Risk factors associated to argon plasma coagulation treatment failure in patients with chronic radiation proctopathy

Background: argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the current endoscopic treatment of choice for patients who develop chronic radiation proctopathy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with treatment failure. Methods: one hundred and ninety-nine patients treated with argon plasma coagulation in a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Results: twenty-four (12.06 %) patients were classified as APC treatment failures. Requirement of red blood cells transfusion and/or hemoglobin < 7 g/dl (OR 12.19, 95 % CI: 2.78-53.45, p < 0.001) and severe bleeding frequency (OR 2.76, 95 % CI: 1.13-6.72, p = 0.03) at diagnosis and prior to endoscopic therapy were associated with argon plasma coagulation treatment failure. Nineteen patients of the successful therapy group developed bleeding recurrence; no risk factors were associated with a shorter recurrence-free time. More than four APC sessions were associated to a higher risk of surgical intervention for bleeding control (OR 87.00, 95 % CI: 10.23-740.18, p < 0.001). Conclusion: requirement of red blood cells transfusion and/or hemoglobin < 7 g/dl and a severe bleeding frequency (more than five days per week) were identified as the most important risk factors for treatment failure in patients with chronic radiation proctopathy. (AU)

Time trends and endoscopic management of foreign body ingestion in the upper GI tract: a retrospective analysis of 1152 cases in China

Objectives: foreign body ingestions are encountered in the clinical practice and sometimes require endoscopic management. However, time trends and epidemiology of these cases have not been fully clarified. Whether seasons and festivals have an effect on the occurrence has been poorly described. Method: from 2009 to 2020, 1,152 consecutive foreign body ingestion cases were enrolled in our endoscopic center. Case records were reviewed for demographic data, foreign body type and location, outpatient or hospitalization, adverse events and dates. Annual time trends and seasonal variation were analyzed as well as the influence of Chinese legal festivals on the incidence. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the potential delay for clinical consultation of these cases was preliminarily explored. Clinical features of these cases were demonstrated. Results: the overall success rate was 99.7 % and the adverse events rate was 2.4 %. There was an uptrend in the annual frequency of food foreign body ingestion endoscopic extraction from 0.65 in 2009 to 8.86 in 2020 per 1,000 esophagogastroduodenoscopy patients (r = 0.902, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the frequency of endoscopic extraction significantly increased in winter (p < 0.001) and during Chinese New Year celebratory season (p = 0.003). The duration of hospitalization may be longer in the pandemic period (p = 0.0049). Conclusion: considering the uptrend of the annual frequency of food related foreign body endoscopic extraction, the publicity about the danger of foreign body ingestion should be enhanced. Arrangement of endoscopic physicians and assistants during the high-incidence season should be emphasized. (AU)

A novel modified endoscopic method for treating patients with refractory gastro-esophageal disease and moderate hiatus hernia

Background and aim: endoscopic anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) is effective for patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD) with small hiatus hernia. However, evidence of its applicability in patients with larger hernia sac is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of ARMS for patients with rGERD with moderate hiatus hernia (3-5 cm) and determine the appropriate resection range. Methods: thirty-six patients with rGERD with moderate hiatus hernia were enrolled. They were divided into 2/3 and 3/4 circumferential mucosal resection groups. The patients received modified ARMS. The gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERD-Q) and DeMeester scores, endoscopy, 24-h pH monitoring results and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure were compared pre- and post-procedure. Therapeutic effects and complications of the two mucosal resection ranges were analyzed. Results: thirty-six patients were enrolled in this study, all of whom had undergone ARMS surgery with at least six-month follow-up. In the 2/3 circumferential mucosal resection group, the GERD-Q score, acid exposure time (AET) and DeMeester score improved significantly compared with those before surgery (p < 0.001). In the 3/4 circumferential mucosal resection group, the GERD-Q score, AET and DeMeeter score worsened after six months (p < 0.001), but there was no difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was no significant improvement in the ratio of esophagitis grade C/D and LES resting pressure after treatment compared with the baseline values (p > 0.05), and no postoperative bleeding or perforation was observed. The incidence of postoperative esophageal stenosis in the 2/3 circumferential mucosal resection group was lower than that in the 3/4 circumferential mucosal resection group (p = 0.041). (AU)

Short-term clinical efficacy and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases by meta-analysis. METHODS: A computer-based search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) was conducted from the inception of the each database to April 2023. The searched literature was then screened according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The critical data were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager software5.4.1. Pooled effects were calculated on the basis of data attributes by mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies and 949 patients met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis, 445 in the UBE-LIF group and 504 in the MIS-TLIF group. UBE-TLIF was superior to MIS-TLIF in terms of intraoperative blood flow, postoperative drainage flow, duration of hospital stay, VAS score for low back pain and ODI score, but the operative time was longer than MIS-TLIF group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of total complication rate, modified Macnab grading criteria, fusion rate, VAS score of leg pain, lumbar lordosis, intervertebral disk height. CONCLUSION: Both UBE-TLIF and MIS-TLIF are effective surgical modalities for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine diseases. They have similar treatment outcomes, but UBE-TLIF has the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and faster recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at INPLASY.COM (No. INPLASY202320087).

