Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Upper Endoscopy While on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists.

Glucose-like peptide-1-receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have become integral to the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1RAs work in part through delaying gastric emptying, raising concerns about retained gastric contents (RGC) during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).1 The American Society of Anesthesiologists currently recommends holding GLP-1RAs for 1 dosing cycle before elective procedures, however, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) advocates proceeding with endoscopy in asymptomatic patients adhering to standard perioperative protocols without medication withholding and suggests implementing a liquid diet the day before endoscopy in lieu of stopping the medication.2,3 This variability in recommendations stems largely from a lack of GLP-1RA outcomes data from which to draw evidence-based conclusions.

The Natural History of Asymptomatic Gallstones: A Longitudinal Study and Prediction Model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the high prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones (AGs), there are limited data on their natural history. We aimed to determine the rate of symptom development in a contemporary population, determine factors associated with progression to symptomatic gallstones (SGs), and develop a clinical prediction model. METHODS: We used a retrospective cohort design. The time to first SG was shown using Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariable competing risk (death) regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with SGs. A prediction model for the development of SGs after 10 years was generated and calibration curves were plotted. Participants were patients with AGs based on ultrasound or computed tomography from the general medical population. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2016, 22,257 patients (51% female) with AGs were identified; 14.5% developed SG with a median follow-up period of 4.6 years. The cumulative incidence was 10.1% (±0.22%) at 5 years, 21.5% (±0.39%) at 10 years, and 32.6% (±0.83%) at 15 years. In a multivariable model, the strongest predictors of developing SGs were female gender (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.39-1.61), younger age (HR per 5 years, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.14-1.16), multiple stones (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.25-2.61), gallbladder polyps (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.14-3.05), large stones (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.80-2.29), and chronic hemolytic anemia (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.33-2.72). The model showed good discrimination (C-statistic, 0.70) and calibration. CONCLUSIONS: In general medical patients with AGs, symptoms developed at approximately 2% per year. A predictive model with good calibration could be used to inform patients of their risk of SGs.

Superiority of Self-Expandable Metallic Stents Over Plastic Stents in Treatment of Malignant Distal Biliary Strictures.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Treatment of malignant biliary strictures with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) guided stent placement is highly effective. Our objective was to compare the efficacy and adverse outcomes between plastic stents (PS) and self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS). METHODS: A cohort study was performed of all consecutive patients who underwent ERCP with stent placement for the management of malignant biliary stricture. Comparisons on clinical success, patency duration, stent dysfunction, unplanned reintervention and adverse outcomes were performed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with clinical success, need for reintervention, and stent dysfunction. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2019, 1139 patients underwent ERCP with PS placement while 1008 patients received SEMS for the management of malignant biliary stricture. In distal strictures, SEMS reported a significantly higher rate of clinical success compared with PS (94.1% vs 87.4%, P < 0.001) and a lower rate of unplanned reintervention (17.1% vs 27.4%, P < 0.001). In hilar strictures, the rates of clinical success and unplanned intervention were comparable. The patency duration and time to unplanned reintervention were significantly longer with SEMS than PS, irrespective of stricture location. In distal stricture, PS was associated with a significantly higher rate of cholangitis than SEMS (6.9% vs 2.4%; P < .001) but a lower rate of pancreatitis (3.6% vs 6%; P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Given superior efficacy, durability and lower rates of cholangitis, SEMS should be offered as the first line endoscopic treatment option for malignant distal biliary stricture. For malignant hilar stricture, SEMS is an attractive alternative to PS in some cases by offering a comparable efficacy with a superior durability.

