Endoscopic vacuum therapy versus endoscopic stenting for upper gastrointestinal transmural defects: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal fistulas, leaks, and perforations represent a high cost burden to health systems worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates for affected patients. Management of these transmural defects remains therapeutically challenging.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) versus endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for treatment of upper gastrointestinal transmural defects.

METHODS

Searches were performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Cochrane, Latin American and Caribbean Health (LILACS), and gray literature, as well as a manual search to identify studies comparing SEMS versus EVT to treat upper gastrointestinal transmural defects. Evaluated outcomes were: rates of successful closure, mortality, length of hospital stay, duration of treatment, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Five studies with a total of 274 patients were included. There was a 21% increase in successful fistula closure attributed to EVT compared with the SEMS group (RD 0.21, CI 0.10-0.32; P = 0.0003). EVT demonstrated a 12% reduction in mortality compared to stenting (RD 0.12, CI 0.03-0.21; P = 0.006) and an average reduction of 14.22 days in duration of treatment (CI 8.38-20.07; P < 0.00001). There was a 24% reduction in adverse events (RD 0.24, CI 0.13-0.35; P = 0.0001. There were no statistical differences between the studied therapies regarding the length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic vacuum therapy proves to be superior in successful defect closure, mortality, adverse events and duration of treatment.

Outcomes of a novel bariatric stent in the management of sleeve gastrectomy leaks: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The management of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leaks remains a challenge. This can be treated with placement of self-expandable metal stents, which are most effective in the acute and early settings. However, migration is a frequent adverse event (AE). Novel, fully covered stents with a larger proximal flare to limit migration designed specifically to treat postsleeve leaks were recently introduced.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel stent specifically designed for postsleeve leaks treatment.

SETTING

Multicenter retrospective study.

METHODS

This is a multicenter study, including patients with acute and early post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leaks, treated with a large bariatric stent. The outcomes include technical success, clinical success, and safety profile. A multivariable regression was performed to assess predictors of success.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included (10 acute and 27 early leaks), with 30 stents in the postpyloric (POST) and 7 in the prepyloric position. Technical success was 100%. Mean stent dwell time was 29.08 days. Clinical success was achieved in 78.37%. Leak duration, leak size, and stent dwell time did not correlate with clinical success. During follow-up, 8 patients had stent migration (21.62%) and all were in a POST position. AE poststent removal were also evaluated (prepyloric: 57.14% vs POST: 33.3%, P = .45). There was no difference between prepyloric and POST position in the severe AE analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel, large-caliber, fully covered stent specifically designed for sleeve leaks appears to be effective at treating acute and early leaks. However, the large flanges and long stent length do not appear to reduce migration rate and may be associated with higher overall severe AE rates. Avoiding placement in the POST position may help mitigate migration risk; however, owing to the risk profile this stent should be used with caution.

Pancreatic metastases from ocular malignant melanoma: the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration to establish a definitive cytologic diagnosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

When encountering solid pancreatic lesions, nonpancreatic primary metastases are rare and differentiating a metastasis from a primary neoplastic lesion is challenging. The clinical presentation and radiologic features can be similar and the possibility of a pancreatic metastasis should be considered when the patient refers to a history of a different primary cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound offers a key anatomical advantage in accessing the pancreas and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration has become the gold standard method for diagnosing pancreatic lesions.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old white Hispanic woman with a history of uveal malignant melanoma, presented with abdominal pain and jaundice. On admission, laboratory tests were performed (her total bilirubin was 6.37 mg/dL with a direct fraction of 5.30 mg/dL). Cross-sectional, abdominal computed tomography with contrast, showed a low-attenuating lesion localized in the pancreatic head (measuring 4 × 3 cm) and a thinner section of the distal bile duct suspicious for compression. Our patient was scheduled for an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration to establish a diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a solid, hypoechoic, well-defined lesion with regular contours (measuring 3.17 × 2.61 cm), localized between the head and neck of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed with a 22G needle and cytology confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Our patient subsequently underwent right orbital exenteration, followed by duodenopancreatectomy without complications. At the moment our patient is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy at an outside oncology clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is a very rare presentation of an ocular malignant melanoma with an isolated pancreatic metastasis causing symptomatic biliary obstruction. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration has proven to be the best method to diagnose solid pancreatic lesions. In this particular case, cytology was essential in confirming the diagnosis and guiding the most adequate therapy, which was a pancreatic resection, ocular exenteration of the melanoma, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Associated Health Outcomes of COVID-19: A Brazilian Experience From the Largest South American Public Hospital

OBJECTIVES

Brazil has rapidly developed the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world. As such, proper symptom identification, including gastrointestinal manifestations, and relationship to health outcomes remains key. We aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with COVID-19 in a large quaternary referral center in South America.

