Rates of Recurrent Intestinal Metaplasia and Dysplasia After Successful Endoscopic Therapy of Barrett's Neoplasia by EMR vs ESD and Ablation: A Large North American Multicenter Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) combining endoscopic resection (ER) with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) followed by ablation is the standard of care for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). We have previously shown comparable rates of complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) with both approaches. However, data comparing recurrence after CRIM are lacking. We compared rates of recurrence after CRIM with both techniques in a multicenter cohort. METHODS: Patients undergoing EET achieving CRIM at 3 academic institutions were included. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted. Outcomes included rates and predictors of any BE and dysplastic BE recurrence in the two groups. Cox proportional hazards models and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis were utilized for analysis. RESULTS: 621 patients (514 EMR, 107 ESD) achieving CRIM were included in the recurrence analysis. The incidence of any BE (15.7, 5.7 per 100 patient years) and dysplastic BE recurrence (7.3, 5.3 per 100 patient-years) were comparable in the EMR and ESD groups, respectively. On multivariable analyses, the chances of BE recurrence were not influenced by ER technique (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.51-1.49; p= 0.62), which was also confirmed by IPTW analysis (ESD vs EMR: HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.56-1.73; p= 0.94). BE length, lesion size, and history of cigarette smoking were independent predictors of BE recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BE dysplasia/neoplasia achieving CRIM, initially treated with EMR/ablation had comparable recurrence rates to ESD/ablation. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these outcomes between the two ER techniques.

Visceral Fat Predicts New-Onset Diabetes After Necrotizing Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate the incidence of new-onset diabetes (NOD) and identify risk factors for NOD in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). METHODS: Necrotizing pancreatitis patients were reviewed for NOD, diagnosed >90 days after acute pancreatitis. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical outcomes, computed tomography (CT) characteristics of necrotic collections, and CT-derived abdominal fat measurements were analyzed to identify predictors for NOD. RESULTS: Among 390 eligible NP patients (66% men; median age, 51 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36-64) with a median follow-up of 400 days (IQR, 105-1074 days), NOD developed in 101 patients (26%) after a median of 216 days (IQR, 92-749 days) from NP. Of the NOD patients, 84% required insulin and 69% developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.98), male sex (OR, 2.7), obesity (OR, 2.1), presence of EPI (OR, 2.7), and diffuse pancreatic necrosis (OR, 2.4) were independent predictors. In a separate multivariable model assessing abdominal fat on CT, visceral fat area (highest quartile) was an independent predictor for NOD (OR, 3.01). CONCLUSIONS: New-onset diabetes was observed in 1 of 4 patients with NP, most within the first year and requiring insulin. Male sex, obesity, diffuse pancreatic necrosis, development of EPI, and high visceral adiposity identified those at highest risk.

Advances in Screening for Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the primary form of esophageal cancer in the United States, is a lethal cancer with exponentially increasing incidence. Screening for Barrett esophagus (BE), the only known precursor to EAC, followed by endoscopic surveillance to detect dysplasia and early-stage EAC and subsequent endoscopic treatment (to prevent progression of dysplasia to EAC and to treat early-stage EAC effectively) is recommended by several society guidelines. Sedated endoscopy (the primary current tool for BE screening) is both invasive and expensive, limiting its widespread use. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of recent innovations in the nonendoscopic detection of BE and EAC. These include swallowable cell sampling devices combined with protein and epigenetic biomarkers (which are now guideline endorsed as alternatives to sedated endoscopy), tethered capsule endomicroscopy, emerging peripheral blood-sampled molecular biomarkers, and exhaled volatile organic compounds. We also summarize progress and challenges in assessing BE and EAC risk, which is an important complementary component of the process for the clinical implementation of these innovative nonendoscopic tools, and propose a new paradigm for the strategy to reduce EAC incidence and mortality.

ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION WITH VERSUS WITHOUT TRACTION FOR PATHOLOGICALLY STAGED T1B ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Positive vertical margins (VM) are common after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of T1b esophageal cancer (EC) and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Traction during ESD provides better exposure of the submucosa and may allow deeper dissection, potentially reducing the risk of positive VMs. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study to compare the proportion of resections with positive VMs in ESD performed with vs. without traction in pathologically staged T1b EC. METHODS: Patients who underwent ESD revealing T1b EC (squamous or adenocarcinoma) at 10 academic tertiary referral centers in the United States (n = 9) and Brazil (n = 1) were included. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted. ESD using either traction techniques (tunneling, pocket) or traction devices (clip line, traction wire) were classified as ESD with traction (Tr-ESD) and those without were classified as ESD without traction (cESD). The primary outcome was a negative VM. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with negative VM. RESULTS: 166 patients with pathologically staged T1b EC underwent Tr-ESD (n=63, 38%) or cESD (n=103, 62%). Baseline factors were comparable between both groups. On multivariable analysis, Tr-ESD was found to be independently associated with negative VM (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.06, 4.91, P=0.037) and R0 resection (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.33, 6.23 P=0.008). CONCLUSION: ESD with traction seems to be associated with higher odds of negative VM than ESD without traction for pathologically staged T1b EC, and future well-conducted prospective studies are warranted to establish the findings of the current study.

Prevalence of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma With and Without Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are an essential criterion for Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening in most gastroenterology society guidelines, a significant proportion of BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cases do not endorse them. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to study the prevalence of BE/EAC in those with and without GERD. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted through 5 major databases for studies reporting prevalence of BE/EAC in patients with and without GERD. Pooled proportions and odds ratios (ORs) of BE, long-segment BE, short-segment BE, dysplasia, and EAC in patients with and without GERD were synthesized. RESULTS: Forty-three articles (12,883 patients with GERD; 51,350 patients without GERD) were included in the final analysis. BE prevalence was 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.8%-8.5%) and 2.2% (95% CI, 1.6%-3%) among individuals with and without GERD, respectively. EAC prevalence was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4%-1%) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0%-0.2%) in those with and without GERD, respectively. The overall risks for BE (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.06-4.11) and long-segment BE (OR,4.17; 95% CI, 1.78-9.77) were higher in patients with GERD, but the risk for short-segment BE (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.89-3.52) did not differ between the two groups. In 9 population-based high-quality studies (2244 patients with GERD; 3724 patients without GERD), BE prevalence in patients without GERD was 4.9% (95% CI, 2.6%-9%). BE prevalence was highest in North American studies (10.6% [GERD] and 4.8% [non-GERD]). CONCLUSIONS: BE prevalence in those without GERD is substantial, particularly in large high-quality population-based studies. These data are important to factor in future BE/EAC early detection guidelines.

Clinical Outcomes After Endoscopic Management of Low-Risk and High-Risk T1a Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is standard of care for T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, data on outcomes in high-risk T1a EAC are limited. We assessed and compared outcomes after EET of low-risk and high-risk T1a EAC, including intraluminal EAC recurrence, extraesophageal metastases, and overall survival. METHODS: Patients who underwent EET for T1a EAC at 3 referral Barrett's esophagus endotherapy units between 1996 and 2022 were included. Patients with submucosal invasion, positive deep margins, or metastases at initial diagnosis were excluded. High-risk T1a EAC was defined as T1a EAC with poor differentiation and/or lymphovascular invasion, with low-risk disease being defined without these features. All pathology was systematically assessed by expert gastrointestinal pathologists. Baseline and follow-up endoscopy and pathology data were abstracted. Time-to-event analyses were performed to compare outcomes between groups. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight patients with T1a EAC were included (high risk, n = 45; low risk, n = 143) with a median age of 70 years, and 84% were men. Groups were comparable for age, sex, Barrett's esophagus length, lesion size, and EET technique. Rates of delayed extraesophageal metastases (11.1% vs 1.4%) were significantly higher in the high-risk group ( P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the rates of intraluminal EAC recurrence ( P = 0.79) and overall survival ( P = 0.73) between the 2 groups. DISCUSSION: Patients with high-risk T1a EAC undergoing successful EET had a substantially higher rate of extraesophageal metastases compared with those with low-risk T1a EAC on long-term follow-up. These data should be factored into discussions with patients while selecting treatment approaches. Additional prospective data in this area are critical.

