Endoscopic En Bloc Versus Piecemeal Resection of Large Nonpedunculated Colonic Adenomas : A Randomized Comparative Trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic resection of adenomas prevents colorectal cancer, but the optimal technique for larger lesions is controversial. Piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has a low adverse event (AE) rate but a variable recurrence rate necessitating early follow-up. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can reduce recurrence but may increase AEs. OBJECTIVE: To compare ESD and EMR for large colonic adenomas. DESIGN: Participant-masked, parallel-group, superiority, randomized controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03962868). SETTING: Multicenter study involving 6 French referral centers from November 2019 to February 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with large (≥25 mm) benign colonic lesions referred for resection. INTERVENTION: The patients were randomly assigned by computer 1:1 (stratification by lesion location and center) to ESD or EMR. MEASUREMENTS: The primary end point was 6-month local recurrence (neoplastic tissue on endoscopic assessment and scar biopsy). The secondary end points were technical failure, en bloc R0 resection, and cumulative AEs. RESULTS: In total, 360 patients were randomly assigned to ESD (n = 178) or EMR (n = 182). In the primary analysis set (n = 318 lesions in 318 patients), recurrence occurred after 1 of 161 ESDs (0.6%) and 8 of 157 EMRs (5.1%) (relative risk, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.96]). No recurrence occurred in R0-resected cases (90%) after ESD. The AEs occurred more often after ESD than EMR (35.6% vs. 24.5%, respectively; relative risk, 1.4 [CI, 1.0 to 2.0]). LIMITATION: Procedures were performed under general anesthesia during hospitalization in accordance with the French health system. CONCLUSION: Compared with EMR, ESD reduces the 6-month recurrence rate, obviating the need for systematic early follow-up colonoscopy at the cost of more AEs. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: French Ministry of Health.

Impact of Annual Case Volume on Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Outcomes in a Large Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The adoption of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is still limited in the West. A recent randomized trial showed that ESD is more effective and only slightly riskier than piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection; reproducibility outside expert centers was questioned. We evaluated the results according to the annual case volume in a multicentric prospective cohort. METHODS: Between September 2019 and September 2022, colorectal ESD was consecutively performed at 13 participating centers classified as low volume (LV), middle volume (MV), and high volume (HV). The main procedural outcomes were assessed. Multivariate and propensity score matching analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three thousand seven hundred seventy ESDs were included. HV centers treated larger and more often colonic lesions than MV and LV centers. En bloc , R0, and curative resection rates were 95.2%, 87.4%, and 83.2%, respectively, and were higher at HV than at MV and LV centers. HV centers also achieved a faster dissection speed. Delayed bleeding and surgery for complications rates were 5.4% and 0.8%, respectively, without significant differences. The perforation rate (overall: 9%) was higher at MV than at LV and HV centers. Lesion characteristics, but not volume center, were independently associated with both R1 resection and perforation. However, after propensity score matching, R0 rates were significantly higher at HV than at LV centers, and perforation rates were significantly higher at MV than at HV centers. DISCUSSION: Colorectal ESD can be successfully implemented in the West, even in nonexpert centers. However, difficult lesions must still be referred to experts.

Factors associated with early failure of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Achalasia can be treated very effectively with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), but factors associated with early failure remain to be determined, especially in European cohorts. METHODS: All consecutive adult patients who underwent a first POEM to treat primary achalasia were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Early failure was defined by an Eckardt score (ES) >3 at 3 months after POEM. When evaluating factors predictive of early failure, 2 cohorts were considered: one consisted of the total population, for whom only basic variables were collected, and the other a cohort built for a case-control study that included matched early-failure and early-success patients (ratio, 1:2). RESULTS: Among 746 patients, the early failure rate was 9.4%. Predictive factors were age ≤45 years (P = .019), achalasia types I and III (P < .001), and the development of a severe adverse event during the procedure (P = .023). In the case-control study, the only additional independent risk factor for early failure was a high pre-POEM ES (P = .001). Only the retrosternal pain subscore was significantly associated with the early failure rate. CONCLUSION: The early failure rate of POEM used to treat primary achalasia is <10%. Younger age, type I/III achalasia, and a high pre-POEM ES were significantly associated with failure.

