Compliance with surveillance recommendations for foregut subepithelial tumors is poor: results of a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

American Gastroenterological Association guidelines recommend performing EUS to characterize subepithelial lesions (SELs) discovered on upper endoscopy (EGD), followed by surveillance if no high-risk features are identified. However, limited data are available on the impact of and compliance with surveillance recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the natural history of SELs<30 mm in size evaluated by EUS and to determine the degree of patient compliance with surveillance recommendations.

DESIGN

Prospective registry.

SETTING

Two tertiary centers.

PATIENTS

We studied 187 consecutive adult patients referred for EUS evaluation of foregut SELs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Proportion of patients in whom SELs change in size or echo-features and compliance with follow-up recommendations.

RESULTS

Surveillance was recommended in 65 patients with hypoechoic SELs (44.6% women, age 59.5±13.2 years); of these, 29 (44.6%) underwent surveillance EUS as recommended and were followed for a median of 30 months (range, 12-105). During follow-up, 16 SELs (25%) increased in size, with a mean increase of 3.4±3.9 mm (range, 1-15). No changes in echo-texture of the SELs were observed. One patient was referred to surgery during follow-up (because of SEL growth>30 mm).

LIMITATIONS

Short follow-up duration; compliance was a secondary aim.

CONCLUSIONS

During a median follow-up of 30 months, growth in size was observed in 25% of small foregut SELs. However, change in size was minimal, and only 1 patient was referred for surgery based on surveillance EUS findings. Compliance with surveillance recommendations is poor, with fewer than 50% of patients undergoing surveillance EUS as recommended.

ERCP in potentially resectable malignant biliary obstruction is frequently unsuccessful when performed outside of a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary center

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

ERCP prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy is unnecessary in select patients. When performed, it should be in conjunction with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to increase diagnostic sensitivity and allow for metal stent placement. The aim of this study was to determine differences in endoscopic practice patterns at community medical centers (CMC) and a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary referral center (PBRC).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of all patients seen at a PBRC for endoscopic and/or surgical management of potentially resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction from 1/2011 to 6/2014.

RESULTS

Of 75 patients, 30 underwent endoscopic management at a CMC and 45 were initially managed at our PBRC. ERCP was attempted in 92% of patients. EUS was performed more frequently (100% vs. 13.3 %, P < 0.0001), ERCP was more successful (93% vs. 69%, P = 0.02), and metal stent placement more likely (41% vs. 5%, P = 0.005) at our PBRC compared to a CMC. The majority (81%) of patients undergoing initial endoscopy at a CMC required repeat endoscopy at our PBRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who are candidates for pancreaticoduodenectomy frequently undergo ERCP. At a CMC, ERCP is often unsuccessful, is rarely accompanied by EUS, and often requires repeat endoscopy. Our findings support regionalizing the management of suspected pancreatic malignancy into dedicated specialty centers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:647-651. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Incidence of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Causes of Mortality After Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett's Esophagus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is commonly used to treat Barrett's esophagus (BE). We assessed the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) after RFA, factors associated with the development of EAC, and EAC-specific and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

We collected data for outcomes of patients who underwent RFA for BE from July 2007 through July 2011 from US multicenter RFA Patient Registry. Patients were followed until July 2014. Kaplan-Meier curves of EAC incidence were stratified by baseline histology. Crude EAC incidence and mortality (all-cause and EAC-specific) were calculated, and adjusted all-cause mortality was assessed. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess predictors of EAC and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among 4982 patients, 100 (2%) developed EAC (7.8/1000 person-years [PY]) and 9 patients (0.2%) died of EAC (0.7/1000 PY) in a mean 2.7 ± 1.6 years. The incidence of EAC in nondysplastic BE was 0.5/1000 PY. Overall, 157 patients (3%) died during follow-up (all-cause mortality, 11.2/1000 PY). On multivariate logistic regression, baseline BE length (odds ratio, 1.1/ cm) and baseline histology (odds ratios, 5.8 and 50.3 for low-grade dysplasia and high-grade dysplasia [HGD] respectively) predicted EAC incidence. Among 9 EAC deaths, 6 (67%) had baseline HGD, and 3 (33%) had baseline intramucosal EAC. The most common causes of death were cardiovascular (15%) and extraesophageal cancers (15%). No deaths were associated with RFA.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on analysis of a multicenter registry of patients who underwent RFA of BE, less than 1% died from EAC. The incidence of EAC was markedly lower in this study than in other studies of disease progression, with the greatest absolute benefit observed in patients with HGD.