METHODS

This was a single-center cohort study in a COVID-19 specific hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Consecutive adult patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 were included. Baseline patient history, presenting symptoms, laboratory results, and clinically relevant outcomes were recorded. Regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of the gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 and hospitalization outcomes.

RESULTS

Four-hundred patients with COVID-19 were included. Of these, 33.25% of patients reported ≥1 gastrointestinal symptom. Diarrhea was the most common gastrointestinal symptom (17.25%). Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms had higher rates of concomitant constitutional symptoms, notably fatigue and myalgia (p<0.05). Gastrointestinal symptoms were also more prevalent among patients on chronic immunosuppressants, ACE/ARB medications, and patient with chronic kidney disease (p<0.05). Laboratory results, length of hospitalization, ICU admission, ICU length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, and in-hospital mortality did not differ based upon gastrointestinal symptoms (p>0.05). Regression analyses showed older age [OR 1.04 (95% CI, 1.02-1.06)], male gender [OR 1.94 (95% CI, 1.12-3.36)], and immunosuppression [OR 2.60 (95% CI, 1.20-5.63)], were associated with increased mortality.

CONCLUSION

Based upon this Brazilian study, gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 are common but do not appear to impact clinically relevant hospitalization outcomes including the need for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or mortality.

Endoscopic management of weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

INTRODUCTION

With the cumulative increase in the number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, postoperative weight regain has become a considerable challenge. Mechanisms for weight regain are not fully understood and the process is likely multifactorial in many cases. Endoluminal revisions that reduce gastric pouch size and diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis may offer an effective and less invasive management strategy for this population.

AREAS COVERED

We critically review data from case series, retrospective and prospective studies, and meta-analyses pertaining to weight regain after gastric bypass. A variety of endoscopic revision approaches are reviewed, including technique details, procedural safety and efficacy, and post-procedure care.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Given the proliferation of endoluminal therapies with evidence showing safety and efficacy in the treatment of weight regain, it is likely that endoscopic revision will be the gold standard to treat weight regain in patients with gastric bypass.

Comparison between Enteroscopy-Based and Laparoscopy-Assisted ERCP for Accessing the Biliary Tree in Patients with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Although balloon-assisted enteroscopy-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (BAE-ERCP) is a well-described means of accessing the duodenal papilla in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), it is associated with modest clinical success rates. Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP)-performed by advancing a standard duodenoscope through a gastrostomy into the excluded stomach and duodenum-has emerged as a viable alternative to BAE-ERCP, with apparently higher success rates. In this systematic review, we compare LA-ERCP with enteroscopy-based techniques in post-RYGB patients, including 22 case series that provided data on papilla identification, papilla cannulation, and complications. We found that LA-ERCP was superior to the enteroscopy-based techniques in its capacity to reach the duodenal papilla, although complication rates were lower for the latter. Comparative studies are needed in order to corroborate our findings.

The importance of endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: two case reports

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas, otherwise known as solid and cystic tumor or Frantz tumor, is an unusual form of pancreatic carcinoma, with unknown etiopathogenesis, that accounts for 0.2 to 2.7% of all pancreatic tumors. It is defined as an exocrine pancreatic neoplasia that mainly affects women between the second and third decade of life, and its management is not well defined. Endoscopic ultrasound offers a key anatomical advantage in accessing the pancreas and endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration has become the gold standard method for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: A 31-year-old white Hispanic woman presented with epigastric pain for 5 months. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a single 2 cm nodule in the uncinate process of her pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a regular, well-defined solid lesion with alternating cystic areas at the uncinate process of her pancreas, measuring 1.7 × 1.4 cm; endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration was then performed with cytopathological analysis compatible with solid pseudopapillary tumor. Body computed tomography confirmed the absence of metastases and she underwent conventional duodenopancreatectomy. However, she died 4 days after surgery due to postoperative surgical complications. Case 2: A 35-year-old Hispanic woman presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain for 3 months, associated with a palpable mass at this region. A computed tomography scan showed a solitary nodule in the pancreatic body. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a regular, well-defined, homogeneous lesion with small anechoic (cystic) areas, measuring 2 × 2 cm, in between the pancreatic body and neck. Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration was performed and cytopathological analysis was suggestive of a pseudopapillary solid tumor. She underwent a body-tail laparoscopic pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Nine months after the diagnosis, she remains asymptomatic, continuing regular follow-up in the oncology out-patient clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

