Monitored needle acceleration in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of solid pancreatic masses improves sample quality and diagnostic accuracy: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND : Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is recommended for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses. We aimed to evaluate whether a high needle movement acceleration value during puncture increases diagnostic accuracy. METHODS : EUS-FNA needle acceleration was measured using a PocketLab accelerometer connected by Bluetooth to a smartphone. Two passes (fast and slow, with higher and lower than 1g [9.8 m/s2] needle acceleration values, respectively) were performed in a random order. The sample cellularity and quality were measured using semiquantitative scales. RESULTS : 51 patients were included (32 women; mean age 63). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) acceleration values were 1.59g (0.66g) for the fast pass and 0.32g (0.19g) for the slow pass (P < 0.001). The fast pass yielded significantly higher levels of EUS-FNA accuracy (84.3 % vs. 68.6 %; P = 0.02) and adequate quality scores (94.1 % vs. 76.5 %; P = 0.007). High cellularity scores were seen with similar frequencies (15.7 % vs. 11.8 %; P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS : A higher than 1g EUS-FNA needle acceleration may increase the diagnostic accuracy and specimen quality from solid pancreatic lesions.

SRED-ARCE Recommendations for Minimally Invasive Interventions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Romania.

The Romanian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SRED) and the Romanian Association of Endoscopic Surgery (ARCE) have decided to establish a joint working group to elaborate specific recommendations for organizing the diagnostic and the minimally invasive interventional procedures, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations are based on the guidelines of the international societies of endoscopy and gastroenterology (ESGE / BSG / ASGE / ACG / AGA), respectively endoscopic surgery (EAES SAGES) (4-8), on the experience of countries severely affected by the pandemic (Italy, France, Spain, USA, Germany, etc.) and they will be applied within the limits of measures imposed at local and governmental level by the competent authorities. On the other hand, these recommendations should have a dynamic evolution, depending on the upward or downward trend of the COVID-19 pandemic at regional and local level, but also according to the findings of professional and academic societies, requiring regular reviews based on the publica tion of further recommendations or international clinical trials. The objectives of the SRED and ARCE recommendations target the endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery activities, to support their non discriminatory used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, pursuing the demonstrated benefits of these procedures, in safe conditions for patients and medical staff.

Endoscopic treatment of sporadic small duodenal and ampullary neuroendocrine tumors.

Background and study aim: As duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, their optimal management has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of endoscopic treatment of duodenal NETs. Patients and methods: We reviewed the files of all patients who underwent endoscopic resection of a sporadic duodenal or ampullary NET between 1996 and 2014 at two centers. Results: A total of 29 patients with 32 uT1N0M0 NETs < 20 mm were included. Treatment consisted of endoscopic mucosal resection in 19 cases, and cap aspiration in 13 cases. Prior submucosal saline injection was used in 15 cases. Mortality was 3 % (one severe bleeding). Morbidity was 38 % (11/29). At post-resection analysis, mean tumor size was 8.9 mm (range 3 - 17 mm), 29 lesions were stage pT1, one was pT2, and 2 were pTx because of piecemeal resection. All NETs were well differentiated. A total of 27 lesions were classified as grade 1 and 5 were grade 2. The resection was R0, R1, and Rx for 16, 14, and 2 lesions, respectively. Three R1 patients underwent additional surgical treatment, with no residual tumor on the surgical specimen but with positive metastatic lymph nodes in two cases. One patient was lost to follow-up. Finally, 24 patients were included in the follow-up analysis. The median follow-up period was 56 months (range 6 - 175 months). Two patients presented a tumor recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of small duodenal NETs was associated with significant morbidity, a difficulty in obtaining an R0 specimen, and the risk of lymph node metastasis. Nevertheless, it represents an interesting alternative in small grade 1 duodenal lesions and in patients at high surgical risk.