The learning curve for endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery: a systematic review.

Recent literature demonstrates that a learning curve exists for endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, there is significant variability in the way these studies report their outcomes. This study aims to systematically review the literature regarding outcomes for endoscopic pituitary surgery and how this may be related to a surgical learning curve. An electronic search of the databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was performed and data extracted according 2020 Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Ten articles were included in the review as they examined the following: rates of gross total resection, average operative time, CSF leak rate, visual outcomes, endocrine outcomes and how these results were influenced by surgical experience. We have demonstrated that a learning curve exists for some outcome variables for endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the current body of literature which makes clear comparisons difficult.

Endoscopy-assisted pars plana vitrectomy in retinal detachments associated with anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy and epiciliary membranes.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the leading cause of recurrent retinal detachment. Anterior PVR can contribute to recurrent retinal detachment and is often difficult to remove during conventional pars plana vitrectomy. The purpose of this study is to report surgical outcomes of single endoscopy-assisted pars plana vitrectomy (E-PPV) in patients with tractional retinal detachments associated with anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy and epiciliary membranes. METHODS: Retrospective review of E-PPV between 2017 and 2021 at a tertiary referral center. Inclusion criteria involved adult patients who underwent E-PPV for tractional retinal detachment with anterior PVR and epiciliary membranes. Data collection included patients' demographics, ophthalmic exam findings, and surgical outcomes. A series of independent sample tests of proportion were conducted using a p-value of 0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: Eighteen out of 55 patients who underwent E-PPV met the inclusion criteria. There were six females (33%) and 12 males (p-value = 0.096). Age ranged between 27 and 82 years old (mean age 52.1 ± 17.3 years). Nine patients (50%) had a history of ipsilateral retinal detachment repair. Single E-PPV success rate was 100% after three months, and 94.4% at the latest follow up visit. Recurrent retinal detachment with posterior PVR occurred in one patient four months after surgery. Cataract progressed in 57% (8/14) of phakic patients, with 63% (5/8) undergoing cataract extraction surgery within the first postoperative year. CONCLUSION: E-PPV enabled epiciliary membrane and anterior PVR visualization and removal. The single E-PPV success rate remained high at the latest follow up visit. E-PPV enabled the preservation of the phakic lens in all study patients. Larger prospective studies are needed on the role of E-PPV in retina surgeries.

[Endoscopic prevention of bleeding during resection of mucous membrane neoplasms of hollow organs of gastrointestinal tract]. / Vybor sposoba endoskopicheskoi profilaktiki krovotecheniya pri udalenii obrazovanii slizistoi obolochki polykh organov zheludochno-kishechnogo trakta.

OBJECTIVE: To optimize endoscopic prevention of bleeding during resection of mucous membrane neoplasms of hollow organs of gastrointestinal tract and minimize the risk of intra- and postoperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A S: Ystematic review and meta-analysis were made in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. Statistical analysis was performed in Cohrane Review Manager ver. 5.4. RESULTS. THERE ARE 3: Methods of endoscopic prevention of bleeding during polypectomy, i.e. 0.01% adrenaline injection, endoscopic clip placement and endoscopic polyp band ligation. Endoscopic polyp band ligation is characterized by minimum complication rate. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic polyp band ligation is preferable due to minimum complication rate. If ligation is impossible, prophylactic clip placement may be performed. Adrenaline injection is the least effective method and may be used only if two above-mentioned methods are ineffective.

Endoscopic Necrosectomy.

The management of walled-off necrosis has evolved substantially over the past 23 years since its first description. In this article, we review its history and the evidence supporting modern treatment, which is still subject to heterogeneity across centers and among endoscopists. This allows for creativity and customization of what can be an endoscopic marathon. Our typical practice is discussed with image and video guides aimed at improving procedure success.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Necrosectomy.

Patients with acute pancreatitis might develop infected necrotic fluid collections which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis not responding to antibiotics require drainage and subsequent necrosectomy (Step-up approach). Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy (PEN) has evolved as a minimally invasive approach for necrosectomy through the percutaneous catheter route using a flexible endoscope and can be done under conscious sedation. It is best suited for predominantly laterally placed infected necrotic fluid collections and also can be performed at the bedside for sick patients admitted to an ICU. PEN has a clinical success rate of 80% with minimal adverse events.