Impact of surgery after endoscopically resected high-risk T1 colorectal cancer: results of an emulated target trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with high-risk T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) resected endoscopically who received either additional surgery or surveillance. METHODS: We used data from routine care to emulate a target trial aimed at comparing 2 strategies after endoscopic resection of high-risk T1 CRC: surgery with lymph node dissection (treatment group) versus surveillance alone (control group). All patients from 14 tertiary centers who underwent an endoscopic resection for high-risk T1 CRC between March 2012 and August 2019 were included. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of cancer recurrence or death at 48 months. RESULTS: Of 197 patients included in the analysis, 107 were categorized in the treatment group and 90 were categorized in the control group. From baseline to 48 months, 4 of 107 patients (3.7%) died in the treatment group and 6 of 90 patients (6.7%) died in the control group. Four of 107 patients (3.7%) in the treatment group experienced a cancer recurrence and 4 of 90 patients (4.4%) in the control group experienced a cancer recurrence. After balancing the baseline covariates by inverse probability of treatment weighting, we found no significant difference in the rate of death and cancer recurrence between patients in the 2 groups (weighted hazard ratio, .95; 95% confidence interval, .52-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with high-risk T1 CRC initially treated with endoscopic resection may not benefit from additional surgery.

Closure of gastrointestinal perforations using an endoloop system and a single-channel endoscope: description of a simple, reproducible, and standardized method.

BACKGROUND: Several endoscopic treatments for iatrogenic perforations are currently available, with some limitations in terms of size, location, complexity, or cost. Our aims were to introduce a novel technique for closure, using an endoloop and clips, to assess its rate of technical success and post-resection complications. METHODS: For closure of large perforations (diameter ≥ 10 mm), two similar techniques were implemented, using a single-channel endoscope. An endoloop was deployed through the operating channel or towed by an endoclip alongside the endoscope. Several clips were utilized to fix it on the muscular layer of defect's margins. The defect was closed, by fastening the loop either directly or after being reattached to the mobile hook. RESULTS: This analysis included eleven patients (72% women, median age 68 years). Eight colorectal, one appendiceal, and two gastric lesions were resected, with a median perforation size of 15 mm. As confirmed by computed tomography, closure of wall defects was achieved successfully in all cases, using a median of 6 clips. Pneumoperitoneum was evacuated in 4 cases. The median hospitalization duration was 4 days, prophylactic antibiotics being prescribed for a median of 7 days. One patient had a small abdominal collection, without requiring drainage, while another presented post-resection bleeding from the mucosal defect. CONCLUSION: The novel techniques, utilizing a single-channel endoscope, clips, and an endoloop, ensuring an edge-to-edge suture of muscular layer, proved to be safe, reproducible, and easy to implement. They exhibit an excellent technical success rate and a minimal incidence of non-severe complications.

"Transanal endoscopic microsurgery" with a flexible colonoscope (F-TEM): a new endoscopic treatment for suspicious deep submucosal invasion T1 rectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic techniques allow resections of deep submucosal invasion rectal carcinoma, but mostly are facing issues such as costs, follow-up care or size limit. Our aim was to design a new endoscopic technique, which retains the advantages over surgical resections while eliminating the disadvantages mentioned above. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We propose a technique for the resection of the superficial rectal tumours, with highly suspicious deep submucosal invasion. It combines steps of endoscopic submucosal dissection, muscular resection and edge-to-edge suture of the muscular layers, finally performing the equivalent of a "transanal endoscopic microsurgery" with a flexible colonoscope (F-TEM). RESULTS: A 60-year-old patient was referred to our unit, following the discovery of a 15 mm distal rectum adenocarcinoma. The computed tomography and the endoscopic ultrasound examination revealed a T1 tumour, without secondary lesions. Considering that the initial endoscopic evaluation highlighted a depressed central part of the lesion, with several avascular zones, an F-TEM was performed, without severe complication. The histopathological examination revealed negative resection margins, without risk factors for lymph node metastasis, no adjuvant therapy being proposed. CONCLUSION: F-TEM allows endoscopic resection of highly suspicious deep submucosal invasion T1 rectal carcinoma and it proves to be a feasible alternative to surgical resection or other endoscopic treatments as endoscopic submucosal dissection or intermuscular dissection.

Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation or surveillance in patients with Barrett's oesophagus with confirmed low-grade dysplasia: a multicentre randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: Due to an annual progression rate of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) between 9% and 13% per year endoscopic ablation therapy is preferred to surveillance. Since this recommendation is based on only one randomised trial, we aimed at checking these results by another multicentre randomised trial with a similar design. DESIGN: A prospective randomised study was performed in 14 centres comparing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (maximum of 4 sessions) to annual endoscopic surveillance, including patients with a confirmed diagnosis of BO with LGD. Primary outcome was the prevalence of LGD at 3 years. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of LGD at 1 year, the complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) at 3 years, the rate of neoplastic progression at 3 years and the treatment-related morbidity. RESULTS: 125 patients were initially included, of whom 82 with confirmed LGD (76 men, mean age 62.3 years) were finally randomised, 40 patients in the RFA and 42 in the surveillance group. At 3 years, CE-IM rates were 35% vs 0% in the RFA and surveillance groups, respectively (p<0.001). At the same time, the prevalence LGD was 34.3% (95% CI 18.6 to 50.0) in the RFA group vs 58.1% (95% CI 40.7 to 75.4) in the surveillance group (OR=0.38 (95% CI 0.14 to 1.02), p=0.05). Neoplastic progression was found in 12.5% (RFA) vs 26.2% (surveillance; p=0.15). The complication rate was maximal after the first RFA treatment (16.9%). CONCLUSION: RFA modestly reduced the prevalence of LGD as well as progression risk at 3 years. The risk-benefit balance of endoscopic ablation therapy should therefore be carefully weighted against surveillance in patients with BO with confirmed LGD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01360541.

One-year results of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy for refractory gastroparesis: a French multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Data on the long-term outcomes of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) for refractory gastroparesis are lacking. We report the results of a large multicenter long-term follow-up study of G-POEM for refractory gastroparesis. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study of all G-POEM operations performed in seven expert French centers for refractory gastroparesis with at least 1 year of follow-up. The primary endpoint was the 1-year clinical success rate, defined as at least a 1-point improvement in the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). RESULTS: 76 patients were included (60.5 % women; age 56 years). The median symptom duration was 48 months. The median gastric retention at 4 hours (H4) before G-POEM was 45 % (interquartile range [IQR] 29 % - 67 %). The median GCSI before G-POEM was 3.6 (IQR 2.8 - 4.0). Clinical success was achieved in 65.8 % of the patients at 1 year, with a median rate of reduction in the GCSI score of 41 %. In logistic regression analysis, only a high preoperative GCSI satiety subscale score was predictive of clinical success (odds ratio [OR] 3.41, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.01 - 11.54; P = 0.048), while a high rate of gastric retention at H4 was significantly associated with clinical failure (OR 0.97, 95 %CI 0.95 - 1.00; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the efficacy of G-POEM for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis, as evidenced by a 65.8 % clinical success rate at 1 year. Although G-POEM is promising, prospective sham-controlled trials are urgently needed to confirm its efficacy and identify the patient populations who will benefit most from this procedure.

Genetic, structural, and functional characterization of POLE polymerase proofreading variants allows cancer risk prediction.