Solid pseudopapillary tumor is a rare pancreatic malignancy. Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration is the gold standard method to characterize and diagnose this type of pancreatic lesion, making this an invaluable tool to help guide clinical management and improve the preoperative diagnostic yield.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection with suturing for the treatment of weight regain after gastric bypass: outcomes and comparison with traditional transoral outlet reduction (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although traditional transoral outlet reduction (TORe) involves argon plasma coagulation (APC) before endoscopic suturing, modified endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has also been used. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified ESD-TORe in comparison with traditional APC-TORe.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent modified ESD-TORe and APC-TORe for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our outcomes were technical success, adverse events as categorized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon, and percent total weight loss (TWL) at 6 and 12 months and patients who underwent ESD-TORe were matched 1:3 based on gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) and pouch sizes to those who underwent APC-TORe. TWL between groups was compared. A linear regression was performed to control for any confounders.

RESULTS

Nineteen RYGB patients underwent ESD-TORe. Technical success rate was 100%, with no severe adverse events. At 6 and 12 months, patients experienced 13.4% ± 6.6% and 12.1% ± 9.3% TWL, respectively (P < .05 for both). Nineteen ESD-TORe patients were also matched with 57 APC-TORe patients based on GJA and pouch sizes. At 12 months, the ESD-TORe group experienced greater weight loss compared with the APC-TORe group (12.1% ± 9.3% vs 7.5% ± 3.3% TWL, respectively; P = .036). On regression analysis, ESD remained a significant predictor of percent of TWL at 12 months after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, weight regain, and years from RYGB (β = 5.99, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining endoscopic tissue dissection with suturing provides greater and more durable weight loss for patients with weight regain after RYGB.

Endoscopic resection of esophageal and gastric submucosal tumors from the muscularis propria layer: submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection versus endoscopic submucosal excavation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) and endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE) are less-invasive therapeutic alternatives to surgical resection for the removal of esophageal or gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). This study aimed to comparing STER versus ESE for the resection of esophageal and gastric SMTs from the muscularis propria.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines through December 2020. Pooled outcome measures included complete resection, en bloc resection, bleeding, perforation, adverse events, recurrence, procedure duration, and length of hospital stay. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) was calculated as well as Peto time-to-event analyses to determine recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Five retrospective cohort studies (n = 269 STER versus n = 319 ESE) were included. There was no difference in rates of complete resection [RR: 1.01 (95% CI 0.94, 1.07)], en bloc resection [RR: 0.95 (95% CI 0.84, 1.08)], recurrence [OR: 1.18 (95% CI 0.33, 4.16)], and total adverse events [RR: 1.33 (95% CI 0.78, 2.27)]. Specific adverse events including rates of perforation [RR: 0.57 (95% CI 0.12, 2.74)] and bleeding [RR: 1.21 (95% CI 0.30, 4.88)] were not different between STER and ESE. There was a statistical difference when evaluating procedure time, with the STER group presenting significantly larger values [MD: 24.62 min (95% CI 20.04, 29.20)].

CONCLUSION

STER and ESE were associated with similar efficacy and safety; however, ESE was associated with a significantly decreased time to complete the procedure.