Incidence of sedation-related adverse events during ERCP with anesthesia assistance: a multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anesthesia assistance is commonly used for ERCP. General anesthesia (GA) may provide greater airway protection but may lead to hypotension. We aimed to compare GA versus sedation without planned intubation (SWPI) on the incidence of hypoxemia and hypotension. We also explored risk factors for conversion from SWPI to GA. METHODS: This observational study used data from the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group. Adults with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I to IV undergoing ERCP between 2006 and 2019 were included. We compared GA and SWPI on incidence of hypoxemia (oxygen saturation <90% for ≥3 minutes) and hypotension (mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg for ≥5 minutes) using joint hypothesis testing. The association between anesthetic approach and outcomes was assessed using logistic regression. The noninferiority delta for hypoxemia and hypotension was an odds ratio of 1.20. One approach was deemed better if it was noninferior on both outcomes and superior on at least 1 outcome. To explore risk factors associated with conversion from SWPI to GA, we constructed a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Among 61,735 cases from 42 institutions, 38,830 (63%) received GA and 22,905 (37%) received SWPI. The GA group had 1.27 times (97.5% confidence interval, 1.19-1.35) higher odds of hypotension but .71 times (97.5% confidence interval, .63-.80) lower odds of hypoxemia. Neither group was noninferior to the other on both outcomes. Conversion from SWPI to GA occurred in 6.5% of cases and was associated with baseline comorbidities and higher institutional procedure volume. CONCLUSIONS: GA for ERCP was associated with less hypoxemia, whereas SWPI was associated with less hypotension. Neither approach was better on the combined incidence of hypotension and hypoxemia.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs. endoscopic mucosal resection for early Barrett's neoplasia in the West: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The difference in clinical outcomes after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia remains unclear. We compared the recurrence/residual tissue rates, resection outcomes, and adverse events after ESD and EMR for early BE neoplasia. METHODS: We included patients who underwent EMR or ESD for BE-associated high grade dysplasia (HGD) or T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) at eight academic hospitals. We compared demographic, procedural, and histologic characteristics, and follow-up data. A time-to-event analysis was performed to evaluate recurrence/residual disease and a Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare the groups. RESULTS: 243 patients (150 EMR; 93 ESD) were included. EMR had lower en bloc (43 % vs. 89 %; P < 0.001) and R0 (56 % vs. 73 %; P = 0.01) rates than ESD. There was no difference in the rates of perforation (0.7 % vs. 0; P > 0.99), early bleeding (0.7 % vs. 1 %; P > 0.99), delayed bleeding (3.3 % vs. 2.1 %; P = 0.71), and stricture (10 % vs. 16 %; P = 0.16) between EMR and ESD. Patients with non-curative resections who underwent further therapy were excluded from the recurrence analysis. Recurrent/residual disease was 31.4 % [44/140] for EMR and 3.5 % [3/85] for ESD during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 15.5 (6.75-30) and 8 (2-18) months, respectively. Recurrence-/residual disease-free survival was significantly higher in the ESD group. More patients required additional endoscopic resection procedures to treat recurrent/residual disease after EMR (EMR 24.2 % vs. ESD 3.5 %; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ESD is safe and results in more definitive treatment of early BE neoplasia, with significantly lower recurrence/residual disease rates and less need for repeat endoscopic treatments than with EMR.

Thirty-Day Readmission After Bariatric Surgery: Causes, Effects on Outcomes, and Predictors.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BSx) is one of the most common surgical procedures in North America. Readmissions may be associated with a high burden to the healthcare system. METHODS: Retrospective study of the 2016 National Readmission Database of adult patients readmitted within 30 days after an index admission for BSx. Outcomes were: 30-day readmission rate, mortality, healthcare-related utilization resources, and independent predictors of readmission. Comparison groups were index admission, readmitted, and non-readmitted patients. RESULTS: A total of 161,141 patients underwent BSx. The 30-day readmission rate was 3.3%. Main causes for readmission were dehydration, acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism events, and sepsis. Readmitted patients were more likely to develop shock (0.5% vs. 0.1%; P < 0.01) with no differences in mechanical ventilation (1.9% vs. 2.0%; P = 0.83) during index admission compared to non-readmitted patients. Readmission was associated with higher in-hospital mortality rate (1.5% vs. 0.1%; P < 0.01) and prolonged length of stay (4.6 vs. 2.4 days; P < 0.01). The total in-hospital economic burden of readmission was $234 million in total charges and $58.7 million in total costs. Independent predictors of readmission were: Charlson comorbidity index of ≥ 3, longer length of stay, admission to larger bed size hospitals, discharge to nursing home, and acute kidney injury. Medicaid, private insurance, BMI of 30-39 kg/m2, and 40-44 kg/m2 were associated with lower odds for readmission. CONCLUSION: Readmissions after BSx are associated with higher in-hospital mortality rate and pose a high healthcare burden. We identified risk factors that can be targeted to decrease readmissions after BSx, healthcare burden, and patient morbidity and mortality.

