Conventional versus oblique fiber-sparing endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: a randomized controlled trial (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

GERD is common after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Selective sparing of oblique fibers may reduce the incidence of reflux esophagitis after POEM. In this study, we compared the incidence of GERD between conventional myotomy (CM) versus oblique fiber-sparing (OFS) myotomy in patients with achalasia.

METHODS

Eligible patients with type I and II achalasia who underwent POEM from January 2020 to October 2020 were randomized into 2 groups (CM and OFS myotomy). Exclusion criteria were type III achalasia, sigmoid esophagus, and history of Heller's myotomy. The primary study outcome was incidence of reflux esophagitis (at least grade B) in the 2 groups. Secondary outcomes were reflux symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, clinical success, and adverse events.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen patients were randomized into CM (n = 58) and OFS myotomy (n = 57) groups. POEM was technically successful in all patients. Overall, reflux esophagitis was found in 56 patients (48.7%). The incidence of at least grade B esophagitis was similar in both groups (CM vs OFS myotomy: 25.9% vs 31.6%, P = .541). The mean number of reflux episodes (48.2 ± 36.6 vs 48.9 ± 40.3, P = .933), increased esophageal acid exposure >6% (45.5% vs 31.7%, P = .266), and high DeMeester scores (38.6% vs 41.5%, P = .827) were similar in both groups. There was no difference in the rate of symptomatic reflux (GERD questionnaire score >7) or use of proton pump inhibitors at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Sparing of sling fibers has no significant impact on the incidence of significant reflux esophagitis after POEM. Novel strategies need to be explored to prevent reflux after POEM. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04229342.).

Multidisciplinary Approach to Indeterminate Biliary Strictures

Biliary strictures that remain unclassified after cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-based tissue sampling are defined as indeterminate biliary strictures (IDBS). A substantial proportion of biliary strictures fall into this category due to low sensitivity of brush cytology and intraductal biopsy. Over last few decades, several modalities have emerged for the evaluation of IDBS. Of these, cholangioscopy and endosonography are the frontrunners and have cemented their place for the evaluation of IDBS. Both of these modalities are widely available, and therefore, biliary strictures that remain uncharacterized after their utilization represent IDBS in the current era.

Single balloon enteroscopy in children for evaluation of small bowel diseases in children: A large, tertiary center study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Device assisted enteroscopy is the cornerstone for small bowel evaluation. However, the data are limited in pediatric patients. In this study, we aim to evaluate the safety and utility of single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in children.

METHODS

The data of children (≤18-years) who underwent SBE from November 2010 to July 2020 was analyzed, retrospectively. The safety and diagnostic yield of SBE were assessed.

RESULTS

189-SBE procedures (males 117, mean age 15.1 ± 2.76, range 3-18 years) were performed in 174-children. The indications for SBE were chronic abdominal pain in 119 (68.4%), gastrointestinal bleed 17 (9.8%), chronic diarrhea 17 (9.8%) and vomiting 13 (7.5%). Antegrade, retrograde and combined SBE were performed in 98 (51.8%), 77 (40.7%), 7 (3.7%) children, respectively. The mean length of small bowel intubation in antegrade and retrograde SBE groups were 168.9 ± 58.6 cm and 120.7 ± 52.1 cm, respectively. Overall, a positive finding was seen in 117 (67.2%) cases. The most common findings were ileal and jejunal ulcers with or without strictures in 76 (64.9%) children. A total of 18 therapeutic enteroscopic procedures were performed. There were no major adverse events.

CONCLUSION

SBE is a safe and effective procedure for the evaluation and management of small bowel diseases in children.

Management of hepatitis B and C in special population

Chronic viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B is more common in the Asia-Pacific region due to the larger population and lower screening availability. Hepatitis C predominates in the west due to injection drug abuse. The discovery of (oral) direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has changed the landscape of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) management. Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) have also changed the approach to the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Oral NUCs and DAAs have excellent efficacy and patient acceptance as well as a lower risk of resistance. However, certain populations have no robust data and safety and efficacy of such oral drugs is still evolving. In this review, we provide an overview of the management of CHB and CHC in special populations, such as those with chronic kidney disease, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and those undergoing chemo- or immunosuppressive therapy.

