Active narcotic use and post-peroral endoscopic myotomy outcomes in esophageal motility disorders.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive technique used to treat esophageal motility disorders. Opioid use has been demonstrated to adversely affect esophageal dysmotility and is associated with an increased prevalence of esophageal motility disorders. Our aim was to investigate the effect of narcotic use on success rates in patients undergoing POEM. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients undergoing POEM between February 2017 and September 2021. Primary outcomes were post-POEM Eckardt score (ES), distensibility index, and length of procedure. Secondary outcomes included technical success, myotomy length, length of stay, adverse events, reintervention rates, and postprocedure GERD. RESULTS: During the study period, 90 patients underwent POEM for treatment of esophageal dysmotility disorders. Age, sex, race, indications for POEM, and body mass index were not significant between those with or without narcotic use. There were no differences in procedure time, preprocedure ESs, or length of stay. Postprocedure ESs were higher in the group with active narcotic use compared to the group with no prior history (2.73 vs 1.2, P = .004). Distensibility indexes measured with EndoFLIP (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn, USA) were not different in patients using narcotics compared with opioid-naïve patients. CONCLUSION: Active narcotic use negatively affects symptom improvement after POEM for the treatment of esophageal motility disorders.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for spastic esophageal dysmotility among opioid users: a multicenter propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) often presents as spastic esophageal disorders (SEDs) and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for SEDs and EGJOO among opioid users and nonusers. METHODS: This propensity score (PS) matching study included consecutive opioid users and nonusers who underwent POEM for SEDs and EGJOO between January 2018 and September 2022. The following covariates were used for the PS calculation: age, sex, duration of symptoms, Eckardt score, type of motility disorder, and length of myotomy during POEM. Clinical response was defined as a post-POEM Eckardt score ≤3. RESULTS: A total of 277 consecutive patients underwent POEM during the study period. PS matching resulted in the selection of 64 pairs of patients strictly matched 1:1 (n = 128) with no statistically significant differences in demographic, baseline, or procedural characteristics or in the parameters considered for the PS between the 2 groups. Clinical response to POEM was significantly lower among opioid users (51 of 64 [79.7%]) versus nonusers (60 of 64 [93.8%]) (P = .03) at a median follow-up of 18 months. Among opioid users, higher opioid dose (>60 morphine milligram equivalents per day) was associated with a higher likelihood of failure to respond to POEM (odds ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.98; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical response to POEM for SEDs and EGJOO is significantly lower among opioid users versus nonusers. There was a dose-relationship between opioids and response to POEM, with higher daily opioid usage associated with a higher likelihood of treatment failure.

Endoscopic outcomes using a novel through-the-scope tack and suture system for gastrointestinal defect closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Closure of gastrointestinal defects can reduce postprocedural adverse events. Over-the-scope clips and an over-the-scope suturing system are widely available, yet their use may be limited by defect size, location, operator skill level, and need to reinsert the endoscope with the device attached. The introduction of a through-the-scope helix tack suture system (TTSS) allows for closure of large irregular defects using a gastroscope or colonoscope, without the need for endoscope withdrawal. Since its approval 3 years ago, only a handful of studies have explored outcomes using this novel device. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for studies looking at TTSS closure from inception until August 2023. The primary outcomes were the success of TTSS alone and TTSS with clips for complete defect closure. Secondary outcomes included complete closure based on procedure type (endoscopic mucosal resection [EMR], endoscopic submucosal dissection [ESD]) and adverse events. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria (449 patients, mean defect size 34.3 mm). Complete defect closure rates for TTSS alone and TTSS with adjunctive clips were 77.2% (95%CI 66.4-85.3; I2=79%) and 95.2% (95%CI 90.3-97.7; I2=42.5%), respectively. Complete defect closure rates for EMR and ESD were 99.2% (95%CI 94.3-99.9; I2 = 0%) and 92.1% (95%CI 85-96; I2=0%), respectively. The adverse event rate was 5.4% (95%CI 2.7-10.3; I2=55%). CONCLUSION: TTSS is a novel device for closure of postprocedural defects, with relatively high technical and clinical success rates. Comparative studies of closure devices are needed.

