Western outcomes of circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (cESD) in the esophagus has been reported to be feasible in small Eastern case series. We assessed the outcomes of cESD in the treatment of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Western countries. METHODS: We conducted an international study at 25 referral centers in Europe and Australia using prospective databases. We included all patients with ESCC treated with cESD before November 2022. Our main outcomes were curative resection according to European guidelines and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 171 cESDs were performed on 165 patients. En bloc and R0 resections rates were 98.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.0-99.4) and 69.6% (95% CI, 62.3-76.0), respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 49.1% (95% CI, 41.7-56.6) of the lesions. The most common reason for noncurative resection was deep submucosal invasion (21.6%). The risk of stricture requiring 6 or more dilations or additional techniques (incisional therapy/stent) was high (71%), despite the use of prophylactic measures in 93% of the procedures. The rates of intraprocedural perforation, delayed bleeding, and adverse cardiorespiratory events were 4.1%, 0.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. Two patients died (1.2%) of a cESD-related adverse event. Overall and disease-free survival rates at 2 years were 91% and 79%. CONCLUSIONS: In Western referral centers, cESD for ESCC is curative in approximately half of the lesions. It can be considered a feasible treatment in selected patients. Our results suggest the need to improve patient selection and to develop more effective therapies to prevent esophageal strictures.

Predictors of long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric neoplasia in the West: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine long-term outcomes of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Western settings based on the latest Japanese indication criteria, and to examine predictors of outcomes and complications. METHODS: Data were collected from consecutive patients undergoing gastric ESD at four participating centers from 2009 to 2021. Retrospective analysis using logistic regression and survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: 415 patients were included (mean age 71.7 years; 56.4 % male). Absolute indication criteria (2018 guideline) were met in 75.3 % of patients. Median follow-up was 52 months. Post-resection histology was adenocarcinoma, high grade dysplasia, and low grade dysplasia in 49.9 %, 22.7 %, and 17.1 %, respectively. Perforation, early and delayed bleeding occurred in 2.4 %, 4.3 %, and 3.4 %, respectively. Rates of en bloc and R0 resection, and recurrence on first endoscopic follow-up were 94.7 %, 83.4 %, and 2.7 %, respectively. Relative indication (2018 guideline) for ESD was associated with R1 outcome (P = 0.02). Distal location (P = 0.002) and increased procedure time (P = 0.04) were associated with bleeding, and scarring (P = 0.009) and increased procedure duration (P = 0.003) were associated with perforation. Recurrence-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 94 % and 83 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the largest Western multicenter cohort and suggests that gastric ESD is safe and effective in the Western setting. A quarter of patients fell outside the new absolute indications for ESD, suggesting that Western practice involves more advanced lesions. We identified the predictors of complications, which should help to inform future Western practice and research.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for esophageal perforation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND : Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is a novel treatment for esophageal perforations. This study aimed to describe initial experience with EVT of esophageal perforations due to iatrogenic cause, Boerhaave syndrome, or other perforations not related to prior upper gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS : Data from patients treated with EVT for esophageal perforation at five hospitals in three European countries, between January 2018 and October 2021, were retrospectively collected. The primary end point was successful defect closure by EVT, with or without the use of other endoscopic treatment modalities. Secondary end points included mortality and adverse events. RESULTS : 27 patients were included (median age 71 years). The success rate was 89 % (24/27, 95 %CI 77-100). EVT failed in three patients: two deceased during EVT (septic embolic stroke, pulmonary embolism) and one underwent esophagectomy due to a persisting defect. Two adverse events occurred: one iatrogenic defect expansion during sponge exchange and one hemorrhage during sponge removal. Median treatment duration was 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6-16) with 1 sponge exchange (IQR 1-3). CONCLUSION : EVT is a promising organ-preserving treatment for esophageal perforations, with a success rate of 89 %. More experience with the technique and indications will likely improve success rates.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) Offers a Safer and More Cost-effective Alternative to Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM): An International Collaborative Study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are minimally invasive procedures that treat early rectal cancer (ERC). Both are effective treatments, yet there are very few studies comparing them. The aim of our study was to identify ideal candidates for each procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and November 2019, 204 ERC patients were managed with either ESD (n=101) or TEM (n=103) at 7 international centers. Data analyzed included clinical success, tumor characteristics, procedure info, and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 40 mm±23.9 in the ESD group and 56 mm±27.9 in the TEM group, significantly larger in the latter ( P <0.00001). Average procedure time was 131.5±67.9 minutes in ESD group and 104.9±28.4 minutes in TEM group ( P =0.000347). Average hospital stay was 3.3±2.6 days in the ESD group and 4.7±0.7 days in the TEM group ( P <0.00001). Adverse event rate was 6.8% in the ESD group and 24% in the TEM group. There were no significant difference in the rate of en bloc resection, technical success, tumor location, necessity of additional procedures, and tumor recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: Compared with TEM, ESD is a safer procedure with shorter hospital stay and should be offered for patients who have ERC.

