Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage Versus Percutaneous Drainage in Patients With Acute Cholecystitis Undergoing Elective Cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Cholecystectomy (CCY) is the gold standard treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC). Nonsurgical management of AC includes percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD). This study aims to compare outcomes of patients who undergo CCY after having received EUS-GBD vs PT-GBD. METHODS: A multicenter international study was conducted in patients with AC who underwent EUS-GBD or PT-GBD, followed by an attempted CCY, between January 2018 and October 2021. Demographics, clinical characteristics, procedural details, postprocedure outcomes, and surgical details and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine patients were included: EUS-GBD in 46 patients (27% male, mean age 74 years) and PT-GBD in 93 patients (50% male, mean age 72 years). Surgical technical success was not significantly different between the 2 groups. In the EUS-GBD group, there was decreased operative time (84.2 vs 165.4 minutes, P < 0.00001), time to symptom resolution (4.2 vs 6.3 days, P = 0.005), and length of stay (5.4 vs 12.3 days, P = 0.001) compared with the PT-GBD group. There was no difference in the rate of conversion from laparoscopic to open CCY: 5 of 46 (11%) in the EUS-GBD arm and 18 of 93 (19%) in the PT-GBD group ( P value 0.2324). DISCUSSION: Patients who received EUS-GBD had a significantly shorter interval between gallbladder drainage and CCY, shorter surgical procedure times, and shorter length of stay for the CCY compared with those who received PT-GBD. EUS-GBD should be considered an acceptable modality for gallbladder drainage and should not preclude patients from eventual CCY.

"Innocent as a LAMS": Does Spontaneous Fistula Closure (Secondary Intention), After EUS-Directed Transgastric ERCP (EDGE) via 20-mm Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent, Confer an Increased Risk of Persistent Fistula and Unintentional Weight Gain?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Persistent gastrogastric or jejunogastric fistula is theoretically a concerning sequela of EUS-directed transgastric ERCP/EUS (EDGE), as it may functionally reverse the malabsorptive mechanism of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Prior EDGE studies, using predominantly 15-mm (diameter) lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) and fistula closure by primary intent, collectively report 9% persistent fistula rate, without a clear weight gain association. Our study determines the incidence of persistent fistula, and its association with unintentional weight gain, among recipients of EDGE via 20-mm LAMS followed by spontaneous fistula closure (secondary intent). METHODS: We conducted a dual-center prospective cohort study of 22 RYGB patients who underwent EDGE using 20-mm between 3/2018 and 10/2019. After LAMS extraction, all GGFs/JGFs were allowed to heal spontaneously. Objective testing for persistent fistula and total body weight (TBW) occurred a minimum of 8 weeks after LAMS extraction. RESULTS: Persistent fistula was identified in 9 patients (41%). Longer LAMS dwell time (median 77-days) was observed in the persistent fistula group, compared to those with durable spontaneous fistula closure (median 35-days) (p = 0.03). Weight gain of ≥ 5% TBW occurred in 56% (n = 5) of patients with persistent fistula, compared to 15% (n = 2) of patients with spontaneous fistula closure (p = 0.128). Four patients with symptomatic persistent fistulas underwent attempted endoscopic fistula closure a median 7.5 months after LAMS extraction. Durable fistula closure occurred in the single patient who received argon plasma coagulation plus endoscopic suturing, whereas fistula dehiscence occurred in 3/3 (100%) patients with endoscopic suturing monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Larger LAMS diameter (20-mm), longer LAMS dwell time, and spontaneous fistula closure may be technical factors that increase the likelihood of post-EDGE persistent fistula. Post-EDGE persistent fistula has not been shown by ours or other studies to be significantly associated with unintentional weight gain; however, this may be due to small sample size. We question the utility of routine fistula closure by primary intent and suggest a personalized approach to post-EDGE fistula management.

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE): a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP; EDGE) is an alternative to enteroscopy- and laparoscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy. Although short-term results are promising, the long-term outcomes are not known. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the rates of long-term adverse events after EDGE, with a focus on rates of persistent gastrogastric or jejunogastric fistula; (2) to identify predictors of persistent fistula; (3) to assess the outcomes of endoscopic closure when persistent fistula is encountered. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study involving 13 centers between February 2015 and March 2019. Adverse events were defined according to the ASGE lexicon. Persistent fistula was defined as an upper gastrointestinal series or esophagogastroduodenoscopy showing evidence of fistula. RESULTS: 178 patients (mean age 58 years, 79 % women) underwent EDGE. Technical success was achieved in 98 % of cases (175/178), with a mean procedure time of 92 minutes. Periprocedural adverse events occurred in 28 patients (15.7 %; mild 10.1 %, moderate 3.4 %, severe 2.2 %). The four severe adverse events were managed laparoscopically. Persistent fistula was diagnosed in 10 % of those sent for objective testing (9/90). Following identification of a fistula, 5 /9 patients underwent endoscopic closure procedures, which were successful in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The EDGE procedure is associated with high clinical success rates and an acceptable risk profile. Persistent fistulas after lumen-apposing stent removal are uncommon, but objective testing is recommended to identify their presence. When persistent fistulas are identified, endoscopic treatment is warranted, and should be successful in closing the fistula.