European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Establishing the key unanswered research questions within gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Background and study aim: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a rapidly evolving research field. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) plays a key role in shaping opinion and endoscopy activity throughout Europe and further afield. Establishing key unanswered questions within the field of endoscopy and prioritizing those that are important enables researchers and funders to appropriately allocate resources. Methods: Over 2 years, the ESGE Research Committee gathered information on research priorities and refined them through a modified Delphi approach. Consultations were held with the ESGE Governing Board and Quality Improvement Committee to identify important unanswered questions. Research workshops were held at the 21st United European Gastroenterology Week. Research questions were refined by the ESGE Research Committee and Governing Board, compiled into an online survey, and distributed to all ESGE members, who were invited to rank each question by priority. Results: The final questionnaire yielded 291 responses from over 60 countries. The three countries with the highest response rates were Spain, Italy, and United Kingdom. Most responders were from teaching hospitals (62 %) and were specialist endoscopists (51 %). Responses were analyzed with weighted rankings, resulting in prioritization of 26 key unanswered questions. The top ranked generic questions were: 1) How do we define the correct surveillance interval following endoscopic diagnosis? 2) How do we correctly utilize advanced endoscopic imaging? 3) What are the best markers of endoscopy quality? Conclusion: Following this comprehensive process, the ESGE has identified and ranked the key unanswered questions within the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Researchers, funders, and journals should prioritize studies that seek to answer these important questions.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection with the Nestis® jet injector system with a bifunctional catheter: first prospective clinical trial (NCT: 2012-A00272-41).

BACKGROUND: The Enki-2 water jet system (Nestis SAS®, Lyon, France) with dual injection and dissection capability significantly reduced ESD procedure time and perforation rates in animal studies. The study aim was to evaluate its efficacy and safety in patients with superficial neoplastic lesions. METHODS: A prospective study including 18 patients with esophageal, gastric and rectal superficial neoplasms treated by ESD using Enki-2 was designed. RESULTS: Eighteen lesions (6 esophageal, 3 gastric, 9 rectal, mean diameter 43.5 mm) in 17 patients (10 men, mean age 65.9) were included. The mean procedure time was 65.6 min. One patient needed clipping for an incomplete muscle tear during procedure; there were neither delayed bleedings nor perforation. The "en bloc" resection rate was 100 %, the R0 resection rate was 88.9 % (16/18 lesions), and the curative resection rate was 77.8 %. The 3-month disease-free rate was 92.3 % (12/13 patients, 13/14 lesions, 1 patient lost to follow-up). The 12-month disease-free rate was 69.2 % (9/13 patients, 10/14 lesions, 4 patients lost to follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: ESD with Enki-2 water jet system is effective and safe for superficial neoplastic digestive lesions.

The ENKI-2 water-jet system versus Dual Knife for endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal lesions: a randomized comparative animal study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The ENKI-2 water-jet system for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) combines submucosal saline pressure injection with dissection. The aim of this study was to compare ENKI-2 with a standard device in terms of procedure time and perforation rate during colorectal ESD. METHODS: In this randomized comparative study, 10 30-mm-diameter lesions were created in the colon and rectum of 10 healthy adult pigs. The ESD procedure time and perforation rates were recorded for the ENKI-2 system and a standard Dual Knife method. Each pig had half the lesions dissected by ENKI-2 and half dissected by Dual Knife. One experienced and one inexperienced endoscopist took part in the study. RESULTS: A total of 95 lesions were dissected (47 by ENKI-2 and 48 by Dual Knife). The experienced endoscopist was able to excise comparably sized 30-mm lesions using both techniques. The dissection time was shorter for ENKI-2 (18.9 vs. 25.6 minutes; P = 0.034) and the perforation rate was lower compared with the Dual Knife (one perforation [4 %] vs. nine perforations [36 %]; P = 0.011). The inexperienced endoscopist performed significantly larger dissections using the ENKI-2 (934 ± 405 mm2 vs. 673 ±â€Š312 mm2; P = 0.021) despite pre-marking similarly sized artificial lesions. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that for all lesions the dissection time was significantly longer for lesions in the proximal colon (P = 0.001) and the distal colon (P < 0.0001) and shorter for the experienced operator (P < 0.0001). ENKI-2 shortened the dissection time, but not significantly (P = 0.093). CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, the ENKI-2 system shortens dissection time and reduces the perforation rate. This effect was not statistically significant for an inexperienced operator. Dissection was faster in the rectum than the colon.

