-scope helix tack-and-suture device for mucosal defect closure following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Complete closure of large mucosal defects following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with through-the-scope (TTS) clips is oftentimes not possible. We aimed to report our early experience of using a novel TTS suturing system for the closure of large mucosal defects after colorectal ESD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent attempted prophylactic defect closure using the TTS suturing system after colorectal ESD. The primary outcome was technical success in achieving complete defect closure, defined as a < 5 mm residual mucosal defect in the closure line using TTS suturing, with or without adjuvant TTS clips. RESULTS: 82 patients with a median defect size of 30 (interquartile range 25-40) mm were included. Technical success was achieved in 92.7 % (n = 76): TTS suturing only in 44 patients (53.7 %) and a combination of TTS suturing to approximate the widest segment followed by complete closure with TTS clips in 32 (39.0 %). Incomplete/partial closure, failure of appropriate TTS suture deployment, and the need for over-the-scope salvage closure methods were observed in 7.3 % (n = 6). One intraprocedural bleed, one delayed bleed, and three intraprocedural perforations were observed. There were no adverse events related to placement of the TTS suture. CONCLUSION: The TTS suture system is an effective and safe tool for the closure of large mucosal defects after colorectal ESD and is an alternative when complete closure with TTS clips alone is not possible.

Efficacy of using red dichromatic imaging throughout endoscopic submucosal dissection procedure.

BACKGROUND: Management of bleeding during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is critical. Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI), a novel image-enhanced endoscopy technology, has been reported to improve the visibility of deep vessels and bleeding source compared to white light imaging (WLI). We hypothesized that using RDI during the entire cutting process (full time RDI ESD: FTR-ESD), higher R0 resection rate, shorter procedure time and fewer complications could be achieved. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to investigate the efficacy and safety of FTR-ESD. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included a total of 82 consecutive patients who underwent ESD by a single expert endoscopist for 40 esophageal, 17 gastric and 25 colorectal cancers at our institution from January 2018 to March 2021. The clinicopathological data were collected from patients' medical records and the treatment outcomes were analyzed according to the treatment phase (early; 57 WLI-ESD and late; 25 FTR-ESD). RESULTS: The median of the greatest diameter of resected specimen was 40.0 mm. The median procedure time was relatively shorter in the FTR-ESD group (35 min) than in the WLI-ESD group (40 min), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.34). The median dissection speed in the FTR-ESD group (27.23 mm2/min) was significantly faster than that in the WLI-ESD group (20.94 mm2/min) (p = 0.025). The dissection speed was not different among different organs. A multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (more than 30 mm) and FTR-ESD were significant independent factors contributing to faster dissection speed (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the rates of en bloc resection, HM0, VM0 or occurrence of adverse events between WLI-ESD and FTR-ESD. CONCLUSIONS: FTR-ESD significantly increases the dissection speed compared to WLI-ESD. FTR-ESD can be performed safely and therapeutic outcomes in FTR-ESD are comparable with WLI-ESD. A further multicenter prospective study is warranted to confirm our results.

Initial multicenter experience using a novel endoscopic tack and suture system for challenging GI defect closure and stent fixation (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Closure of endoscopic resection defects can be achieved with through-the-scope clips, over-the-scope clips, or endoscopic suturing. However, these devices are often limited by their inability to close large, irregular, and difficult-to-reach defects. Thus, we aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of a novel through-the-scope, suture-based closure system developed to overcome these limitations. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 8 centers in the United States. Primary outcomes were feasibility and safety of early use of the device. Secondary outcomes were assessment of need for additional closure devices, prolonged procedure time, and technical feasibility of performing the procedure with an alternative device(s). RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (48.4% women) with mean age 63.6 ± 13.1 years were included. Technical success was achieved in 83 patients (89.2%), and supplemental closure was required in 24.7% of patients (n = 23) with a mean defect size of 41.6 ± 19.4 mm. Closure with an alternative device was determined to be impossible in 24.7% of patients because of location, size, or shape of the defect. The use of the tack and suture device prolonged the procedure in 8.6% of cases but was considered acceptable. Adverse events occurred in 2 patients (2.2%) over a duration of follow-up of 34 days (interquartile range, 13-93.5) and were mild and moderate in severity. No serious adverse events or procedure-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The novel endoscopic through-the-scope tack and suture system is safe, efficient, and permits closure of large and irregularly shaped defects that were not possible with established devices.

Closure of gastric perforations during endoluminal resection using a novel biodegradable collagen sol: A feasibility survival study on porcine model (with video).

OBJECTIVE: A prior study using porcine colon demonstrated the feasibility of a novel injectable, temperature?responsive, and biodegradable collagen sol (ICS) that transforms from a liquid to a gel state in response to body temperature for endoscopic closure of perforation during endoscopic resection (ER). This study aims to report the acute and survival outcomes of ICS for gastric perforations during ER. METHODS: In two experiments using nine live pigs under general anesthesia, four and six perforations (3-5\xA0mm) were created using an electrosurgical knife in acute and survival experiments, respectively. ICS was delivered to the perforations using an endoscopic catheter. In Experiment 1, a leak test and histopathology were performed on all explanted stomachs after euthanization. In Experiment 2, perforation sites were assessed by gastroscopy and histopathology 7, 14 and 28\xA0days post? RESULTS: In Experiment 1, gastroscopy confirmed complete closure of the perforations with ICS and no evidence of leak. Subsequent histopathology revealed a fixation of collagen gel (CG) as a sealant agent at the perforation sites. There were no adverse effects related with ESD or the use of ICS. In Experiment 2, histopathology revealed a fixation of CG as a sealant agent, replacement with granulation tissue and no CG; and fibrotic tissue at 7, 14 and 28\xA0days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a novel method using ICS, demonstrating promising efficacy and safety profile for endoscopic closure of perforations during ER. Further studies are necessary before translating to clinical use.

Investigating endoscopic features of sessile serrated adenomas/polyps by using narrow-band imaging with optical magnification.

BACKGROUND: A sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is a common type of colorectal polyp that possesses malignant potential. Although narrow-band imaging (NBI) can easily differentiate neoplastic lesions from hyperplastic polyps (HPs), SSA/Ps can be a challenge to distinguish from HPs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate specific endoscopic features of SSA/Ps by using NBI with optical magnification. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Single high-volume referral center. PATIENTS: A total of 289 patients with histopathologically proven SSA/Ps or HPs obtained from colonoscopic polypectomy. INTERVENTION: Endoscopic images obtained by using NBI with optical magnification of 242 lesions (124 HPs, 118 SSA/Ps) removed between January 2010 and December 2012 were independently evaluated by 2 experienced endoscopists. Three external experienced endoscopists systematically validated the diagnostic accuracies by using 40 lesions (21 HPs and 19 SSA/Ps) removed between January and March 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Specific endoscopic features of SSA/Ps by using 5 potential characteristics: dilated and branching vessels (DBVs), irregular dark spots, a regular network pattern, a disorganized network pattern, and a dense pattern. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DBV had a 2.3-fold odds ratio (95% confidence interval, 0.96-5.69) among SSA/Ps compared with HPs (sensitivity, 56%; specificity, 75%; accuracy, 65%). Interobserver and intraobserver agreement indicated almost perfect agreement for DBVs in both the evaluation and validation studies. When DBVs, proximal location, and tumor size (≥10 mm) were combined, the positive predictive value was 92% and the area under the curve was 0.783 in the receiver-operating characteristics by using the validation group. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that a DBV is a potentially unique endoscopic feature of a colorectal SSA/P.

Predictive factors for technically difficult endoscopic submucosal dissection in the colorectum.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Because of technical difficulty, colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (CR-ESD) is not widely performed. We aimed to determine risk factors for such technical difficulty as defined by long procedure duration (≥  150 min), perforation, and piecemeal resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with consecutive colorectal tumors treated with ESD between April 2006 and December 2010 were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. For prediction of technical difficulty, three types of factor were investigated: tumor location, tumor type, and colonoscopy-related. Cases were subsequently categorized into earlier and later periods (April 2006 - August 2008, 123 lesions; September 2008 - December 2010, 124 lesions). Variables were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, with subgroup analyses for each period. RESULTS: 247 lesions were analyzed. Flexure location was an independent risk factor for technical difficulty as measured by longer procedure duration (odds ratio [OR] 4.1, 95 % confidence interval [95 %CI] 1.1 - 14.9), piecemeal resection (4.7, 1.1 - 17.2), or perforation (8.8, 1.1 - 56.8). Tumor with scarring or locally recurrent was a risk factor for longer procedure duration (4.7, 1.7 - 13.7), and for piecemeal resection (7.8, 2.4 - 25.0). Tumor of size  ≥  50 mm or spreading across ≥  2 folds was the strongest independent risk factor for longer duration (6.3, 2.8 - 15.4), and was an independent risk factor for longer duration in both time periods (earlier, 3.3, 1.1 - 10.4; later, 27.4, 7.4 - 138.0). Flexure location was an independent risk factor for perforation (13.9, 1.5 - 129.1) and for piecemeal resection (5.1, 0.9 - 25.2) in the earlier but not the later period. CONCLUSIONS: Factors predicting technical difficulty of CR-ESDs were clarified. Their importance was influenced by the increasing experience of the endoscopist.

Cold polypectomy techniques for diminutive polyps in the colorectum.

Adequate colonoscopic polypectomy is a very important intervention for the prevention of colorectal cancer progression during screening and surveillance colonoscopy. Whereas various techniques are used for the removal of diminutive polyps, including cold biopsy forceps, hot biopsy forceps, hot snare, and cold snare, hot polypectomy techniques with electrocautery have been associated with an increased risk of electrocautery-related complications, including immediate and/or delayed bleeding or perforation. In contrast, recent studies have found a polypectomy technique without electrocautery, so-called cold polypectomy, to be a safer and more efficacious technique. The present article discusses the use of cold polypectomy techniques and describes how cold biopsy forceps polypectomy using jumbo biopsy forceps designed with a greater capacity for removing larger tissue samples, and cold snare polypectomy, are adequate for removing diminutive polyps completely and safely and shorten withdrawal time of the colonoscopy procedure.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a large cecal tumor extending into the appendiceal orifice in a patient with intact appendix.

Video 1Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a cecal laterally spreading tumor-granular type extending into the appendiceal orifice.

Hemobilia from Biliary Angiodysplasia Diagnosed with Cholangioscopy.

Biliary angiodysplasia is extremely rare. Our background search revealed only a few case reports in the English literature. We present a case of angiodysplasia of the proximal common bile duct in a patient with subacute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and symptomatic anemia. A standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy with subsequent dedicated duodenoscopy revealed blood-stained bile draining from the major ampulla orifice. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was unrevealing for any pancreaticobiliary pathology. The patient subsequently underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and SpyGlass® cholangioscopy, which demonstrated intermittent bleeding from angiodysplasia in the proximal common bile duct.

Evaluation of common liver problems.

Diseases of the liver and abnormalities of liver enzyme levels are among the most common reasons for gastroenterology consultation for surgical patients. Although the differential diagnosis of liver disease is exceedingly broad, the majority of patients will have one of several common disorders. A familiarity with the major disorders affecting the liver and the approach to patients with liver disease is therefore useful for clinicians from all disciplines. This article reviews common liver diseases, including the viral hepatitides; the interpretation of liver enzyme abnormalities; and the relationship between common medications and liver disease. Although an exhaustive knowledge of hepatology is impractical for most clinicians, a practical approach to common liver diseases is a necessity for all.