Volatile organic compounds in bile can distinguish pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Early and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is important. Our aim was to identify potential volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the bile that can help distinguish pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, bile was aspirated from patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and the gaseous headspace was analyzed using mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The study included a discovery cohort of 57 patients (46 pancreatic cancer, 11 chronic pancreatitis) and a validation cohort of 31 patients (19 and 12, respectively). Using logistic regression analysis, the model [0.158 × age + 9.747 × log (ammonia) - 3.994 × log (acetonitrile) + 5.044 × log (trimethylamine) - 30.23] successfully identified patients with pancreatic cancer with a sensitivity of 93.5 % and specificity of 100 % (likelihood ratio 40.9, area under the curve 0.98, 95 % confidence interval 0.95 - 1.00). The diagnostic accuracy of this model was confirmed in the second independent validation cohort. CONCLUSION: The measurement of VOCs in bile helped to accurately distinguish pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis.

A Polyp Worth Removing: A Paradigm for Measuring Colonoscopy Quality and Performance of Novel Technologies for Polyp Detection.

Leaving no significant polyp behind while avoiding risks due to unnecessary resections is a commonsense strategy to safely and effectively prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) with colonoscopy. It also alludes to polyps worth removing and, therefore, worth finding. The majority of "worthy" precancerous polyps are adenomas, which for over 2 decades, have received the most attention in performance research and metrics. Consequently, the detection rate of adenomas is currently the only validated, outcome-based measure of colonoscopy demonstrated to correlate with reduced risk of postcolonoscopy CRC. However, a third or more of postcolonoscopy CRCs originate from sessile serrated polyps (SSPs), which are notoriously difficult to find, diagnose and completely resect. Among serrated polyps, the agreement among pathologists differentiating SSPs from non-neoplastic hyperplastic polyps is moderate at best. This lack of ground truth precludes SSPs from consideration in primary metrics of colonoscopy quality or performance of novel polyp detection technologies. By instead leveraging the distinct endoscopic and clinical features of serrated polyps, including those considered important due to proximal location and larger size, clinically significant serrated polyps represent serrated polyps worth removing, enriched with subtle precancerous SSPs. With the explosion of technologies to assist polyp detection, now is the time to broaden benchmarks to include clinically significant serrated polypss alongside adenomas, a measure that is relevant both for assessing the performance of endoscopists, and for assessing new polyp detection technologies.

Thirty-Day Readmission Among Patients with Alcoholic Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alcoholic acute pancreatitis (AAP) comprises the second most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the USA, and there is lack of data regarding 30-day specific readmission causes and predictors. We aim to identify 30-day readmission rate, causes, and predictors of readmission. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the 2016 National Readmission Database of adult patients readmitted within 30 days after an index admission for AAP. RESULTS: Totally, 76,609 AAP patients were discharged from the hospital in 2016. The 30-day readmission rate was 12%. The main cause of readmission was another episode of AAP. Readmission was not associated with higher mortality (1.3% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.21) or prolonged length of stay (5.2 vs. 5.0 days; P = 0.06). The total health care economic burden was $354 million in charges and $90 million in costs. Independent predictors of readmission were having Medicaid insurance, a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥ 3, use of total parenteral nutrition, opioid abuse disorder, prior pancreatic cyst, chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, and other chronic pancreatitis. Obesity was associated with lower odds of readmission. CONCLUSION: Readmission rate for AAP is high and its primary cause are recurrent episodes of AAP. Alcohol and substance abuse pose a high burden on our health care system. Public health strategies should be targeted to provide alcohol abuse disorder rehabilitation and cessation resources to alleviate the burden on readmission, the health care system and to improve patient outcomes.