High-pressure jet injection of viscous solutions for endoscopic submucosal dissection: a study on ex vivo pig stomachs.

BACKGROUND: Long-lasting lifting is a key factor during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and can be obtained by water-jet injection of saline solution or by injection of viscous macromolecular solutions. Combination of the jet injection and the macromolecular viscous solutions has never been used yet. We assessed the ability of a new water-jet system to inject viscous solutions in direct viewing and in retroflexion. We compared jet injection of saline solution and hyaluronate 0.5 % to perform ESD on ex vivo pig stomachs in order to evaluate the benefits of macromolecular solutions when injected by a jet-injector system. METHODS: This is a prospective comparative study in pig stomachs. Using the jet injector, four viscous solutions were tested: hydroxyethyl starch, glycerol mix, hyaluronate sodic (0.5 %), and poloxamer mix. Ten ESDs larger than 25 mm (five in direct viewing and five in retroflexion) and one larger than 10 cm were performed with each solution. ESD with hyaluronate jet injection was then compared with ESD with saline jet injection by performing 50 ESDs in each group. A single, minimally-experienced operator conducted all the procedures. RESULTS: All 145 resections were complete, including all marking points with two perforations. Eleven jet ESDs per solution were conducted without any injection issue. In the second part of the study, when compared with saline, significant benefit of hyaluronate was observed on dissection speed (0.80 vs. 1.08 cm(2)/min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first report on a jet-injector system allowing injection of macromolecular viscous solutions even with retroflexed endoscope. Jet injection of macromolecular solutions can speed up dissection in comparison with saline, and should now be tested on humans.

Helicobacter Pylori Prevalence in Communities from Southern Regions of Romania with Limited Access to Health Services: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has an unknown prevalence in certain Romanian regions. We aimed to estimate it in communities from Southern regions of Romania with limited access to health services. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional study to include adult voluntary participants in the "Health in the neighborhood" medical assistance program. This was offered in villages with deprived healthcare availability from Southern regions of Romania. An immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of H. pylori stool antigen was used for testing. RESULTS: We included 708 adult voluntary participants in 10 villages, 6 from Muntenia and Oltenia Regions (Southern Romania), 2 from Dobrogea and 2 from Moldova (2.4% of all village inhabitants). H. pylori prevalence in Romanian Southern regions was 28.2%, (95%CI: 24-32.6%), and overall was 27.1%, (95%CI: 23.9-30.6%). There were no significant differences of H. pylori infection pertaining to regions distribution (p=0.711), gender ratio (p=0.779), age distribution (p=0.471) and hemoglobin value (p=0.503). CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori prevalence in communities from Southern regions of Romania with limited access to health services was 28.2%, 95%CI: 24-32.6%.

Water-jet dissector for endoscopic submucosal dissection in an animal study: outcomes of the continuous and pulsed modes.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows en bloc resection of early neoplastic lesions of gastrointestinal tract. Lesions are lifted by submucosal fluid injection before circumferential incision and dissection. High-pressure fluid injection using water jet (WJ) technology is already used for lifting and dissection in surgery. The study was designed to assess WJ for ESD submucosal lifting and dissection. METHODS: An experimental, randomized comparative, "in vivo" nonsurvival animal study on 12 pigs was designed. Stomach mucosal areas were delineated and resected using three ESD techniques: technique A-syringe injection and IT knife dissection; technique B-WJ continuous injection and IT knife dissection; technique C-WJ injection and WJ pulsed dissection. Injection and dissection speeds and complications rates were assessed. RESULTS: Water jet continuous injection is faster than syringe injection (B faster than A, p = 0.001 and B nonsignificantly faster than C, p = 0.06). IT knife dissection is significantly faster after WJ continuous injection (B faster than A, p = 0.003). WJ pulsed dissection is significantly slower than IT knife dissection (C slower than A and B, both p < 0.001). The overall procedure speed was significantly higher and the immediate bleedings rate was significantly lower for technique B than A and C (overall procedure speed p = 0.001, immediate bleedings p = 0.032 and 0.038 respectively). There were no perforations with any technique. CONCLUSIONS: Water jet fluid continuous injection speeds up ESD, whereas pulsed WJ dissection does not.