PURPOSE: Polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis is a dominantly inherited colorectal cancer syndrome caused by exonuclease domain missense variants in the DNA polymerases POLE and POLD1. Manifestations may also include malignancies at extracolonic sites. Cancer risks in this syndrome are not yet accurately quantified. METHODS: We sequenced POLE and POLD1 exonuclease domains in 354 individuals with early/familial colorectal cancer (CRC) or adenomatous polyposis. We assessed the pathogenicity of POLE variants with yeast fluctuation assays and structural modeling. We estimated the penetrance function for each cancer site in variant carriers with a previously published nonparametric method based on survival analysis approach, able to manage unknown genotypes. RESULTS: Pathogenic POLE exonuclease domain variants P286L, M294R, P324L, N363K, D368N, L424V, K425R, and P436S were found in ten families. The estimated cumulative risk of CRC at 30, 50, and 70 years was 11.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2-17.5), 48.5% (33.2-60.3), and 74% (51.6-86.1). Cumulative risk of glioblastoma was 18.7% (3.2-25.8) at 70 years. Variants interfering with DNA binding (P286L and N363K) had a significantly higher mutagenic effect than variants disrupting ion metal coordination at the exonuclease site. CONCLUSION: The risk estimates derived from this study provide a rational basis on which to provide genetic counseling to POLE variant carriers.

Post-polypectomy colonoscopy surveillance: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2020.

The following recommendations for post-polypectomy colonoscopic surveillance apply to all patients who had one or more polyps that were completely removed during a high quality baseline colonoscopy. 1: ESGE recommends that patients with complete removal of 1 - 4 < 10 mm adenomas with low grade dysplasia, irrespective of villous components, or any serrated polyp < 10 mm without dysplasia, do not require endoscopic surveillance and should be returned to screening.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.If organized screening is not available, repetition of colonoscopy 10 years after the index procedure is recommended.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends surveillance colonoscopy after 3 years for patients with complete removal of at least 1 adenoma ≥ 10 mm or with high grade dysplasia, or ≥ 5 adenomas, or any serrated polyp ≥ 10 mm or with dysplasia. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends a 3 - 6-month early repeat colonoscopy following piecemeal endoscopic resection of polyps ≥ 20 mm.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. A first surveillance colonoscopy 12 months after the repeat colonoscopy is recommended to detect late recurrence.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 4: If no polyps requiring surveillance are detected at the first surveillance colonoscopy, ESGE suggests to perform a second surveillance colonoscopy after 5 years. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.After that, if no polyps requiring surveillance are detected, patients can be returned to screening. 5: ESGE suggests that, if polyps requiring surveillance are detected at first or subsequent surveillance examinations, surveillance colonoscopy may be performed at 3 years. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.A flowchart showing the recommended surveillance intervals is provided (Fig. 1).

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy activity in France.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has majorly affected medical activity around the world. We sought to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy activity in France. METHODS: We performed a web-based survey, including 35 questions on the responders and their endoscopic practice, from 23 March to 27 March 2020, sent to the 3300 French gastroenterologists practicing endoscopy. RESULTS: 694 GI endoscopists (21 %) provided analyzable data; of these, 29.4 % (204/694) were involved in the management of COVID-19 patients outside the endoscopy department. During the study period, 98.7 % (685/694) of endoscopists had had to cancel procedures. There were 89 gastroenterologists (12.8 %) who reported symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection, and a positive PCR test was recorded in 12/197 (6.1 %) vs. 3/497 (0.6 %) endoscopists in the high vs. low prevalence areas, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a major reduction in the volume of GI endoscopies performed in France in March 2020. The prolonged limited access to GI endoscopy could lead to a delay in the management of patients with GI cancers.