Suboptimal accuracy of carcinoembryonic antigen in differentiation of mucinous and nonmucinous pancreatic cysts: results of a large multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The exact cutoff value at which pancreatic cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level distinguishes pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) from pancreatic nonmucinous cystic neoplasms (NMCNs) is unclear. The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cyst fluid CEA levels in differentiating between MCNs and NMCNs.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent EUS with FNA at 3 tertiary care centers were identified. Patients with histologic confirmation of cyst type based on surgical specimens served as the criterion standard for this analysis. Demographic characteristics, EUS morphology, FNA fluid, and cytology results were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of MCNs was performed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for CEA levels.

RESULTS

A total of 226 patients underwent surgery (mean age, 61 years, 96% white patients, 39% female patients) of whom 88% underwent Whipple's procedure or distal pancreatectomy. Based on surgical histopathology, there were 150 MCNs and 76 NMCNs cases. The median CEA level was 165 ng/mL. The area under the ROC curve for CEA levels in differentiating between MCNs and NMCNs was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.84, P < .01) with a cutoff of 105 ng/mL, demonstrating a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 63%, respectively. The cutoff value of 192 ng/mL yielded a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 77% and would misdiagnose 39% of MCN cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyst fluid CEA levels have a clinically suboptimal accuracy level in differentiating MCNs from NMCNs. Future studies should focus on novel cyst fluid markers to improve risk stratification of pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

Effects of the Learning Curve on Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett's Esophagus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Complete eradication of Barrett's esophagus (BE) often requires multiple sessions of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Little is known about the effects of case volume on the safety and efficacy of RFA or about the presence or contour of learning curves for this procedure.

METHODS

We collected data from the US RFA Patient Registry (from 148 institutions) for patients who underwent RFA for BE from July 2007 to July 2011. We analyzed the effects of the number of patients treated by individual endoscopists and individual centers on safety and efficacy outcomes of RFA. Outcomes, including stricture, bleeding, hospitalization, and complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CEIM), were assessed using logistic regression. The effects of center and investigator experience on numbers of treatment sessions to achieve CEIM were examined using linear regression.

RESULTS

After we controlled for potential confounders, we found that as the experience of endoscopists and centers increased with cases, the numbers of treatment sessions required to achieve CEIM decreased. This relationship persisted after adjusting for patient age, sex, race, length of BE, and presence of pretreatment dysplasia (P < .01). Center experience was not significantly associated with overall rates of CEIM or complete eradication of dysplasia. We did not observe any learning curve with regard to risks of stricture, gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or hospitalization (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on analysis of a large multicenter registry, efficiency of the treatment, as measured by number of sessions needed to achieve CEIM, increased with case volume, indicating a learning curve effect. This trend began to disappear after treatment of approximately 30 patients by the center or individual endoscopist. However, there was no significant association between safety or efficacy outcomes and previous case volume.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, version 2.2014: featured updates to the NCCN guidelines

The NCCN Guidelines for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma discuss the diagnosis and management of adenocarcinomas of the exocrine pancreas and are intended to assist with clinical decision-making. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize major discussion points from the 2014 NCCN Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Panel meeting. The panel discussion focused mainly on the management of borderline resectable and locally advanced disease. In particular, the panel discussed the definition of borderline resectable disease, role of neoadjuvant therapy in borderline disease, role of chemoradiation in locally advanced disease, and potential role of newer, more active chemotherapy regimens in both settings.

Endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment in esophageal cancers: high-technology assessment

The following, from the 12th OESO World Conference: Cancers of the Esophagus, includes commentaries on the endoscopic tools to recognize squamous cell dysplasia; confocal laser endomicroscopy for Barrett's esophagus; confocal microscopy in the cancer patient; optical coherence tomography in the assessment of subsquamous Barrett's metaplasia; endoscopic mucosal resection for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus; HALO in the treatment of squamous dysplasia; and the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Plastic biliary stent patency in patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma receiving downstaging chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Plastic stents in patients with biliary obstruction caused by pancreatic adenocarcinoma are typically exchanged at 3-month intervals. Plastic stents may have reduced durability in patients receiving chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the duration of plastic biliary stent patency in patients undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective, multicenter cohort study.

SETTING

Three tertiary academic referral centers.

PATIENTS

A total of 173 patients receiving downstaging chemotherapy for locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 1996 to 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

Placement of 10F or larger plastic biliary stents.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was overall duration of stent patency. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of premature stent exchange (because of cholangitis or jaundice) and hospitalization rates.

RESULTS

A total of 233 plastic stents were placed, and the overall median duration of stent patency was 53 days (interquartile range [IQR] 25-99 days). Eighty-seven stents were removed at the time of surgical resection, and 63 stents were exchanged routinely per protocol. The remaining 83 stent exchanges were performed for worsening liver function test results, jaundice, or cholangitis, representing a 35.6% rate of premature stent exchange. The median stent patency duration in the premature stent exchange group was 49 days (IQR 25-91 days) with a 44.6% hospitalization rate. The overall rate of cholangitis was 15.0% of stent exchanges, occurring a median of 56 days after stent placement (IQR 26-89 days).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Plastic biliary stents placed during chemotherapy/chemoradiation for pancreatic adenocarcinoma have a shorter-than-expected patency duration, and a substantial number of patients will require premature stent exchange. Consideration should be given to shortening the interval for plastic biliary stent exchange.

Durability and predictors of successful radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

After radiofrequency ablation (RFA), patients may experience recurrence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) after complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CEIM). Rates and predictors of recurrence after successful eradication have been poorly described.

METHODS

We used the US RFA Registry, a nationwide registry of BE patients receiving RFA, to determine rates and factors that predicted recurrence of intestinal metaplasia (IM). We assessed recurrence by Kaplan-Meier analysis for the overall cohort and by worst pretreatment histology. Characteristics associated with recurrence were included in a logistic regression model to identify independent predictors.

RESULTS

Among 5521 patients, 3728 had biopsies 12 months or more after initiation of RFA. Of these, 3169 (85%) achieved CEIM, and 1634 (30%) met inclusion criteria. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years after CEIM. IM recurred in 334 (20%) and was nondysplastic or indefinite for dysplasia in 86% (287 of 334); the average length of recurrent BE was 0.6 cm. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, more advanced pretreatment histology was associated with an increased yearly recurrence rate. Compared with patients without recurrence, patients with recurrence were more likely, based on bivariate analysis, to be older, have longer BE segments, be non-Caucasian, have dysplastic BE before treatment, and require more treatment sessions. In multivariate analysis, the likelihood for recurrence was associated with increasing age and BE length, and non-Caucasian race.

CONCLUSIONS

BE recurred in 20% of patients followed up for an average of 2.4 years after CEIM. Most recurrences were short segments and were nondysplastic or indefinite for dysplasia. Older age, non-Caucasian race, and increasing length of BE length were all risk factors. These risk factors should be considered when planning post-RFA surveillance intervals.

Endoscopic ultrasound as an adjunctive evaluation in patients with esophageal motor disorders subtyped by high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND

Esophageal motor disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions identified by esophageal manometry that lead to esophageal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the further evaluation of patients with esophageal motor disorders categorized using the updated Chicago Classification.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single center study of 62 patients with esophageal motor disorders categorized according to the Chicago Classification. All patients underwent standard radial endosonography to assess for extra-esophageal findings or alternative explanations for esophageal outflow obstruction. Secondary outcomes included esophageal wall thickness among the different patient subsets within the Chicago Classification.

KEY RESULTS

EUS identified 9/62 (15%) clinically relevant findings that altered patient management and explained the etiology of esophageal outflow obstruction. We further identified substantial variability in esophageal wall thickness in a proportion of patients including some with a significantly thickened non-muscular layer.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

EUS findings are clinically relevant in a significant number of patients with motor disorders and can alter clinical management. Variability in esophageal wall thickness of the muscularis propria and non-muscular layers identified by EUS may also explain the observed variability in response to standard therapies for achalasia.

Addition of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration and On-Site Cytology to EUS-Guided Fine Needle Biopsy Increases Procedure Time but Not Diagnostic Accuracy

Background/Aims

Although the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in pancreas adenocarcinoma is high, endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is often required in other lesions; in these cases, it may be possible to forgo initial EUS-FNA and rapid on-site cytology evaluation (ROSE). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB alone (EUS-FNB group) with a conventional sampling algorithm of EUS-FNA with ROSE followed by EUS-FNB (EUS-FNA/B group) in nonpancreas adenocarcinoma lesions.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of subjects who underwent EUS sampling of nonpancreatic adenocarcinoma lesions between February 2011 and May 2013.

Results

Over the study period, there were 43 lesions biopsied in 41 unique patients in the EUS-FNB group and 53 patients in the EUS-FNA/B group. Overall diagnostic accuracy was similar between the EUS-FNB and EUS-FNA/B groups (83.7% vs. 84.9%; p=1.0). In the subgroup of subepithelial mass lesions, diagnostic accuracy remained similar in the EUS-FNB and EUS-FNA/B groups (81.0% and 70.6%; p=0.7). EUS-FNB procedures were significantly shorter than those in the EUS-FNA/B group (58.4 minutes vs. 73.5 minutes; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

EUS-FNB without on-site cytology provides a high diagnostic accuracy in nonpancreas adenocarcinoma lesions. There appears to be no additive benefit with initial EUS-FNA but this requires further study in a prospective study.

Inpatient weekend ERCP is associated with a reduction in patient length of stay

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed on the weekend requires significant effort from the endoscopist, nursing staff, and anesthesia services. These factors often result in delaying the procedure until the following Monday. No data exist on whether performing weekend ERCP reduces length of stay (LOS) and total cost to justify the additional physician and nursing burden.

METHODS

In this single tertiary academic center, institutional review board-approved study, we retrospectively reviewed all hospitalized patients in whom an ERCP had been completed from May 2010 to September 2011. Demographic and clinical information, procedure details as well as total hospitalization charges (USD) were compared between patients who had an ERCP either on the weekend or weekday holiday (WE ERCP) or Monday (MON ERCP). Statistical comparisons were made using χ(2) and Fischer's exact test. A logistic regression model adjusted for propensity scores (PSs) was used to estimate the risk in prolonged LOS and high total charges associated with WE ERCPs vs. MON ERCPs.

RESULTS

A total of 1,114 ERCP's were performed during the time period, 123 of which met inclusion criteria (52 WE, 71 MON). Mean patient age was 56.3±16.7 years (54.5% female, 60.2% Caucasian). There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. The most common procedure indications were choledocholithiasis (34.9%) and elevated liver enzymes after liver transplantation (25.2%). The analysis showed a significantly decreased LOS (P=0.010) and a trend towards decreased cost (P=0.050) associated with WE ERCP. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for PS, WE ERCP had a significantly decreased odds ratio of LOS>3 days (odds ratio: 0.37 (0.16-0.85); P=0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a significant decrease in LOS and a trend towards decrease in charges in patients who underwent weekend ERCP compared with delaying ERCP until Monday. Thus, health-care organizations should consider removing barriers to weekend inpatient ERCPs.