Endoscopic Interventions in Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms.

During the past two decades, there has been a significant evolution in endoscopic interventions in pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs), ranging from diagnostic intervention (endoscopic ultrasound-guided through-the-needle biopsy [EUS-TTNB]) to therapeutic intervention (endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic cystic ablation [EUS-PCA]). They have received attention as alternatives to conventional diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. EUS-TTNB can categorize PCN types accurately by providing histologic diagnoses that conventional diagnostic modalities cannot provide. As pancreatectomy entails high morbidities, EUS-PCA can be performed safely to treat PCNs in patients who refuse surgery or have high surgical risks.

Novel deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring for endoscopic treatment of colonic stenosis via natural orifice.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscope-assisted magnetic compression anastomosis has already been reported for colonic anastomosis, there is no report on a single-approach operation using the natural orifice. AIM: To design a deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring (DSAMAR) for colonic anastomosis for use in single-approach operation and evaluate its feasibility and safety through animal experiments. METHODS: The animal model for colonic stenosis was prepared by partial colonic ligation in eight beagles. The magnetic compression anastomosis of their colonic stricture was performed by endoscopically assisted transanal implantation of the DSAMAR. The anastomotic specimen, obtained 2 wk after the operation, was observed by both the naked eye and a light microscope. RESULTS: The DSAMAR was successfully inserted into the proximal end of colon stenosis through the anus. The DSAMAR of seven dogs was successfully transformed into rings, while that of the remaining dog was removed after the first deformation failed. The rings were successfully retransformed after optimization. All animals underwent colonic anastomosis using the DSAMAR. No device-related or procedure-related adverse events were observed. The colostomy specimens of the experimental dogs were obtained 2 wk after the operation. Both gross and histological observations showed good anastomotic healing. CONCLUSION: The DSAMAR is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of colon stenosis. Its specific deformation and self-assembly capability maximize the applicability of the minimally invasive treatment.

Training models and simulators for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: a systematic review.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is a novel surgical technique requiring specific training. Different models and simulators have been recently suggested for it, but no systematic review is available. To provide a systematic and critical literature review and up-to-date description of the training models or simulators dedicated to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. A search was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published until February 2023; Google was also searched to document commercially available. For each model, the following features were recorded: training performed, tumor/arachnoid reproduction, assessment and validation, and cost. Of the 1199 retrieved articles, 101 were included in the final analysis. The described models can be subdivided into 5 major categories: (1) enhanced cadaveric heads; (2) animal models; (3) training artificial solutions, with increasing complexity (from "box-trainers" to multi-material, ct-based models); (4) training simulators, based on virtual or augmented reality; (5) Pre-operative planning models and simulators. Each available training model has specific advantages and limitations. Costs are high for cadaver-based solutions and vary significantly for the other solutions. Cheaper solutions seem useful only for the first stages of training. Most models do not provide a simulation of the sellar tumor, and a realistic simulation of the suprasellar arachnoid. Most artificial models do not provide a realistic and cost-efficient simulation of the most delicate and relatively common phase of surgery, i.e., tumor removal with arachnoid preservation; current research should optimize this to train future neurosurgical generations efficiently and safely.

Research hotspots and trend of a emerging novel endoscopic technique of peroral endoscopic myotomy from 2010 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which has been used to treat achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders for the past 10 years, has proven to be secure and efficient. Every year, more and more essays on this subject are published. We sought to investigate the global scientific outputs and hotspots of POEM produced by various nations, organizations, and authors. From 2010 to October 2022, there were 875 papers on POEM that were found in the Web of Science Core database. The bibliometric visualization analyses of nations/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords were conducted by CiteSpace V.5.8.R3. Eight hundred seventy-five publications were included in this analysis. With 68 publications, Inoue H had the highest output. While Showa University in Japan was the most productive institution, the United States was the most productive nation. Among the journals, Surgical Endoscopy published the highest number of articles, followed by Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Endoscopy. The top 10 keywords that appeared most frequently were achalasia, peroral endoscopic myotomy, POEM, myotomy, esophageal achalasia, dysphagia, heller myotomy, endoscopy, gastroparesis and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Seven frontiers, including meta-analysis, high-resolution esophageal manometry, geriatric patient, third space endoscopy, adverse event, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, had an impact on future research on POEM. The previous 10 years have seen a considerable rise in POEM research, and this trend will continue. The most recent research frontiers, which require more attention, are meta-analysis, high-resolution esophageal manometry, geriatric patient, third space endoscopy, adverse event, and gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy.