Radiofrequency ablation for ampullary neoplasia with intraductal extension after endoscopic papillectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Noninvasive ampullary neoplasms may be removed by surgery or endoscopy. However, given the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery, endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is the preferred approach. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after EP has emerged as a promising alternative therapy to avoid surgery after incomplete EP. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for residual or recurrent lesions with intraductal extension after endoscopic papillectomy. Patients and methods The inclusion criteria include clinical trials, cohort studies, and case series evaluating patients with residual or recurrent lesions with intraductal extension after EP treated with RFA. Case reports, duplicated data, and studies with follow-up periods < 10 months were excluded. The metanalysis evaluated adverse events, surgical conversion rate, clinical success and recurrence. Results Seven studies were selected, totaling 124 patients. RFA was associated with a clinical success rate of 75.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 65.0-88.0%; I 2 = 23.484) in a mean follow-up period < 10 months. However, the biliary stricture rate was 22.2% (95% CI 12.1-28.4%; I 2 = 61.030), 14.3% of pancreatitis (95% CI 8.8-22.3%; I 2 < 0.001), 7.0% of cholangitis (95% CI 3.3-14.5%; I 2 < 0.001), 4.0% of bleeding (95% CI 1.7-9.3%; I 2 < 0.001), and recurrence of 24.3% (95% CI 16.0-35.0%; I 2 = 23.484). Conclusions RFA is feasible and appears to be effective for managing residual or recurrent lesions with intraductal extension after EP. However, long-term follow-up and high-quality studies are required to confirm our findings.

HOT VERSUS COLD SNARE FOR COLORECTAL POLYPECTOMIES SIZED UP TO 10MM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and prevention relies on screening programs with resection complete resection of neoplastic lesions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the best snare polypectomy technique for colorectal lesions up to 10 mm, focusing on complete resection rate, and adverse events. METHODS: A comprehensive search using electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing hot versus cold snare resection for polyps sized up to 10 mm, and following PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was performed. Outcomes included complete resection rate, en bloc resection rate, polypectomy, procedure times, immediate, delayed bleeding, and perforation. RESULTS: Nineteen RCTs involving 8720 patients and 17588 polyps were included. Hot snare polypectomy showed a higher complete resection rate (RD, 0.02; 95%CI [+0.00,0.04]; P=0.03; I 2=63%), but also a higher rate of delayed bleeding (RD 0.00; 95%CI [0.00, 0.01]; P=0.01; I 2=0%), and severe delayed bleeding (RD 0.00; 95%CI [0.00, 0.00]; P=0.04; I 2=0%). Cold Snare was associated with shorter polypectomy time (MD -46.89 seconds; 95%CI [-62.99, -30.79]; P<0.00001; I 2=90%) and shorter total colonoscopy time (MD -7.17 minutes; 95%CI [-9.10, -5.25]; P<0.00001; I 2=41%). No significant differences were observed in en bloc resection rate or immediate bleeding. CONCLUSION: Hot snare polypectomy presents a slightly higher complete resection rate, but, as it is associated with a longer procedure time and a higher rate of delayed bleeding compared to Cold Snare, it cannot be recommended as the gold standard approach. Individual analysis and personal experience should be considered when selecting the best approach.

Correction: Intraductal radiofrequency ablation plus biliary stent versus stent alone for malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-2204-8316.].

Cryotherapy versus radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus with or without early esophageal neoplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the first-line therapy for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). Therefore, cryotherapy has emerged as an alternative treatment option. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of these two techniques based on the rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) and dysplasia (CE-D). Adverse events and recurrence have also been reported. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases until December 2022. Studies were included comparing cryotherapy and RFA for treating dysplastic BE with or without early esophageal neoplasia. This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Three retrospective cohort studies involving 627 patients were included. Of these, 399 patients underwent RFA, and 228 were treated with cryotherapy. There was no difference in CE-IM (risk difference [RD], -0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.25 to 0.19; p=0.78; I2=86%) as well as in CE-D (RD, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.09; p=0.64; I2=70%) between the groups. The absolute number of adverse events was low, and there was no difference in the recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Cryotherapy and RFA were equally effective in treating dysplastic BE, with or without early esophageal neoplasia.