Palliative venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is safe and effective in patients with malignant obstruction

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Obstructive symptoms are common in advanced malignancies. Venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (VPEG) tubes can be placed for palliation. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of VPEG placement in patients with advanced malignancy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients in whom a VPEG tube was attempted for a malignant indication from 1998 to 2010 at a tertiary care center. Clinical information, procedure details, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Colorectal (27 %), pancreas (18.8 %), and gynecologic (17.7 %) malignancies were most common. Overall, 46.9 % of patients had ascites, with 35.6 % undergoing drainage prior to VPEG placement. VPEG placement was successful in 89 patients (92.7 %), and relief of obstructive symptoms was observed in 91.0 % of patients. Seven patients had refractory symptoms despite functioning VPEG tube. Ten post-procedural AEs were noted in nine patients, with one death. Infectious complications were more common in patients with ascites (12.2 %) versus those without (0 %; p = 0.02). There was a trend towards decreased infectious AEs when ascites was drained prior to VPEG (14.8 vs. 7.1 %; p = 0.64) in our patient cohort. We observed a decreased survival when AEs occurred (73 ± 47.8 days) compared with when they did not occur (141 ± 367.8 days; p = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

VPEG tubes can be safely placed in patients with obstructive symptoms due to inoperable malignancy, with complete relief in the majority of patients. Ascites was a risk factor for post-procedural infectious AEs. Drainage of ascites prior to VPEG tube placement may decrease this risk, although this requires further study.

Radiofrequency ablation for refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia (with video)

BACKGROUND

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a cause of upper GI bleeding and chronic anemia. Although upper endoscopy with argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an accepted therapy for GAVE, many patients continue to bleed and remain transfusion dependent after therapy. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may provide an alternative therapeutic option for GAVE.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of RFA for patients with GAVE who remain transfusion dependent after APC treatment.

DESIGN

Open-label prospective cohort study of patients with GAVE refractory to APC.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

GAVE patients with previous failed APC therapy, chronic anemia, and transfusion dependence.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic RFA to the gastric antrum using the HALO(90) ULTRA ablation catheter until transfusion independence is achieved or a maximum of 4 sessions are performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Transfusion requirements before and after RFA. Secondary outcomes are hemoglobin before and 6 months after RFA completion, number of RFA sessions, and complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients underwent at least 1 RFA session with ablation of GAVE lesions. At 6 months after completion of the course of RFA therapy, 18 of 21 patients (86%) were transfusion independent. Mean hemoglobin increased from 7.8 to 10.2 in responders (n = 18). Two adverse events occurred (minor acute bleeding and superficial ulceration); both resolved without intervention.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, single-operator, and nonrandomized design.

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is safe and effective for treating patients with refractory GAVE after attempted APC.

Learning curves for EUS by using cumulative sum analysis: implications for American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommendations for training

BACKGROUND

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endsocopy (ASGE) guidelines for assessing minimal competence in EUS are based on expert opinion and retrospective studies.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively define learning curves in EUS among advanced endoscopy trainees (AETs).

DESIGN

Prospective trial.

SETTING

Three tertiary-care referral centers.

PATIENTS

AETs with no prior EUS experience.

INTERVENTION

AETs were evaluated by attending endosonographers at intervals of 10 EUS examinations (beginning at the 25th examination) during a 12-month training period. A standardized data collection form was used to grade examination of EUS anatomic stations and, when applicable, lesion of interest, accurate uTNM staging, wall layer origin of subepithelial lesions, and technical success with FNA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Cumulative sum analysis was applied to assess competency and produce a learning curve for each trainee for overall performance and for each anatomic station. Acceptable and unacceptable failure rates of 10% and 20%, respectively, were used.

RESULTS

Five AETs were included, with a total of 1412 EUS examinations (AET1-225, T2-175, T3-402, T4-315, T5-295). Two AETs crossed the threshold for acceptable performance at cases number 255 and 295, two AETs showed a trend toward acceptable performance after 225 and 196 cases but needed ongoing training, and 1 AET demonstrated the need for ongoing training after 402 cases. Similar variable results were noted for individual stations.

LIMITATIONS

Results from this study may not be generalizable to other centers' AETs.

CONCLUSION

We observed substantial variability in achieving competency and a consistent need for more supervision in all AETs than current recommendations (150 cases). Future studies should focus on standardization of trainee performance, definition of competency, and widespread applicability of AET evaluation.

Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus associated dysplasia and early esophageal cancer

The last decade has seen a transformation in the endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus associated dysplasia from simple surveillance to therapeutic tissue eradication. The combined approach using endoscopic mucosal resection and ablative techniques has proven to be safe and effective. This strategy provides a more cost-effective and safer alternative to esophagectomy for patient with high-grade dysplasia. Despite its safety and efficacy, many questions remain regarding durability, complications, and risk-stratification of patients for endoscopic therapy. However, endoscopic therapy provides a safe and effective weapon against the rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Efficacy and safety of venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (VPEG) tube placement in patients with malignant obstruction

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Background: Refractory nausea and vomiting are common in patients with advanced malignancy. A venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (VPEG) tube can be placed to eliminate the need for a nasogastric tube and palliate obstructive symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of VPEG placement in patients with advanced malignancy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom a VPEG tube was attempted for a malignant indication over a 13-year period (1998-2010). Demographic and clinical information, procedure details, and immediate & delayed complications were recorded. Results: Endoscopic VPEG placement was attempted in 96 patients (95% inpatient) with a median age of 57y. Colorectal (27%), pancreas (18.8%), and gynecologic (17.7%) malignancies were most common. Ascites was present in 46.9% of patients with drainage performed in a minority of patients (35.6%). VPEG was successfully placed by endoscopy in 89 patients (92.7%). Relief of obstructive symptoms was observed in 91.7% of patients. Eight patients had refractory obstructive symptoms despite functioning VPEG tube. Ten post-procedural complications were noted in 9 patients, with 1 death. Patients with ascites were more likely to have infectious complications (12.2%) than those without ascites (0%, p=0.02) with a trend towards decreased infectious complication when ascites was drained prior to VPEG placement (14.8% vs. 7.1%, p=NS). We observed decreased survival when complications occurred (73 days) compared to when they did not (141 days, p = NS). Conclusions: VPEG tubes can be safely placed in patients with inoperable malignancy and obstructive symptoms with complete relief of symptoms in the majority of patients. The presence of ascites was a risk factor for post-procedural infectious complications. Drainage of ascites prior to VPEG tube placement may minimize this risk, though this warrants further study.

Prior fundoplication does not improve safety or efficacy outcomes of radiofrequency ablation: results from the U.S. RFA Registry

BACKGROUND

Ongoing gastroesophageal reflux may impair healing and re-epithelialization after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Barrett's esophagus (BE). Because prior fundoplication may improve reflux control, our aim was to assess the relationship between prior fundoplication and the safety/efficacy of RFA.

METHODS

We assessed the U.S. RFA Registry, a nationwide registry of BE patients receiving RFA at 148 institutions, to compare the safety and efficacy of ablation between those with prior fundoplication and those with medical management (proton pump inhibition).

RESULTS

Among 5,537 patients receiving RFA, 301 (5.4 %) had prior fundoplication. Of fundoplication subjects, 1.0 % developed stricture and 1.0 % were hospitalized after RFA. Rates of stricture, bleeding, and hospitalization were not statistically different (p = ns) between patients with and without prior fundoplication. Complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and complete eradication of dysplasia were achieved in 71 % and 87 % of fundoplication patients, and 73 % and 87 % of patients without fundoplication, respectively (p = ns for both). Patients with prior fundoplication needed similar numbers of RFA sessions for eradication compared with those without fundoplication.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiofrequency ablation, with or without prior fundoplication, is safe and effective in eradicating BE. Prior fundoplication was associated with similar adverse event and efficacy rates when compared with medical management.

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, version 2.2012: featured updates to the NCCN Guidelines

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma discuss the workup and management of tumors of the exocrine pancreas. These NCCN Guidelines Insights provide a summary and explanation of major changes to the 2012 NCCN Guidelines for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. The panel made 3 significant updates to the guidelines: 1) more detail was added regarding multiphase CT techniques for diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer, and pancreas protocol MRI was added as an emerging alternative to CT; 2) the use of a fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin (e.g., 5-FU/leucovorin/oxaliplatin or capecitabine/oxaliplatin) was added as an acceptable chemotherapy combination for patients with advanced or metastatic disease and good performance status as a category 2B recommendation; and 3) the panel developed new recommendations concerning surgical technique and pathologic analysis and reporting.