Cold Snare Polypectomy in Small (<10 mm) Pedunculated Colorectal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic removal techniques for colorectal polyps include cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and hot snare polypectomy (HSP). Although HSP is recommended for pedunculated polyps (PPs) larger than 10 mm, data regarding use of CSP for PPs <10 mm continues to emerge. We aimed to investigate outcomes of these techniques in small (<10 mm) pedunculated colorectal polyps. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched till June 2022 to identify studies involving the removal of small PPs with CSP and HSP. Random effects model was used to calculate outcomes and 95% CI. Primary outcome was the pooled rate of successful en-bloc resection. Secondary outcomes were immediate and delayed bleeding with CSP and HSP as well as prophylactic and post resection clip placement. RESULTS: Six studies including 1025 patients (1111 polyps with a mean size 4 to 8.5 mm) were analyzed. 116 and 995 polyps were removed with HSP and CSP, respectively. The overall pooled rate of successful en-bloc resection with CSP was 99.7% (CI 99.1-99.9; I2 0%). Pooled immediate and delayed bleeding after CSP was 49.8% (CI 46.8-52.91; I2 98%) and 0% (CI 0.00-0.00; I2 0%), respectively. Delayed bleeding was higher with HSP, relative risk 0.05 (CI 0.01-0.43; I2 0%), P =0.006, whereas immediate bleeding was higher with CSP, relative risk 7.89 (CI 4.36-14.29; I2 0%), P <0.00001. Pooled rates of prophylactic clip placement and post-procedure clip placement (to control immediate bleeding) were 55.3% and 47.2%, respectively. Finally, right colon polyp location significantly correlated with frequency of immediate bleeding. CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that CSP is safe and effective for resection of small PPs.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection of Upper Gastrointestinal Lesions Using a Full Thickness Resection Device: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a promising technique that allows for a minimally invasive resection of mucosal and submucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The data regarding the efficacy and safety of performing EFTR of upper GI lesions using a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is limited. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies that evaluated this technique. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive systematic search of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings that reported outcomes of EFTR using the FTRD system. The weighted pooled rates of technical success, complete (R0) resection, adverse events (AE), and residual or recurrent lesions were analyzed with 95% CI using the random effects model. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total of 139 patients who underwent EFTR of upper GI lesions were included in the study. The pooled, weighted rate of technical success was 88.2% (95% CI: 81.4-92.7%, I2 : 0). The R0 resection rate was 70.7% (95% CI: 62.5-77.8%, I2 : 0). Overall AE rates were 22.1% (95% CI: 15.8-30.1%, I2 : 0), however, most of the AEs were minor. Of the patients who had follow-up endoscopies, the residual and/or recurrent lesion rate was 6.1% (95% CI: 2.4-14.4%, I2 : 0). Heterogeneity in the analysis was low. CONCLUSIONS: EFTR using the FTRD seems to be effective and safe with acceptable R0 resection rates and low recurrence rates. Further prospective studies are required to validate our results and to compare various modalities of endoscopic resection with this single-step EFTR device.

Efficacy, Feasibility, and Safety of the X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System: A Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The application of endoscopic suturing has revolutionized defect closures. Conventional over-the-scope suturing necessitates removal of the scope, placement of the device, and reinsertion. A single channel, single sequence, through-the-scope suturing device has been developed to improve this process. This study aims to describe the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of a through-the-scope suturing device for gastrointestinal defect closure. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 9 centers of consecutive adult patients who underwent suturing using the X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System (Apollo Endosurgery). The primary outcomes were technical success and long-term clinical success. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, recurrence, and reintervention rates. RESULTS: In all, 56 patients (mean age 53.8, 33 women) were included. Suturing indications included fistula repair (n=22), leak repair (n=7), polypectomy defect closure (n=12), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) site closure (n=7), perforation repair (n=6), and ulcers (n=2). Patients were followed at a mean duration of 74 days. Overall technical and long-term clinical success rates were 92.9% and 75%, respectively. Both technical and clinical success rates were 100% for polypectomies, POEM-site closures, and ulcers. Success rates were lower for the repair of fistulas (95.5% technical, 54.5% clinical), leaks (57.1%, 28.6%), and perforations (100%, 66.7%). No immediate adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: This novel, through-the-scope endoscopic suturing system, is a safe and feasible method to repair defects that are ≤3 cm. The efficacy of this device may be better suited for superficial defects as opposed to full-thickness defects. Larger defects will need more sutures and probably a double closure technique to provide a reinforcement layer.

Groove pancreatitis: From enigma to future directions-A comprehensive review.

Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare and clinically distinct form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the pancreaticoduodenal groove comprising the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and the common bile duct. It is more prevalent in individuals in their 4-5th decade of life and disproportionately affects men compared with women. Excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, pancreatic ductal stones, pancreatic divisum, annular pancreas, ectopic pancreas, duodenal wall thickening, and peptic ulcers are significant risk factors implicated in the development of GP. The usual presenting symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and jaundice. Establishing a diagnosis of GP is often challenging due to significant clinical and radiological overlap with numerous benign and malignant conditions affecting the same anatomical location. This can lead to a delay in initiation of treatment leading to increasing morbidity, mortality, and complication rates. Promising research in artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered immense interest in recent years. Due to its widespread application in diagnostic imaging with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, AI has the potential of becoming a vital tool in differentiating GP from pancreatic malignancies, thereby preventing a missed or delayed diagnosis. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of GP, covering the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, radiological and endoscopic evaluation, management strategies, and future directions. This article also aims to increase awareness about this lesser known and often-misdiagnosed clinical entity amongst clinicians to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Prophylactic pancreatic duct stenting to reduce the risk of post-ampullectomy pancreatitis: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of 1858 patients.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of prophylactic pancreatic duct stenting (PPDS) in preventing post-ampullectomy pancreatitis (PAP) at the time of endoscopic ampullectomy (EA) has been reported, however, results are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at the use of PPDS in reducing PAP as well as overall post-ampullectomy complications. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched through May 2023 for studies reporting on EA. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled proportions and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of PAP, with and without PPDS. Pooled rates of adverse events including perforation, delayed bleeding, cholangitis, and procedure related mortality were assessed. Random effects model was used for our meta-analysis and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies (14 case series, 18 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials) with 1868 patients were included. The overall pooled rate of PAP was 12.3% (CI 10.3-14.5). We found no statistically significant difference in rates of PAP among patients with PPDS, 11.9% (CI 8.9-15.7) and without PPDS, 16.6% (CI 13.4-20.4), RR 0.8 (CI 0.51-1.28), p = 0.4. In terms of severe PAP, we found no difference between the two groups. The overall pooled rates of successful en-bloc and piecemeal resection were 74.8% (CI 67.3-81.1) and 25.1% (CI 19-32.4). Additionally, pooled rates of ampullary stenosis, post procedural bleeding, perforation, cholangitis, and procedure related mortality were 3.6%, 11.1%, 4.2%, 3.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that PPDS at the time of EA does not offer a significant protective effect against PAP. While the incidence of PAP was higher among the no PPDS group, it is plausible that this is more likely due to variation among studies in terms of lesion size, length/size of pancreatic stent used and etiology of ampullary lesions. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to validate our findings.

Prolonged Gastrointestinal Manifestations After Recovery From COVID-19.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Acute enteric infections are well known to result in long-term gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Although COVID-19 is principally a respiratory illness, it demonstrates significant GI tropism, possibly predisposing to prolonged gut manifestations. We aimed to examine the long-term GI impact of hospitalization with COVID-19. METHODS: Nested within a large-scale observational cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across North America, we performed a follow-up survey of 530 survivors 12-18 months later to assess for persistent GI symptoms and their severity, and for the development of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). Eligible patients were identified at the study site level and surveyed electronically. The survey instrument included the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for DGBI, a rating scale of 24 COVID-related symptoms, the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale, and the Impact of Events-Revised trauma symptom questionnaire (a measure of posttraumatic stress associated with the illness experience). A regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with GI symptom severity at follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 530 invited patients, 116 responded (52.6% females; mean age, 55.2 years), and 73 of those (60.3%) met criteria for 1 or more Rome IV DGBI at follow-up, higher than the prevalence in the US general population (P < .0001). Among patients who experienced COVID-related GI symptoms during the index hospitalization (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), 42.1% retained at least 1 of these symptoms at follow-up; in comparison, 89.8% of respondents retained any (GI or non-GI) COVID-related symptom. The number of moderate or severe GI symptoms experienced during the initial COVID-19 illness by self-report correlated with the development of DGBI and severity of GI symptoms at follow-up. Posttraumatic stress disorder (Impact of Events-Revised score ≥33) related to the COVID-19 illness experience was identified in 41.4% of respondents and those individuals had higher DGBI prevalence and GI symptom severity. Regression analysis revealed that higher psychological trauma score (Impact of Events-Revised) was the strongest predictor of GI symptom severity at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this follow-up survey of patients 12-18 months after hospitalization with COVID-19, there was a high prevalence of DGBIs and persistent GI symptoms. Prolonged GI manifestations were associated with the severity of GI symptoms during hospitalization and with the degree of psychological trauma related to the illness experience.