Fully Covered Self-Expanding Metal Stent vs Multiple Plastic Stents to Treat Benign Biliary Strictures Secondary to Chronic Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Benign biliary strictures (BBS) are complications of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Endotherapy using multiple plastic stents (MPS) or a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) are acceptable treatment options for biliary obstructive symptoms in these patients.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic CP-associated BBS enrolled in a multicenter randomized noninferiority trial comparing 12-month treatment with MPS vs FCSEMS. Primary outcome was stricture resolution status at 24 months, defined as absence of restenting and 24-month serum alkaline phosphatase not exceeding twice the level at stenting completion. Secondary outcomes included crossover rate, numbers of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) and stents, and stent- or procedure-related serious adverse events.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were randomized to MPS and 80 to FCSEMS. Baseline technical success was 97.6% for MPS and 98.6% for FCSEMS. Eleven patients crossed over from MPS to FCSEMS, and 10 from FCSEMS to MPS. For MPS vs FCSEMS, respectively, stricture resolution status at 24 months was 77.1% (54/70) vs 75.8% (47/62) (P = .008 for noninferiority intention-to-treat analysis), mean number of ERCPs was 3.9 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 1.3 (P < .001, intention-to-treat), and mean number of stents placed was 7.0 ± 4.4 vs 1.3 ± .6 (P < .001, as-treated). Serious adverse events occurred in 16 (19.0%) MPS and 19 (23.8%) FCSEMS patients (P = .568), including cholangitis/fever/jaundice (9 vs 7 patients respectively), abdominal pain (5 vs 5), cholecystitis (1 vs 3) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (0 vs 2). No stent- or procedure-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Endotherapy of CP-associated BBS has similar efficacy and safety for 12-month treatment using MPS compared with a single FCSEMS, with FCSEMS requiring fewer ERCPs over 2 years. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01543256.).

Impact of prior treatment on long-term outcome of peroral endoscopic myotomy in pediatric achalasia

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is emerging as an effective treatment for achalasia in children. Long-term outcomes of POEM and impact of prior treatment are not known in pediatric population. In this study, we aim to evaluate the long-term efficacy of POEM in children with achalasia.

METHODS

Children (≤18 years) with achalasia who underwent POEM and completed at least 36 months of follow-up were included in the study. Long-term clinical success (Eckardt ≤3) was evaluated and compared between treatment naïve versus prior treated cases.

RESULTS

A total of 53 children underwent POEM at our center during the study period. Of these, 17 children completed at least 3 years of follow-up and were included in the study. Eight children had prior treatment including pneumatic dilatation (6), Heller's myotomy (1) and both Heller's myotomy and pneumatic dilatation (1). POEM was successfully completed in all the children. Median procedure duration was 95.76 ± 47.98 min (38-240 min.). Long-term clinical success was found in 88.2% children. The mean follow-up was 55.06 ± 10.65 months (range 36-67 months). There was no significant difference in the success rate between treatment naïve and prior treatment failure cases.

CONCLUSION

POEM is a safe, effective and durable treatment for achalasia in children. Prior treatment does not affect the outcomes of POEM in children.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Management of achalasia cardia: Expert consensus statements

Achalasia cardia (AC) is a frequently encountered motility disorder of the esophagus resulting from an irreversible degeneration of neurons. Treatment modalities are palliative in nature, and there is no curative treatment available for AC as of now. Significant advancements have been made in the management of AC over last decade. The introduction of high resolution manometry and per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has strengthened the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium of AC. High resolution manometry allows for the characterization of the type of achalasia, which in turn has important therapeutic implications. The endoscopic management of AC has been reinforced with the introduction of POEM that has been found to be highly effective and safe in palliating the symptoms in short-term to mid-term follow-up studies. POEM is less invasive than Heller's myotomy and provides the endoscopist with the opportunity of adjusting the length and orientation of esophageal myotomy according to the type of AC. The management of achalasia needs to be tailored for each patient, and the role of pneumatic balloon dilatation, POEM, or Heller's myotomy needs to be revisited. In this review, we discuss the important aspects of diagnosis as well as management of AC. The statements presented in the manuscript reflect the cumulative efforts of an expert consensus group.

