The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on the gastric residue in upper endoscopy

AIM

We aimed to investigate the association between Glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptors agonists (GLP1-RA) use and gastric residue on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective study included all EGDs conducted across seven gastroenterology departments. EGDs with the diagnosis of "poor preparation" or described as a poor preparation in the endoscopist's report were considered as gastric residue.

RESULTS

120,879 EGDs were included in the analysis. Of these, 1671 patients treated with GLP1-RA were compared to 119,208 without GLP1-RA treatment. Of the GLP1-RA group, 93 (5.6 %) had gastric residue compared to 2327 (2.0 %) among the non-GLP1-RA group (p < 0.001). Sup-group analysis: 71 (6.2 %) of the 1141 DM patients treated with GLP1-RA compared to 307 (3.0 %) of the 10,152 DM patients without GLP1-RA treatment (p < 0.001). Additionally, 22 (4.2 %) of 503 non-DM patients treated with GLP1-RA had gastric residue compared to 2065 (2.0 %) of the non-DM non-GLP1-RA group (n = 109,056) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, DM and GLP1-RA were both found to be independent risk factors for excess gastric residue.

CONCLUSION

Our results may have important clinical relevance for EGD preparation among GLP1-RA treated patients, either requiring a longer fasting time prior to EGD or holding the medication prior to EGD according to the half-life of the drug.

A snapshot audit of global flexible endoscopy practice among European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons (EAES) and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) surgeons from the EAES Flexible Endoscopy Subcommittee survey

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopy is an essential skill for all surgeons. However, endoscopic competency, training, and practice may vary widely among them. The EAES Flexible Endoscopy Subcommittee is working towards a standardized set of fundamental endoscopic knowledge and skills. To best advise on current practice patterns of flexible endoscopy among surgeons worldwide, a snapshot audit was conducted on the training, use, and limitations of flexible endoscopy in practice.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed via email distribution and social media platforms for EAES, SAGES, and WebSurg members. Respondent demographics, training, and practice patterns were assessed. The main outcome measure was the annual endoscopic volume. Multivariate regression and machine learning models analyzed relationships between outcomes and independent variables of age, geographic region, laparoscopic surgery practice, and surgical specialization.

RESULTS

A total of 1486 surgeons from 195 countries completed the survey. Respondents were mainly general (n = 894/1486, 60.2%), colorectal (n = 189/1486, 12.7%), bariatric (n = 117/1486, 7.9%), upper gastrointestinal (GI)/foregut (n = 108, 7.3%), hepatobiliopancreatic/HPB (n = 59/1486, 4%), and endocrine surgeons (n = 11/1486, 0.7%) in active practice. Eighty-two percent (n = 1,204) mentioned having used endoscopy in their practice, and 64.7% (n = 961/1486) received formal flexible endoscopy training. Of those performing endoscopy annually, 64.2% (n = 660/1486) performed between 0 and 20 endoscopies, 15.2% (n = 156/1486) performed between 20 and 50 endoscopies, 10.1% (n = 104/1486) performed between 50 and 100 endoscopies, and 10.5% (n = 108/1486) performed over 100 endoscopies. From the regression analysis, there was no statistical correlation between the annual endoscopy volume and age, geographic region, laparoscopic surgery practice, or surgical specialization. Performing advanced endoscopy was directly related to the bariatric subspecialty and to performing over 50% of cases in a minimally invasive fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

This international snapshot audit revealed significant heterogeneity in endoscopic practices among surgeons worldwide. There was a nonindependent relationship between endoscopy volumes and other variables tested. Barriers to practicing and receiving endoscopy training were common among respondents. The EAES Flexible Endoscopy Subcommittee will consider such results when developing an equitable and effective standardized flexible endoscopy curriculum.

The evolution and current state of bariatric endoscopy in Western countries

With the alarmingly increasing prevalence of obesity in the Western world, it has become necessary to provide more acceptable treatment options for patients with obesity. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are continuously evolving. Currently, metabolic and bariatric endoscopies encompass several different techniques that can offer significant weight loss and improvement in comorbidities with a favorable safety profile. Restrictive bariatric procedures include the use of intragastric balloons and gastric remodeling techniques with different suturing devices. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these techniques that are widely used in clinical practice. Small intestine-targeted metabolic endoscopy is an intriguing and rapidly evolving field of research, although it is not widespread in routine practice. These techniques include duodenal-jejunal bypass liners, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, and incisionless anastomoses. The aim of this review article is to provide a detailed update on the currently available bariatric endoscopy techniques in Western countries.

Diagnostic efficacy of cytologic smear and pathologic histology in the differential diagnosis of distal biliary stricture via EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration

Background and Objectives

Distal biliary strictures (DBSs) can be caused by various malignancies, making accurate and early diagnosis crucial. Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis, with several methods available for tissue sampling. This study evaluates the performance of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytologic smears and histopathology in diagnosing suspected malignant DBSs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent EUS-FNA between January 2017 and January 2023 for DBSs. Demographic, imaging, procedural, and clinical data were collected. The diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA cytology, histology, and their combination was assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on imaging and endoscopy characteristics.

Results

EUS-FNA for cytology had a sensitivity of 69.1% and specificity of 97.5%. EUS-FNA histology had a sensitivity of 76.4% and specificity of 99.1%. There was no difference in diagnostic efficacy between the two above (P > 0.05). Combining cytology and histology improved sensitivity to 82%. When 20 cases (6.8%) with histological slide failures were considered as negative, histologic sensitivity was 69.1%, completely consistent with cytology alone (P = 1). The presence of a mass shadow on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was associated with higher cytologic diagnostic sensitivity compared with simple stenosis without a mass shadow (57.4% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.011). The larger the mass, the higher the cytologic diagnostic sensitivity. The radiologist's diagnostic imaging tendencies, that is, malignant, benign, and indeterminate, also affected cytologic diagnostic sensitivity (78.2% vs. 63.9% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.002). Furthermore, among our cohort of 118 patients diagnosed with benign DBSs, a notable subset of 33 individuals (28%) received a diagnosis of IgG4-related disease.

Conclusion

EUS-FNA histology combined with cytology was a reliable diagnostic method. There is no difference in diagnostic efficacy between EUS-FNA cytology and histology, irrespective of considering instances of histological slide failure. The presence of a mass shadow on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and the size of the mass influenced the diagnostic efficacy of cytology. Additionally, IgG4-related diseases, accounting for a significant proportion of cases, were important in the differential diagnosis of these strictures.

Impact of Leptin-Melanocortin Pathway Genetic Variants on Weight Loss Outcomes After Endoscopic Transoral Outlet Reduction

PURPOSE

Variants in the leptin-melanocortin pathway (LMP) are associated with severe obesity. We evaluated weight loss of patients with or without heterozygous LMP variants, with weight recurrence after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, who underwent endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (TORe).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients genotyped for an LMP who had undergone TORe, classified as "carriers" or "non-carriers" of genetic variants.

RESULTS

We included 54 patients (22 carriers, 32 non-carriers). We identified 34 genetic variants in 21 different genes in 22 patients. Total body weight loss (%TBWL) after TORe was significantly different at 9 and 12 months (12 months: 0.68 ± 7.5% vs. 9.6 ± 8.2%, p < 0.01). This difference in weight loss was present even when analyzed in subgroups of patients who had undergone tubular TORe technique, and TORe plus APC. At 3, 6, and 12 months, the percentage of carriers achieving ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% TBWL was lower than non-carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LMP variant who underwent RYGB had decreased weight loss 1 year after undergoing TORe.

Endocrine Care for the Surgical Patient: Diabetes Mellitus, Thyroid and Adrenal Conditions

Patients with hyperglycemia, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal insufficiency face increased perioperative risk, which may be mitigated by appropriate management. This review addresses preoperative glycemic control, makes evidence-based recommendations for the increasingly complex perioperative management of noninsulin diabetes medications, and provides guideline-supported strategies for the perioperative management of insulin, including suggested indications for continuous intravenous insulin. The authors propose a strategy for determining when surgery should be delayed in patients with thyroid dysfunction and present a matrix for managing perioperative stress dose corticosteroids based on the limited evidence available.

Biliary drainage in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction: results of an Italian consensus conference

BACKGROUND

Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction (MBDO) is a common event occurring along the natural history of both pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Epidemiological and biological features make MBDO one of the key elements of the clinical management of patients suffering for of pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma. The development of dedicated biliary lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) is changing the clinical work up of patients with MBDO. i-EUS is an Italian network of clinicians and scientists with a special interest in biliopancreatic endoscopy, EUS in particular.

METHODS

The scientific methodology was chosen in line with international guidance and in a fashion similar to those applied by broader scientific associations. PICO questions were elaborated and subsequently voted by a broad panel of experts within a simplified Delphi process.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The manuscripts describes the results of a consensus conference organized by i-EUS with the aim of providing an evidence based-guidance for the appropriate use of the techniques in patients with MBDO.

Risk factors and a nomogram for predicting local recurrence in adult patients with early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective treatment method for early gastric cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of recurrence for patients with early gastric cancer after ESD and construct a nomogram for predicting recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients with early gastric cancer who underwent ESD at Beijing Friendship Hospital between 2013 and 2018. The risk factors of gastric cancer recurrence after ESD were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients with a median follow-up period of 70.5-month were enrolled in the study. Risk factors for recurrence included diabetes (HR = 3.68), alcohol consumption history (HR = 5.73), complications (HR = 5.22), lymphatic invasion (HR = 13.09) and multiple lesions (HR = 4.34). The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and model consistency index demonstrates that the graphical representation exhibits a good predictive capability.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on identified risk factors, this study developed the first nomogram with high accuracy to predict the recurrence of early gastric cancer after ESD. This model offers valuable guidance to clinicians for identifying high-risk patient groups and planning more intensive follow-up strategies.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of recurrent acute pancreatitis after pancreaticojejunostomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Drainage through pancreatic duct stenting is a crucial step in preventing postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. There are virtually no reported cases of recurrent acute pancreatitis following pancreaticoduodenectomy, and there is currently no supporting research on the timing for stent replacement or removal.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a patient in whom a pancreatic duct stent placed during pancreaticoduodenectomy failed to detach as expected, resulting in recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. The patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to remove the obstructing pancreatic duct stent, and no abdominal pain or acute pancreatitis episodes were observed during the one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of regular follow-up and appropriate management of pancreatic duct stents in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Our findings provide valuable insights for the clinical management of such cases.

Role of Point-of-Care Gastric Ultrasound in Advancing Perioperative Fasting Guidelines

Pulmonary aspiration in the perioperative period carries the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. As such, guidelines have been developed with the hopes of minimizing this risk by recommending fasting from solids and liquids over a specified amount of time. Point-of-care ultrasound has altered the landscape of perioperative medicine; specifically, gastric ultrasound plays a pivotal role in perioperative assessment. Further, the advent of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists, the widespread use of cannabis, and Enhanced Recovery program carbohydrate beverage presents new challenges when attempting to standardize fasting guidelines. This review synthesizes the literature surrounding perioperative fasting guidelines specifically with regard to the use of point-of-care ultrasound in assessing for gastric contents and minimizing the risk of aspiration.

A Scoping Review of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Are They Associated with Increased Gastric Contents, Regurgitation, and Aspiration Events?

Background: The increased popularity and ubiquitous use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for the treatment of diabetes, heart failure, and obesity has led to significant concern for increased risk for perioperative aspiration, given their effects on delayed gastric emptying. This concern is highlighted by many major societies that have published varying guidance on the perioperative management of these medications, given limited data. We conducted a scoping review of the available literature regarding the aspiration risk and aspiration/regurgitant events related to GLP-1 RAs. Methods: A librarian-assisted search was performed using five electronic medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science Platform Databases, including Web of Science Core Collection, KCI Korean Journal Database, MEDLINE, and Preprint Citation Index) from inception through March 2024 for articles that reported endoscopic, ultrasound, and nasogastric evaluation for increased residual gastric volume retained food contents, as well as incidences of regurgitation and aspiration events. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full text of articles to determine eligibility. Data extraction was performed using customized fields established a priori within a systematic review software system. Results: Of the 3712 citations identified, 24 studies met eligibility criteria. Studies included four prospective, six retrospective, five case series, and nine case reports. The GLP-1 RAs reported in the studies included semaglutide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide, and exenatide. All studies, except one case report, reported patients with confounding factors for retained gastric contents and aspiration, such as a history of diabetes, cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, psychiatric disorders, gastric reflux, Barrett's esophagus, Parkinson's disease, dysphagia, obstructive sleep apnea, gastric polyps, prior abdominal surgeries, autoimmune diseases, pain, ASA physical status classification, procedural factors (i.e., thyroid surgery associated with risk for nausea, ketamine associated with nausea and secretions), and/or medications associated with delayed gastric emptying (opioids, anticholinergics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, DPP-IV inhibitors, and antacids). Of the eight studies (three prospective and five retrospective) that evaluated residual contents in both GLP-1 users and non-users, seven studies (n = 7/8) reported a significant increase in residual gastric contents in GLP-1 users compared to non-users (19-56% vs. 5-20%). In the three retrospective studies that evaluated for aspiration events, there was no significant difference in aspiration events, with one study reporting aspiration rates of 4.8 cases per 10,000 in GLP-1 RA users compared to 4.6 cases per 10,000 in nonusers and the remaining two studies reporting one aspiration event in the GLP-1 RA user group and none in the non-user group. In one study that evaluated for regurgitation or reflux by esophageal manometry and pH, there was no significant difference in reflux episodes but a reduction in gastric acidity in the GLP-1 RA user group compared to the non-user group. Conclusions: There is significant variability in the findings reported in the studies, and most of these studies include confounding factors that may influence the association between GLP-1 RAs and an increased risk of aspiration and related events. While GLP-1 RAs do increase residual gastric contents in line with their mechanism of action, the currently available data do not suggest a significant increase in aspiration and regurgitation events associated with their use and the withholding of GLP-1 RAs to reduce aspiration and regurgitation events, as is currently recommended by many major societal guidelines. Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may be helpful in further elucidating the impact of GLP-1 RAs on perioperative aspiration risk.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Rectal Neoplasms Extending to the Dentate Line: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a superior, minimally invasive technique compared with other snare-based endoscopic resection techniques for rectal neoplasms extending to the dentate line (RNDLs). However, performing a successful ESD in the anal canal can be challenging due to vascularity and limited scope stability. In this meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESD for RNDLs.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive electronic database search from January 2005 through January 2024 for studies evaluating outcomes of ESD performed for managing RNDLs. Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effect models. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 and Q statistics.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 11 studies comprising 496 patients. The pooled en bloc resection rates were 93.60% (95% CI = 90.70-95.70). The pooled R0 resection rate was 80.60% (95% CI = 70.50-87.80). The pooled recurrence rate was 4.00% (95% CI = 2.40-6.50). There was no evidence of significant heterogeneity calculated using the Q test and I2 statistic. The main adverse events were anal pain, postprocedural bleeding, and anal stricture with pooled rates of 20.20% (95% CI = 14.80-26.90), 8.20% (95% CI = 4.70-14.0), and 3.50% (95% CI = 2.10-5.70), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD is a safe and effective option for managing RNDLs with a low recurrence rate. Adverse events such as postprocedural perianal pain, postprocedural bleeding, and anal stenosis seem to be more common compared with colorectal ESD done for more proximal lesions. However, these can typically be managed conservatively or with minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and risk of pulmonary aspiration or discontinuation of procedure: cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is associated with increased risk of pulmonary aspiration or discontinuation of the procedure compared with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Two deidentified US commercial healthcare databases.

PARTICIPANTS

43 365 adults (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes who used a GLP-1 receptor agonist or SGLT-2 inhibitor within 30 days before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was pulmonary aspiration on the day of or the day after endoscopy, defined using diagnostic codes. The secondary outcome was discontinuation of endoscopy. Risk ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated after fine stratification weighting based on propensity score.

RESULTS

After weighting, 24 817 adults used a GLP-1 receptor agonist (mean age 59.9 years; 63.6% female) and 18 537 used an SGLT-2 inhibitor (59.8 years; 63.7% female). Among users of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, the weighted risk per 1000 people was, respectively, 4.15 and 4.26 for pulmonary aspiration and 9.79 and 4.91 for discontinuation of endoscopy. Compared with SGLT-2 inhibitor use, GLP-1 receptor agonist use was not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration (pooled risk ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.31), although it was associated with a higher risk for discontinuation of endoscopy (1.99, 1.56 to 2.53).

CONCLUSIONS

In this comparative cohort study, no increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was observed among adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors within 30 days of the procedure; however, GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a higher risk of discontinuation of endoscopy, possibly owing to a higher risk of retained gastric content. In the absence of evidence from randomized trials, these findings could inform future practice recommendations on the preprocedural protocol for patients requiring endoscopy.

III BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND

BACKGROUND

In the past decades, endoscopic ultrasound has developed from a diagnostic tool to a platform for many therapeutic interventions. Various technological advancements have emerged since the last Brazilian Consensus, demanding a review and update of the recommendations based on the best scientific evidence.

METHODS

A group of 32 renowned echoendoscopists selected eight relevant topics to be discussed to generate clinical questions. After that, a literature review was conducted to answer these questions based on the most updated evidence.

RESULTS

Thirty-three statements were formulated and voted on by the experts to reach a consensus. The Oxford System was used to grade the level of evidence.

CONCLUSION

There is mo-derate evidence to support that the needle shape, gauge, or aspiration technique does not influence the yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue sampling of pancreatic solid lesions. There is moderate evidence to support using EUS-TTNB of the cyst wall to differentiate between mucinous and non-mucinous cystic neoplasms. There is little evidence to support the EUS-guided treatment of gastric varices. There is a high level of evidence to support that EUS-guided biliary drainage and ERCP present similar outcomes in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction. There is a high level of evidence for using EUS to diagnose neoplastic pancreatic cysts and detect necrosis before indicating drainage. There is moderate evidence to support EUS-GE over duodenal stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with a life expectancy higher than 2 months. There is a high level of evidence to support the use of RFA in treating both functioning and non-functioning types of NET.

Intragastric botulinum toxin injection: a promising alternative for obesity treatment?

Introduction

Over the past 50 years, the rise in obesity has prompted a search for new treatments. Intragastric injections of botulinum toxin A (BT-A), a safer alternative to surgery, show promise in reducing weight and caloric intake by inducing early satiety. This study examines their efficacy for weight loss.

Material and methods

From 2021 to 2023, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent intragastric BT-A injections in a general surgery endoscopy unit. The inclusion criteria were being aged 18-65 and having a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m2. Patients with specific medical conditions or incomplete records were excluded. We monitored patient weight and BMI values before the procedure and at monthly intervals, with further assessments conducted in the sixth month, including appetite and patient satisfaction.

Results

Our study on 67 patients, predominantly female (82.1%), aged 35.5 ±9.0 years with a mean BMI of 33.5 ±3.3 kg/m², examined BT-A injections' effectiveness. 58.2% received injections in both gastric antrum and fundus regions, showing greater weight loss (mean: 10.7 ±7.0 kg) than those treated in the antrum alone. Side effects occurred in 16.4%, with various symptoms. High dietary compliance (80.6%) correlated with weight loss, especially among those reporting intense satiety. Patient satisfaction positively correlated with weight loss, highlighting treatment efficacy and patient response to dual-region injections.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that intragastric BT-A injections in the antrum and fundus are effective and safe for satiety and weight loss, with few side effects. Individual responses vary, and diet adherence is crucial. More studies are needed to assess the treatment's efficacy in obesity.

Comparative analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of remimazolam tosylate and propofol in older adults undergoing painless endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Objective

The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the therapeutic outcomes associated with the administration of remimazolam and propofol during painless endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in older adults.

Methods

A total of 140 older adults who underwent elective painless ERCP were randomly assigned to two groups using the random number table method: the remimazolam group and the propofol group, each consisting of 70 patients. In the remimazolam group, anesthesia was administered using a combination of remimazolam and opioids, while in the propofol group, a combination of propofol and opioids was used. Comparative assessments between the two groups included anesthesia induction time, first induction success rate, intraoperative hemodynamics, awakening duration, stress response index, and the incidence of adverse reactions.

Results

The remimazolam group exhibited a prolonged anesthesia induction time compared to the propofol group and a lower success rate of first induction (P < 0.05). At the point of endoscope entry (T2) and 10 min post-operation (T3), patients in the remimazolam group demonstrated higher mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and bispectral index (BIS) values compared to those in the propofol group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the remimazolam group had shorter durations for eye-opening, consciousness recovery, and residence in the recovery room compared to the propofol group (P < 0.05). Post-surgery levels of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and cortisol (Cor) at 24 h were lower in the remimazolam group than in the propofol group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the remimazolam group (18.57%) compared to the propofol group (31.43%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Remimazolam exhibits a longer induction time compared to propofol in the painless diagnosis and treatment of ERCP in older adults. However, it provides a more stable circulatory state post-induction and throughout the operation, reduces stress response, enables rapid recovery, and has a lower incidence of serious adverse reactions. These attributes suggest that remimazolam has potential for widespread clinical application and adoption.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2400080926.

Microbiota Transplantation in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and a High Degree of Insulin Resistance

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine the results of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy lean subjects in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D); Methods: We designed a phase II, randomized, single-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial. Twenty-one subjects (12 men [57.1%] and 9 women [42.9%]), who had previously signed an informed consent were randomized to FMT from lean donors, a probiotic (Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. bulgaricus LB-14), or placebo. Mean age at baseline was 62.5 ± 5.8 years and mean body mass index (BMI) at baseline was approximately 32.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2. Anthropometric measures, biochemical variables, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and a stool microbiota analysis were performed (baseline, 4 and 12 weeks). The trial was conducted following the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice Guides (CPMP/ICH/135/95) and the current Spanish legislation regarding clinical trials (RD 223/2004).; Results: FMT changes occurred at the expense of the species found in the donor. No differences in weight, body mass index, HbA1c, or the results of the OGTT for glucose and insulin were found between groups after the intervention, although a decrease in uric acid was observed in the probiotic group (-0.5 mg/dL; p = 0.037) and a mild increase in HbA1c in the FMT group (+0.25%; p = 0.041); Conclusions: In our sample, neither FMT from healthy and lean donors nor a probiotic were effective in improving insulin sensitivity and HbA1c in patients with T2D.

Exploring the Gut Microbiota: Key Insights Into Its Role in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes

The gut microbiota (GM), comprising trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, is a key player in the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MS), and cardiovascular diseases. This mini-review delves into the intricate roles and mechanisms of the GM in these conditions, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota. The review elucidates the diversity and development of the human GM, highlighting its pivotal functions in host physiology, including nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and energy metabolism. Studies show that GM dysbiosis is linked to increased energy extraction, altered metabolic pathways, and inflammation, contributing to obesity, MS, and T2D. The interplay between dietary habits and GM composition is explored, underscoring the influence of diet on microbial diversity and metabolic functions. Additionally, the review addresses the impact of common medications and therapeutic interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation on GM composition. The evidence so far advocates for further research to delineate the therapeutic potential of GM modulation in mitigating obesity and metabolic diseases, emphasizing the necessity of clinical trials to establish effective and sustainable treatment protocols.

Minimally Invasive Sampling of Mediastinal Lesions

This narrative review examines the existing literature on minimally invasive image-guided sampling techniques of mediastinal lesions gathered from international databases (Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar). Original studies, systematic reviews with meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and case reports published between January 2009 and November 2023 were included. Four authors independently conducted the search to minimize bias, removed duplicates, and selected and evaluated the studies. The review focuses on the recent advancements in mediastinal sampling techniques, including EBUS-TBNA, EUS-FNA and FNB, IFB, and nodal cryobiopsy. The review highlights the advantages of an integrated approach using these techniques for diagnosing and staging mediastinal diseases, which, when used competently, significantly increase diagnostic yield and accuracy.

An alternative method in the diagnosis of intrabiliary lesions: Percutaneous endobiliary brush biopsy

Background and Aim

Biliary strictures can occur as a result of various benign or malignant processes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of percutaneous endobiliary brush biopsy in the diagnosis of intrabiliary lesions.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted between January 2022 and April 2023, involving a total of 16 patients. Of the patients, 10 were male (62.5%), and 6 were female (37.5%). The average age of the patients was 68.1±8. All patients underwent the procedure using an endobiliary biopsy brush under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Cell detection was not observed in biopsy samples from 2 patients (12.5%), resulting in a diagnostic success rate of 87.5%. Access was made to the right biliary system in 14 patients (87.5%) and to the left biliary system in 2 patients (12.5%). Biopsy locations included the common bile duct in 12 patients (75%), hepatic hilum in 2 patients (12.5%), and bilioenteric anastomosis line in 2 patients (12.5%). The mean fluoroscopy time was 16.2±7.1 minutes. The average radiation dose was 660±370 mSv. Pathological diagnosis revealed malignancy in 8 patients (50%) and benign findings in 6 patients (37.5%). Liver abscess requiring drainage developed in 2 patients (12.5%).

Conclusion

Percutaneous endobiliary brush biopsy performed under imaging guidance is an effective and reliable method for the diagnosis of biliary lesions.

Chinese national clinical practice guideline on diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancers

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) is relatively rare and comprises a spectrum of invasive tumors arising from the biliary tree. The prognosis is extremely poor. The incidence of BTC is relatively high in Asian countries, and a high number of cases are diagnosed annually in China owing to the large population. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the epidemiology and high-risk factors for BTC in China. The signs associated with BTC are complex, often require collaborative treatment from surgeons, endoscopists, oncologists, and radiation therapists. Thus, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive Chinese guideline for BTC.

METHODS

This clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed following the process recommended by the World Health Organization. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations. The full CPG report was reviewed by external guideline methodologists and clinicians with no direct involvement in the development of this CPG. Two guideline reporting checklists have been adhered to: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) and Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT).

RESULTS

The guideline development group, which comprised 85 multidisciplinary clinical experts across China. After a controversies conference, 17 clinical questions concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of BTC were proposed. Additionally, detailed descriptions of the surgical principles, perioperative management, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and endoscopic management were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The guideline development group created a comprehensive Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of BTC, covering various aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The 17 clinical questions have important reference value for the management of BTC.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: pathogenesis, prevention and therapy

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease characterized by heterogeneously progressive loss of islet β cell insulin secretion usually occurring after the presence of insulin resistance (IR) and it is one component of metabolic syndrome (MS), and we named it metabolic dysfunction syndrome (MDS). The pathogenesis of T2D is not fully understood, with IR and β cell dysfunction playing central roles in its pathophysiology. Dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, along with other metabolic disorders, results in IR and/or islet β cell dysfunction via some shared pathways, such as inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), oxidative stress, and ectopic lipid deposition. There is currently no cure for T2D, but it can be prevented or in remission by lifestyle intervention and/or some medication. If prevention fails, holistic and personalized management should be taken as soon as possible through timely detection and diagnosis, considering target organ protection, comorbidities, treatment goals, and other factors in reality. T2D is often accompanied by other components of MDS, such as preobesity/obesity, metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, dyslipidemia, which usually occurs before it, and they are considered as the upstream diseases of T2D. It is more appropriate to call "diabetic complications" as "MDS-related target organ damage (TOD)", since their development involves not only hyperglycemia but also other metabolic disorders of MDS, promoting an up-to-date management philosophy. In this review, we aim to summarize the underlying mechanism, screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of T2D, especially regarding the personalized selection of hypoglycemic agents and holistic management based on the concept of "MDS-related TOD".

Assessing the therapeutic and toxicological profile of novel GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

GLP-1 receptor agonists provide multiple benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, there are also several significant adverse effects associated with these agents. A thorough understanding of both therapeutic and toxicological profiles of GLP-1 receptor agonists is crucial for appropriate utilization of this medication class. A literature search of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov was carried out to inform discussion on the topic.

AREAS COVERED

This review article discusses the key advantages and disadvantages derived from the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Landmark trials which helped characterize the cardiovascular and renal benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists are highlighted. We also discuss key studies still in progress and new formulations under investigation.

EXPERT OPINION

GLP-1 receptor agonists provide glycemic and complication-risk reduction benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Current data suggests there is a lot of potential for further applications, even outside of type 2 diabetes management. It would be of particular interest to see the range of benefits conferred from GLP-1 receptor agonists in individuals without type 2 diabetes. Broader application of these medications could be expected given the ongoing development of new oral formulations and combination agents.

Endobariatric systems: Strategic integration of endoscopic therapies in the management of obesity

The escalating obesity pandemic and its comorbidities necessitate adaptable and versatile treatment strategies. Endobariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMTs) can be strategically employed in a multipronged approach to obesity management, analogous to the way chess systems are employed to seize opportunities and thwart threats. In this review, we explore the spectrum of established and developing EBMTs, examining their efficacy in weight loss and metabolic improvement and their importance for a tailored, patient-centric approach. The complexity of obesity management mirrors the intricate nature of a chess game, with an array of tactics and strategies available to address the opponent's moves. Similarly, the bariatric endoscopist employs a range of EBMTs to alter the gastrointestinal tract landscape, targeting critical anatomical regions to modify physiological reactions to food consumption and nutrient assimilation. Gastric-focused EBMTs aim to reduce stomach capacity and induce satiety. Intestinal-focused EBMTs target hormonal regulation and nutrient absorption to improve metabolic profiles. EBMTs offer unique advantages of reversibility, adjustability and minimal invasiveness, allowing them to be used as primary treatments, adjuncts to pharmacotherapy or tools to address post-bariatric surgery weight recidivism. However, sub-optimal adoption of EBMTs due to lack of awareness, perceived costs and limited training opportunities hinders their integration into standard obesity management practices. By strategically integrating EBMTs into the broader landscape of obesity care, leveraging their unique advantages to enhance outcomes, clinicians can offer a more dynamic and personalized treatment paradigm. This approach, akin to employing chess systems to adapt to evolving challenges, allows for a comprehensive, patient-centric management of obesity as a chronic, complex and relapsing disease.

Unilateral and bilateral radioactive stent insertion in patients diagnosed with inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a comparative analysis

Background

While hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) patients commonly undergo radioactive stent (RS) insertion treatment, the relative benefits of unilateral versus bilateral RS insertion procedures remain to be established. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the relative safety and efficacy of percutaneous bilateral and unilateral RS insertion for patients with HCCA.

Methods

In total, 126 HCCA patients who underwent unilateral (n=64) or bilateral (n=62) RS insertion from January 2017 - December 2021 were included in this analysis. Treatment efficacy and long-term outcomes were compared between groups. The primary endpoint was stent patency, and the secondary endpoints included technical success rate, clinical success rate, local control rate, overall survival (OS), and complications.

Results

The respective technical success rates in the unilateral and bilateral groups were 90.6% (58/64) and 93.5% (58/62) (P = 0.782). The clinical success rates were 82.8% and 86.2% in unilateral and bilateral groups, respectively (P = 0.608). Both groups exhibited comparable medial post-intervention bilirubin levels (100 vs. 99 μmol/L; P = 0.501), and restenosis occurred in 12 (20.7%) and 15 (25.9%) patients over the follow-up interval (P = 0.510). The stent reintervention rate was significantly higher in the unilateral group than bilateral group (66.7% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001). The median stent patency in the unilateral and bilateral groups was 189 and 210 days, respectively (P = 0.796), while the median OS interval was 222 and 229 days, respectively (P = 0.969). Comparable cholangitis (17.2% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.485) and cholecystitis (3.4% vs. 3.4%, P = 1.000) rates were also detected in these two groups.

Conclusions

In summary, HCCA patients exhibit comparable efficacy when undergoing unilateral and bilateral radioactive stenting, suggesting that unilateral RS can be routinely performed owing to the simpler nature of this procedure.

Experience of endoscopy versus surgery as initial management of chronic pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Chronic pancreatitis is a pathologic fibroinflammatory syndrome of the pancreas. Treatment includes medical management and endoscopic and/or surgical interventions. Our aim was to describe progression in patients with chronic pancreatitis whose initial management was either endoscopic or surgical.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, analytic, observational, and longitudinal study was conducted that included patients diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis treated at the Hospital de Especialidades of the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI from 2015 to 2021.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included in the study; 12 underwent endoscopy and 10 underwent surgery. The mean number of interventions performed was 3 in the endoscopic management group and 1.1 in the surgical management group (p = 0.001). Regarding pain remission (partial or total), results were statistically significant in favor of surgical management (p = 0.035). Of the 12 patients that initially underwent endoscopy, 7 (58.3%) eventually required surgery during follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to opioid and pancreatin use, readmissions, weight loss, steatorrhea, newly diagnosed diabetes, or deaths during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Pain is the main indication for invasive treatment, whether endoscopic or surgical, in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Slightly more than half of the patients that were initially managed endoscopically required surgery during follow-up. Management decisions should be multidisciplinary and individualized for each patient.

Successful Weight Loss in Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity Using a Swallowable Intragastric Balloon and Nutritional Oversight

PURPOSE

Medical devices benefit patients living with overweight or obesity, but studies in the adolescent population are lacking. The goal of this study was to collect information on the performance and safety of a swallowable intragastric balloon program (SGBP) in adolescent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively on patients aged 15 to 17 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 who received the swallowable intragastric balloon (SGB) and associated lifestyle and nutritional change program. Patients had not responded to previous dietary and behavioral modification weight loss treatments and elected to undergo SGBP. The SGB was swallowed and filled with 550 mL of distilled water in an outpatient setting, and a multidisciplinary team delivered a lifestyle/nutritional change program. Mean % total body weight loss (%TBWL) was calculated for each patient compared with baseline.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients, 69 (75.8%) female and 22 (24.2%) male, underwent SGBP and completed follow-up through SGB passage at 4 months. Baseline mean ± SD age, weight, and BMI were 16.4 ± 0.77, 99.70 ± 21.33 kg, and 35.60 ± 5.59 kg/m2, respectively. After 4 months, mean weight and BMI were 86.37 ± 18.83 kg and 30.86 ± 5.16 kg/m2 respectively; %TBWL was 13.05 ± 7.64 (1-sided t-test, p < 0.0001). Most (80, 87.9%) reported no adverse events; 11/91 (12.1%) experienced an adverse event. Of these, 9/91 (9.9%) experienced nausea and/or vomiting; 1/91 (1.1%) reported abdominal pain only; 1/91 (1.1%) reported flatulence only. There were no serious adverse events or premature device removals.

CONCLUSION

The SGBP provides safe and effective short-term weight loss in adolescents living with overweight and obesity.

Efficacy of EUS-guided keyhole biopsies in diagnosing subepithelial lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Background and study aims Tissue acquisition is required for diagnosis of subepithelial lesions (SELs). However, obtaining adequate tissue remains challenging. This study investigated an EUS-guided technique using a forceps to create a channel and take multiple biopsies from the center of the lesion, therefore called endoscopic ultrasound-guided keyhole biopsy (EUS-KB). Patients and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 56 patients with SELs in the upper gastrointestinal tract who were scheduled to undergo EUS-KB. The primary aim was to assess diagnostic yield, defined as the percentage of procedures where EUS-KB resulted in a definitive histopathological diagnosis. Furthermore, factors influencing diagnostic yield were investigated. Additional outcomes included technical success and adverse events. Results Technical success was achieved in 55 of 60 biopsies (91.7%). EUS-KB provided a diagnosis in 44 of 55 biopsies (80.0%), histology mostly showing gastrointestinal stromal tumor or leiomyoma. The diagnostic yield was not significantly influenced by the size or location of the SEL. Adverse events occurred in one patient (1.7%). Conclusions EUS-KB is a feasible and safe technique for obtaining a classifying diagnosis for SELs in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It could offer an alternative diagnostic modality, especially in lesions smaller than 20 mm.

Endoscopic Management of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

Weight regain, also known as recurrent weight gain, is common following bariatric surgeries. While anti-obesity medications and surgical revisions offer effective treatment options, they are not without their challenges and limitations. Over the last few decades, there have been significant advancements in endoscopic interventions to address weight regain following bariatric surgery. These procedures have demonstrated feasibility, safety, efficacy, and durability, offering minimally invasive treatment options for this patient population.

Endoscopic Management of Bariatric Surgery Complications: Fistulas, Leaks, and Ulcers

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy being the two most common procedures. Despite the success of these interventions, adverse events are not uncommon. Endoscopic management has become first-line therapy when complications occur, and the armamentarium of devices and techniques continues to grow. This article focuses on the management of fistulas, leaks, and ulcers and also focuses on the etiology and endoscopic management strategy of each complication.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy 30-day-associated bacteremia: Nonoutbreak 5-year review in an inner-city, tertiary-care hospital

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures (GIEP's) are an essential part of patient care both diagnostically and therapeutically. Post-GIEP infections may be higher than previously reported and may not have been accurately captured in the past. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and associated factors of bacteremia associated with GIEP's.

METHODS

This is retrospective study of GIEPs performed over a five-year period (2018-2022) at an academic medical center. Electronic health records (EHR) identified GIEPs and positive blood cultures within 30 days of procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric testing to compare variables due to the small number of positive blood cultures.

RESULTS

EHR identified 18,986 GIEP's and 52 true and unique bacteremia out of 17,093 blood cultures during the five-year study period. The highest rate of positive blood culture of 2.84% (18/ 634) was associated with ERCP and the lowest 0.08% (7/ 9029) was associated with colonoscopy.

DISCUSSION

Our study showed a reflection of the endemic rate of bacteremia post GIEP's. Our study cannot differentiate endogenous infection versus contaminated (exogenous) endoscopes. ERCP procedures are disproportionately associated with higher incidence of bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical surveillance in non-outbreak settings is essential for estimating GIEP related infections. It should be combined with endoscopic reprocessing audits for appropriate prevention of GIEP associated infections.

Palliative procedures for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively investigate the efficacy and safety of four palliative treatments for malignant GOO: gastrojejunostomy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy (PGJ), and endoscopic stenting.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the four treatments for malignant GOO. We included studies that reported at least one of the following clinical outcomes: clinical success, 30-day mortality, reintervention rate, or length of hospital stay. Evidence from RCTs and non-RCTs was naïve combined to perform network meta-analysis through the frequentist approach using an inverse variance model. Treatments were ranked by P score.

RESULTS

This network meta-analysis included 3617 patients from 4 RCTs, 4 prospective cohort studies, and 32 retrospective cohort studies. PGJ was the optimal approach in terms of clinical success and reintervention (P scores: 0.95 and 0.90, respectively). EUS-GE had the highest probability of being the optimal treatment in terms of 30-day mortality and complications (P scores: 0.82 and 0.99, respectively). Cluster ranking to combine the P scores for 30-day mortality and reintervention indicated the benefits of PGJ and EUS-GE (cophenetic correlation coefficient: 0.94; PGJ and EUS-GE were in the same cluster).

CONCLUSION

PGJ and EUS-GE are recommended for malignant GOO. PGJ could be the alternative choice in centers with limited resources or in patients who are unsuitable for EUS-GE.

Gastrointestinal effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists: mechanisms, management, and future directions

The availability of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) such as liraglutide and semaglutide, and a GLP-1 and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide coagonist (tirzepatide) represents a paradigm shift in the management of both type 2 diabetes and obesity. There is now considerable attention, including in the public media, on the effect of both long-acting and short-acting GLP-1RAs to delay gastric emptying. Although slowed gastric emptying is integral to reducing post-prandial blood glucose responses in type 2 diabetes, marked slowing of gastric emptying might also increase the propensity for longer intragastric retention of food, with a consequent increased risk of aspiration at the time of surgery or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. This Personal View summarises current knowledge of the effects of GLP-1 and GLP-1RAs on gastrointestinal physiology, particularly gastric emptying, and discusses the implications for the development of sound pre-operative or pre-procedural guidelines. The development of pre-procedural guidelines is currently compromised by the poor evidence base, particularly in relation to the effect of long-acting GLP-1RAs on gastric emptying. We suggest pre-procedural management pathways for individuals on GLP-1RA-based therapy and discuss priorities for future research.

The POSE-2 Procedure for People with Obesity: A Safe and Effective Treatment Option

PURPOSE

Besides lifestyle interventions, medication, and surgery, endoscopic options are becoming part of the current treatment landscape for people with obesity. With the POSE (Primary Obesity Surgery Endoscopic) procedure, endoluminal folds are created in the stomach with full-thickness sutures. Recently, the modified version, POSE-2, was introduced in clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the POSE-2 procedure after one year in patients with obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients treated with the POSE-2 procedure between March 2019 and November 2022 in the Zuyderland Medical Center and the Dutch Obesity Clinic were included in this retrospective data study. Inclusion criteria are as follows: age between 18 and 65 years and a BMI > 30 kg/m2. All patients with contraindications for the POSE-2 procedure were excluded.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were included of which 86% were female, with a mean age of 46 years and mean BMI of 34.6 kg/m2. Total weight loss was evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months and was 11.5%, 13.2%, and 14.8%, respectively. A median of 14 anchor sutures was used in a median procedure time of 50 min. All patients except one had same day discharge. Postprocedural complaints were mild and consisted of nausea and vomiting (36.7%) and pain (54.2%). No complications were recorded in this group. One week postprocedure, most patients (95.9%) reported feeling satisfied between meals.

CONCLUSION

The POSE-2 procedure can be applied as a safe and effective treatment for people with obesity. This study presents a positive effect on weight reduction and no complications after 1 year of follow-up.

Cholangioscopy-based convoluted neuronal network vs. confocal laser endomicroscopy in identification of neoplastic biliary strictures

Background and study aims Artificial intelligence (AI) models have demonstrated high diagnostic performance identifying neoplasia during digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC). To date, there are no studies directly comparing AI vs. DSOC-guided probe-base confocal laser endomicroscopy (DSOC-pCLE). Thus, we aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a DSOC-based AI model with DSOC-pCLE for identifying neoplasia in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures. Patients and methods This retrospective cohort-based diagnostic accuracy study included patients ≥ 18 years old who underwent DSOC and DSOC-pCLE (June 2014 to May 2022). Four methods were used to diagnose each patient's biliary structure, including DSOC direct visualization, DSOC-pCLE, an offline DSOC-based AI model analysis performed in DSOC recordings, and DSOC/pCLE-guided biopsies. The reference standard for neoplasia was a diagnosis based on further clinical evolution, imaging, or surgical specimen findings during a 12-month follow-up period. Results A total of 90 patients were included in the study. Eighty-six of 90 (95.5%) had neoplastic lesions including cholangiocarcinoma (98.8%) and tubulopapillary adenoma (1.2%). Four cases were inflammatory including two cases with chronic inflammation and two cases of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Compared with DSOC-AI, which obtained an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.79, DSOC direct visualization had an AUC of 0.74 ( P = 0.763), DSOC-pCLE had an AUC of 0.72 ( P = 0.634), and DSOC- and pCLE-guided biopsy had an AUC of 0.83 ( P = 0.809). Conclusions The DSOC-AI model demonstrated an offline diagnostic performance similar to that of DSOC-pCLE, DSOC alone, and DSOC/pCLE-guided biopsies. Larger multicenter, prospective, head-to-head trials with a proportional sample among neoplastic and nonneoplastic cases are advisable to confirm the obtained results.

Intragastric Balloons: Practical Considerations

Obesity is escalating, projected to affect 17.5% of adults globally and afflict 400 million children by 2035. Managing this intricate and chronic condition demands personalized, multidisciplinary approaches. While dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and medications yield short-term results, long-term outcomes are often poor, with bariatric surgery standing out as the most effective option. However, only a small fraction undergoes surgery due to various barriers. Intragastric balloon (IGB) emerges as a minimally invasive alternative, approved by major regulatory bodies. This review adresses the pivotal role of IGB in obesity management, delving into its history and technological evolution.

Update on Perioperative Medication Management for the Hand Surgeon: A Focus on Diabetes, Weight Loss, Rheumatologic, and Antithrombotic Medications

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are growing health concerns. New pharmacologic interventions have recently begun to play a more notable role in the treatment pathway of these separate but related conditions. In particular, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutides (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance), have emerged as treatment options. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy in regulating metabolism, improving glycemic control, and managing long-term weight reduction. However, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have also been associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including delayed gastric emptying as well as regurgitation and aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation, and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have been associated with severe diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, discontinuation of these medications before surgery is imperative. Given the popularity of these medications among the general public, it is essential for hand surgeons, to understand how to appropriately manage them perioperatively. The objective of this article was to review these new diabetes mellitus and weight loss medications, including their mechanisms of action, indications for use, and perioperative management guidelines. Additionally, we will take this opportunity to review perioperative guidelines for other common medications relevant to patients undergoing procedures involving the hand and upper extremity such as antithrombotic medications and rheumatoid arthritis-related immunosuppressive medications. Finally, we will describe how the electronic medical record system can be used to optimize perioperative medication management in this population.

Robotics in interventional endoscopy-evolution and the way forward

The integration of robotics into gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy represents a transformative advancement and bears the potential to bridge the gap between traditional limitations by offering unprecedented precision and control in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This review explores the historical progression, current applications and future potential of robotic platforms in GI endoscopy. Originally designed for surgical applications, robotic systems have expanded their reach into endoscopy, potentially enhancing procedural accuracy and reducing ergonomic strain on practitioners. Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) emerged as a promising technique, leveraging natural orifices to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Despite its initial potential, several factors, including limitations of the available instrumentations and lack of reliable closure techniques, hindered its widespread adoption and progress. Conventional endoscopic tools often fall short in terms of triangulation, traction and degrees of freedom, necessitating the adoption of robotic interventions. Over recent decades, robotic endoscopy has significantly evolved, focusing on both diagnostic and complex therapeutic procedures such as endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). Various robotic platforms demonstrate enhanced safety and efficiency in GI procedures. As the field progresses, the emphasis on clinical validation, advanced training and the exploration of new applications remains crucial. Continuous innovation in robotic technology and endoscopic techniques promises to overcome existing limitations, further revolutionizing the management of GI diseases and improving patient outcomes.

Management of intrahepatic and perihilar cholangiocarcinomas: Guidelines of the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF)

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most common malignant primary liver cancer. iCCA may develop on an underlying chronic liver disease and its incidence is growing in relation with the epidemics of obesity and metabolic diseases. In contrast, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) may follow a history of chronic inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract. The initial management of CCAs is often complex and requires multidisciplinary expertise. The French Association for the Study of the Liver wished to organize guidelines in order to summarize the best evidence available about several key points in iCCA and pCCA. These guidelines have been elaborated based on the level of evidence available in the literature and each recommendation has been analysed, discussed and voted by the panel of experts. They describe the epidemiology of CCA as well as how patients with iCCA or pCCA should be managed from diagnosis to treatment. The most recent developments of personalized medicine and use of targeted therapies are also highlighted.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided vascular interventions: A review (with videos)

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic to an interventional modality, allowing precise vascular access and therapy. EUS-guided vascular access of the portal vein has received increasing attention in recent years as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. EUS-guided portal pressure gradient directly measures the hepatic vein portal pressure gradient and is crucial for understanding of liver function and prognostication of liver disease. EUS facilitates the sampling of portal venous blood to obtain circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in pancreatobiliary malignancies. This technique aids in the diagnosis and staging of cancers. EUS-guided interventions have a substantial potential for diagnosing portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. EUS-guided coil and glue embolization have higher efficacy for the treatment of gastric varices than direct endoscopic glue. Pseudoaneurysm (PsA), a rare vascular complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis, is typically managed with interventional radiology (IR)-guided embolization and surgery. EUS is increasingly used in specialized centers for non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly for pseudoaneurysm-related bleeding. There is limited data on EUS-guided intervention for bleeding ectopic varices, rectal varices and Dieulafoy lesions, but it is becoming more widely accepted. In this extensive review, we evaluated both current and potential future applications of EUS-guided vascular interventions, including EUS-guided gastric variceal bleed therapy, rectal and ectopic varices, pseudoaneurysmal bleeding, splenic artery embolization, portal pressure gradient measurement, portal vein sampling for CTCs, fine needle aspiration of PVTT, intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement, liver tumor ablation and EUS-guided cardiac intervention.

Lumen-apposing metal stents: A primer on indications and technical tips

Lumen-apposing metal stents have ushered a new frontier for interventional endoscopic ultrasound. Initial use for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections has rapidly expanded to the bile duct, gallbladder and small bowel. Intra-luminal applications for short strictures have also emerged. Electrocautery enhancement has made the stent delivery speedy. While the advent of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has brought a paradigm shift in the practice of interventional endoscopic ultrasound, their use is associated with certain technicalities that any advanced endosonologist should know. Understanding indications for LAMS is critical and their use in appropriate settings. Troubleshooting in tricky situations is always a challenge and the background considerations for their use include knowing the target organ, cautery and puncture technique, managing partially opened LAMS and also managing maldeployment. In this review, we discuss the intricacies and technical tips for the use of lumen-apposing metal stents.

Recommendations on the management of severe obesity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease of the Spanish Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU), Spanish Society of Obesity (SEEDO), Spanish Association of Surgery (AEC) and Spanish Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SEED)

Obesity is a multifactorial, chronic, progressive and recurrent disease considered a public health issue worldwide and an important determinant of disability and death. In Spain, its current prevalence in the adult population is about 24% and an estimated prevalence in 2035 of 37%. Obesity increases the probability of several diseases linked to higher mortality such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, several types of cancer, or obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, although the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is stabilizing in Western countries, its prevalence already exceeds 0.3%. Paralleling to general population, the current prevalence of obesity in adult patients with IBD is estimated at 15-40%. Obesity in patients with IBD could entail, in addition to its already known impact on disability and mortality, a worse evolution of the IBD itself and a worse response to treatments. The aim of this document, performed in collaboration by four scientific societies involved in the clinical care of severe obesity and IBD, is to establish clear and concise recommendations on the therapeutic possibilities of severe or typeIII obesity in patients with IBD. The document establishes general recommendations on dietary, pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical treatment of severe obesity in patients with IBD, as well as pre- and post-treatment evaluation.

Effectiveness and Safety of the Allurion Swallowable Intragastric Balloon for Short-term Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity poses a severe health problem worldwide, with an estimated impact on 17.5% of the adult population by 2035. Among the endoscopic applications for treating this comorbidity, intragastric balloons are the most widely used. The new liquid-filled swallowable balloon meets the requirements of major guidelines and allows significant weight loss with few adverse events. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety profile of this new device for weight loss.

METHODS

We conducted a search from 2016 to 2024 to assess the efficacy of the swallowable intragastric balloon for weight loss, including improvements in metabolic profiles and anthropometric measurements. Additionally, we evaluated potential adverse events related to the device to demonstrate its safety.

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies totalling 2107 patients were included, showing a reduction of 4.75 in BMI (95% CI: -5.02; -4.47), a mean total weight loss of 12.47% (95% CI: -13.77; -11.17), a mean excess weight loss of 48.04% (95% CI: -50.61; -45.48), and a rate of serious adverse events of 0.90%. An improvement in the metabolic profile was observed for three parameters: HDL, triglycerides, and glycaemia.

CONCLUSION

The swallowable liquid-filled intragastric balloon is safe and effective for managing weight loss within a four-month follow-up period.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of chronic pancreatitis: summary and recommendations

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) provides an evidence-based approach for the role of endoscopy in the management of chronic pancreatitis (CP). This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The guideline addresses effectiveness of endoscopic therapies for the management of pain in CP, including celiac plexus block, endoscopic management of pancreatic duct (PD) stones and strictures, and adverse events such as benign biliary strictures (BBSs) and pseudocysts. In patients with painful CP and an obstructed PD, the ASGE suggests surgical evaluation in patients without contraindication to surgery before initiation of endoscopic management. In patients who have contraindications to surgery or who prefer a less-invasive approach, the ASGE suggests an endoscopic approach as the initial treatment over surgery, if complete ductal clearance is likely. When a decision is made to proceed with a celiac plexus block, the ASGE suggests an EUS-guided approach over a percutaneous approach. The ASGE suggests indications for when to consider ERCP alone or with pancreatoscopy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy alone or followed by ERCP for treating obstructing PD stones based on size, location, and radiopacity. For the initial management of PD strictures, the ASGE suggests using a single plastic stent of the largest caliber that is feasible. For symptomatic BBSs caused by CP, the ASGE suggests the use of covered metal stents over multiple plastic stents. For symptomatic pseudocysts, the ASGE suggests endoscopic therapy over surgery. This document clearly outlines the process, analyses, and decision processes used to reach the final recommendations and represents the official ASGE recommendations on the above topics.

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on upper endoscopy in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) promote weight loss by suppressing appetite, enhancing satiety, regulating glucose metabolism, and delaying gastric motility. We sought to determine whether GLP-1 RA use could affect medical procedures such as EGD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 35,183 patients who underwent EGD between 2019 and 2023, 922 of whom were using a GLP-1 RAs. Data were collected regarding demographics, diabetes status, retained gastric contents during EGD, incidence of aborted EGD, and necessity for repeat EGD.

RESULTS

GLP-1 RA use was associated with a 4-fold increase in the retention of gastric contents (P < .0001), 4-fold higher rates of aborted EGD (P < .0001), and twice the likelihood of requiring repeat EGD (P = .0001), even after stratifying for the presence of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1 RA use can lead to delayed gastric emptying, affecting EGD adequacy regardless of the presence of diabetes, and may warrant dose adjustment to improve the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Capsule endoscopy for small bowel bleed: Current update

Small intestine, hitherto an obscure area for endoscopists before 2000, is now easily evaluated non-invasively using capsule endoscopy and invasively by device-assisted enteroscopies. Major advances in understanding the causes and management of small bowel diseases have been in obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, currently re-named as small bowel bleed, after the discovery of capsule endoscopy. The current article is a narrative review of the technology of capsule endoscopy, its advantages and limitations, future perspective and Indian studies on its utility in patients with small bowel bleed. Till date, eight large series reporting 2319 patients with obscure GI bleed (1554 overt and 765 occult) undergoing capsule endoscopy have been reported from India. Overall yield of capsule endoscopy to detect lesions in these studies varied from 43.5% to 90%. The major causes detected in various studies for small bowel bleed include vascular malformation, portal hypertensive enteropathy, ulcer, stricture, tumor, polyps, etc. Hookworm can cause both occult as well as overt small bowel bleed as shown mainly from India. Capsule endoscopy has also been quite safe in patients with small bowel bleed as despite 0.6% to 15% retention of imaging capsule in Indian studies, development of clinically evident small bowel obstruction has rarely been reported. The major limitations of capsule endoscopy include lack of maneuvrability and therapeutic capability. Research is in progress to overcome some of the limitations of the current capsule endoscopy system. It is concluded that discovery of capsule endoscopy has brought a new paradigm in GI endoscopy and explored a hitherto unexplored area of GI tract, i.e. small bowel that continued to be a black box for the endoscopists.

Endoscopic Management of Biliary and Pancreatic Pathologies in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients: Development of a Treatment Algorithm Based on 9-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Management of biliopancreatic pathology in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients is challenging despite the availability of multiple approaches like single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (SBE-ERCP), laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP), and EUS-directed transgastric intervention (EDGI). We evaluated the outcomes of the interchangeable combination of endoscopic procedures to treat biliopancreatic pathology in RYGB patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a monocentric retrospective study of consecutive RYGB patients with biliopancreatic pathology between June 2014 and September 2023. Primary endpoints were technical success, adverse events (AE), and parameters of endoscopic procedures according to etiology. A clinically useful management algorithm was developed.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients with RYGB (73 women; mean age 55 ± 10 years) were included. A total of 113 SBE-ERCP (in 90 patients), 26 EDGI (in 23 patients), and 2 LA-ERCP (in 2 patients) were performed. Technical success of SBE-ERCP was lower compared to EDGI (74.4% vs 95.1%, p = 0.002). The AE rate was lower using SBE-ERCP compared to EDGI (12.4% vs 38.5%, p = 0.003). Two sub-groups based on etiology were identified as "common bile duct stone" (CBDS) and "Other." In the CBDS group, the mean number and time of procedures were lower in SBE-ERCP as the first-line technique compared to first-line EDGI (1.1 vs 2.7, p < 0.00 and 91 ± 20.7 min vs 161 ± 61.3 min, p < 0.00).

CONCLUSION

A combination of endoscopic procedures can achieve high technical success in managing biliopancreatic pathology in RYGB patients with an acceptable AE rate. In the case of CBDS, SBE-ERCP appeared to be a good first-line single-step option. For other indications, EDGI should be proposed as the first line.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: Practical Considerations, Current Techniques, and Troubleshooting

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment for obesity over the past decade. This procedure, however, is technically challenging and requires frequent troubleshooting, even among experts. In this article the authors discuss current techniques, common pitfalls and adverse outcomes associated with ESG, how to avoid them, and how to address them if they occur.

Prevention, detection and management of adverse events of third-space endoscopy

Third space endoscopy (TSE) or sub-mucosal endoscopy using a mucosal flap valve (SEMF) enables the endoscopist to operate in the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract or gain access to the mediastinal/peritoneal cavity for natural orifice transoral endoscopic surgery (NOTES). TSE procedures are essentially endoscopic surgical procedures with a variable learning curve. Adverse events (AEs) during TSE are specific and follow a certain pattern across the spectrum of TSE procedures. These can be broadly categorized according to either type of AE, time of presentation relative to the procedure or according to degree of severity. Three major categories of AEs encountered during TSE include insufflation related AEs, mucosal injuries (MIs) and bleeding. Other relevant AEs include infectious complications, aspiration pneumonia, post-procedural chest/abdominal pain, atelectasis, cardiac arrhythmias, pleural effusion and pulmonary embolism. Reported incidence of AEs during TSE procedures varies according to the type and complexity of procedure. Acquaintance regarding potential risk factors, technical tips and precautions, alarm signs for early recognition, assessment of degree of severity, morphological characterization of AEs and finally, expeditious selection of appropriate management strategy are crucial and imperative for successful clinical outcomes. The current review discusses the current evidence and practical guidelines for prevention, early detection and management of TSE-related AEs.

Recent Advancements and Future Perspectives of Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a preferred approach for the treatment of idiopathic achalasia and various esophageal motility disorders, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional laparoscopic Heller's myotomy. Over the past decade, POEM has solidified its status as the primary therapeutic choice in these conditions through constant improvements. Its evolution has been marked by continuous progress, driven by the integration of innovative technologies and sophisticated techniques. Notable advancements in the techniques include the advent of shorter myotomies and sling fiber-preserving gastric myotomies. The introduction of novel image-enhanced endoscopic techniques, such as red dichromatic imaging and much safer bipolar devices, promises to enhance safety and reduce the technical demands of the POEM procedure. Furthermore, significant strides have been made in understanding gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) following POEM, enabling the differentiation of "true reflux" from acidification resulting from fermentation through manual pH tracing assessment. This distinction aids in identifying cases necessitating treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Other treatment strategies of post-POEM GERD have expanded to the incorporation of NOTES fundoplication and device-assisted fundoplication if the necessity arises. This comprehensive review delves into recent developments in POEM, encompassing technical variations, the assessment and management of post-POEM reflux, outcomes in special populations, and future prospects. By exploring these facets, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of POEM, shedding light on its evolution and the promising directions it is poised to take in the field of third-space endoscopy.