Colorectal polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2024.

1: ESGE recommends cold snare polypectomy (CSP), to include a clear margin of normal tissue (1-2 mm) surrounding the polyp, for the removal of diminutive polyps (≤ 5 mm).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 2: ESGE recommends against the use of cold biopsy forceps excision because of its high rate of incomplete resection.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 3: ESGE recommends CSP, to include a clear margin of normal tissue (1-2 mm) surrounding the polyp, for the removal of small polyps (6-9 mm).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 4: ESGE recommends hot snare polypectomy for the removal of nonpedunculated adenomatous polyps of 10-19 mm in size.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 5: ESGE recommends conventional (diathermy-based) endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for large (≥ 20 mm) nonpedunculated adenomatous polyps (LNPCPs).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 6: ESGE suggests that underwater EMR can be considered an alternative to conventional hot EMR for the treatment of adenomatous LNPCPs.Weak recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 7: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may also be suggested as an alternative for removal of LNPCPs of ≥ 20 mm in selected cases and in high-volume centers.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends that, after piecemeal EMR of LNPCPs by hot snare, the resection margins should be treated by thermal ablation using snare-tip soft coagulation to prevent adenoma recurrence.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 9: ESGE recommends (piecemeal) cold snare polypectomy or cold EMR for SSLs of all sizes without suspected dysplasia.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 10: ESGE recommends prophylactic endoscopic clip closure of the mucosal defect after EMR of LNPCPs in the right colon to reduce to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 11: ESGE recommends that en bloc resection techniques, such as en bloc EMR, ESD, endoscopic intermuscular dissection, endoscopic full-thickness resection, or surgery should be the techniques of choice in cases with suspected superficial invasive carcinoma, which otherwise cannot be removed en bloc by standard polypectomy or EMR.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence.

Distal Biliary Stent Migration in Patients with Irretrievable Bile Duct Stones: Long-Term Comparison Between Straight and Double-Pigtail Stents.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged biliary stenting may be considered in high-risk patients with irretrievable bile duct stones (IBDS). Distal stent migration (DSM) is a known complication, although data beyond the recommended interval of temporary stenting (3-6 months) are lacking. We compared the long-term incidence of DSM between straight and double-pigtail stents in patients with IBDS. METHODS: Consecutive patients with IBDS undergoing plastic biliary stenting (1/2009-12/2019) were retrospectively reviewed. DSM was confirmed on follow-up examination when the stent was no longer present at the papillary orifice nor fluoroscopically visible in the bile duct. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine estimates and predictors of DSM. RESULTS: Overall, 618 biliary stenting procedures (410 patients) were included: 289 with a straight stent (group A) and 329 with a double-pigtail (group B). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, the DSM rates were 8.4 and 14.6% at 6 months, 21.4 and 27.7% at 12 months, 27 and 43.5% at 18 months, and 37.2 and 60.4% at 24 months, for groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.004). Double-pigtail stents were at higher risk for DSM (HR = 7.38, p = 0.04), whereas an inverse correlation was noted with age (HR = 0.97, p = 0.0001). Considering only temporary stenting procedures (≤ 6 months; n = 297), the probability of DSM was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: In a setting of prolonged stenting for IBDS, the probability of DSM appears to be higher when a double-pigtail stent is used and in younger patients. A relative anti-migratory advantage of double-pigtail over straight stents appears negligible in this study.

Cerebral oximetry monitoring in non-intubated patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography under propofol-induced sedation: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged propofol-induced deep sedation increases the risk for sedation-related complications. Cerebral oximetry enables prompt assessment of tissue oxygenation by demonstrating the regional hemoglobin oxygen saturation (rSO2) of the cerebral cortex. This study aimed to: evaluate cerebral oxygenation under deep sedation during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure; determine the cerebral desaturation event (CDE) rate; and assess the predictive capacity of CDEs for sedation-related complications. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent ERCP between September and December 2019 were included prospectively. Propofol monotherapy was used and sedation level was assessed using the bispectral index (BIS). The target level of sedation was deep sedation, defined by BIS values 40-60. Participants were monitored with arterial blood gas analysis and INVOS 5100C cerebral oximeter. RSO2 values were registered prior to sedation (baseline value), every 5 min during the sedation period and at recovery of consciousness. BIS values were recorded simultaneously. CDE was defined as a drop >10% from individual baseline rSO2. RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled. Mean baseline rSO2 was 65.1% and BIS values ranged from 18-85. No significant correlation was observed between mean rSO2 measurements and mean BIS values throughout the recordings (P = 0.193). Data from patients aged ≥65 years were analyzed separately and the results were similar. The CDE rate was 2.7%, but no CDE was associated with clinical manifestations. Twelve sedation-related complications occurred without the presence of cerebral desaturation. CONCLUSION: Cerebral oxygenation remained independent of changes in sedation depth and cerebral oximetry monitoring did not detect complications earlier than standard monitors.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis: not always an obvious entity.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is a distinct type of cholangitis, currently recognized as a biliary manifestation of IgG4-related disease. We present a case of type 3 IgG4-SC in a patient with normal IgG4 serum levels, surgically treated for suspicion of cholangiocarcinoma. This case highlights that differentiating between isolated IgG4-SC and cholangiocarcinoma can present a challenging diagnostic dilemma.

Paradigm shift in management of acute iatrogenic colonic perforations: 24-year retrospective comprehensive study.

Background and study aims Through advanced endoscopic clipping techniques, endoscopic treatment of both diagnostic and therapeutic acute iatrogenic colonic perforations has been shown effective. The main purpose of this study was to compare the management of acute iatrogenic perforations (AIPs) of the colon before and after the introduction of advanced clipping techniques. Methods We conducted a retrospective study from July 1996 to February 2020. The period was divided into two sub periods, Period 1: from July 1996 to December 2012 and Period 2: from January 2013 to March 2020. All AIPs occurring during a colonoscopy and detected during or immediately (< 4 hours) after the procedure, were included in the study. Results The total number of colonoscopies performed at our hospital was 33055 and 36831 during Periods 1 and 2 respectively. Fifteen perforations were observed in Period 1 and 11 in Period 2. The rate of surgery was 93.3 % % (14/15) in Period 1 and 27.2 % (3 /11) in Period 2 ( P  < 0.01). The mean hospital stay in Period 1 was 6.9 days and 4 in Period 2 ( P  < 0.01). Conclusions Data from this historical cohort have clearly shown a decrease in the surgery rate and the length of hospitalization of AIPs in Period 2 compared to Period 1.

Diagnosis and management of iatrogenic endoscopic perforations: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement - Update 2020.

1: ESGE recommends that each center implements a written policy regarding the management of iatrogenic perforations, including the definition of procedures that carry a higher risk of this complication. This policy should be shared with the radiologists and surgeons at each center. 2 : ESGE recommends that in the case of an endoscopically identified perforation, the endoscopist reports its size and location, with an image, and statement of the endoscopic treatment that has been applied. 3: ESGE recommends that symptoms or signs suggestive of iatrogenic perforation after an endoscopic procedure should be rapidly and carefully evaluated and documented with a computed tomography (CT) scan. 4 : ESGE recommends that endoscopic closure should be considered depending on the type of the iatrogenic perforation, its size, and the endoscopist expertise available at the center. Switch to carbon dioxide (CO2) endoscopic insufflation, diversion of digestive luminal content, and decompression of tension pneumoperitoneum or pneumothorax should also be performed. 5 : ESGE recommends that after endoscopic closure of an iatrogenic perforation, further management should be based on the estimated success of the endoscopic closure and on the general clinical condition of the patient. In the case of no or failed endoscopic closure of an iatrogenic perforation, and in patients whose clinical condition is deteriorating, hospitalization and surgical consultation are recommended.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of colorectal lesions with the full-thickness resection device: clinical experience from two referral centers in Greece.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) using the full-thickness resection device (FTRD®) is an invasive treatment for colorectal lesions not resectable by conventional endoscopic techniques. This study presents the first Greek experience of the FTRD® procedure, assessing the efficacy and safety of EFTR. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 17 consecutive patients treated with the FTRD® at 2 referral centers from October 2015 through December 2018. The indications included difficult adenomas (non-lifting and/or at difficult locations), early adenocarcinomas and subepithelial tumors. Primary endpoints were technical success and R0 resection. RESULTS: Technical success and R0 resection were achieved in 82.3% procedures (14/17) and in 87.5% of those with difficult adenomas (8 patients). In the subgroup with carcinomas (n=3), the rate of technical success and R0 resection was 66.6%, while in the subgroup with subepithelial tumors (n=6) the rate was 83.3%. Technical success and R0 resection were significantly lower for lesions >20 mm vs. ≤20 mm (P=0.0429). In the 17 patients a total of 3 adverse events occurred (17.6%) and one of the patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy because of EFTR around the appendix. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed favorable results concerning EFTR feasibility, efficacy and safety, especially for lesions ≤20 mm, non-lifting adenomas, and subepithelial tumors. Technical success, R0 resection, and adverse events rates were comparable with previously published data. Larger randomized studies are needed to better define the clinical benefit and long-term outcomes of EFTR in selected patients.

Comparison of digital versus fiberoptic cholangioscopy in patients requiring evaluation of bile duct disease or treatment of biliary stones.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the introduction of the novel digital SpyGlass™ DS Direct Visualization system (Boston Scientific Corp., Natick, MA, USA) has signaled the transition into the era of digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC). We sought to compare the clinical utility between fiberoptic single-operator cholangioscopy (F-SOC) and D-SOC in a tertiary-care referral center in Greece. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) procedures performed over an 8-year period (2009-2017) at a single tertiary-care referral center. The study population consisted of consecutive adults referred for cholangioscopy for a variety of clinical indications, including biliary strictures, difficult biliary stones and migrated or occluded pancreatic or biliary stents. RESULTS: A total of 2763 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were performed during the study period. Overall, SOC was performed in 68 (2.46%) procedures (F-SOC=39, D-SOC=29), showing a significant increase in the utilization of cholangioscopy during the D-SOC (29/599; 4.84%) compared with the F-SOC (39/2124; 1.83%) period (P=0.0001). The overall technical success of diagnostic SOC was 69.1% (38/55), being marginally higher for D-SOC (83.3%) than for F-SOC (58.1%), although not reaching statistical significance (P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: D-SOC was utilized more frequently in our tertiary-care non-academic referral center, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and a trend towards a marginally higher technical success rate for the diagnosis of biliary strictures compared with F-SOC.

Cold versus hot endoscopic mucosal resection for nonpedunculated colorectal polyps sized 6-10 mm: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Cold snare polypectomy is an established method for the resection of small colorectal polyps; however, significant incomplete resection rates still leave room for improvement. We aimed to assess the efficacy of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection (CS-EMR), compared with hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection (HS-EMR), for nonpedunculated polyps sized 6 - 10 mm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a dual-center, randomized, noninferiority trial. Consecutive adult patients with at least one nonpedunculated polyp sized 6 - 10 mm were enrolled. Eligible polyps were randomized (1:1) to be treated with either CS-EMR or HS-EMR. Both methods involved submucosal injection of a methylene blue-tinted normal saline solution. The primary noninferiority end point was histological eradication evaluated by postpolypectomy biopsies (noninferiority margin - 10 %). Secondary outcomes included occurrence of intraprocedural bleeding, clinically significant postprocedural bleeding, and perforation. RESULTS: Among 689 patients screened, 155 patients with 164 eligible polyps were included (CS-EMR n = 83, HS-EMR n = 81). The overall rate of histological complete resection was 92.8 % in the CS-EMR group and 96.3 % in the HS-EMR group (difference 3.5 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] - 4.15 to 11.56), showing noninferiority of CS-EMR compared with HS-EMR. CS-EMR was shown to be noninferior both for polyps measuring 6 - 7 mm (CS-EMR 93.3 %; HS-EMR 100 %; 95 %CI - 7.95 to 21.3) and those of 8 - 10 mm (92.5 % vs. 94.7 %, respectively; 95 %CI - 7.91 to 13.16). Rates of intraprocedural bleeding were similar between the two groups (CS-EMR 3.6 %, HS-EMR 1.2 %; P  = 0.30). No clinically significant postprocedural bleeding or perforation occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: CS-EMR appears to be a valuable modification of the standard cold snare technique, obviating the need to use diathermy for nonpedunculated colorectal polyps sized 6 - 10 mm.

Long-term recurrence of bile duct stones after endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with sphincterotomy: 4-year extended follow-up of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with biliary sphincterotomy (EPLBD + EBS) is safe and effective in patients with large common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, data on long-term outcomes after EPLBD + EBS remain limited. We sought to prospectively evaluate the long-term recurrence of CBD stones after EPLBD + EBS and to identify the associated factors. METHODS: We conducted an extended follow-up of a previous randomized trial (2009-2011) comparing the outcomes of 30- versus 60-s large balloon dilation. A total of 106 trial participants undergoing successful CBD stone clearance by EPLBD + EBS were prospectively followed up for up to 4 years (range 19-48 months). Various risk factors were analysed to assess predictors of long-term recurrence of stones. RESULTS: Recurrent CBD stones appeared in 8/106 (7.5 %) patients during a mean follow-up of 30.5 ± 5.5 months. The mean diameter of CBD was significantly higher in the recurrence versus non-recurrence group (2.0 ± 4.9 vs 1.6 ± 0.9 cm, p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed that CBD diameter was the only predictor significantly associated with the long-term recurrence of stones (odds ratio 1.2, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EPLBD + EBS is associated with a low rate of long-term CBD stone recurrence. However, the risk is significantly higher in patients with a more dilated CBD.

Distinct features of circulating microparticles and their relationship with disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that circulating microparticles (MPs) and annexin (+) platelet-derived MPs (PDMPs) are increased in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of our study was to characterize the abundance, origin, and annexin V binding of MPs in patients with IBD and correlate them with the disease characteristics. METHODS: Case-control study of 46 IBD patients (23 Crohn's disease, 23 ulcerative colitis) and 40 matched healthy controls (HC). MPs were divided according to annexin V binding, their origin was estimated based on specific cell membrane markers in plasma samples and their number was calculated via flow cytometry. Clinical and laboratory activity indices were also analyzed. RESULTS: Annexin (-) PDMPs (P=0.0004), total (P=0.04) and annexin (+) monocyte-derived MPs (P=0.02) were increased and annexin (-) total MPs (P=0.0007) were decreased in IBD patients compared to HC. The annexin (+)/(-) ratio of all MP types were significantly elevated in IBD patients compared to HC (P<0.003). IBD patients with active disease displayed elevated total and annexin (+) total MPs, total, annexin (+) and (-) PDMPs compared with those in remission (P<0.05). Annexin (-) PDMPs were considerably increased in IBD patients with active compared to those with inactive disease (P=0.0013). Total and annexin (-) PDMPs were significantly correlated with most of the disease activity indices (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The majority of circulating MPs, their counterparts and particularly annexin (-) PDMPs are increased in active IBD patients. Annexin (+)/(-) ratio proved to be the most reliable distinctive MP index between HC and IBD patients.

Use of a double-channel gastroscope reduces procedural time in large left-sided colonic endoscopic mucosal resections.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large colorectal lesions is associated with increased procedural time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of double-channel gastroscope (DCG) use on the procedural time of EMRs in the rectosigmoid area. METHODS: All EMRs for sessile or flat rectosigmoid lesions ≥2 cm performed between July 2011 and September 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 55 lesions ≥2 cm in the rectosigmoid area in 55 patients, of which 26 were removed by EMR using a DCG (DC group) and 29 by using an ordinary colonoscope or gastroscope (OS group). The mean size of the removed polyps, morphology, adverse effects, and other parameters were similar between the two groups. The mean procedural time was significantly lower in the DC group than in the OS group (24.4±18.3 minutes vs. 36.3±24.4 minutes, p=0.015). Moreover, in a subgroup of patients with polyps >40 mm, the statistical difference in the mean procedural time between the DC and OS groups was even more pronounced (33±21 minutes vs. 58.7±20.6 minutes, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the use of a DCG in the resection of large nonpedunculated rectosigmoid lesions significantly reduces the procedural time.