Comparing clinical success and procedural difficulty between treatment-naïve and treatment-refractory patients with esophageal motility disorders during peroral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) can successfully treat patients with achalasia. Prior therapy with Botox (Allergan, Madison, NJ, USA) injections, pneumatic dilation (PD), and/or laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) is believed to increase the difficulty of POEM procedures. We aimed to determine if prior treatment methods were associated with longer procedure times or lower clinical success. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, consecutive patients who underwent POEM for achalasia between February 2017 and September 2021 were studied. Collected data were patient demographics, prior treatment, pre- and postprocedure Eckardt score (ES), distensibility indices (DIs), and procedure times. Primary outcomes were clinical success and procedure difficulty. RESULTS: Of 95 patients (mean age, 55.6 years; 45% women), 25 patients underwent POEM for type I achalasia, 31 for type II achalasia, and 33 for spastic esophageal pathologies. Thirty-three patients (34.7%) were treated for achalasia before POEM with onabotulinumtoxinA injections (n = 18), PD (n = 17), and LHM (n = 3). There were no significant differences in post-treatment ESs or technical success between the 2 groups (P = .98 and P = .66, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that prior treatment was associated with decreased case time and easier tunneling during POEM. CONCLUSIONS: Prior treatment did not impact the clinical success rate of POEM and led to decreased case times and easier tunneling difficulty, likely because of persistent lower esophageal sphincter changes and differences in diagnostic indications. POEM should be considered for patients with treatment-refractory symptoms as a safe and feasible option. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate our findings.

Anesthesia Choice and Its Potential Impact on Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Measurements in Esophageal Motility Disorders.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The widespread use of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has revolutionized the management of esophageal motility disorders (EMDs). The introduction of an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) can serve as a complimentary diagnostic tool to assess the mechanical properties (i.e., pressure, diameter, distensibility and topography) of the esophagus. During EndoFLIP measurements, different anesthesia techniques may induce variable degrees of neuromuscular blockade, potentially affecting esophageal motility and altering the results of EndoFLIP metrics. Our study aimed to compare the impact of using total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) versus general anesthesia with inhalational anesthetics (GAIA) on diagnostic EndoFLIP measurements. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing EndoFlip during the POEM procedure at our institution between February 2017 and February 2022. We obtained the differences in pressure, diameter, and distensibility index using propofol-based TIVA vs sevoflurane-based GAIA with a 30ml and 60ml balloon. The differences were divided into terciles and compared between diagnoses using univariate comparisons and logistic regression models. RESULTS: 49 patients were included (39% Type 1 achalasia, 43% Type 2 or 3 achalasia, and 18% jackhammer esophagus (JE)). Compared to spastic disorders (Type 2, 3 and JE), Type 1 had lower values of pressure differences at 60 mL in univariate (3.75 vs 15.20 p=0.001) and multivariate (aOR 0.89 95%CI 0.82-0.978) analyses. Compared to Type 1, Type 2 and 3 had higher rates of pressure differences at 60 mL in univariate (9.85 vs 3.75 p=0.04); and nearly reached significance in multivariate analysis (1.09 95%CI 1-1.20). Compared to Type 1, JE demonstrated higher values in pressure differences at 60 mL (27.7 vs 3.75 p<0.001) CONCLUSION: Esophageal pressure, as measured by EndoFLIP, was significantly reduced when patients were sedated with sevoflurane-based GAIA. The use sevoflurane-based GAIA for diagnostic EndoFLIP may potentially lead to the misclassification of spastic disorders as Type I achalasia. Therefore, propofol-based TIVA should be considered over sevoflurane-based GAIA for sedation during the diagnostic test.

Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy for management of refractory gastroparesis in patients with gastric neurostimulator devices: a multicenter retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric neurostimulation (GNS) and gastric peroral myotomy (G-POEM), therapies for refractory gastroparesis, are associated with suboptimal outcomes. We studied the role of G-POEM as a salvage therapy in patients with refractory symptoms after GNS implantation. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective, matched case-control study. Consecutive patients with a GNS device and who underwent G-POEM as a salvage therapy for clinical failure (cases) and patients without GNS implantation and who underwent G-POEM for refractory gastroparesis (control) between October 2018 and August 2021 were included. The primary outcome was clinical success after G-POEM. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients (mean age 45.7 ± 14.7 years; 88 female subjects [72%]) underwent G-POEM therapy during the study: 41 cases and 82 controls. Clinical success was achieved in 66% in the case group and 65% in the control group (P = .311), during a median total clinical follow-up time of 11.8 (interquartile range, 2.4-6.3) months. In the case group, the mean Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index score decreased from 2.8 ± 1.8 to 1.5 ± 1.9 (P = .024), and gastric retention at 4 hours improved from 45% ± 25.8% to 16.6% ± 13.1% (P = .06). The mean delta improvement in the subscales of nausea/vomiting (1.3 ± .6 vs .9 ± 1.1, P = .044) and bloating (1.6 ± 1.3 vs 1.2 ± 1.4, P = .041) were significantly higher in cases than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with refractory symptoms after GNS, G-POEM can be a reasonable salvage therapy to provide further symptomatic relief with evidence of a potential additive effect of both G-POEM and GNS.

Outcomes of Cold Snare Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Nonampullary Duodenal Adenomas ≥1 cm: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with use of electrocautery (conventional EMR) has historically been used to remove large duodenal adenomas, however, use of electrocautery can predispose to adverse events including delayed bleeding and perforation. Cold snare EMR (cs-EMR) has been shown to be safe and effective for removal of colon polyps, but data regarding its use in the duodenum is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cs-EMR for nonampullary duodenal adenomas ≥1 cm. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study of patients with nonampullary duodenal adenomas ≥1 cm who underwent cs-EMR between October 2014 and May 2023. Patients who received any form of thermal therapy were excluded. Primary outcomes were technical success and rate of recurrent adenoma. Secondary outcomes were adverse events and predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients underwent resection of 127 nonampullary duodenal adenomas with cs-EMR. Follow up data was available in 89 cases (70.1%). The recurrent adenoma rate was 31.5% (n=28). Adverse events occurred in 3.9% (n=5) with four cases of immediate bleeding (3.1%) and one case of delayed bleeding (0.8%). There were no cases of perforation. The presence of high-grade dysplasia was found to be an independent predictor of recurrence (OR: 10.9 [95% CI: 1.1-102.1], p=0.036). CONCLUSION: This retrospective multicenter study demonstrates that cs-EMR for nonampullary duodenal adenomas is safe and technically feasible with an acceptable recurrence rate. Future prospective studies are needed to directly compare outcomes of cs-EMR with conventional and underwater EMR.

Benefits of EUS-guided gastroenterostomy over surgical gastrojejunostomy in the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a large multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) allows resumption of peroral intake. Although surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJ) provides durable relief, it may be associated with a higher morbidity, interfere with chemotherapy, and require an optimum nutritional status. EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. We aimed to conduct the largest comparative series to date between EUS-GE and SGJ for mGOO. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing SGJ or EUS-GE at 6 centers. Primary outcomes included time to resumption of oral intake, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Secondary outcomes included technical and clinical success, reintervention rates, adverse events (AEs), and resumption of chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients were included (EUS-GE, n = 187; SGJ, n = 123). EUS-GE exhibited significantly lower time to resumption of oral intake (1.40 vs 4.06 days, P < .001), at lower albumin levels (2.95 vs 3.33 g/dL, P < .001), and a shorter LOS (5.31 vs 8.54 days, P < .001) compared with SGJ; there was no difference in mortality (48.1% vs 50.4%, P = .78). Technical (97.9% and 100%) and clinical (94.1% vs 94.3%) success was similar in the EUS-GE and SGJ groups, respectively. EUS-GE had lower rates of AEs (13.4% vs 33.3%, P < .001) but higher reintervention rates (15.5% vs 1.63%, P < .001). EUS-GE patients exhibited significantly lower interval time to resumption of chemotherapy (16.6 vs 37.8 days, P < .001). Outcomes between the EUS-GE and laparoscopic (n = 46) surgical approach showed that EUS-GE had shorter interval time to initiation/resumption of oral intake (3.49 vs 1.46 days, P < .001), decreased LOS (9 vs 5.31 days, P < .001), and a lower rate of AEs (11.9% vs 17.9%, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date showing that EUS-GE can be performed among nutritionally deficient patients without affecting the technical and clinical success compared with SGJ. EUS-GE is associated with fewer AEs while allowing earlier resumption of diet and chemotherapy.

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.

Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy for management of large Zenker's diverticulum.