Real-Life Management of Pancreatic Cysts: Simplified Review of Current Guidelines.

Pancreatic cysts are becoming a popular diagnostic tool due to the increased availability of high-quality cross-sectional imaging. Pancreatic cystic lesions constitute closed, liquid-containing cavities, which are either neoplastic or non-neoplastic. While serous lesions often follow a benign course, mucinous lesions can hide carcinoma and, therefore, require different management. Moreover, all cysts should be considered mucinous until proven otherwise, thus limiting the errors in managing these entities. Due to the need for high contrast soft tissue imaging, magnetic resonance imaging represents an elective, non-invasive diagnostic tool. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has started gaining more prominence with regard to the proper diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts, offering quality information with minimal risks. Enabling both the acquisition of endoscopic images of the papilla and the endosonographic high-quality evaluation of septae, mural nodules along with the vascular patterns of the lesion contribute to a definitive diagnosis. Moreover, the possibility of obtaining cytological or histological samples could become mandatory in the foreseeable future, allowing for more precise molecular testing. Future research should focus on detecting methods to quickly diagnose high-grade dysplasia or early cancer for patients with pancreatic cysts, thus allowing time for appropriate treatment and avoiding surgical overtreatment or over surveillance in selected cases.

Cold snare resection for non-ampullary sporadic duodenal adenomas: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims The role of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) in curative resection of non-ampullary sporadic duodenal adenomas (NASDA) is debated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of CSP for NASDA. Patients and methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we identified published series of patients with CSP for NASDA by searching PubMed and Google Scholar, which resulted in six papers (205 lesions). The main outcome was the rate of local remission after repeated CSP, the secondary outcomes were rates of local remission at first control and rates for delayed bleeding and immediate perforations. We computed the weighted summary proportions under the fixed and random effects model. Results The pooled proportion of local remission after repeated CSP was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57%-100%). The pooled proportion of local remission at first control was 81% (95% CI 55%-98%), the pooled proportion of delayed bleeding was 1% (95% CI 0%-4%) and the pooled proportion of immediate perforation was 0% (95% CI 0%-2%). Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggests that CSP should be considered as the first-line therapy for NASDA.

Correction: Do we even lift, bros?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-1797-1936.].

Romanian Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD-induced Respiratory Manifestations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition present in daily practice with a wide range of clinical phenotypes. In this line, respiratory conditions may be associated with GERD. The Romanian Societies of Gastroenterology and Neurogastroenterology, in association with the Romanian Society of Pneumology, aimed to create a guideline regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions associated with GERD. METHODS: Delphi methodology was used and eleven common working groups of experts were created. The experts reviewed the literature according to GRADE criteria and formulated 34 statements and recommendations. Consensus (>80% agreement) was reached for some of the statements after all participants voted. RESULTS: All the statements and the literature review are presented in the paper, together with their correspondent grade of evidence and the voting results. Based on >80% voting agreement, a number of 22 recommendations were postulated regarding the diagnosis and treatment of GERD-induced respiratory symptoms. The experts considered that GERD may cause bronchial asthma and chronic cough in an important number of patients through micro-aspiration and vagal-mediated tracheobronchial reflex. GERD should be suspected in patients with asthma with suboptimal controlled or after exclusion of other causes, also in nocturnal refractory cough which needs gastroenterological investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Therapeutic test with double dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for 3 months is also useful. GERD induced respiratory conditions are difficult to treat; however,proton pump inhibitors and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are endorsed for therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline could be useful for the multidisciplinary management of GERD with respiratory symptoms in current practice.