MELD-Lactate Predicts Poor Outcome in Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of poor outcome associated with variceal bleeding remain suboptimal. In patients with cirrhosis, serum lactate combined with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD-LA) improved prediction across heterogeneous populations. However, prognostic properties have not yet been assessed in the context of variceal bleeding. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of MELD-LA compared to MELD, lactate, and nadir hemoglobin in cirrhosis patients with variceal bleeding. METHODS: In this multicenter study, we identified 472 patients with variceal bleeding from a German primary cohort (University Hospitals Hamburg/Frankfurt/Cologne), and two independent external validation cohorts [Veterans Affairs (VA), Baylor University]. Discrimination for 30-day mortality was analyzed and scores were compared. MELD-LA was evaluated separately in validation cohorts to ensure consistency of findings. RESULTS: In contrast to nadir hemoglobin, MELD and peak-lactate at time of bleeding were significantly higher in 30-day non-survivors in the primary cohort (p = 0.708; p < 0.001). MELD-LA had excellent discrimination for 30-day mortality (AUROC 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.88), better than MELD and peak-lactate (AUROC 0.78, 95% CI 0.71-0.84; AUROC 0.73, 95% CI 0.66-0.81). MELD-LA predicted 30-day mortality independently of age, sex, severity of liver disease and vasopressor support (HR 1.29 per 1-point-increase of MELD-LA; 95% CI 1.19-1.41; p < 0.001). Similarly, MELD-LA demonstrated excellent discrimination for 30-day mortality in the VA (AUROC = 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.93) and Baylor cohort (AUROC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: MELD-LA significantly improves discrimination of short-term mortality associated with variceal bleeding, compared to MELD, peak-lactate and nadir hemoglobin. Thus, MELD-LA might represent a useful and objective marker for risk assessment and therapeutic intervention in patients with variceal bleeding.

Perianastomotic Irrigation With Passive Drainage Dramatically Decreases POPF Rate After High-risk Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Objective: To assess whether prophylactic irrigation and passive drainage of pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis could reduce leak and mortality rates after high-risk pancreaticoduodenectomies. Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a life-threatening complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Several risk factors have been proposed likewise potential mitigation strategies. Regarding the latter, surgical drain policy remains a "hot topic." We propose an innovative approach to mitigate POPF and POPF-related mortality following high-risk pancreaticoduodenectomies. Methods: One hundred fifty-seven patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2012 and November 2021 were included in the study. Subjects with main pancreatic duct ≤ 3 mm and soft parenchyma were classified as high-risk for POPF development. Since August 2015, high-risk patients received prophylactic irrigation and drainage of the perianastomotic area. These patients were compared with risk-matched historical controls. Results: We identified 73 high-risk patients. Of these, the 47 subjects receiving prophylactic perianastomotic irrigation showed significantly lower POPF rates (12.7% vs 69.2%, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed the significant association between irrigation drainages and POPF (odds ratio 0.014, P = 0.01). Although not significant, mortality was lower in the irrigation group (4.2% vs 13.0%, P = 0.340). However, none of the fatalities in the irrigation-drainage group were POPF-related. No significant difference in length of hospital stay was observed between the 2 groups (18.0 vs 21.0 days, P = 0.091). Conclusions: Irrigation and drainage of the perianastomotic area represents a powerful approach to reduce POPF and, potentially, mortality after high-risk pancreaticoduodenectomies.