Efficacy of digital single-operator cholangioscopy and factors affecting its accuracy in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary stricture.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Indeterminate biliary stricture remains a significant diagnostic challenge. The current method of ERCP with bile duct brush cytology has substantial room for improvement. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) in evaluation of indeterminate biliary stricture. METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted among the patients who underwent DSOC for the indication of indeterminate biliary stricture at a tertiary academic medical center. The outcomes of interests were the accuracy of DSOC in visual interpretation and bile duct sample and identification of any factor(s) that could influence its effectiveness. RESULTS: One hundred five patients were included. The overall accuracy of DSOC in visual interpretation was 89.5%, whereas the accuracy of bile duct sample was 83.2%. The sensitivities of visual impression and bile duct sample were 89.1% and 69.8% and their specificities were 90% and 97.9%, respectively. The degree of endoscopists' experience with fewer than 25 cases and the severity of hyperbilirubinemia negatively impacted the accuracy of DSOC. Among 55 patients with definitive diagnosis of malignant stricture, the sensitivity of combined intraductal forceps biopsy sampling and brush cytology was 80.6%, whereas the sensitivity of brush cytology alone was 47.1%. CONCLUSIONS: DSOC augments ERCP in evaluating indeterminate biliary stricture. The acquisition of intraductal forceps biopsy samples should be a requisite in evaluation of indeterminate biliary stricture with DSOC. Discovery of modifiable factors such as the degree of endoscopists' expertise and the severity of hyperbilirubinemia, which can influence the accuracy of DSOC, warrants further studies on patient preprocedure optimization and an endoscopic training program that will cultivate procedural competency.

Colonic Decompression Reduces Proximal Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction and Related Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopic decompression is performed in inpatients for management of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Evidence for its efficacy is limited to small descriptive studies published before the use of neostigmine for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Furthermore, therapeutic end points were not defined. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the effectiveness of colonic decompression with standard medical therapy (supportive and pharmacologic therapy) to standard medical therapy alone. DESIGN: This is a retrospective, propensity-matched study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Inpatients with first diagnosis of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction between 2000 and 2016 were selected. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received colonic decompression as well as supportive and/or pharmacologic therapy. The control group did not receive colonic decompression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the resolution of overall colonic dilation on imaging 48 hours following colonic decompression or the initiation of standard medical therapy alone. Secondary outcomes included symptom improvement, colonic segment diameter percentage change, perforation, 30-day readmission, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The standard medical therapy and colonic decompression groups included 61 and 83 patients. Of the patients who underwent colonic decompression, 47.7% had complete resolution of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction versus 19.9% of patients who underwent standard medical therapy (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in mid or distal colon diameter reduction between groups. The 30-day readmission rate was 15.7% in the colonic decompression group versus 26.2% in the standard medical therapy group. No immediate adverse events were noted in either group. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 8.4% for the colonic decompression group and 14.8% in the standard medical therapy group. LIMITATIONS: The study was a retrospective review on a highly comorbid population. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic decompression is effective compared to standard medical therapy alone for proximal colonic dilation or symptoms associated with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. On segmental analysis, colonic decompression does not provide any additional benefit over standard medical therapy in improving transverse or distal colonic dilation. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B32. LA DESCOMPRESIÓN COLÓNICA REDUCE LA PSEUDOOBSTRUCCIÓN COLÓNICA AGUDA PROXIMAL Y LOS SÍNTOMAS RELACIONADOS.: La descompresión colonica se realiza en pacientes hospitalizados para el tratamiento de la pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda. La evidencia de su eficacia se limita a pequeños estudios descriptivos antes del uso de neostigmina para la pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda. Además, los puntos finales terapéuticos no se definieron.El objetivo fue comparar la efectividad de la descompresión colónica mas el tratamiento médico estándar (tratamiento de apoyo y farmacológico) contra el tratamiento médico estándar solamente.Este es un estudio retrospectivo de propensión coincidente.El estudio se realizó en un centro de atención de tercer nivel.Pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda entre 2000 y 2016.El grupo de intervención recibió descompresión colónica, así como tratamiento de apoyo o farmacológica. El grupo control no recibió descompresión colónica.La medida de resultado primaria fue la resolución de la dilatación colónica general en la imagen 48 horas después de la descompresión colónica o el inicio del tratamiento médico estándar solo. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron mejoría de los síntomas, cambio porcentual en el diámetro del segmento colónico, perforación, reingreso a los 30 días y mortalidad por cualquier causa.La terapia médica estándar y los grupos de descompresión colónica incluyeron 61 y 83 pacientes, respectivamente. El 47,7% de los pacientes con descompresión colónica tuvieron una resolución completa de la pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda frente al 19,9% de los pacientes con terapia médica estándar (p < 0,001). No hubo diferencias significativas en la reducción del diámetro del colon medio o distal entre los grupos. La tasa de reingreso a los 30 días fue del 15,7% en el grupo de descompresión colónica frente al 26,2% en el grupo de tratamiento médico estándar. No se observaron eventos adversos inmediatos en ninguno de los dos grupos. La mortalidad por cualquier causa a los 30 días fue del 8.4% para la descompresión del colon y del 14.8% en los grupos de terapia médica estándar.El estudio fue una revisión retrospectiva en una población altamente comórbida.La descompresión colónica es efectiva en comparación con el tratamiento médico estándar solo para la dilatación del colon proximal o los síntomas asociados con la pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda. En el análisis segmentario, la descompresión colónica no proporciona ningún beneficio adicional sobre el tratamiento médica estándar para mejorar la dilatación colónica transversal o distal. Vea el resumen del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B32.

Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Is More Cost Efficient Than Plastic Stent in Treating Anastomotic Biliary Stricture.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic bile duct stricture (ABS) is one of the most common complications after liver transplantation. Current practice of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with multiple plastic stent (MPS) insertion often requires multiple sessions before achieving stricture resolution. We aimed to compare the efficacy of fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS) with MPS method while simultaneously analyzing the relative healthcare cost between the two methods in the management of ABS. METHODS: Liver transplant patients with ABS who received ERCP with stent placement were identified by query of our endoscopic database. Comparative analyses between the group of patients treated with ERCP with MPS and the group treated with FCSEMS were performed. The costs to achieve stricture resolution, and the rates of stricture resolution, recurrence and complications were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients underwent ERCP with stent insertion for the management of ABS. Of those, 49 patient received FCSEMS for their ABS while 109 patients were treated with MPS only. Our cost analysis showed early utilization of FCSEMS can deliver up to 25% savings in the total procedure cost while providing comparable rates of stricture resolution. The rates of technical success, stricture recurrence and adverse outcomes, and stricture free durations were also comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: While providing efficacy and safety rates comparable to ERCP-MPS, the incorporation of FCSEMS at early stage of ABS management could provide a substantial savings by reducing the number of ERCP session to achieve stricture resolution. Optimization of the timing and duration of FCSEMS indwelling time needs further validation.

Superiority of Gastrojejunostomy Over Endoscopic Stenting for Palliation of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in patients with malignancies causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malnutrition, and dehydration. Endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and gastrojejunostomy are the 2 main palliative options. We aimed to compare the outcomes of endoscopic SEMS placement with gastrojejunostomy in a propensity score matched study and identified factors associated with clinical success. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with malignant GOO who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement (n = 183) or gastrojejunostomy (n = 127) from 2011 through 2017 at a tertiary academic medical center. Clinical success was defined as successful resumption of oral intake and relief of obstructive symptoms after either procedure. A propensity score matched analysis was conducted to compare clinical success rate, luminal patency duration, survival length, and adverse outcomes. We performed multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with clinical success. RESULTS: Proportions of patients with clinical success did not differ significantly between the SMES group (79.4%) and the gastrojejunostomy group (80.1%) (P = .83). The mean patency duration and survival lengths were significantly longer in the gastrojejunostomy group (169.2 and 193.4 days respectively), compared to the endoscopic stenting group (96.5 and 119.9 days respectively). Poor performance status, presence of ascites and low albumin were independent risk factors for failure of enteral stenting and gastrojejunostomy. CONCLUSIONS: In a retrospective analysis of patients with GOO, due to cancer, who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement or gastrojejunostomy, we found gastrojejunostomy to provide significant increases in patency duration and survival time. Gastrojejunostomy should therefore be considered the primary treatment option for patients with good performance status and reasonable survival expectancy. Nutritional status, the absence of ascites, and pre-procedure performance status are associated with clinical success.