Association between Liver Cirrhosis and Diabetes Mellitus: A Review on Hepatic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is largely associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). More than 80% of patients with LC manifest glucose intolerance and about 30% have type 2 DM. A particular and yet unrecognized entity is hepatogenous diabetes (HD), defined as impaired glucose regulation caused by altered liver function following LC. Numerous studies have shown that DM could negatively influence liver-related outcomes. AIM: We aimed to investigate whether patients with LC and DM are at higher risk for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), variceal hemorrhage (VH), infections and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The impact of DM on liver transplant (LT) outcomes was also addressed. METHODS: Literature search was performed in PubMed, Ovid, and Elsevier databases. Population-based observational studies reporting liver outcomes in patients with LC were included. RESULTS: Diabetics are at higher risk for HE, including post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt HE. DM also increases the risk of VH and contributes to elevated portal pressure and variceal re-bleeding, while uncontrolled DM is associated with increased risk of bacterial infections. DM also increases the risk of HCC and contributes to adverse LT outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DM and LC may benefit from close follow-up in order to reduce readmissions and mortality. Due to the heterogeneity of available research, prospective multicenter clinical trials are needed to further validate these findings.

Dysregulation of miRNAs Targeting the IGF-1R Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most prevalent neoplastic lethal pancreatic disease, has a poor prognosis and an increasing incidence. The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling pathway is considered to be a contributing factor to the progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance of PDAC. Currently available treatment options for PDAC are limited, but microRNAs (miRNAs) may represent a new therapeutic strategy for targeting genes involved in the IGF-1R signaling pathway. METHOD: We investigated the expression levels of 21 miRNAs involved in the IGF-1R signaling pathway in pancreatic tissue from 38 patients with PDAC and 11 controls (five patients with chronic pancreatitis and six patients with normal pancreatic tissue). RESULTS: We found 19 differentially expressed miRNAs between the PDAC cases and the controls. In particular, miR-100-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-195-5p were exclusively downregulated in PDAC tissue but not in chronic pancreatitis or normal pancreatic tissues; both control types presented similar levels. We also identified miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, and miR-7-5p as downregulated miRNAs in PDAC tissues as compared with normal tissues but not with pancreatitis tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a panel of miRNAs that could represent putative therapeutic targets for the development of new miRNA-based therapies for PDAC.

Is mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma an infectious disease? Role of Helicobacter pylori and eradication antibiotic therapy (Review).

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT) is seldom considered a diagnosis hypothesis in symptomatic patients. These lymphomas present as a main risk factor for chronic gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori infection. H. pylori leads to chronic inflammation, producing lymphoid tissue in the stomach mucosa (MALT) possibly leading to malignant transformation. Even though H. pylori remains one of the most important factors in the development of MALT lymphoma, it is not mandatory in the evolution of MALT lymphoma since high-grade lymphomas present a lower prevalence of H. pylori. The prevalence of H. pylori is indirectly proportional with the progression into the gastric wall. Mucosal and submucosal MALT lymphomas have a higher prevalence of the bacteria. However, genetic factors remain a risk factor especially if eradication treatment fails. Even though a low percentage of MALT lymphomas are H. pylori-negative, some respond to antibiotic eradication treatment. This can be explained either by the immunomodulatory effect of antibiotics or by other infectious sources such as Helicobacter heilmannii and Campylobacter jejuni (small bowel lymphoma). Treatment in MALT gastric lymphoma was a breakthrough since it was the first time in oncology where tumours were cured by antibiotic therapy, leading us to wonder if MALT lymphomas are infectious disease or not?

An Overview on Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive liver disease characterized by chronic inflammation leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Even though the exact pathogenesis is still unclear, a combination of autoimmune, environmental, and ischemic factors could explain certain aspects of the disease. The most important diagnostic step is cholangiography, which can be obtained either by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRCP as the gold standard), or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. It shows multifocal short biliary duct strictures leading to the "beaded" aspect. Cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma are the most feared complications in patients with Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Continuous screening consists of annual clinical, biochemical, and ultrasound assessments in asymptomatic patients and annual colonoscopy in patients with PSC and inflammatory bowel disease. In newly diagnosed patients with PSC, colonoscopy is mandatory and, if negative, then, a repeat colonoscopy should be performed in 3-5 years. The lack of efficient curative medical treatment makes invasive treatments such as liver transplant and endoscopy the mainstream for managing PSC and its complications. Until now, even though only ursodeoxycholic acid has shown a moderate clinical, biochemical, and even histological improvement, it has no significant influence on the risk of cholangiocarcinoma, liver transplant need, or death risk and it is no longer recommended in treating early PSC. Further studies are in progress to establish the effect of molecular-targeted therapies in PSC.