Low incidence of colonic complications after severe Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4 infection.

BACKGROUND: In summer 2011, Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotype O104:H4 caused the most severe EHEC outbreak in Germany to date. The case of a previously recovered patient with symptomatic postinflammatory colonic stenosis following EHEC- infection prompted us to conduct a prospective study to assess the macro- and microscopic intestinal long-term damage in a cohort of patients who had suffered from severe EHEC colitis. METHODS: Following EHEC infection in 2011, 182 patients were offered to participate in this study between January 2013 and October 2014 as part of the post-inpatient follow-up care at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and to undergo colonoscopy with stepwise biopsies. Prior to colonoscopy, medical history and persistent post-infectious complaints were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 182 patients, 22 (12%) participated in the study, 18 (82%) were female. All patients had been hospitalized due severe EHEC enterocolitis: 20 patients (90%) had subsequently developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), 16 patients (72%) had additionally required dialysis. On assessment prior to colonoscopy, all patients denied any abdominal complaints before EHEC-infection but 8 (36%) patients reported persistent post-infectious symptoms. According to the ROME IV criteria, 4 (18%) patients met the definition for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). In all patients with persistent symptoms, colonoscopies and histological examination were unremarkable. Only in one symptom-free patient, biopsy revealed a locally limited cryptitis of the caecum, while all patients without complaints had inconspicuous histological and endoscopical findings. CONCLUSION: Following infection colonic stenosis is a serious but rare long-term complication in patients who had suffered from severe enterocolitis. However, a significant proportion of these patients develop PI-IBS.

Laparoscopic lymph node sampling: a new concept for patients with high-risk early esophagogastric junction cancer resected endoscopically.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic resection is considered a curative treatment for early upper GI cancers under certain histologic (low-risk) criteria. In tumors not completely fulfilling these criteria but resected R0 endoscopically, esophagectomy is still advised because of an increased risk of lymph node (LN) metastases (LNM). However, the benefit-risk ratio, especially in elderly patients at higher risk for radical surgery, can be debated. We now present the outcome of our case series of laparoscopic LN sampling (LLS) in patients with T1 esophagogastric junction tumors, which had been completely resected by endoscopy but did not fulfill the low-risk criteria (G1/2, m, L0, V0). METHODS: Retrospective review was done of all patients with T1 cancer undergoing LLS with at least 1 high-risk parameter after endoscopic resection during an 8-year period. Repeated endoscopy with biopsy and abdominothoracic CT had been performed before. The patients were divided into 2 periods: before (n = 8) and after (n = 12) the introduction of an extended LLS protocol (additional resection of the left gastric artery). In cases of positive LN, patients underwent conventional oncologic surgery; if negative, follow-up was performed. The main outcome was the number of harvested LNs by means of LLS and the percentage of positive LNs found. RESULTS: Twenty patients with cardia (n = 1) and distal esophageal/Barrett's cancer (n = 19) were included. The LN rate with use of the extended LLS technique increased by 12% (period 1: median 12 [range, 5-19; 95% CI, 3.4-15.4] vs period 2: median 17.5 [range, 12-40; 95% CI, 12.8-22.2]; P = .013). There were 2 adverse events: 1 inadvertent chest tube removal and 1 postoperative pneumonia. In 15% of cases, patients had positive LNs. and in 2 cases there was local recurrence at the endoscopic resection site, all necessitating surgery. CONCLUSIONS: An extended technique of laparoscopic LN sampling appears to provide adequate LN numbers and is a safe approach with short hospital stay only. Only long-term follow-up of larger patient numbers will allow conclusions about miss rate as well as oncologic adequacy of this concept.