The Effectiveness of Endoscopic Gastroplasty for Obesity Treatment According to FDA Thresholds: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) are promising alternatives to conventional surgery for obesity. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy and safety through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the endoscopic gastroplasty techniques versus conservative treatment. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Lilacs/Bireme. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling obese patients comparing endoscopic gastroplasty to sham or diet/exercise were considered eligible. Among 6014 records, three RCTs were selected for meta-analysis. The total sample was 459 patients (312 EBTs vs 147 control). Mean total body weight loss in the intervention group (IG) was 4.8% higher than the control group (CG) at 12 months (p = 0.01). The IG responder rate was 44.31% at 12 months. Therefore, the endoscopic gastroplasty is more effective than conservative therapies but do not achieve FDA thresholds.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection versus transanal endoscopic surgery for the treatment of early rectal tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive treatment of early-stage rectal lesion has presented good results, with lower morbidity than surgical resection. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) are the main methods of transanal surgery. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been gaining ground because it allows en bloc resections with low recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to analyze ESD in comparison with transanal endoscopic surgery.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Lilacs/Bireme with no restrictions on the date or language of publication. The outcomes evaluated were recurrence rate, complete (R0) resection rate, en bloc resection rate, length of hospital stay, duration of the procedure, and complication rate.

RESULTS

Six retrospective cohort studies involving a collective total of 326 patients-191 in the ESD group and 135 in the transanal endoscopic surgery group were conducted. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for any of the outcomes evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

For the minimally invasive treatment of early rectal tumor, ESD and surgical techniques do not differ in terms of local recurrence, en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, duration of the procedure, length of hospital stay, or complication rate, however, evidence is very low.

PERORAL (POEM) OR SURGICAL MYOTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACHALASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative motility esophageal disorder characterized by failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The conventional treatment option for achalasia has been laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). However, in 2010, Inoue et al. described peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a minimally invasive procedure, as an alternative therapy. To date, some studies with small sample sizes have aimed to compare outcomes of LHM vs POEM.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, the aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of these two techniques.

METHODS

Individualized search strategies were developed from inception through April 2019 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Variables analyzed included operative time, overall adverse events rate, post-procedure gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hospitalization length, post-procedure pain score, and Eckardt Score reduction.

RESULTS

Twelve cohort trials were selected, consisting of 893 patients (359 in POEM group and 534 in LHM.) No randomized clinical trials were available. There was no difference in operative time (MD= -10,26, 95% CI (-5,6 to 8,2), P<0.001) or Post-Operative Gastroesophageal Reflux (RD: -0.00, 95%CI: (-0.09, 0.09), I2: 0%). There was decreased length of hospital stay for POEM (MD: -0.6, 95% CI (-1.11, -0.09), P=0.02), and an increased mean reduction in Eckardt score in POEM patients (MD = -0.257, 95% CI: (-0.512 to -0.002), P=0.048), with similar rates of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

POEM demonstrated similar results compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy with regards to improvement of dysphagia, post-procedure reflux, and surgical time, with the benefit of shorter length of hospital stay. Therefore, POEM can be considered an option for patients with achalasia.

Cost-effective modified endoscopic vacuum therapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal transmural defects: step-by-step process of manufacturing and its advantages

Video 1Cost-effective modified endoscopic vacuum therapy for GI transmural defects. Step-by-step process of manufacturing and potential advantages.1.Cut half gauze to the ideal size to cover only the fenestrated portion of the nasogastric tube (NGT).2.Wrap the gauze around the fenestrated portion of the NGT. The assistance of another person is important in this process.3.Cut the antimicrobial incise drape to match the size of the fenestrated portion of the NGT. Note that the incise drape is a very strong adhesive; therefore, 3 people are usually required to assemble it properly.4.Next, the suture is used to fix the gauze and drape to the NGT. Perform fixation of the modified sponge in 3 places. The first knot is in the proximal portion, just below the last fenestra of the NGT, as a marker of where the vacuum system starts. The second knot is at the distal end, to avoid migration of the modified sponge. The third knot is in the middle of the modified sponge, which is essential to serve as a guide during endoscopic placement. For example, in cases of defects without collection in which the sponge will be placed in an intraluminal position, it is ideal to place the vacuum system in the middle of the defect; in cases of intracavitary placement, it will work as a guide to how much of the modified sponge will be inside the collection.5.Finally, use a needle to make innumerable punctures in the modified sponge system to obtain adequate aspiration. An 18G needle is recommended because, in addition to having an adequate diameter, it is very sharp, which facilitates perforation of the modified sponge system.6.After creation of the modified endoscopic vacuum therapy, the functionality test is performed. Turn on the wall suction system, connect the distal end of the NGT to the tube of the canister connected on the wall, and place the NGT inside a bowl with a liquid solution. The aspiration of a large amount of liquid indicates proper functioning of the modified endoscopic vacuum therapy system.7.The device is then ready to be positioned endoscopically in the patient. After proper positioning, connect the NGT to the suction tube to avoid migration of the device upon removal of the scope.8.In addition to the cost-effective device as described, in our practice we also use wall suction to reduce costs associated with the use of the vacuum machine.9.Use the antimicrobial incise drape to seal the connection between the NGT and the suction tube to avoid leakage within the connection.10.Last, owing to instability of the negative wall pressure, a 20F intravenous catheter is connected to the tube to maintain a negative pressure between -75 and -150 mmHg, as confirmed by laboratory studies performed by our group.