Lower Annual Rate of Progression of Short-Segment vs Long-Segment Barrett's Esophagus to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: European guidelines recommend different surveillance intervals of non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE) based on segment length, as opposed to guidelines in the United States, which do recommend surveillance intervals based on BE length. We studied rates of progression of NDBE to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in patients with short-segment BE using the definition of BE in the latest guidelines (length ≥1 cm). METHODS: We collected demographic, clinical, endoscopy, and histopathology data from 1883 patients with endoscopic evidence of NDBE (mean age, 57.3 years; 83.5% male; 88.1% Caucasians) seen at 7 tertiary referral centers. Patients were followed for a median 6.4 years. Cases of dysplasia or EAC detected within 1 year of index endoscopy were considered prevalent and were excluded. Unadjusted rates of progression to HGD or EAC were compared between patients with short (≥1 and <3) and long (≥3) BE lengths using log-rank tests. A subgroup analysis was performed on patients with a documented Prague C&M classification. We used a multivariable proportional hazards model to evaluate the association between BE length and progression. Adjusted hazards ratios were calculated after adjusting for variables associated with progression. RESULTS: We found 822 patients to have a short-segment BE (SSBE) and 1061 to have long segment BE (LSBE). We found patients with SSBE to have a significantly lower annual rate of progression to EAC (0.07%) than of patients with LSBE (0.25%) (P = .001). For the combined endpoint of HGD or EAC, annual progression rates were significantly lower among patients with SSBE (0.29%) compared to compared to LSBE (0.91%) (P < .001). This effect persisted in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.57; P < .001). CONCLUSION: We analyzed progression of BE (length ≥1 cm) to HGD or EAC in a large cohort of patients seen at multiple centers and followed for a median 6.4 years. We found a lower annual rate of progression of SSBE to EAC (0.07%/year) than of LSBE (0.25%/year). We propose lengthening current surveillance intervals for patients with SSBE.

Increasing prevalence of high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma on index endoscopy in Barrett's esophagus over the past 2 decades: data from a multicenter U.S. consortium.

INTRODUCTION: Data on time trends of dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) during the index endoscopy (ie, prevalent cases) are limited. Our aim was to determine the prevalence patterns of BE-associated dysplasia on index endoscopy over the past 25 years. METHODS: The Barrett's Esophagus Study is a multicenter outcome project of a large cohort of patients with BE. Proportions of patients with index endoscopy findings of no dysplasia (NDBE), low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and EAC were extracted per year of index endoscopy, and 5-yearly patient cohorts were tabulated over years 1990 to 2010+ (2010-current). Prevalent dysplasia and endoscopic findings were trended over the past 25 years using percentage dysplasia (LGD, HGD, EAC, and HGD/EAC) to assess changes in detection of BE-associated dysplasia over the last 25 years. Statistical analysis was done using SAS version 9.4 software (SAS, Cary, NC). RESULTS: A total of 3643 patients were included in the analysis with index endoscopy showing NDBE in 2513 (70.1%), LGD in 412 (11.5%), HGD in 193 (5.4%), and EAC in 181 (5.1%). Over time, there was an increase in the mean age of patients with BE (51.7 ± 29 years vs 62.6 ± 11.3 years) and the proportion of males (84% vs 92.6%) diagnosed with BE but a decrease in the mean BE length (4.4±4.3 cm vs 2.9±3.0 cm) as time progressed (1990-1994 to 2010-2016 time periods). The presence of LGD on index endoscopy remained stable over 1990 to 2016. However, a significant increase (148% in HGD and 112% in EAC) in the diagnosis of HGD, EAC, and HGD/EAC was noted on index endoscopy over the last 25 years (P < .001). There was also a significant increase in the detection of visible lesions on index endoscopy (1990-1994, 5.1%; to 2005-2009, 6.3%; and 2010+, 16.3%) during the same period. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the prevalence of HGD and EAC has significantly increased over the past 25 years despite a decrease in BE length during the same period. This increase parallels an increase in the detection of visible lesions, suggesting that a careful examination at the index examination is crucial.

ASGE EndoVators Summit: simulators and the future of endoscopic training.

Interest in the use of simulation for acquiring, maintaining, and assessing skills in GI endoscopy has grown over the past decade, as evidenced by recent American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines encouraging the use of endoscopy simulation training and its incorporation into training standards by a key accreditation organization. An EndoVators Summit, partially supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health, (NIH) was held at the ASGE Institute for Training and Technology from November 19 to 20, 2017. The summit brought together over 70 thought leaders in simulation research and simulator development and key decision makers from industry. Proceedings opened with a historical review of the role of simulation in medicine and an outline of priority areas related to the emerging role of simulation training within medicine broadly. Subsequent sessions addressed the summit's purposes: to review the current state of endoscopy simulation and the role it could play in endoscopic training, to define the role and value of simulators in the future of endoscopic training and to reach consensus regarding priority areas for simulation-related education and research and simulator development. This white paper provides an overview of the central points raised by presenters, synthesizes the discussions on the key issues under consideration, and outlines actionable items and/or areas of consensus reached by summit participants and society leadership pertinent to each session. The goal was to provide a working roadmap for the developers of simulators, the investigators who strive to define the optimal use of endoscopy-related simulation and assess its impact on educational outcomes and health care quality, and the educators who seek to enhance integration of simulation into training and practice.

Monitoring standards in sedation and analgesia: the odyssey of capnography in sedation for gastroenterology procedures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Capnography is an excellent tool for early detection of hypoxemia and apnea in patients undergoing sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy. The current American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) guidelines recommend the use of capnography in any patient undergoing moderate sedation. The purpose of this review was to compile the most recent data available on capnography use in gastrointestinal endoscopy with the focus primarily on the use of capnography in moderate sedation cases. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent high-quality studies have evaluated the utility of capnography in low risk patients undergoing moderate sedation and have found no benefit with addition of capnography. SUMMARY: Capnography is beneficial when used for patients who are at a higher risk for sedation-related complications. There is no benefit when capnography is used in low risk patients undergoing routine upper endoscopy and colonoscopy under moderate sedation but there is benefit when used in advanced endoscopic procedures that require deeper sedation and have longer procedure times.

Association of covered metallic stents with cholecystitis and stent migration in malignant biliary stricture.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ERCP with self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement provides reliable and durable relief of malignant biliary obstruction. Our objective was to compare efficacy and adverse outcomes between uncovered SEMSs (USEMSs) and covered SEMSs (CSEMSs). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all consecutive patients who underwent ERCP with SEMS placement for the management of a malignant bile duct stricture. Comparative analyses on clinical success, patency duration, stent dysfunction, and adverse outcomes were performed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with stent dysfunction. RESULTS: Six hundred forty-five patients underwent SEMS placement for the management of malignant bile duct stricture from 2008 to 2016. CSEMSs and USEMSs had similar rates of clinical success in relief of bile duct obstruction (93.0% vs 92.1%, respectively; P = .69) and patency duration (546.7 vs 557.9 days, P = .14). Among those with an intact gallbladder, the incidence of acute cholecystitis was higher in the CSEMS group compared with the USEMS group (7.8% vs 1.2%; P < .001). In the multivariable analysis, CSEMS use was associated with increased risk of stent migration (hazard ratio, 10.7; 95% confidence interval, 4.1-27.7). CONCLUSIONS: CSEMSs and USEMSs have similar clinical success rates and patency durations in management of malignant bile duct stricture. CSEMSs, however, are associated with increased rates of migration and cholecystitis. Comparable efficacy and superior safety profile of USEMSs render a compelling argument for its place as the preferred choice of SEMSs in the management of malignant biliary stricture.

Cryotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation for Eradication of Barrett's Esophagus with Dysplasia or Intramucosal Cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ablation therapy has become the mainstay of treatment of Barrett's associated dysplasia and intramucosal cancer (IMC). The widely available techniques for ablation are radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryotherapy. Our aim was to compare eradication rates of metaplasia and dysplasia with both these modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected database of patients who underwent endoscopic therapy for Barrett's dysplasia or IMC from 2006 to 2011 was performed. Demographic features, comorbidities, and endoscopic data including length of Barrett's segment, hiatal hernia size, interventions during the endoscopy and histological results were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 154 patients included, 73 patients were in the RFA and 81 patients were in the cryotherapy group. There was complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) in 81 (52.6%), complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) in 133 (86.4%), and persistent dysplasia or cancer in 19 patients (12.3%). Compared to RFA, cryotherapy patients were found to be older and less likely to have undergone endoscopic mucosal resection. On multivariate analysis, patients who underwent RFA had a threefold higher odds of having CE-IM than those who underwent cryotherapy (odds ratio [OR] 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-6.0, p = 0.004), but CE-D were similar between the two groups (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.66-4.3, p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy is highly effective in eradication of Barrett's associated neoplasia. Patients who underwent cryotherapy were equally likely to achieve CE-D but not CE-IM than patients who underwent RFA. Patient characteristics and preferences may effect choice of treatment selection and outcomes.