Designs of colonoscopic adenoma detection trials: more positive results with tandem than with parallel studies - an analysis of studies on imaging techniques and mechanical devices.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adenoma detection rate (ADR) has been shown to correlate with interval cancers after screening colonoscopy and is commonly used as surrogate parameter for its outcome quality. ADR improvements by various techniques have been studied in randomised trials using either parallel or tandem methodololgy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was done on randomised trials (full papers, English language) on tandem or parallel studies using either adenoma miss rates (AMR) or ADR as main outcome to test different novel technologies on imaging (new endoscope generation, narrow band imaging, iScan, Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy/blue laser imaging and wide angle scopes) and mechanical devices (transparent caps, endocuff, endorings and balloons). Available meta analyses were also screened for randomised studies. RESULTS: Overall, 24 randomised tandem trials with AMR (variable definitions and methodology) and 42 parallel studies using ADR (homogeneous methodology) as primary outcome were included. Significant differences in favour of the new method were found in 66.7% of tandem studies (8222 patients) but in only 23.8% of parallel studies (28 059 patients), with higher rates of positive studies for mechanical devices than for imaging methods. In a random-effects model, small absolute risk differences were found, but these were double in magnitude for tandem as compared with parallel studies (imaging: tandem 0.04 (0.01, 0.07), parallel 0.02 (0.00, 0.04); mechanical devices: tandem 0.08 (0.00, 0.15), parallel 0.04 (0.01, 0.07)). Nevertheless, 94.2% of missed adenomas in the tandem studies were small (<1 cm) and/or non-advanced. CONCLUSIONS: A tandem study is more likely to yield positive results than a simple parallel trial; this may be due to the use of different parameters, variable definitions and methodology, and perhaps also a higher likelihood of bias. Therefore, we suggest to accept positive results of tandem studies only if accompanied by positive results from parallel trials.

Recognizing Post-Endoscopy Complications: A Database Filter Reduces Quality Assurance Workload for Inpatients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Documentation of complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy within the commonly used endoscopy documentation systems are mostly limited to acute complications during endoscopy included in the post-procedural endoscopy report. We tested a documentation system-based filter to reduce the workload by maintaining a high sensitivity to recognize post-endoscopy complications. METHODS: Of all inpatient endoscopic resections during 1 year and all endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures during 4 months in 1 tertiary referral centre, post-procedural complications during hospital stay were individually analyzed retrospectively from the hospital databases (gold standard). In comparison, information technology-based filters were assessed searching for specific tests and data within 2 days after endoscopy and/or until discharge. These were second endoscopy, surgery, or an abdominal computed tomography (CT) or haemoglobin drop ≥2 g/dL for endoscopic resection. For ERCP cases, any case with lipase determination and post-ERCP CT scan was selected. Main outcomes were the sensitivity of these filters to recognize post-endoscopy complications and the percentage of workload reduction. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-two inpatients who underwent endoscopic resections and 302 ERCP cases (all inpatients) were included. Post-endoscopy complications occurred in 7.14% (endoscopic resection) and 3.7% (ERCP). The above-mentioned filters identified 100% of all resection and post-ERCP complications compared to detailed case file analysis, at the same time reducing the quality management workload to 14 and 31%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Post-procedural monitoring of advanced endoscopic procedures performed on inpatient procedures has a high sensitivity (100%) and reduces case-by-case screening workload for complications by 70-85%. Outpatient interventions, however, require a different system for monitoring of post-endoscopy complications after discharge.