Comparison between endoscopic sphincterotomy vs endoscopic sphincterotomy associated with balloon dilation for removal of bile duct stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

AIM

To compare gallstones removal rate and incidence of bleeding, pancreatitis, use of mechanical lithotripsy, cholangitis and perforation between isolated sphincterotomy vs sphincterotomy associated with balloon dilation of papilla in choledocholithiasis through the meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. Literature search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MedLine, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and EMBASE database platforms in July 2017. The manual search included references of retrieved articles. We extracted data focusing on outcomes: The primary endpoint was the stones removal rate; Secondary endpoints were rates of pancreatitis, bleeding, use of mechanical lithotripsy (ML), perforation and cholangitis.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs with 1824 patients were included. EST was associated with more post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) bleeding [FE RD-0.02, CI (-0.03, -0.00), I2 = 33%, P = 0.05] and more need of mechanical lithotripsy in general [RE RD-0.16, CI (-0.25, -0.06), I2 = 90%, P = 0.002] and in subgroup analysis of stones greater than 15 mm [RE RD-0.20, CI (-0.38, -0.02), I2 = 82%, P = 0.003]. Incidence of pancreatitis [FE RD-0.01, CI (-0.03, 0.01), I2 = 0, P = 0.36], cholangitis [FE RD-0.00, CI (-0.01, 0.01), I2 =0, P = 0.97] and perforation [FE RD-0.01, CI (-0.01, 0.00), I2 = 0, P = 0.23] was similar between the groups as well as similar stone removal rates in general [FE RD-0.01, CI (-0.01, 0.04), I2 = 0, P = 0.23] and pooled analysis of stones greater than 15 mm [FE RD-0.02, CI (-0.02, 0.07), I2 = 11%, P = 0.31].

CONCLUSION

Through meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials we found that isolated sphincterotomy was associated with more post-ERCP bleeding and more need for mechanical lithotripsy. However, there was no statistical difference in the stone removal rate between isolated sphincterotomy and sphincterotomy associated with balloon dilation in the approach to remove gallstones.

Pain relief in chronic pancreatitis: endoscopic or surgical treatment? a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pain is one of the consequences of chronic pancreatitis (CP) that has the greatest impact on the quality of life of patients. Endoscopic and surgical interventions, by producing a decrease in intraductal pancreatic pressure, can provide pain relief. This is the first systematic review that includes only randomized clinical trials (RTCs) comparing outcomes in the short-term (less than 2 years) and long-term (more than 2 years) between these two types of interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases to identify RTCs comparing short and long-term pain relief, procedural complications, and days of hospitalization between endoscopic and surgical interventions was performed following the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Three RCTs evaluating a total of 199 patients (99 in the endoscopy group and 100 in the surgery group) were included in this study. Surgical interventions provided complete pain relief, with statistical difference, in the long-term (16,4% vs 35.7%; RD 0.19; 95% CI 0.03-0.35; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%), without significant difference in short-term (17.5% vs 31.2%; RD 0.14; 95% CI -0.01-0.28; p = 0.07; I2 = 0%) when compared to endoscopy. There was no statistical difference in short-term (17.5% vs 28.1%; RD 0.11; 95% CI -0.04-0.25; p = 0.15; I2 = 0%) and long-term (34% vs 41.1%; RD 0.07; 95% CI -0.10-0.24; p = 0.42; I2 0%) in partial relief of pain between both interventions. In the short-term, both complications (34.9% vs 29.7%; RD 0.05; 95% CI -0.10-0.21; p = 0.50; I2 = 48%) and days of hospitalization (MD -1.02; 95% CI -2.61-0.58; p = 0.21; I2 = 0%) showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Surgical interventions showed superior results when compared to endoscopy in terms of complete long-term pain relief. The number of complications and length of hospitalization in both groups were similar.