Risk of neoplastic change in large gastric hyperplastic polyps and recurrence after endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: Gastric hyperplastic polyps (GHPs) have a risk of neoplastic transformation reaching 5 %. Current endoscopic resection techniques appear suboptimal with a high risk of local recurrence. This study assessed the outcomes of endoscopic resection for GHPs and identified risk factors for recurrence and neoplastic transformation. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter, European study included adult patients with at least one GHP ≥ 10 mm who underwent endoscopic resection and at least one follow-up endoscopy. Patients with recurrent GHPs or hereditary gastric polyposis were excluded. All data were retrieved from the endoscopy, pathology, and hospitalization reports. RESULTS: From June 2007 to August 2018, 145 GHPs in 108 patients were included. Recurrence after endoscopic resection was 51.0 % (74 /145) in 55 patients. R0 resection or en bloc resection did not impact the risk of polyp recurrence. In multivariate analysis, cirrhosis was the only risk factor for recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 4.82, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.33 - 17.46; P = 0.02). Overall, 15 GHPs (10.4 %) showed neoplastic transformation, with size > 25 mm (OR 10.24, 95 %CI 2.71 - 38.69; P < 0.001) and presence of intestinal metaplasia (OR 5.93, 95 %CI 1.56 - 22.47; P = 0.01) being associated with an increased risk of neoplastic transformation in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Results confirmed the risk of recurrence and neoplastic transformation of large GHPs. The risk of neoplastic change was significantly increased for lesions > 25 mm, with a risk of high grade dysplasia appearing in polyps ≥ 50 mm. The risk of recurrence was high, particularly in cirrhosis patients, and long-term follow-up is recommended in such patients.

Meglumine diatrizoate esophagogram after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): identification of imaging findings associated with clinical complications and longer hospital stay.

OBJECTIVES: Esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the treatment of reference of major obstructive esophageal motility disorders but the detection of early complications remains challenging. Our aim was to report the radiological findings on meglumine diatrizoate esophagograms after esophageal POEM and identify variables associated with patient outcomes. METHODS: The imaging and clinical files of 106 patients who underwent POEM for achalasia or other major obstructive esophageal motility disorders were retrospectively analyzed. Post POEM esophagograms were reviewed for the presence of pneumoperitoneum, pleural effusion, extraesophageal contrast leakage, and dislocated clips. Associations between length of hospital stay and radiological findings were searched for using a Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients (M/F = 56/50; mean age = 50 ± 2 [SD] years) underwent 106 POEM procedures with a meglumine diatrizoate esophagogram on postoperative day 1. Overall median hospital stay was 3 days (range 1-20 days). Pneumoperitoneum, pleural effusion, extraesophageal contrast leakage, and dislocated clips were observed in 90/106 (84.9%), 12/106 (11.3%), 4/106 (3.8%), and 0/106 (0%) patients, respectively. At multivariate analysis, pleural effusion (p = 0.005; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.35 [95% CI 0.17-0.73]) and extraesophageal contrast leakage (p = 0.039; aHR = 0.27 [95% CI 0.08-0.94]) were associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Pneumoperitoneum was not associated with unfavorable outcome (p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoperitoneum is a common finding after POEM and is not indicative of unfavorable patient outcome. Conversely, post POEM pleural effusion and extraesophageal contrast leakage are associated with a longer hospital stay. KEY POINTS: • Water-soluble esophagogram is a valid diagnostic modality to diagnose early complications after esophageal endoscopic myotomy for esophageal motility disorders. • At multivariate analysis, pleural effusion and extraesophageal contrast leakage are associated with a prolonged hospital stay after peroral endoscopic myotomy. • Pneumoperitoneum is not associated with unfavorable outcome after peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Do we still need a diverticuloscope for the flexible endoscopic septotomy of Zenker's diverticulum?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is the most common type of diverticulum in the esophagus. The endoscopic septotomy of the diverticular wall has become a widely accepted treatment modality, but the recurrence rate is unclear. Our aim was to assess short-term and long-term success rates after flexible endoscopic septotomy for the treatment of ZD. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated at our department for a ZD between November 2014 and September 2018 were included. Endoscopic septotomy was conducted using a diverticuloscope or a distal attachment cap. Data were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively collected database. We collected data concerning patients, endoscopic procedures, and short-term clinical outcomes. All patients were reached by phone between October and December 2018 to assess long-term results. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were referred to our department for a ZD. Sixty patients were treated using a diverticuloscope and 17 patients with a distal attachment cap. For all 77 patients, the myotomy was technically successful. Three patients treated with a diverticuloscope reported complications. Initial treatment success was 93%. After a mean (±SEM) follow up of 23 ± 2 months, 66% of patients had persistent clinical remission. The rate of long-term treatment success was 72% in treatment-naïve and 50% in previously treated patients (P = 0.13). Treatment success was 68% in patients treated with the diverticuloscope versus 60% in the group treated with a cap (P = 0.75). CONCLUSION: The flexible endoscopic septotomy for the treatment of ZD is a safe and effective treatment of ZD, with or without a diverticuloscope.

Three-Dimensional High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry Study of the Esophagogastric Junction in Patients with Achalasia.

BACKGROUND: A novel three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry provides a dynamic 360° representation of the pressure at the esophagogastric junction. AIMS: To describe the three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry patterns of achalasia. METHODS: We retrospectively included all consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry before and after treatment (pneumatic dilatation or per-oral endoscopic myotomy) for achalasia between November 2016 and July 2017. The distribution of the pressures at the esophagogastric junction on three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry was determined. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included. Mean integrated relaxation pressure was 20.7 mmHg, and median (range) Eckardt score was 7 (4-10). Nine patients were treated by pneumatic dilatation and seven by myotomy. Nine patients underwent three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry after treatment. Before treatment, the esophagogastric junction pressure distribution was best observed at end expiration and during the 4 s of the integrated relaxation pressure measurement. During the integrated relaxation pressure, the lower esophageal sphincter was asymmetric in 12 patients with a high-pressure zone between the left and the posterior side of the esophagogastric junction. After treatment, five patients had a residual high-pressure point on the left or the posterior side of the esophagogastric junction. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry allows a simple assessment of the pressure topography at the EGJ. In patients with achalasia, we found the esophagogastric junction pressure to be asymmetric with a peak pressure on the greater curvature side. Three-dimensional high-resolution esophageal manometry has the potential to guide initial and redo treatments.

Efficacy of per-oral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of non-achalasia esophageal motor disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is effective in achalasia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of POEM in non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders (NAEMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with NAEMD diagnosed by high-resolution manometry were included in a retrospective multicentric study. For each individual case, two controls paired on gender and age were matched: one with type I/II achalasia and one with type III achalasia. The clinical response, defined by an Eckardt score ≤ 3, was assessed at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Ninety patients (mean age 66 years, 57 men) were included, 30 patients with NAEMD (13 jackhammer esophagus, 6 spastic esophageal disorders, 4 nutcracker esophagus, and 7 esophagogastric junction obstruction), 30 patients with type I-II achalasia, and 30 patients with type III achalasia. The 3-month response rates were 80% (24/30), 90% (27/30), and 100% (30/30) in NAEMD, type I-II achalasia and type III achalasia, respectively (p < 0.01). Eckardt scores improved from preoperative baseline in all groups (median scores 2.0 after POEM vs. 6.5 before POEM, 1.3 vs. 7.2, and 0.5 vs. 6.1 in NAEMD, type I//I and Type III, respectively). No predictive factor of response was identified. In NAEMD patients, there was a significant improvement of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain scores. The 6-month response rates were 63.2% (12/19), 95.5% (21/22), and 87.0% (20/23) in NAEMD, type I-II achalasia and type III achalasia, respectively (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Although less effective than in achalasia, POEM is an effective treatment for NAEMD. Long-term follow-up data are needed to further confirm that POEM may be a valid treatment of NAEMD.

Back-to-Back Comparison of Colonoscopy With Virtual Chromoendoscopy Using a Third-Generation Narrow-Band Imaging System to Chromoendoscopy With Indigo Carmine in Patients With Lynch Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Colonoscopic screening with indigo carmine chromoendoscopy (ICC) in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) improves the adenoma detection rate but is time consuming and poorly used in clinical practice. Narrow-band imaging (NBI), a virtual chromoendoscopy technique, highlights superficial mucosal vessels and improves adenoma characterization. We conducted a prospective multicenter trial in a back-to-back fashion to compare the third-generation NBI with ICC for detecting colonic adenomas in patients with LS. METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective, noninferiority trial, 138 patients underwent a double colonoscopy, first with NBI, followed by ICC, in a back-to-back design. The primary noninferiority outcome measure was the number of patients with at least one adenoma after NBI compared with the number of patients with at least one adenoma after NBI and ICC. RESULTS: The 138 analyzable patients were all proven mismatch repair mutation carriers for LS (MLH1 = 33%, MSH2 = 47%, MSH6 = 15%, PMS2 = 4%, and EPCAM = 1%). The mean age (SD) was 40.5 (14.7) years, and 64 (46.4%) were men. The median withdrawal time for an NBI procedure was 8 minutes (interquartile range 6-11) compared with 13 minutes (interquartile range 8-17) for ICC. At least one adenoma was detected during the initial NBI pass in 28 patients (20.3%), and 42 patients (30.4%) had at least one adenoma detected after both NBI and ICC (difference, 10.1%; 95% confidence interval, -0.1%-20.3%); this represents an increase of 50.0% of the adenoma detection rate. ICC detected additional adenomas in 25 patients (18.1%). DISCUSSION: Colonoscopy combining NBI and ICC detects more adenomas than third-generation NBI alone in patients with LS, respectively, 30.4% vs 20.3% (difference, 10.1%; 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 20.3), thus failing the noninferiority assumption of NBI compared with combined NBI and ICC. Although less time consuming, colonoscopy using the third-generation NBI cannot be recommended to replace ICC in patients with LS.

Local Therapy in Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma: A Review of Current Endoscopic, Medical, and Oncologic Treatment Options.

Endoscopic decompression of bile duct stenosis in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma (CC) may be difficult due to localization of the tumor, but it is important for pursuing oncologic treatment afterwards. Besides the initial diagnosis, jaundice and cholangitis are the most important indications for immediate endoscopic treatment. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the favored approach for biliary access and stent placement. Hilar tumors are more difficult to treat and sometimes need higher endoscopic or radiologic expertise. In general, biliary decompression is accompanied by antibiotic treatment. Oncologic treatment of CC remains difficult, as it has to be interrupted when -infectious complications occur. For chemotherapy, a gemcitabine/cisplatin-based regime is favored. A validated -second-line treatment does not exist. Several therapeutic options are therefore offered to patients, including photodynamic therapy, selective internal radiotherapy, and high-dose radiotherapy. Exact treatment recommendations do not exist due to tumor rarity and lack of randomized controlled trials. In the present article, we take a look at current endoscopic, medical, and oncologic challenges from the endoscopist's point of view.

Multicenter Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a recommended treatment modality for achalasia, but there is little published data for its use in children. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether POEM is clinically effective and safe for children. METHODS: International multicenter retrospective study conducted in 14 tertiary centers that included consecutive children who underwent POEM between January 2012 and August 2018. Outcomes, such as clinical response were assessed whenever available. Adverse events and factors associated with clinical failure were also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients (mean ±â€ŠSD age: 14.2 ±â€Š3.7 years) underwent POEM for achalasia (type I, n = 36; type II n=66; type III, n=8). Among these, 30 (26%) were pretreated (botulinum injection and/or pneumatic dilatation). Mean ±â€ŠSD baseline Eckardt score was 7.5 ±â€Š2.0. Clinical success was achieved in 90.6% of cases (95%CI [83.8%;95.2%]) in the intention-to-treat analysis. The mean ±â€ŠSD Eckardt score post-POEM was 0.9 ±â€Š1.2 (P < 0.001). The mean duration of follow-up time 545 days (range: 100-1612). A total of 7 adverse events occurred (4 mucosotomies, 2 subcutaneous emphysema, 1 esopleural fistula). Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were seen in 17 patients (15%); missing data for 10 patients (9%). There was a trend towards more frequent clinical failure in achalasia associated with genetic disorders (40% vs 8%, P = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: POEM in pediatric patients appears to be effective and safe, although there was a trend towards more frequent clinical failure achalasia associated with genetic disorders. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes, especially the consequences of GERD.