Risk factors associated with bleeding after prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is frequently performed in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with early upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in cirrhosis patients after prophylactic EVL. METHODS: 787 nonemergency EVLs performed in 444 patients in two German University medical centers were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Within 30 days after EVL, 38 UGIBs were observed (4.8 % of all procedures). Bilirubin levels (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.0 for a 2-fold increase) and presence of varices grade III/IV according to Paquet (HR 2.6, 95 %CI 1.3-5.0 compared with absence or smaller sized varices) were independently associated with UGIB following EVL. International normalized ratio (INR) was associated with bleeding events in the univariate analysis but did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for bilirubin and presence of varices grade III/IV (HR 1.2, 95 %CI 0.9-1.6 for an increase by 0.25). There was no statistically significant association between platelet count or fibrinogen levels and UGIB. Substitution of coagulation products did not affect incidence of bleeding after EVL, which also applied to patients with "coagulopathy" (INR > 1.5 and/or platelet count < 50 × 109/L). No association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and post-EVL UGIB was observed. CONCLUSIONS: EVL is a safe procedure and immediate bleeding complications are rare. Serum bilirubin levels and size of varices, rather than coagulation indices, are associated with UGIB after EVL. Our data do not support the preventive substitution of blood or coagulation products.

Salvage endoscopic resection after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer: a Western experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is increasingly used as a nonsurgical treatment for esophageal cancer. In Japanese studies, salvage endoscopic resection (ER) has emerged as a promising strategy for local failure after definitive CRT. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of salvage ER in a Western setting. METHODS: Gastroenterologists from Europe and the United States were invited to submit their experience with salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) after definitive CRT. Participating gastroenterologists completed an anonymized database, including patient demographics, clinicopathologic variables, and follow-up on survival and recurrence. RESULTS: Gastroenterologists from 10 endoscopic units in 6 European countries submitted information on 25 patients. A total of 35 salvage ER procedures were performed, of which 69% were ESD and 31% EMR. Most patients had squamous cell carcinoma (64%) of the middle or lower esophagus (68%) staged as cT2-3 (68%) and cN+ (52%) before definitive CRT. The median time from end of definitive CRT to ER was 22 months (interquartile range, 6-47). The en-bloc resection rate was 92% for ESD and 46% for EMR. During a median of 24 months (interquartile range, 12-59) of follow-up after salvage ER, 52% developed a recurrence (11 locoregional, 2 distant). The 5-year recurrence-free survival, overall survival, and disease-specific survival were 36%, 52%, and 79%, respectively. No major intra- or postprocedural adverse events, such as bleeding or perforation, were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected esophageal cancer patients, salvage ER is technically feasible after definitive CRT. Further prospective research is recommended to validate the safety and effectivity of salvage ER for the management of local failure.

Alterations of the bile microbiome in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) display an altered colonic microbiome compared with healthy controls. However, little is known on the bile duct microbiome and its interplay with bile acid metabolism in PSC. METHODS: Patients with PSC (n=43) and controls without sclerosing cholangitis (n=22) requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiography were included prospectively. Leading indications in controls were sporadic choledocholithiasis and papillary adenoma. A total of 260 biospecimens were collected from the oral cavity, duodenal fluid and mucosa and ductal bile. Microbiomes of the upper alimentary tract and ductal bile were profiled by sequencing the 16S-rRNA-encoding gene (V1-V2). Bile fluid bile acid composition was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and validated in an external cohort (n=20). RESULTS: The bile fluid harboured a diverse microbiome that was distinct from the oral cavity, the duodenal fluid and duodenal mucosa communities. The upper alimentary tract microbiome differed between PSC patients and controls. However, the strongest differences between PSC patients and controls were observed in the ductal bile fluid, including reduced biodiversity (Shannon entropy, p=0.0127) and increase of pathogen Enterococcus faecalis (FDR=4.18×10-5) in PSC. Enterococcus abundance in ductal bile was strongly correlated with concentration of the noxious secondary bile acid taurolithocholic acid (r=0.60, p=0.0021). CONCLUSION: PSC is characterised by an altered microbiome of the upper alimentary tract and bile ducts. Biliary dysbiosis is linked with increased concentrations of the proinflammatory and potentially cancerogenic agent taurolithocholic acid.

Right-Sided Location Not Associated With Missed Colorectal Adenomas in an Individual-Level Reanalysis of Tandem Colonoscopy Studies.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Interval cancers occur more frequently in the right colon. One reason could be that right-sided adenomas are frequently missed in colonoscopy examinations. We reanalyzed data from tandem colonoscopies to assess adenoma miss rates in relation to location and other factors. METHODS: We pooled data from 8 randomized tandem trials comprising 2218 patients who had diagnostic or screening colonoscopies (adenomas detected in 49.8% of patients). We performed a mixed-effects logistic regression with patients as cluster effects with different independent parameters. Factors analyzed included location (left vs right, splenic flexure as cutoff), adenoma size, form, and histologic features. Analyses were controlled for potential confounding factors such as patient sex and age, colonoscopy indication, and bowel cleanliness. RESULTS: Right-side location was not an independent risk factor for missed adenomas (odds ratio [OR] compared with the left side, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.75-1.17). However, compared with adenomas ≤5 mm, the OR for missing adenomas of 6-9 mm was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.44-0.87), and the OR for missing adenomas of ≥10 mm was 0.51 (95% CI, 0.33-0.77). Compared with pedunculated adenomas, sessile (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.16-2.85) and flat adenomas (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.49-4.10) were more likely to be missed. Histologic features were not significant risk factors for missed adenomas (OR for adenomas with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.34-1.37 and OR for sessile serrated adenomas, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.47-1.64 compared with low-grade adenomas). Men had a higher number of adenomas per colonoscopy (1.27; 95% CI, 1.21-1.33) than women (0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.93). Men were less likely to have missed adenomas than women (OR for missed adenomas in men, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from 8 randomized trials, we found that right-side location of an adenoma does not increase its odds for being missed during colonoscopy but that adenoma size and histologic features do increase risk. Further studies are needed to determine why adenomas are more frequently missed during colonoscopies in women than men.

PillCamColon2 after incomplete colonoscopy - A prospective multicenter study.

AIM: To evaluate the ability of PillCamColon2 to visualize colonic segments missed by incomplete optical colonoscopy (OC) and to assess the diagnostic yield. METHODS: This prospective multicentre study included 81 patients from nine centres who underwent second-generation colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) following incomplete OC performed by an experienced gastroenterologist (> 1000 colonoscopies). Patients with stenosis were excluded. According to patient preferences, CCE was performed the following day (protocol A) after staying on clear liquids and 0.75 L Moviprep in the morning or within 30 d after new split-dose Moviprep (protocol B). Boosts consisted of 0.75 L and 0.25 L Moviprep, and phospho-soda was given as a rescue if the capsule was not excreted after seven hours. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were analysed (51% of them in group A; 49% in group B). Bowel cleansing was adequate in 67% of cases, and CCE could visualize colonic segments missed by incomplete colonoscopy in 90% of patients under protocol A and 97% of patients under protocol B (P = 0.35, n.s.). Significant polyps including adenocarcinoma were detected in 24% of cases. Detection rates for all polyps and significant polyps per patient were similar in both protocols. Polyps were found predominantly in the right colon (86%) in segments that were not reached by OC. Extracolonic findings - such as reflux esophagitis, suspected Barrett esophagus, upper GI-bleeding, gastric polyps, gastric erosions and angiectasia - were detected in eight patients. PillCamColon2 capsule was retained in the ileum of one patient (1.4%) without symptoms and removed during an uneventful resection for unknown Crohn's disease that was diagnosed as the cause of anemia, which was the indication for colonoscopy. CCE was well tolerated. One patient suffered from self-limiting vomiting after consuming the phospho-soda. CONCLUSION: Second-generation CCE using a low-volume preparation is useful after incomplete OC, and it allows for the detection of additional relevant findings, but cleansing efficiency could be improved.