Endoscopic Management of Pancreatic Fluid Collections in Children

The incidence of acute pancreatitis in children has increased over the last few decades. The development of pancreatic fluid collection is not uncommon after severe acute pancreatitis, although its natural course in children and adolescents is poorly understood. Asymptomatic fluid collections can be safely observed without any intervention. However, the presence of clinically significant symptoms warrants the drainage of these fluid collections. Endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collection is safe and effective in adults. The use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided procedure has improved the efficacy and safety of drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, which have not been well studied in pediatric populations, barring a scant volume of small case series. Excellent results of EUS-guided drainage in adult patients also need to be verified in children and adolescents. Endo-prostheses used to drain pancreatic fluid collections include plastic and metal stents. Metal stents have wider lumens and become clogged less often than plastic stents. Fully covered metal stents specifically designed for pancreatic fluid collection are available, and initial studies have shown encouraging results in adult patients. The future of endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collection in children appears promising. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish their definitive role in the pediatric age group.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy in treatment-naïve achalasia patients versus prior treatment failure cases

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as an effective treatment modality for achalasia. Prior treatment may affect the outcomes of subsequent management. In this study, we aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of POEM in treatment-naïve patients vs. those with prior treatment failure (PTF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of consecutive patients with achalasia who underwent POEM at a single tertiary care center from January 2013 to November 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. A comparative analysis was performed between treatment-naïve and PTF cases. Technical and clinical success, adverse events, and operative time for POEM were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 502 patients with achalasia underwent POEM during the study period: 260 patients (51.8 %) in the treatment-naïve group and 242 patients (48.2 %) in the PTF group. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the PTF group compared with the treatment-naïve group (74.9 ± 30.6 vs. 67.0 ± 27.1 minutes; P  = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, type of achalasia, dilated esophagus ( > 6 cm), disease duration, prior treatment, occurrence of adverse events, and type of knife used were significant predictors of operative time. Technical success (98.1 % vs. 97.1 %; P = 0.56) and clinical success (92.4 % vs. 92.5 %; P  = 0.95) were comparable in the treatment-naïve and PTF cases, respectively. Occurrence of gas-related events and mucosotomy were similar in both groups. Elevated DeMeester score was found in 17 /53 patients (32.1 %) in the PTF group and in 11 /44 patients (25.0 %) in the treatment-naïve group (P = 0.50).

CONCLUSION

POEM is safe and equally effective for treatment-naïve patients and for those in whom prior treatment has failed. POEM should be considered the treatment of choice in patients in whom prior treatment has failed.

Advanced Therapeutic Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Children - Today and Tomorrow

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy plays an indispensable role in the diagnosis and management of various pediatric GI disorders. While the pace of development of pediatric GI endoscopy has increased over the years, it remains sluggish compared to the advancements in GI endoscopic interventions available in adults. The predominant reasons that explain this observation include lack of formal training courses in advanced pediatric GI interventions, economic constraints in establishing a pediatric endoscopy unit, and unavailability of pediatric-specific devices and accessories. However, the situation is changing and more pediatric GI specialists are now performing complex GI procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography for various pancreatico-biliary diseases and more recently, per-oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia. Endoscopic procedures are associated with reduced morbidity and mortality compared to open surgery for GI disorders. Notable examples include chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic fluid collections, various biliary diseases, and achalasia cardia for which previously open surgery was the treatment modality of choice. A solid body of evidence supports the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management in adults. However, additions continue to be made to literature describing the pediatric population. An important consideration in children includes size of children, which in turn determines the selection of endoscopes and type of sedation that can be used for the procedure.

Regional differences in genetic susceptibility to non-alcoholic liver disease in two distinct Indian ethnicities

AIM

To validate the association of variants in PNPLA3 (rs2281135) and TM6SF2 (rs58542926) genes with ultrasound detected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