BACKGROUND: Zenker's diverticulum peroral endoscopic myotomy (zPOEM) is a minimally invasive treatment strategy for Zenker's diverticulum, with excellent results for management of small-to-moderate Zenker's diverticulum. We evaluated its use in the management of large Zenker's diverticulum. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study across 11 international centers including adult patients with large Zenker's diverticulum ≥ 40 mm treated by zPOEM between March 2017 and March 2022. The primary outcome was clinical success (dysphagia score ≤ 1 without need for further intervention). Secondary outcomes included technical success (complete myotomy as intended), adverse events (AEs), and rate of recurrence. RESULTS: 83 patients (male 62.7 %, mean age 72.6 [SD 11.5] years) underwent zPOEM for treatment of large Zenker's diverticulum (median size 50 mm, interquartile range [IQR] 41-55 mm, range 40-80 mm). The zPOEM procedure was technically successful in 82 patients (98.8 %), with a mean procedure time of 48.7 (SD 23.2) minutes. Clinical success was achieved in 71 patients (85.5 %). Median (IQR) symptom scores improved significantly from baseline for dysphagia (2 2 3 vs. 0 [0-2]; P < 0.001), regurgitation (3 2 3 4 vs. 0 [0-0]; P < 0.001), and respiratory symptoms (2 [0-3] vs. 0 [0-0]; P < 0.001). Among patients achieving clinical success, only one recurrence (1.4 %) was recorded during a median follow-up of 12.2 months (IQR 3-28). Post-procedure AEs, all mild to moderate, occurred in four patients (4.8 %). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated safe and effective use of zPOEM in the management of large Zenker's diverticulum.

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.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is an Effective Treatment Option for Managing Jackhammer Esophagus: A Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a rare hypercontractile motility disorder often associated with dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. In patients with clinically relevant symptoms, treatment options aim to decrease esophageal contractions. Medical, endoscopic and surgical therapies have limited long-term efficacy. The advent of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has evolved as a minimally invasive treatment option. Yet data regarding JE is scare. As such we aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of JE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single center retrospective study of consecutive adult patients undergoing POEM for JE from April 2018 to September 2021. All procedures were conducted by a single endoscopist. Primary outcome was clinical success, defined as Eckardt score (ES) ≤3 following the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients (mean age 58, 7 females) underwent POEM with a mean duration of symptoms of 42.6 months. Preprocedure mean ES was 8.92. Nine patients were treatment naive. Pre-POEM endoluminal functional luminal imaging probe (n=10) demonstrated a distensibility index of 0.34. The average length of follow-up after POEM was 15.8 months.There was a 92.3% (12/13) clinical success rate, with a mean post-POEM ES of 1.53. One patient's ES improved from 12 to 1 after POEM; however, 2.5 years later she developed recurrent symptoms (ES 10). Only 1 patient had endoscopic evidence of Los Angeles grade A esophagitis. One year after POEM, 5 patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, but only 2 required acid suppression therapy. CONCLUSION: POEM is an effective treatment modality with long-term efficacy. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

EUS-guided transhepatic biliary drainage: a large single-center U.S. experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy has been performed for many years with most published experience from outside the United States. The luminal access point can be from the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or jejunum; biliary access can be either into the right or left intrahepatic system. Thus, we prefer the term EUS-guided transhepatic biliary drainage (ETBD). We describe what is believed to be the largest single-center U.S. experience of ETBD for management of benign and malignant biliary disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all ETBD conducted by 1 endoscopist between September 2014 and May 2021. RESULTS: Two hundred fifteen patients underwent attempted ETBD: 85 for benign disease and 130 for malignant disease. Ninety-two patients (43%) had surgically altered anatomy (SAA). In 94 patients previously endoscopic attempts failed. The approach was transesophageal in 9, transgastric in 188, transduodenal in 5, and transjejunal in 5 patients. In 1 patient a bilateral approach was used. Standard fully covered self-expandable stents of 4- to 10-cm lengths and 8- or 10-mm diameters were used. Technical success was 95.3% and clinical success was 87.25%. Forty patients (18.6%) experienced adverse events (13 mild, 21 moderate, and 6 severe according to the modified American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon). Mean follow-up was 257.31 ± 308.11 days for all patients (124.53 ± 229.86 days for benign disease and 457.27 ± 466.31 days for malignant disease). Seventy-four patients (34.4%) had died at the time of data collection (66 in the malignant cohort, 8 in the benign cohort). Of those with malignancy surviving >6 months, 17.4% required reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: ETBD is effective in the management of benign and malignant biliary obstruction for patients with SAA as well as native anatomy, with a modest adverse event rate.