Shortened-Interval Dual-Session EDGE Reduces the Risk of LAMS Dislodgement While Facilitating Timely ERCP.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) is an endoscopic modality for treating pancreaticobiliary disorders after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. EDGE consists of EUS-directed gastrogastrostomy/jejunogastrostomy creation (EUS-GG; step 1), followed by transgastric ERCP (step 2). The two steps can be performed in the same or separate endoscopic session(s). Single-session EDGE is immediately therapeutic but risks perforation via LAMS dislodgement. Dual-session EDGE does not risk perforation, but the clinical malady festers during the 10-14-day interval required for fistula maturation. A "shortened-interval dual-session" EDGE (2-4 day interval) may resolve this dilemma. Our study compares 20-mm LAMS dislodgement risk between single-session and shortened-interval dual-session EDGE. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of 21 RYGB patients who underwent EDGE using 20-mm LAMS by one advanced endoscopist between 3/2018 and 2/2020. Given the small sample size, a permutation of regressor residuals test was conducted to investigate the association between EDGE interval type and LAMS dislodgement, controlling for the effect of fistula type. RESULTS: Eleven patients (six female; mean age 55 years old) underwent single-session EDGE; LAMS dislodgement occurred in five cases (45%). Ten patients (eight female; mean age 60 years old) underwent shortened-interval dual-session EDGE (median interval 2 days); LAMS dislodgement occurred in one case (10%). The odds of LAMS dislodgement during single-session EDGE was 817% that of shortened-interval dual-session EDGE (OR 8.17; p = 0.05), after controlling for the effect of fistula type. CONCLUSIONS: Shortened-interval dual-session EDGE decreases the risk of intraprocedural 20-mm LAMS dislodgement while allowing for timely transgastric ERCP.

Endoscopic endgame for obstructive pancreatopathy: outcomes of anterograde EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage. A dual-center study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anterograde endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) refers to transmural drainage of the main pancreatic duct via an endoprosthesis passed anterograde through the gastric (or intestinal) wall. Anterograde EUS-PDD is a rescue procedure for recalcitrant cases of benign obstructive pancreatopathy. METHODS: We conducted a dual-center retrospective chart review of 28 patients (mean age, 59 years; 50% female) who underwent attempted anterograde EUS-PDD between April 2016 and September 2019 for chronic pancreatitis (CP) (93%) or pancreaticojejunostomy stenosis (PJS) after Whipple resection (7%). The study endpoint was achievement of transpapillary/transanastomotic drainage (definitive therapy). RESULTS: Gastropancreaticoenterostomy (ring drainage, definitive therapy) was successfully performed during the index procedure in the 2 patients with PJS (technical success, 100%). Clinical success was 100% in the 2 ring drainage recipients during a mean 18-month follow-up period. The remaining 26 patients with CP underwent attempted pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) with 81% technical success, 75% clinical success, and 15% adverse events (AEs). Repeat endoscopic transmural interventions were performed in the 15 patients with clinical success after PG creation. Definitive therapy transpired in all 15 patients after a median 1 repeat procedure per patient. Clinical success after definitive therapy was maintained in all 15 patients (100%) during a median 4.5-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with previous studies, our study showed mild to moderately high rates of technical failure (19%), clinical failure (25%), and AEs (15%) during index drainage (PG creation). Among patients with CP with both technical and clinical success after index PG creation (n = 15), 100% definitive therapy was achieved and clinical outcomes were excellent (100% clinical success, 0% AEs).

The EDGI new take on EDGE: EUS-directed transgastric intervention (EDGI), other than ERCP, for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy: a multicenter study.

Background and study aims Indications for accessing the duodenum, and/or excluded stomach in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients extend beyond diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary maladies. Given the high technical and clinical success of EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) in RYGB anatomy, we adopted this transgastric (anterograde) approach to evaluate and treat luminal and extraluminal pathology in and around the excluded gut in RYGB patients. EUS-directed transgastric intervention ("EDGI"), other than ERCP, is the terminology we have chosen to describe this heterogenous group of transgastric diagnostic and/or interventional endoscopic procedures (transgastric interventions) performed via a lumen-apposing mental stent (LAMS) in select patients with RYGB. Patients and methods A multicenter (n = 4), retrospective study of RYGB patients with suspected luminal or extraluminal pathology, in or around the duodenum and/or excluded stomach, underwent EDGI using LAMS between December 2015 and January 2019. Results A total of 14 patients (78.6 % women; mean age, 55.7 + 12.4 years) underwent EDGI via LAMS. Technical and clinical success rates of EDGI were 100 %. The most common transgastric interventions were diagnostic EUS of extraluminal pathology (n = 6, 42.7 %) and endoscopic biopsy of gastroduodenal luminal abnormalities (n = 5, 35.7 %). Two moderate-severity adverse events due to LAMS maldeployment occurred during EUS-JG creation (14.3 %), and each instance was successfully rescued with a bridging stent. Conclusions A variety of gastroduodenal luminal and extraluminal disorders in RYGB patients can be effectively diagnosed and managed using EDGI via LAMS.