A total of 503 individuals with and without fatty infiltration were recruited. Fatty infiltration was confirmed based on ultrasound findings. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected from the study group. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, quality and quantity was assessed by gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometer respectively. Genotyping of the variants in PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 genes was carried out by employing taqman probes (C_15875080_10 for PNPLA3 and C_8946351_10 for TM6SF2 SNP) on real time PCR (Stepone-Lifetechnologies). Genotype data was tested for deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. χ² test was used to analyze the statistical significance of the difference in genotype distribution of the studied variants in patients and controls and the strength of association was expressed as odds ratio (95%CI). A two-tailed P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study group comprised of 503 individuals of which 256 had fatty infiltration and 247 without fatty infiltration and thus formed the patient and control groups respectively. As the patient group could be divided in to two distinct ethnicities (ancestral South Indians-ASI and North-East Indians-NEI), further recruitment of control cohort and association analyses was carried out based on ethnicities. Of the 256 with fatty infiltration 93 were ASI and 163 were NEI and of the 247 controls 138 were ASI and 109 were NEI. As expected, there were significant differences in the anthropometric and other clinical data between the control and the patient groups. However significant differences within the ethnicities were also noted. While rs2281135 in PNPLA3 gene was significantly associated (P = 0.03) with higher risk (odds 1.9, 95%CI: 1.5-3.14, P = 0.03) of NAFLD in NEI ethnicity, rs58542926 in TM6SF2 gene was significantly associated with NAFLD with a 2.7 fold higher risk (odds 2.7, 95%CI: 1.37-5.3, P = 0.0004) of the disease. There were significantly higher proportions of individuals with variants in both the genes in the patient group in both ASI (patients - 14/93 and controls - 7/138; P = 0.009) and NEI ethnicities (patients - 17/163 and controls - 7/109; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Although the study identified distinct genetic susceptibility in the two ethnicities, transheterozygosity of the variants suggests higher risk of NAFLD in individuals with both the variants.

Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy in Children with Achalasia Cardia

Background/Aims

Achalasia cardia (AC) is a motility disorder, characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absence of esophageal peristalsis. AC is rare in children with unclear optimum management strategies. Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel technique for management of achalasia with encouraging results in adult patients. The efficacy and safety of POEM is not known for pediatric AC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of POEM in children with achalasia cardia

Methods

The data of all children (< 18 years) who underwent POEM at our center was retrospectively analysed. Symptoms were analysed using a validated score (Eckardt score) at regular predefined intervals. Objective parameters including high-resolution manometry, timed barium swallow and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were assessed before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score ≤ 3.

Results

A total of 15 children underwent POEM during the specified period. Ten out of 15 (10/15) completed 1-year follow-up. Median operative time was 100 (38–240) minutes. Mean pre and post procedure LES pressure were 36.64 ± 11.08 mmHg and 15.65 ± 5.73 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.001). Mean Eckardt score before and after the POEM was 7.32 ± 1.42 and 1.74 ± 0.67, respectively (P = 0.001). Mean percentage improvement in barium emptying at 5 minutes was 63.70 ± 4.46%. All children had complete resolution of symptoms at 1 year. Median weight gain of children at 1 year was 0.65 kg (range, 0.0–4.6).

Conclusions

POEM is safe and effective for children and adolescents with achalasia. Future trials with larger sample size are warranted to establish its efficacy in pediatric AC.

Complications of therapeutic gastroscopy/colonoscopy other than resection

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is profoundly utilized for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic potential of GI endoscopy has amplified many folds with the evolution of novel techniques as well as equipments. However, with the augmentation of therapeutic endoscopy, the extent, likelihood and severity of adverse events have increased as well. The attendant risks and adverse events with therapeutic endoscopy are many folds that of diagnostic endoscopy. Besides endoscopic resection, therapeutic endoscopy is widely utilized for hemostasis in GI bleeds, dilatation of stenosis, enteral stenting, foreign body removal, ablation of Barrett's esophagus etc. Major adverse events associated with interventional endoscopic procedures include bleeding and perforation. Adverse events of endoscopic interventions are diverse and related to the underlying disease, therapeutic modality used and operator's experience. Many of these adverse events can be prevented. Early recognition of an unavoidable adverse event is important to minimize the associated morbidity and mortality.