State-of-the-art management of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus.

Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) has become a standard of care for treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) and early Barrett's neoplasia. EET mainly consists of removal of any visible lesions via endoscopic resection and eradication of all remaining Barrett's mucosa using endoscopic ablation. Endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection are the two available resection techniques. After complete resection of all visible lesions, it is crucial to perform endoscopic ablation to ensure complete eradication of the remaining Barrett's segment. Endoscopic ablation can be done either with thermal techniques, including radiofrequency ablation and argon plasma coagulation, or cryotherapy techniques. The primary end point of EET is achieving complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) to decrease the risk of dysplastic recurrence after successful EET. After CRIM is achieved, a standardized endoscopic surveillance protocol needs to be implemented for early detection of BE recurrence.

Severe hyperparathyroidism is associated with nutritional impairment in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Severe hyperparathyroidism predicts poor outcomes in patients with kidney failure. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between high parathyroid hormone (PTH) and decreased survival other than bone loss are largely unexplored. Recent evidence suggests the role of excess PTH in adipose tissue browning resulting in protein-energy wasting. The present retrospective observational study examined nutritional status among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis with different degree of hyperparathyroidism. Seven hundred forty-five patients were categorized into four groups according to PTH levels: group 0, < 200; group 1, 200-599; group 2, 600-1,499; and group 3, ≥1,500 pg/ml. Group 0 was excluded because of the relationship between low PTH with aging and malnutrition. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were matched to group 3 by propensity score yielding 410 patients in the final analysis. Nutritional parameters at baseline and the preceding 1 and 2 years were examined. At baseline, lower serum albumin, creatinine/body surface area (Cr/BSA), height in female and higher percentage of patients with serum albumin < 38 g/L were observed in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. Higher PTH level was independently associated with serum albumin < 38 g/L and Cr/BSA < 380 µmol/L/m2. The longitudinal decline in serum albumin and Cr/BSA and the increase in the frequency of patients with serum albumin < 38 g/L were observed among patients in group 3. Between group comparisons confirmed a significant decline in serum albumin and Cr/BSA in association with an increase in the proportion of patients with serum albumin < 38 g/L and Cr/BSA < 380 µmol/L/m2 in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. Weight loss was more significant and was of greater magnitude among patients in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. Normalized protein catabolic rate in 3 groups were comparable. There was no significant difference in any of the nutritional parameters between groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis with severe hyperparathyroidism showed deterioration of nutritional status compared to patients with moderate hyperparathyroidism and patients with PTH level in the recommended range. These findings support the role of extreme PTH level in protein-energy wasting emphasizing the importance of early management of hyperparathyroidism.

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms in necrotizing pancreatitis: risk of early bleeding with lumen-apposing metal stents.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of PSA in NP. METHODS: All NP patients managed at our institution between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database for PSA. Demographics, clinical presentation, method of diagnosis, management, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 607 patients (6.4%) with NP had a confirmed diagnosis of PSA. Demographics, presence of infected necrosis, development of organ failure(s), and severity of disease were similar between PSA and no PSA. Endoscopic and percutaneous drainages for walled-off necrosis (WON) were more common in the PSA group. Seven patients developed PSA without requiring any intervention for WON, and 17 patients (43.6%) had lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) placed before PSA diagnosis. The time from NP diagnosis to PSA diagnosis was shorter in these patients (n = 17) compared with the remaining patients (n=22; 47 days [interquartile range {IQR}: 17-85] vs 109 days [IQR: 61-180.5, P=0.009]). In addition, 7 of 11 patients (63.6%) with early PSA (defined by <3 weeks from index cystgastrostomy/cystduodenostomy) had an indwelling LAMS at the time of the PSA diagnosis. Seventy-seven percent of patients presented with anemia, 74.3% with GI bleeding, and 30% with hemorrhagic shock. CT was diagnostic for PSA in 83.9% with a false-negative rate of 16.1%. Splenic (50%) and gastroduodenal (28%) arteries were the most common arteries involved by PSA. Angiography and embolization for PSA were successful in 33 of 35 patients. In-hospital mortality was observed in 9 patients (23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Although visceral artery PSA affects a small percentage of NP patients, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, bleeding from PSA induced by erosion of LAMSs may occur in the first 2 weeks, prompting individualization of removal intervals.