Propofol vs midazolam sedation for elective endoscopy in patients with cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Patients with cirrhosis frequently require sedation for elective endoscopic procedures. Several sedation protocols are available, but choosing an appropriate sedative in patients with cirrhosis is challenging.

AIM

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare propofol and midazolam for sedation in patients with cirrhosis during elective endoscopic procedures in an attempt to understand the best approach.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Cochrane, LILACS databases. Only randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. The outcomes studied were procedure time, recovery time, discharge time, and adverse events (bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoxemia). The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2). Quality of evidence was evaluated by GRADEpro. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager.

RESULTS

The search yielded 3,576 records. Out of these, 8 RCTs with a total of 596 patients (302 in the propofol group and 294 in the midazolam group) were included for the final analysis. Procedure time was similar between midazolam and propofol groups (MD: 0.25, 95%CI: -0.64 to 1.13, P = 0.59). Recovery time (MD: -8.19, 95%CI: -10.59 to -5.79, P < 0.00001). and discharge time were significantly less in the propofol group (MD: -12.98, 95%CI: -18.46 to -7.50, P < 0.00001). Adverse events were similar in both groups (RD: 0.02, 95%CI: 0-0.04, P = 0.58). Moreover, no significant difference was found for bradycardia (RD: 0.03, 95%CI: -0.01 to 0.07, P = 0.16), hypotension (RD: 0.03, 95%CI: -0.01 to 0.07, P = 0.17), and hypoxemia (RD: 0.00, 95%CI: -0.04 to 0.04, P = 0.93). Five studies had low risk of bias, two demonstrated some concerns, and one presented high risk. The quality of the evidence was very low for procedure time, recovery time, and adverse events; while low for discharge time.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis based on RCTs show that propofol has shorter recovery and patient discharge time as compared to midazolam with a similar rate of adverse events. These results suggest that propofol should be the preferred agent for sedation in patients with cirrhosis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy vs laparoscopic myotomy and partial fundoplication for esophageal achalasia: A single-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is a rare benign esophageal motor disorder characterized by incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The treatment of achalasia is not curative, but rather is aimed at reducing LES pressure. In patients who have failed noninvasive therapy, surgery should be considered. Myotomy with partial fundoplication has been considered the first-line treatment for non-advanced achalasia. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a technique that employs the principles of submucosal endoscopy to perform the equivalent of a surgical myotomy, has emerged as a promising minimally invasive technique for the management of this condition.

AIM

To compare POEM and laparoscopic myotomy and partial fundoplication (LM-PF) regarding their efficacy and outcomes for the treatment of achalasia.

METHODS

Forty treatment-naive adult patients who had been diagnosed with achalasia based on clinical and manometric criteria (dysphagia score ≥ II and Eckardt score > 3) were randomized to undergo either LM-PF or POEM. The outcome measures were anesthesia time, procedure time, symptom improvement, reflux esophagitis (as determined with the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire), barium column height at 1 and 5 min (on a barium esophagogram), pressure at the LES, the occurrence of adverse events (AEs), length of stay (LOS), and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the LM-PF and POEM groups regarding symptom improvement at 1, 6, and 12 mo of follow-up (P = 0.192, P = 0.242, and P = 0.242, respectively). However, the rates of reflux esophagitis at 1, 6, and 12 mo of follow-up were significantly higher in the POEM group (P = 0.014, P < 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively). There were also no statistical differences regarding the manometry values, the occurrence of AEs, or LOS. Anesthesia time and procedure time were significantly shorter in the POEM group than in the LM-PF group (185.00 ± 56.89 and 95.70 ± 30.47 min vs 296.75 ± 56.13 and 218.75 ± 50.88 min, respectively; P = 0.001 for both). In the POEM group, there were improvements in all domains of the QoL questionnaire, whereas there were improvements in only three domains in the LM-PF group.