Anterograde Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Duct Drainage: A Technical Review.

The advancement of pancreatic endotherapy has increased the availability of minimally invasive endoscopic pancreatic ductal drainage techniques. In this regard, familiarity with endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) is critical for treatment of obstructed pancreatic ductal systems, especially in nonsurgical candidates and in patients desiring a minimally invasive approach. Two distinct forms of EUS-PDD exist, viz. rendezvous-assisted endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (rendezvous-assisted ERP) and anterograde EUS-PDD. Anterograde EUS-PDD refers to transmural anterograde passage of a pancreatic drainage catheter or stent directly into the main pancreatic duct, through either the gastric or enteral wall. Rendezvous-assisted ERP should be attempted after failed conventional ERP, and anterograde EUS-PDD should be considered if rendezvous-assisted ERP fails or is not technically feasible. Common clinical scenarios that fulfil these conditions are chronic pancreatitis with high-grade main pancreatic duct obstruction, surgically altered anatomy with ductal/anastomotic obstruction, pancreas divisum, and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. The focus of this review article is anterograde EUS-PDD and its indications, technique, and outcomes. It also provides a summary of our own experience with this procedure, and a video demonstration of the technique.

Endoscopic approach to the post liver transplant patient.

Biliary complications occur after liver transplantation. These complications can be effectively and safely managed using endoscopic approaches and can prevent unnecessary and potentially morbid surgery.

Rendezvous procedure for the treatment of bile leaks and injury following segmental hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a minimally invasive procedure used for the evaluation and management of biliary injuries. At times, ERCP fails and percutaneous modalities may be required. Rendezvous procedures are combined endoscopic and percutaneous techniques that have been used to restore anatomic continuity and biliary drainage in cases where retrograde and/or transhepatic access alone has failed either due to anatomic variation or traumatic injury with biloma formation. AIMS: To assess if the Rendezvous technique plays a role in establishing biliary continuity in patients with a bile leak after segmental hepatectomy. METHODS: We herby present a series of 3 patients who had complex bile leaks after segmental liver resection and underwent a combined percutaneous and endoscopic Rendezvous procedure to establish biliary continuity. RESULTS: This technique was successful in restoring biliary continuity and avoiding hepaticojejunostomy in 2 of the 3 patients. CONCLUSION: The Rendezvous technique may play a role in establishing biliary continuity in patients with biliary leak secondary to hepatic surgery.

Pancreatic cyst aspirate CEA levels: two's the charm.

CONTEXT: Pancreatic cysts are increasingly detected incidentally, many of which are premalignant. Despite EUS-FNA and CEA level measurement, the diagnosis of a premalignant cyst may remain uncertain. CASE REPORT: We report two cases of incidentally found pancreatic cysts where initial EUS-FNA cyst aspirates yielded thin fluid with very low CEA levels. Repeat aspirations one year later revealed markedly different results (slightly viscous fluid with significantly elevated CEA levels) which prompted surgical resection in both cases. Final surgical pathology revealed mucinous cystic neoplasms. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic cyst fluid CEA levels may increase over time, possibly due to neoplastic progression. A heightened index of suspicion for a neoplastic cyst should remain in the appropriate patient population, despite conflicting data. In cases of initial low aspirate CEA levels, we recommend a repeat EUS-FNA at a later date to exclude a premalignant lesion.

Prevalence of adenocarcinoma at esophagectomy for Barrett's esophagus with high grade dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus with high grade dysplasia (HGD) may require surgical resection because of the risk of concomitant adenocarcinoma. The prevalence of invasive, occult carcinoma (≥stage 1B) in this setting has varied. We investigated the association of adenocarcinoma at operative resection for high grade dysplasia. METHODS: Using an electronic medical record, we identified patients who underwent esophagectomy for high grade dysplasia at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 1993 and 2007. Preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by reviewing endoscopic, radiologic and pathology reports. Postoperative pathology reports were compared to the preoperative diagnosis. RESULTS: 68 patients (12 females and 56 males) with a preoperative diagnosis of high grade dysplasia underwent operative resection. The mean age was 64 years (range 36 to 86 years). Of 68 patients, 12 (17.6%) had adenocarcinoma, 2 (2.9%) were downgraded to low grade dysplasia, and 54 (79.4%) were confirmed as HGD. Of the 12 patients with adenocarcinoma, 4 (5.9% of total cohort) had intramucosal cancer (Stage 1A) and 8 (11.7% of total cohort) had invasive cancer with submucosal invasion or more advanced disease. Of the 8 patients with invasive adenocarcinoma, 4 did not have preoperative endoscopic or radiologic testing suggestive of advanced disease. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of adenocarcinoma in association with a preoperative diagnosis of HGD was 17.6%. Invasive adenocarcinoma was present in 11.7% of subjects and was clinically occult in 5.9%.