Risk of endoscopic biliary interventions in primary sclerosing cholangitis is similar between patients with and without cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) is a mainstay of therapy in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and obstructive cholestasis. Patients with liver cirrhosis have an increased risk of surgical complications and are more susceptible to infections. Since PSC often progresses to cirrhosis, we aimed to assess whether ERC is associated with increased risk of complications in patients with PSC and cirrhosis. METHODS: Out of 383 patients with PSC, 208 patients received endoscopic treatment between 2009-2017. Seventy patients had cirrhosis when ERC was performed and 138 patients had no signs of cirrhosis. Overall, 663 ERC procedures were analysed, with 250 ERC in patients with cirrhosis and 413 ERC in patients without cirrhosis. Data were analysed retrospectively from a prospectively acquired database using repeated measures logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 40 procedure-related complications were documented in 663 ERC interventions (6%). The rate of complications was similar between patients with and without cirrhosis (4.4% vs. 7.0%). First-time ERC was associated with a higher risk of complications (17.5% vs. 4.9%). Biliary sphincterotomy, stent placement and female sex, but not presence of liver cirrhosis, were identified as risk factors for overall complications in multivariate analysis. Patients without cirrhosis showed a significant decline of ALP and bilirubin levels after the first two interventions. In contrast, in patients with cirrhosis, ALP and bilirubin levels did not significantly decline after ERC. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PSC, cirrhosis was not a risk factor for post-ERC complications. Therefore, cirrhosis should not preclude endoscopic intervention in patients with clear clinical indication.

Effects of two instrument-generation changes on adenoma detection rate during screening colonoscopy: results from a prospective randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that multiple colonoscope features have to be changed before an improvement in adenoma detection rate (ADR) becomes obvious, such as with changing from one instrument generation to the next but one. We wanted to evaluate whether such an effect can also be observed in a private-practice screening setting. METHODS: In a randomized study, we compared the latest generation colonoscopes from one company (Olympus Exera III, 190) with the next to last one (Olympus 165), including only patients presenting for screening colonoscopy. The primary outcome was ADR achieved with 190 colonoscopes (190-C) in comparison with 165 colonoscopes (165-C). RESULTS: 1221 patients (46.1 % men; mean age 62.2 years, standard deviation 6.6) were included (599 screened with the Olympus Exera III, 190). The ADR difference in favor of the 190-C instrument (32 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 26 % to 39 %] vs. 28 % [95 %CI 22 % to 34 %] in the 165-C group) failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.10); only the rate of small (< 5 mm) adenomas was significantly increased at 22.5 % (95 %CI 19 % to 26 %) vs. 15.6 % (95 %CI 13 % to 18 %; P = 0.002). Furthermore, significantly more adenomas were found in the 190-C group, with an adenoma rate (all adenomas/all patients) of 0.57 (95 %CI 0.53 to 0.61) vs. 0.47 (95 %CI 0.43 to 0.51; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This randomized comparative trial in a private-practice screening setting only partially confirmed the results of prior studies that, with multiple imaging improvements achieved over two instrument generations, an increase in overall adenoma number becomes measurable.

Endoscopy versus radiology in post-procedural monitoring after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

BACKGROUND: The newly developed technique of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been shown to be effective in several short- and mid-term studies. Limited information is available about the adequacy of immediate post-POEM monitoring tests. METHODS: POEM was performed under general anesthesia in 228 patients (59.6% male, mean age 45.6 ± 15.5 years). Post-procedural checks comprised clinical and laboratory examination, and, during post-procedure days 1-5, endoscopy and-in the first 114 cases-radiologic examination using water-soluble contrast (1st group); the remaining patients underwent post-procedure controls without radiology (2nd group). Main outcome was value of endoscopic compared to radiologic control for recognition of early adverse events. RESULTS: In the first group, routine fluoroscopic contrast swallow suggested minor leakages at the mucosal entry site in two cases which was confirmed endoscopically in only one. Endoscopy revealed two minor entry site leakages and, in six additional cases, dislocated clips without leakage (overall 5.3%). All eight patients underwent reclipping and healed without clinical sequelae. In the 2nd group, endoscopy showed 5 clip dislocations (all reclipped) and one ischemic cardiac perforation in a patient with clinical deterioration on post-POEM day 1 who had to undergo surgery after confirmation of leakage by CT. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologic monitoring (contrast swallow) after POEM is not useful and can be omitted. Even routine endoscopic monitoring for detection and closure of minor defects of the mucosal entry site yields limited information with regards to final outcome; major complications are very rare and probably associated with clinical deterioration. Clinical Trials Gov Registration number of the main study: NCT01405417.

Impact of 2 generational improvements in colonoscopes on adenoma miss rates: results of a prospective randomized multicenter tandem study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Numerous randomized studies have shown that changing certain features of colonoscopes, usually incorporated when switching from one endoscope generation to the next, mostly do not increase adenoma yield. There is, however, indirect evidence that it may be necessary to skip one instrument generation (ie, changing from one generation to the next but one) to achieve this effect. METHODS: We compared the latest-generation colonoscopes from one company (Olympus Exera III, 190-C) with the next to last one (Olympus 160/5-C) in a prospective multicenter study randomized for the order of colonoscopes in a tandem fashion, involving 2 different examiners. Patients with increased risk for colorectal neoplasia undergoing colonoscopy (positive fecal occult blood test, personal/familial history of colorectal cancer/adenoma, rectal bleeding, recent change in bowel movements) were included. The primary outcome was the adenoma miss rate with the 190 (190-C) colonoscope in comparison with the 160/5 colonoscope (160/5-C). RESULTS: A total of 856 patients (48.8% male; mean age, 58.3 years) with a personal (41%) or family (38%) history of colorectal neoplasia, rectal bleeding (19%), and other indications were included. Of the 429 patients in the 190-C first group, 16.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.0%-20.1%) had at least one adenoma missed during the first procedure, compared with 30.2% (95% CI, 25.9%-34.6%) in the group with 160/5-C first (P < .001). Similarly, the adenoma detection rate during the first colonoscopy was 43.8% versus 36.5% (P = .030) for 190-C versus 160/5-C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized tandem trial showed lower adenoma miss rates and higher adenoma detection rates for the newer 190 colonoscopes compared with the 160/5 series. These results suggest that it takes multiple improvements, such as those implemented over 2 instrument generations, before an effect on adenoma (miss) rate can be observed. (Study registration number: ISRCTN 2010-A01256-33.).

Feasibility, safety, and diagnostic yield of the Extra Wide Angle View (EWAVE) colonoscope for the detection of colorectal lesions.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) of conventional colonoscopy can still be improved. We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study to assess the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic yield of the Extra Wide Angle View (EWAVE) colonoscope, which offers a 235° view obtained from a forward-viewing and two lateral backward-viewing lenses incorporated into one image. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed between November 2015 and June 2016. EWAVE colonoscopy was performed in patients with an increased risk of colorectal cancer by experienced and EWAVE-trained endoscopists (≥ 500 colonoscopies, ≥ 10 with the EWAVE system). RESULTS: A total of 193 patients underwent EWAVE colonoscopy. The cecal intubation rate was 97.4 %. EWAVE colonoscopy had a polyp detection rate (PDR) of 61.1 % (118 /193), ADR of 39.9 % (77 /193), and advanced ADR of 13.5 % (26 /193). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: EWAVE colonoscopy is feasible and safe. The ADR appears comparable to those achieved with conventional colonoscopes in similar patient populations. To further elucidate the additional benefits of wide-angle-view colonoscopes, randomized trials would be required.