CONCLUSION

POEM and LM-PF appear to be equally effective in controlling the symptoms of achalasia, shortening LOS, and minimizing AEs. Nevertheless, POEM has the advantage of improving all domains of QoL, and shortening anesthesia and procedure times but with a significantly higher rate of gastroesophageal reflux.

Extreme bariatric endoscopy: stenting to reconnect the pouch to the gastrojejunostomy after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Among the possible complications of bariatric surgery, fistula and partial dehiscence of the gastric suture are well known. Reoperation often is required but results in significant morbidity. Endoscopic treatment of some bariatric complications is feasible and efficient.

METHODS

A modified metallic stent was placed between the gastroaesophageal junction and the alimentary jejunal limb, allowing the passage of a nasoenteric feeding tube into the jejunal limb.

RESULTS

Endoscopy showed disruption of nearly the entire staple line at the gastric pouch. The modified stent was placed and allowed wound healing. After 31 days, the stent had migrated and was removed endoscopically. Total closure of the fistula was reported 30 days afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment of some bariatric surgery complications is feasible and has been reported previously. This report presents a case of a serious leakage treated by placement of a self-expandable metal stent to bridge the fistula.

Sodium picosulphate or polyethylene glycol before elective colonoscopy in outpatients? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To determine the best option for bowel preparation [sodium picosulphate or polyethylene glycol (PEG)] for elective colonoscopy in adult outpatients.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines was performed using Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Central, Cinahl and Lilacs. No restrictions were placed for country, year of publication or language. The last search in the literature was performed on November 20th, 2017. Only randomized clinical trials with full texts published were included. The subjects included were adult outpatients who underwent bowel cleansing for elective colonoscopy. The included studies compared sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate (SPMC) and PEG for bowel preparation. Exclusion criteria were the inclusion of inpatients or groups with specific conditions, failure to mention patient status (outpatient or inpatient) or dietary restrictions, and permission to have unrestricted diet on the day prior to the exam. Primary outcomes were bowel cleaning success and/or tolerability of colon preparation. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, polyp and adenoma detection rates. Data on intention-to-treat were extracted by two independent authors and risk of bias assessed through the Jadad scale. Funnel plots, Egger's test, Higgins' test (I 2) and sensitivity analyses were used to assess reporting bias and heterogeneity. The meta-analysis was performed by computing risk difference (RD) using Mantel-Haenszel (MH) method with fixed-effects (FE) and random-effects (RE) models. Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5) version 6.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration) was the software chosen to perform the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

662 records were identified but only 16 trials with 6200 subjects were included for the meta-analysis. High heterogeneity among studies was found and sensitivity analysis was needed and performed to interpret data. In the pooled analysis, SPMC was better for bowel cleaning [MH FE, RD 0.03, IC (0.01, 0.05), P = 0.003, I 2 = 33%, NNT 34], for tolerability [MH RE, RD 0.08, IC (0.03, 0.13), P = 0.002, I 2 = 88%, NNT 13] and for adverse events [MH RE, RD 0.13, IC (0.05, 0.22), P = 0.002, I 2 = 88%, NNT 7]. There was no difference in regard to polyp and adenoma detection rates. Additional analyses were made by subgroups (type of regimen, volume of PEG solution and dietary recommendations). SPMC demonstrated better tolerability levels when compared to PEG in the following subgroups: "day-before preparation" [MH FE, RD 0.17, IC (0.13, 0.21), P < 0.0001, I 2 = 0%, NNT 6], "preparation in accordance with time interval for colonoscopy" [MH RE, RD 0.08, IC (0.01, 0.15), P = 0.02, I 2 = 54%, NNT 13], when compared to "high-volume PEG solutions" [MH RE, RD 0.08, IC (0.01, 0.14), I 2 = 89%, P = 0.02, NNT 13] and in the subgroup "liquid diet on day before" [MH RE, RD 0.14, IC (0.06,0.22), P = 0.0006, I 2 = 81%, NNT 8]. SPMC was also found to cause fewer adverse events than PEG in the "high-volume PEG solutions" [MH RE, RD -0.18, IC (-0.30, -0.07), P = 0.002, I 2 = 79%, NNT 6] and PEG in the "low-residue diet" subgroup [MH RE, RD -0.17, IC (-0.27, 0.07), P = 0.0008, I 2 = 86%, NNT 6].

CONCLUSION

SPMC seems to be better than PEG for bowel preparation, with a similar bowel cleaning success rate, better tolerability and lower prevalence of adverse events.

Endoscopic Resection Versus Surgery in the Treatment of Early Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic resection (ER) is the preferred approach to treat early gastric cancer (EGC) in patients without suspected lymph node involvement and that meet the criteria for ER. Surgery is a more aggressive treatment, but it may be associated with less recurrence and the need for reintervention. Previous meta-analyses comparing ER with surgery for EGC did not incorporate the most recent studies, making accurate conclusions not possible.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine complete resection, length of hospital stay (LOHS), adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, recurrence, 5-year overall survival (OS), and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with EGC.

RESULTS

A total of 29 cohorts studies involving 20559 patients were included. The ER (n = 7709) group was associated with a lower incidence of AEs (RD = -0.07, 95%CI = -0.1, -0.04, p < 0.0001) and shorter LOHS (95% CI -5.89, -5.32; p < 0,00001) compared to surgery (n = 12850). However, ER was associated with lower complete resection rates (RD = -0.1, 95%CI = -0.15, -0.06; p < 0.00001) and higher rates of recurrence (RD = 0.07, 95%CI = 0.06; p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences between surgery and ER in 5-year OS (RD = -0.01, 95%CI = -0.04, 0.02; p = 0.38), 5-year CSS (RD = 0.01, 95%CI = 0.00, 0.02; p < 0.17), and incidence of serious AEs (RD = -0.03, 95%CI = -0.08, 0.01; p = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

ER and surgery are safe and effective treatments for EGC. ER provides lower rates of AEs and shorter LOHS compared to surgery. Although ER is associated with lower complete resection rates and a higher risk of recurrence, the OS and CSS were similar between both approaches.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42021255328.

Is Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Still Associated With Higher Rates of Pancreatitis?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES), and the combination of large balloon dilation and ES (ES + EPLBD) in the treatment of common bile duct stones, with a special focus on postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). Individualized search strategies were developed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated at least one of the following outcomes: PEP, complete stone removal in the first ERCP, need for mechanical lithotripsy, recurrence of common bile duct stones, bleeding, and cholangitis. Twenty-five RCTs were selected for analysis. Pancreatitis rates were higher for EPBD than for ES (P = 0.003), as were severe pancreatitis rates (P = 0.04). However, in the 10-mm or greater balloon subgroup analysis, this difference was not shown (P = 0.82). Rates of PEP were higher in the subgroup of non-Asian subjects (P = 0.02), and the results were not robust when RCTs that used endoscopic nasobiliary drainage were omitted. The incidence of pancreatitis was comparable between EPLBD and ES + EPLBD. All 3 approaches were equally efficacious. Nevertheless, the results should be interpreted with caution, because pancreatitis is a multifactorial pathology, and RCTs can have limited generalizability.

Suction versus slow-pull for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of pancreatic tumors: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Suction (S) is commonly used to improve cell acquisition during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Slow-pull (SP) sampling is another technique that might procure good quality specimens with less bloodiness. We aimed to determine if SP improves the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of pancreatic masses.

METHODS

Patients with pancreatic solid masses were randomized to four needle passes with both techniques in an alternate fashion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated. Cellularity and bloodiness of cytological samples were assessed and compared according to the technique.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of suction vs. SP were 95.2% vs. 92.3%; 100% vs. 100; 95.7% vs. 93%, respectively. As to the association of methods, they were 95.6, 100 and 96%, respectively. Positive predictive values for S and SP were 100%. There was no difference in diagnostic yield between S and SP (p = 0.344). Cellularity of samples obtained with SP and Suction were equivalent in both smear evaluation (p = 0.119) and cell-block (0.980). Bloodiness of SP and suction techniques were similar as well.

CONCLUSIONS

S and SP techniques provide equivalent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Association of methods seems to improve diagnostic yield. Suction does not increase the bloodiness of samples compared to slow-pull.