Parathyroidectomy is associated with slow progression of vascular calcification in maintenance haemodialysis patients: A propensity score-matched case-control study.

Parathyroidectomy has been the mainstay of treatment of severe hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney failure until the introduction of calcimimetic. Several large observational studies demonstrated the improvement in patient outcomes after parathyroidectomy. The benefit of parathyroidectomy on vascular calcification remains largely unexplored. AIM: To examine the association between parathyroidectomy and the progression of vascular calcification as well as overall survival in maintenance haemodialysis patients. METHOD: This is a matched case-control study undertaken between 2012 and 2020. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy were identified and matched 1:1 to non-parathyroidectomized (non-PTX) haemodialysis patients using propensity score matching method resulting in 120 patients in each arm. Aortic arch calcification (AoAC) score was determined annually in the posteroanterior chest x-ray. The average follow-up period was 38 months. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, laboratory data and AoAC score were comparable among the two groups of patients. The prevalence of AoAC was 59% in the PTX group and 54% in the non-PTX group (p = .43). Progression of AoAC occurred in 33% in the PTX group and 47% in the non-PTX group (p = .04). Multivariate generalized linear model revealed parathyroidectomy as an independent protective factor [ß (95% CI) -1.04 (-1.68, -0.41)] and increased serum calcium as a potentiating factor [ß (95% CI) 0.62 (0.25, 0.1)] for progression of AoAC. Linear mixed models revealed an increase in AoAC score in both groups but between group comparisons indicated substantially slower progression in the PTX group. Rapid progression of AoAC was also observed more frequently among non-PTX patients. Death occurred in 7 and 16% in the PTX and non-PTX groups, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve revealed better survival associated with parathyroidectomy (p = .01). More rapid progression of AoAC also correlated with worse survival. CONCLUSION: Parathyroidectomy was associated with slow progression of vascular calcification in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

Advances and new frontiers for immunotherapy in colorectal cancer: Setting the stage for neoadjuvant success?

Immunotherapy in the metastatic setting has drastically altered the landscape of treatment for various types of malignancy, including colorectal cancer. The category of immune checkpoint inhibitors has especially emerged as a class of therapy predicated on a more comprehensive understanding of immune cell-cancer cell regulation and evolution of the tumor microenvironment over time. Strategies including adoptive cellular therapies, tumor vaccines, and antibodies have also demonstrated the ability to enhance antitumor immunity. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the current landscape of immunotherapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer and provide insight into how these strategies may evolve in the next decade and be adapted to more localized forms of cancers of the colon and rectum. We provide particular focus on various combination approaches under investigation for reversing cancer-induced immunosuppression, especially in mismatch repair-proficient/microsatellite-stable colorectal tumors. Finally, we summarize current understanding on a recently identified integral factor in local immune regulation, the colonic microbiome. The aim of this article is to identify current challenges and barriers to improvement and to specify opportunities for applying knowledge in the immunotherapy sphere to rational design of clinical trials intended to improve survival and related outcomes in patients treated in the neoadjuvant setting.