Intraductal radiofrequency ablation plus biliary stent versus stent alone for malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Recurrent biliary stent occlusion and tumor ingrowth remain a major concern among patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) with significant impact on patient morbidity and survival. Intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a promising treatment that seeks to extend stent patency. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of RFA on overall survival (OS) and stent patency among patients with unresectable MBO. Methods A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RFA plus biliary stent (RFA+S) versus biliary stent alone (S-alone). Outcomes assessed included overall survival, stent patency, and adverse events (AEs) with mean difference (MD) calculated from pooled proportions. Subgroup analyses were performed for hilar strictures and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Results Six RCTs (n=439 patients) were included and demonstrated improved survival among patients who received RFA+S (MD 85.80 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.02-136.58; I 2 =97%; P <0.0009). The pooled MD for total stent patency was 22.25 days (95% CI 17.38-61.87; I 2 =97%; P =0.27). There was no difference in AEs between RFA+S vs S-alone ( P >0.05). On subgroup analyses, RFA+S was associated with improved stent patency (MD 76.73 days; 95% CI 50.11-103.34; I 2 =67%; P <0.01) and OS (MD 83.14 (95% CI 29.52-136.77; I 2 =97%; P <0.01] for CCA. For hilar strictures, stent patency was improved among patients with RFA+S [MD 83.71 days (95% CI 24.85-142.56; I 2 =84%; P <0.01]. Conclusions RFA+S improved OS in the treatment of MBO when compared with S-alone. Moreover, the RFA therapy prolonged stent patency in hilar strictures and CCA, with similar rates of AEs.

Advanced Cancer-A Bad Consequence of a Missed Follow-Up after ESD in Barrett's Esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus(BE)is a precursor to adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric transition. Thus, endoscopic surveillance is essential for the early diagnosis of dysplasia and neoplasm, allowing proper therapeutic. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, surveillance frequently failed. We present a case of a male, caucasian, 65 years old, patient with early adenocarcinoma in BE. Submitted an endoscopic resection, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic patient lost the follow-up endoscopic exams. Returned with a T3N1 adenocarcinoma esophagus in resection area. The present report illustrates the consequences of the failure in follow-up after submucosal resection in COVID-19 pandemic context.

Endoscopic ultrasound artificial intelligence-assisted for prediction of gastrointestinal stromal tumors diagnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Subepithelial lesions (SELs) are gastrointestinal tumors with heterogeneous malignant potential. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the leading method for evaluation, but without histopathological analysis, precise differentiation of SEL risk is limited. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising aid for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions in the absence of histopathology. AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of AI-assisted EUS in diagnosing SELs, especially lesions originating from the muscularis propria layer. METHODS: Electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. Patients of any sex and > 18 years, with SELs assessed by EUS AI-assisted, with previous histopathological diagnosis, and presented sufficient data values which were extracted to construct a 2 × 2 table. The reference standard was histopathology. The primary outcome was the accuracy of AI for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Secondary outcomes were AI-assisted EUS diagnosis for GIST vs gastrointestinal leiomyoma (GIL), the diagnostic performance of experienced endoscopists for GIST, and GIST vs GIL. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated. The corresponding summary receiver operating characteristic curve and post-test probability were also analyzed. RESULTS: Eight retrospective studies with a total of 2355 patients and 44154 images were included in this meta-analysis. The AI-assisted EUS for GIST diagnosis showed a sensitivity of 92% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.95; P < 0.01), specificity of 80% (95%CI: 0.75-0.85; P < 0.01), and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.949. For diagnosis of GIST vs GIL by AI-assisted EUS, specificity was 90% (95%CI: 0.88-0.95; P = 0.02) and AUC of 0.966. The experienced endoscopists' values were sensitivity of 72% (95%CI: 0.67-0.76; P < 0.01), specificity of 70% (95%CI: 0.64-0.76; P < 0.01), and AUC of 0.777 for GIST. Evaluating GIST vs GIL, the experts achieved a sensitivity of 73% (95%CI: 0.65-0.80; P < 0.01) and an AUC of 0.819. CONCLUSION: AI-assisted EUS has high diagnostic accuracy for fourth-layer SELs, especially for GIST, demonstrating superiority compared to experienced endoscopists' and improving their diagnostic performance in the absence of invasive procedures.

High frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, but insignificant prevalence of gluten-sensitive enteropathies in Brazilian fibromyalgia patients.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Coeliac disease (CD) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) cause symptoms like those seen in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and functional gastrointestinal disorders. There is no consistent data on frequency of these symptoms and no study performed duodenal biopsies to investigate CD/NCGS in Brazilian FM patients. Therefore, we sought to verify the prevalence of CD/NCGS in FM patients and the association between gastrointestinal manifestations and FM symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two individuals with FM (ACR2010) were recruited from FM outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital. Clinical evaluation included the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Severity Symptom Scale (SS), Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PDS), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Subjects were screened for the presence of coeliac antibodies and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (duodenal biopsies) was performed for diagnosis of CD/NCGS. RESULTS: 46 (74.2%) women reported at least one digestive symptom: constipation, abdominal distension, loss of weight/inappetence, and nausea/vomiting. Fourteen (31.8%) presented macroscopic duodenitis and 2(4.5%) had duodenal lymphocytic infiltrates, but none met CD criteria. In 1(1.6%) patient NCGS was confirmed. There was association between presence of any digestive symptom and WPI and SS (fatigue, waking up tired, cognition), but no difference on FIQ between patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal complaints were frequent and associated with increased degree of polysymptomatic distress in FM patients, but presence of these symptoms was not related to overall impact of FM over different dimensions of the patient's life. Moreover, the prevalence of CD/NCGS was very low. This suggests that screening for CD in Brazilian FM patients might not be cost-effective, since the frequency of CD/NCGS was very low.

High frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, but insignificant prevalence of gluten-sensitive enteropathies in Brazilian fibromyalgia patients / Alta frecuencia de molestias gastrointestinales, pero prevalencia insignificante de enteropatías sensibles al gluten en pacientes brasileños con fibromialgia

Introduction/Objectives: Coeliac disease (CD) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) cause symptoms like those seen in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and functional gastrointestinal disorders. There is no consistent data on frequency of these symptoms and no study performed duodenal biopsies to investigate CD/NCGS in Brazilian FM patients. Therefore, we sought to verify the prevalence of CD/NCGS in FM patients and the association between gastrointestinal manifestations and FM symptoms. Material and methods: Sixty-two individuals with FM (ACR2010) were recruited from FM outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital. Clinical evaluation included the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Severity Symptom Scale (SS), Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PDS), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Subjects were screened for the presence of coeliac antibodies and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (duodenal biopsies) was performed for diagnosis of CD/NCGS. Results: 46 (74.2%) women reported at least one digestive symptom: constipation, abdominal distension, loss of weight/inappetence, and nausea/vomiting. Fourteen (31.8%) presented macroscopic duodenitis and 2(4.5%) had duodenal lymphocytic infiltrates, but none met CD criteria. In 1(1.6%) patient NCGS was confirmed. There was association between presence of any digestive symptom and WPI and SS (fatigue, waking up tired, cognition), but no difference on FIQ between patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal complaints were frequent and associated with increased degree of polysymptomatic distress in FM patients, but presence of these symptoms was not related to overall impact of FM over different dimensions of the patient's life. Moreover, the prevalence of CD/NCGS was very low. This suggests that screening for CD in Brazilian FM patients might not be cost-effective, since the frequency of CD/NCGS was very low.(AU)

Introducción/Objetivos: La enfermedad celíaca (EC) y la sensibilidad al gluten no celíaca (SGNC) causan síntomas similares a los observados en pacientes con fibromialgia (FM) y trastornos gastrointestinales funcionales. Ningún estudio realizó biopsias duodenales para investigar EC/SGNC en pacientes brasileños con FM. Por lo tanto, buscamos verificar la prevalencia de EC/SGNC en pacientes con FM y la asociación entre manifestaciones gastrointestinales y síntomas de FM. Material y métodos: Sesenta y dos mujeres con FM (ACR2010) fueron reclutadas de las consultas de FM de un hospital terciario. La evaluación incluyó el índice de dolor generalizado (IDG), la escala de gravedad de síntomas (SS), la escala de angustia polisintomática (EAP) y el cuestionario de impacto de la fibromialgia (FIQ). Los sujetos fueron examinados para la presencia de anticuerpos celíacos y se realizó una endoscopia gastrointestinal superior (biopsias duodenales) para el diagnóstico de EC/SGNC. Se investigaron las asociaciones estadísticas entre las molestias gastrointestinales y los síntomas de FM (p<0,05). Resultados: Un total de 46 (74,2%) mujeres refirieron al menos un síntoma digestivo: estreñimiento, distensión abdominal, pérdida de peso/inapetencia y náuseas/vómitos. Catorce (31,8%) presentaban duodenitis macroscópica y 2 (4,5%) infiltrados linfocíticos duodenales, pero ninguno cumplía criterios de EC. En un (1,6%) paciente se confirmó SGNC. Hubo asociación entre la presencia de síntoma digestivo y IDG y SS (fatiga, despertarse cansado, cognición), pero no hubo diferencia en FIQ entre pacientes con y sin síntomas gastrointestinales. Conclusión: A pesar de la alta prevalencia de síntomas digestivos y su asociación con el grado de amplificación del dolor central, la frecuencia de EC/SGNC fue insignificante. Además, no se observaron diferencias en el impacto de la FM en la calidad de vida (FIQ) en pacientes con y sin síntomas gastrointestinales.(AU)

Impact of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has proven to be feasible, safe, and effective in the management of obesity. We performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating NAFLD and other metabolic parameters 12 months post-ESG. Four observational studies with a total of 175 patients were included. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of 4.85 in hepatic steatosis index (95% CI - 6.02, - 3.67), 0.5 in NAFLD fibrosis score (95% CI - 0.80, - 0.19), 6.32 U/l in ALT (95% CI - 9.52, - 3.11), 17.28% in TWL (95% CI - 18.24, - 16.31), 6.31 kg/m2 in BMI (95% CI - 8.11, - 4.52), 47.97% in EWL (95% CI - 49.10, - 46.84), and 0.51% in HbA1c (95% CI - 0.90, - 0.12). ESG improves liver parameters, provides weight loss, and reduces HbA1c levels in patients suffering from NAFLD.

Fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with metabolic syndrome and obesity: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disease, and the gut microbiota may play a role in its pathogenesis. Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is associated with insulin resistance, often increasing the risk of type two diabetes mellitus, vascular endothelial dysfunction, an abnormal lipid profile, hypertension, and vascular inflammation, all of which promote the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This was a randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled trial comparing FMT and a sham procedure in patients with metabolic syndrome. We selected 32 female patients, who were divided into eight groups of four patients each. All of the patients were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. In each group, two patients were randomly allocated to undergo FMT, and the other two patients received saline infusion. The patients were followed for one year after the procedures, during which time anthropometric, bioimpedance, and biochemical data were collected. The patients also had periodic consultations with a nutritionist and an endocrinologist. The primary end point was a change in the gut microbiota. RESULTS: There was evidence of a postprocedural change in microbiota composition in the patients who underwent FMT in relation to that observed in those who underwent the sham procedure. However, we found no difference between the two groups in terms of the clinical parameters evaluated. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in biochemical or anthropometric parameters, between the two groups evaluated. Nevertheless, there were significant postprocedural differences in the microbiota composition between the placebo group. To date, clinical outcomes related to FMT remain uncertain.

A Head-to-Head Comparison of Computed Tomography Colonography, Optical Colonoscopy, and Colon Endoscopic Capsule for the Detection of Polyps After Partial Colectomy or Rectosigmoidectomy for Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Background and objective Optical colonoscopy is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and it allows for biopsy and resection, as well as documentation of synchronous lesions. CT colonography (CTC) and colon endoscopic capsule (CEC) are also recommended as alternative minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures. Prospective studies comparing these three approaches are scarce in the current literature. In light of this, the aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of polyp detection between these three methods in patients with a history of curative surgical resection of CRC. Methods Patients were consecutively recruited and all procedures were sequentially conducted on the same day. The primary endpoint was the detection rate of polyps, whereas secondary endpoints were the detection of polyps according to size and location, and the adverse events caused by these procedures. Results A total of 21 patients were consecutively included and all of them underwent all three interventions. No adverse events, local recurrences, or metachronous lesions were detected. In two cases with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CTC unveiled distant metastasis. Optical colonoscopy registered a mean of 0.4 polyp >6 mm and 1.3 polyps <6 mm per patient. CTC unveiled only 0.5 polyp >6 mm/patient and no smaller lesions were documented, whereas findings for the colon capsule comprised an average of 0.4 polyps >6 mm and 0.7 polyps <6 mm per patient. Statistical difference was not demonstrated, except for virtual colonoscopy in terms of the total number of polyps detected in comparison to optical colonoscopy. Conclusions Optical colonoscopy showed superior results in comparison to virtual colonoscopy while there was no statistical difference in comparison to colon capsule. Notwithstanding occasional difficulties, all three techniques were well tolerated. Hence, decisions concerning the use of each diagnostic method should be based on their availability, professional expertise, contraindications, and patient preferences.

Pseudotumoral Amyloidosis Presentation With Upper Digestive Bleeding.

Amyloidosis is a condition related to the extracellular deposition of abnormal fibrillar proteins. Gastric involvement may present as a systemic or localized form of the disease. The endoscopic presentation can vary from nodular, ulcerated, or infiltrative lesions. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific, including hyporexia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, epigastralgia, and abdominal discomfort. Thus, amyloidosis can clinically and endoscopically mimic other diseases, such as neoplasms, syphilis, tuberculosis, and Crohn's disease, requiring a high suspicion. When it manifests with gastrointestinal bleeding, it most commonly occurs as intermittent melena. This report aims to present an unusual case of a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding exteriorized through melena secondary to amyloidosis with gastric involvement.

Endoscopic Ultrasound View of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis.

Pneumatosis cystoid intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition, with a worldwide incidence of 0.3-1.2%. PCI is classified into primary (idiopathic) and secondary forms, with 15% and 85% of presentations, respectively. This pathology was associated with a wide variety of underlining etiologies to explain the abnormal accumulation of gas within the submucosa (69.9%), subserosa (25.5%), or both layers (4.6%). Many patients endure misdiagnosis, mistreatment, or even inadequate surgical exploration. In this case, a patient presented acute diverticulitis, after treatment, a control colonoscopy was performed that found multiple rounds and elevated lesions. To further study the subepithelial lesion (SEL), a colorectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was performed with an overtube in the same procedure. For safe insertion of the curvilinear array EUS, an overtube with colonoscopy was positioned through the sigmoid as described by Cheng et al. The EUS evaluation evidenced air reverberation in the submucosal layer. The pathological analysis was consistent with PCI's diagnosis. The diagnosis of PCI is usually made by colonoscopy (51.9%), surgery (40.6%), and radiological findings (10.9%). Although the diagnosis can be made by radiological studies, a colorectal EUS and colonoscopy can be made in the same section without radiation and with high precision. As it is a rare disease, there are not enough studies to define the best approach, although colorectal EUS should be preferred for a reliable diagnosis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass affects the expression of genes related to the intestinal folate metabolism pathway in obese women.

OBJECTIVES: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) promotes sustained weight loss, and the resulting new gastrointestinal anatomy can contribute to nutritional depletions. Folate deficiency is one of the most frequently observed nutritional deficiencies after RYGB. The aim of this study was to assess whether RYGB affects the expression of genes related to the intestinal folate metabolism pathway as an additional molecular mechanism contributing to its postoperative deficiency. METHODS: Biopsies from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of 20 obese women were collected before and 3 mo after RYGB. The expression of genes involved in intestinal folate metabolism was assessed by microarray and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Folate intake (7-d food record) and plasma levels (electrochemiluminescence) also were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative phase, transcriptomic alterations were observed in all intestinal segments studied after RYBG, mainly marked by decreased expression of genes encoding folate transporters/receptors and increased expression of genes involved in folate biosynthesis (P < 0.05). Reduced folate intake and plasma folate levels were also observed simultaneously (P < 0.05). Plasma folate concentrations correlated inversely with intestinal FOLR2 and SHMT2 genes (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present findings suggested that impaired expression of genes related to intestinal folate metabolism may contribute to the early systemic deficiency after RYGB and highlight a potential transcriptomic reprogramming of the intestine in response to RYGB to compensate for folate depletion induced by this surgical technique.

Self-Expandable Metal Stent (SEMS) Versus Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) for Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and aim Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is the gold standard approach for the treatment of encapsulated pancreatic collections (EPCs) including pseudocyst and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON), and is associated with an equivalent clinical efficacy to surgical drainage with fewer complications and less morbidity. Drainage may be achieved via several types of stents including a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). However, to date there have been no randomized trials to compare these devices. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the SEMS versus LAMS for EUS-guided drainage of EPCs. Methods A phase IIB randomized trial was designed to compare the SEMS versus LAMS for the treatment of EPCs. Technical success, clinical success, adverse events (AEs), and procedure time were evaluated. A sample size of 42 patients was determined. Results There was no difference between the two groups in technical (LAMS 80.95% vs 100% SEMS, p=0.107), clinical (LAMS 85.71% vs 95.24% SEMS, p=0.606) or radiological success (LAMS 92.86% vs 83.33% SEMS, p=0.613). There was no difference in AEs including stent migration rate and mortality. The procedure time was longer in the LAMS group (mean time 43.81 min versus 24.43 min, p=0.001). There was also a difference in the number of intra-procedure complications (5 LAMS vs 0 SEMS, p=0.048). Conclusion SEMS and LAMS have similar technical, clinical, and radiological success as well as AEs. However, SEMS has a shorter procedure time and fewer intra-procedure complications compared to non-electrocautery-enhanced LAMS in this phase IIB randomized controlled trial (RCT). The choice of the type of stent used for EUS drainage of EPCs should consider device availability, costs, and personal and local experience.

Relationship between perioperative semaglutide use and residual gastric content: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing elective upper endoscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist used for management of type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. To test the hypothesis that perioperative semaglutide use is associated with delayed gastric emptying and increased residual gastric content (RGC) despite adequate preoperative fasting, we compared the RGC of patients who had and had not taken semaglutide prior to elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The primary outcome was the presence of increased RGC. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective electronic chart review. SETTING: Tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy under deep sedation/general anesthesia between July/2021-March/2022. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into two (SG = semaglutide, NSG = non-semaglutide) groups, according to whether they had received semaglutide within 30 days prior to the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. MEASUREMENTS: Increased RGC was defined as any amount of solid content, or > 0.8 mL/Kg (measured from the aspiration/suction canister) of fluid content. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 886 esophagogastroduodenoscopies performed, 404 (33 in the SG and 371 in the NSG) were included in the final analysis. Increased RGC was observed in 27 (6.7%) patients, being 8 (24.2%) in the SG and 19 (5.1%) in the NSG (p < 0.001). Semaglutide use [5.15 (95%CI 1.92-12.92)] and the presence of preoperative digestive symptoms (nausea/vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal distension) [3.56 (95%CI 2.2-5.78)] were associated with increased RGC in the propensity weighted analysis. Conversely, a protective [0.25 (95%CI 0.16-0.39)] effect against increased RGC was observed in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy combined with colonoscopy. In the SG, the mean time of preoperative semaglutide interruption in patients with and without increased RGC was 10.5 ± 5.5 and 10.2 ± 5.6 days, respectively (p = 0.54). There was no relationship between semaglutide use and the amount/volume of RGC found on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (p = 0.99). Only one case (in the SG) of pulmonary aspiration was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Semaglutide was associated with increased RGC in patients undergoing elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Digestive symptoms prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy were also predictive of increased RGC.