Endoscopic Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Revisited

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined by the presence of troublesome symptoms resulting from the reflux of gastric contents. The prevalence of GERD is increasing globally. An incompetent lower esophageal sphincter underlies the pathogenesis of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) form the core of GERD management. However, a substantial number of patients do not respond well to PPIs. The next option is anti-reflux surgery, which is efficacious, but it has its own limitations, such as gas bloating, inability to belch or vomit, and dysphagia. Laparoscopic placement of magnetic augmentation device is emerging as a useful alternative to conventional anti-reflux surgery. However, invasiveness of a surgical procedure remains a concern for the patients. The proportion of PPI non-responders or partial responders who do not wish for anti-reflux surgery defines the ‘treatment gap’ and needs to be addressed. The last decade has witnessed the fall and rise of many endoscopic devices for GERD. Major endoscopic strategies include radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic fundoplication devices. Current endoscopic devices score high on subjective improvement, but have been unimpressive in objective improvement like esophageal acid exposure. In this review, we discuss the current endoscopic anti-reflux therapies and available evidence for their role in the management of GERD.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: Treatment analysis and follow up of over 200 consecutive patients at a single center

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a recently introduced technique for the treatment of achalasia cardia (AC). Data regarding safety and efficacy are still emerging. We report our experience of POEM emphasizing its safety, efficacy and follow-up data.

METHODS

Patients with AC (220; mean age 39 years, range 9-74 years) underwent POEM from January 2013 to August 2014 for AC. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was done. POEM was carried out by the standard technique of mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, and myotomy of the esophageal and gastric muscle bundles followed by closure of the mucosal incision by hemoclips. Eckardt score, high-resolution manometry (HRM) and timed barium esophagogram (TBE) were used to evaluate the results. Post-procedure patients were followed up.

RESULTS

Technical success rate of POEM was 96%. At 1 year, clinical success rate was 92%. Mean Eckardt score was 7.2 ± 1.55 prior to POEM and 1.18 ± 0.74 after POEM (P = 0.001). There was significant improvement of esophageal emptying on TBE (38.4 ± 14.0 % vs 71.5 ± 16.1 % (P = 0.001). Pre-procedure and post-procedure mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 37.5 ± 14.5 mmHg and 15.2 ± 6.3 mmHg, respectively. (P = 0.001) Erosive esophagitis was seen in 16% of patients who underwent POEM. There were no major adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Study demonstrates excellent safety profile of POEM with significant relief of symptoms, reduced pressure at HRM and improved emptying at TBE. Further prospective studies are required to compare with other treatment modalities.

Pancreatic Endotherapy for Chronic Pancreatitis

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is recommended as the first-line therapy for large (>5-mm) obstructive pancreatic ductal stones. Dominant pancreatic duct strictures should be initially managed with a wide-bore single plastic stent with 3 monthly exchanges for a year, even in asymptomatic patients. Recent studies have evaluated multiple plastic and self-expanding covered metal stents for refractory pancreatic ductal stricture. Pancreatic pseudocysts should be treated endoscopically with or without endoscopic ultrasound guidance.

Per oral cholangiopancreatoscopy in pancreatico biliary diseases - Expert consensus statements

AIM: To provide consensus statements on the use of per-oral cholangiopancreatoscopy (POCPS).

METHODS: A workgroup of experts in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endosonography, and POCPS generated consensus statements summarizing the utility of POCPS in pancreaticobiliary disease. Recommendation grades used validated evidence ratings of publications from an extensive literature review.

RESULTS: Six consensus statements were generated: (1) POCPS is now an important additional tool during ERCP; (2) in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures, POCS and POCS-guided targeted biopsy are useful for establishing a definitive diagnosis; (3) POCS and POCS-guided lithotripsy are recommended for treatment of difficult common bile duct stones when standard techniques fail; (4) in patients with main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) POPS may be used to assess extent of tumor to assist surgical resection; (5) in difficult pancreatic ductal stones, POPS-guided lithotripsy may be useful in fragmentation and extraction of stones; and (6) additional indications for POCPS include selective guidewire placement, unexplained hemobilia, assessing intraductal biliary ablation therapy, and extracting migrated stents.

CONCLUSION: POCPS is important in association with ERCP, particularly for diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures and for intra-ductal lithotripsy when other techniques failed, and may be useful for pre-operative assessment of extent of main duct IPMN, for extraction of difficult pancreatic stones, and for unusual indications involving selective guidewire placement, assessing unexplained hemobilia or intraductal biliary ablation therapy, and extracting migrated stents.