Decreased skeletal muscle density is an independent predictor of mortality in necrotizing pancreatitis- A single tertiary center experience in 507 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Necrotizing pancreatitis has a variable clinical course and it is essential to identify determinants associated with high risk of mortality and poor clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between CT-assessed body composition parameters such as visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) and inpatient mortality in NP patients. Secondary outcomes include organ failure on admission, persistent organ failure, length of stay (LOS), need for ICU admission, need for endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical interventions for NP and 30-day unplanned readmission. METHODS: All NP patients managed at a single center between 2009 and 2019 with a CT scan within a week of admission were included. SMI, SMD and VFA was calculated from CT imaging at the third lumbar vertebra and multivariable analysis was performed after correcting for age, sex, BMI, ASA classification, multi- organ failure on admission to determine independent association with inpatient mortality and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: 507 NP patients [males = 349 (68.8%), median age 53 (IQR 37-65) years were included in this study. The lowest tertile SMD was independently associated with inpatient mortality on multivariable analysis: adjusted OR 3.36 (1.57-7.2), P = 0.002. The lowest SMI tertile and highest VFA tertile were not independently associated with mortality. Lowest tertile SMD was significantly associated with persistent organ failure (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.34-3.01, p = 0.001), need for percutaneous drainage (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.21-2.8, p = 0.004), need for ICU admission (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.59-3.38, p < 0.0001) and LOS. CONCLUSION: Low SMD was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in NP patients and can be usefully incorporated in CT based predictive scoring models as a prognostic marker.

Lower endoscopic delivery of freeze-dried intestinal microbiota results in more rapid and efficient engraftment than oral administration.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a highly effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). However, standardization of FMT products is essential for its broad implementation into clinical practice. We have developed an oral preparation of freeze-dried, encapsulated microbiota, which is ~ 80% clinically effective, but results in delayed engraftment of donor bacteria relative to administration via colonoscopy. Our objective was to measure the engraftment potential of freeze-dried microbiota without the complexity of variables associated with oral administration. We compared engraftment of identical preparations and doses of freeze-dried microbiota following colonoscopic (9 patients) versus oral administration (18 patients). Microbiota were characterized by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and engraftment was determined using the SourceTracker algorithm. Oligotyping analysis was done to provide high-resolution patterns of microbiota engraftment. Colonoscopic FMT was associated with greater levels of donor engraftment within days following the procedure (ANOVA P = 0.035) and specific increases in the relative abundances of donor Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Porphyromonadaceae (P ≤ 0.033). Lower relative abundances of Bacteroidaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae families were associated with clinical failures. These results suggest that further optimization of oral capsule FMT may improve its engraftment efficiency and clinical efficacy.

Esophageal Pathophysiologic Changes and Adenocarcinoma After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on acid reflux and esophageal motor function and to evaluate the observation of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) after bariatric surgery. METHODS: We searched 5 databases for adults who underwent SG or RYGB and had esophageal pH test and/or esophageal manometry before and after surgery. A separate systemic search of observational studies and a retrospective review at 3 institutions of adults who developed EAC after these surgeries were conducted. Outcomes were changes in manometric and pH parameters and EAC cases after SG and RYGB. RESULTS: A total of 27 nonrandomized studies (SG: 612 patients; RYGB: 470 patients) were included. After SG, lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal body amplitude were decreased and the risk of ineffective esophageal motility was increased. Total and recumbent acid exposure times were increased. After RYGB, an increased risk of ineffective esophageal motility was observed. Total, upright, and recumbent acid exposure times were decreased. The total reflux episodes remained unchanged but with increased nonacid reflux and decreased acid reflux events. Including our largest series, 31 EAC cases have been reported to date after SG and RYGB. DISCUSSION: This systematic review demonstrates increased acid reflux after SG and decreased acid reflux after RYGB. An observed increased nonacid reflux after RYGB might contribute to failure of gastroesophageal reflux disease improvement. This refluxate might be noxious to the esophagus, warranting further studies. RYGB might not entirely preserve esophageal function as previously believed.

Endoscopic full-thickness suturing plus argon plasma mucosal coagulation versus argon plasma mucosal coagulation alone for weight regain after gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (TORe) has been used to manage weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the efficacy and safety of the two most commonly used techniques: full-thickness suturing plus argon plasma mucosal coagulation (ft-TORe) and argon plasma mucosal coagulation alone (APMC-TORe). METHODS: A literature search of publication databases was performed from their inception to February 2020 for relevant studies. The outcomes of interest were percentage total body weight loss, gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) diameter, and adverse events (AEs). The pooled effect estimates were analyzed using a random-effects model. Meta-regression was conducted to identify associations between GJA diameter and weight loss. RESULTS: Nine ft-TORe (n = 737) and 7 APMC-TORe (n = 888) studies were included. APMC-TORe was performed as a series of sessions (mean number of sessions ranging from 1.2 to 3), whereas ft-TORe was mostly performed as a single session. Percentage total body weight loss was 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3%-9.7%), 9.5% (95% CI, 8.1%-11.0%), and 5.8% (95% CI, 4.3%-7.1%) after ft-TORe and 9.0% (95% CI, 4.1%-13.9%), 10.2% (95% CI, 8.4%-12.1%), and 9.5% (95% CI, 5.7%-13.2%) after APMC-TORe at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, with no weight-loss difference at 3 and 6 months (P > .05). Only one severe AE was observed after APMC-TORe and none after ft-TORe. Stricture formation was the most common AE (ft-TORe 3.3% and APMC-TORe 4.8%, P = .38). All were successfully treated by endoscopic dilation or conservative treatment. Smaller aperture of the post-TORe GJA and greater change in the GJA diameter correlated with greater weight loss in APMC-TORe and numerical trends in ft-TORe. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that both ft-TORe and APMC-TORe offer significant and comparable weight-loss outcomes with a high and comparable safety profile. However, APMC-TORe typically required multiple endoscopic sessions. Identifying a goal for the final and change in GJA diameter could be useful treatment targets.

The Efficacy and Safety of a Procedureless Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloons have been used to bridge the obesity treatment gap with the benefits of being minimally invasive but still required endoscopy. The Elipse intragastric balloon (EIGB) is a swallowable balloon that is spontaneously excreted through a natural orifice at approximately 16 weeks. Several concerns exist, including the treatment efficacy and risk of bowel obstruction. Our meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EIGB. METHODS: A literature search was performed from several databases from database inception to November 2019. Eligible studies must report percent total weight loss (%TWL) after completion of treatment and adverse events. The pooled means and proportions of our data were analyzed using random effects model, generic inverse variance method. RESULTS: Six studies involving 2013 unique patients met our eligibility criteria and were included. The mean baseline BMI ranged from 30.6 to 36.2. The pooled early removal rate was 2.3% (95% CI, 1.1-3.5%; I2 31%). The pooled %TWL after completion of treatment (4-6 months) was 12.8% (95% CI, 11.6-13.9%; I2 83%) and at 12 months was 10.9% (95% CI, 5.0-16.9%, I2 98%). For serious adverse events, three patients had small bowel obstruction, and one patient had gastric perforation requiring surgery. Early expulsion by emesis and early deflation were seen in 3 and 9 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that EIGB is a safe device offering an effective weight loss that warrants further studies for its long-term weight loss outcomes. Severe adverse events are rare, and the rate of early removal is low.

Midterm Outcome of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Asians: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed bariatric surgery. Studies have suggested that LSG can provide effective and sustainable weight loss although most of them were conducted in Western populations. Our aim was to characterize the midterm outcome of LSG in Asians with obesity. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through August 2019 for studies that reported % total body weight loss (TBWL) and/or % excess weight loss (EWL) at 3 and/or 5 years among adult Asians with obesity who underwent LSG. Data on complications and surgical revision rate were also extracted. The pooled effect size and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies involving 6235 patients were included. The pooled mean %EWLs were 72.6% (95% CI 67.2-78.0, I2 = 97%); 67.1% (95% CI 61.7-72.6, I2 = 95%); and 59.1% (95% CI 48.8-69.4, I2 = 94%) at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The pooled mean %TBWLs were 32.1%, 29.0%, and 25.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The pooled rates of revision due to gastroesophageal reflux disease and weight regain were 1.9% and 2.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that LSG is an effective procedure for weight reduction that offers durable response for up to 5 years among Asians with obesity. The longer-term data is needed.