Feasibility of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection with continuous low-dose aspirin for patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy

International Digestive Endoscopy Network Consensus on the Management of Antithrombotic Agents in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, are widely used in Korea because of the increasing incidence of cardiocerebrovascular disease and the aging population. The management of patients using antithrombotic agents during endoscopic procedures is an important clinical challenge. The clinical practice guidelines for this issue, developed by the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, were published in 2020. However, new evidence on the use of dual antiplatelet therapy and direct anticoagulant management has emerged, and revised guidelines have been issued in the United States and Europe. Accordingly, the previous guidelines were revised. Cardiologists were part of the group that developed the guideline, and the recommendations went through a consensus-reaching process among international experts. This guideline presents 14 recommendations made based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology and was reviewed by multidisciplinary experts. These guidelines provide useful information that can assist endoscopists in the management of patients receiving antithrombotic agents who require diagnostic and elective therapeutic endoscopy. It will be revised as necessary to cover changes in technology, evidence, or other aspects of clinical practice.

[IDEN Consensus on Management of Antithrombotic Agents in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy]

Antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agent and anticoagulants are widely used in Korea due to increasing incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular disease and aging population. The management of patients using antithrombotic agents during endoscopic procedures is an important clinical challenge. Clinical practice guideline regarding this issue which was developed by the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy was published in 2020. However, since then, new evidence has emerged for the use of dual antiplatelet therapy and direct anticoagulant management, and revised guidelines were issued in the US and Europe. Accordingly, the previous guidelines were revised, cardiologists also participated in the development group, and the recommendations went through a consensus process among international experts. This guideline presents 14 recommendations made according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology, and was reviewed by multidisciplinary experts. This guideline provides useful information that can assist endoscopists in the management of patients on antithrombotic agents who require diagnostic and elective therapeutic endoscopy. It will be revised as necessary to cover changes in technology, evidence, or other aspects of clinical practice.

A Prospective Observational Study on Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection under Continuous Administration of Antithrombotic Agents

Background: This study aimed to assess the completion rate and postoperative bleeding incidence of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric tumors under continuous antithrombotic therapy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted including 88 patients with 100 gastric lesions who underwent gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and received continuous antithrombotic therapy. Additionally, retrospective data on gastric ESD in 479 patients with 534 lesions who did not receive antithrombotic therapy were collected for comparison. Results: The en bloc resection rates (100% in the continuous antithrombotic therapy group vs. 100% in the non-antithrombotic therapy group) and complete resection rates (97.0% vs. 96.3%, respectively) were high and comparable between the groups. No significant differences were found in the specimen size or procedure time. Perforation rates were low (0% vs. 2.3%, respectively) and were not significantly different between the groups. However, postoperative bleeding occurred significantly more frequently in the continuous antithrombotic therapy group (10.2% vs. 4.2%, respectively) than in the non-antithrombotic therapy group. The subgroup analysis revealed a higher incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients receiving thienopyridine derivatives. Conclusions: Continuous administration of antithrombotic agents, especially thienopyridines, increased the risk of postprocedural hemorrhage following gastric ESD. These findings support the need for careful consideration of pharamcological management before ESD, aligning with the current guidelines.

International Digestive Endoscopy Network consensus on the management of antithrombotic agents in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy

Antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, are widely used in Korea because of the increasing incidence of cardiocerebrovascular disease and the aging population. The management of patients using antithrombotic agents during endoscopic procedures is an important clinical challenge. The clinical practice guidelines for this issue, developed by the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, were published in 2020. However, new evidence on the use of dual antiplatelet therapy and direct anticoagulant management has emerged, and revised guidelines have been issued in the United States and Europe. Accordingly, the previous guidelines were revised. Cardiologists were part of the group that developed the guideline, and the recommendations went through a consensus-reaching process among international experts. This guideline presents 14 recommendations made based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology and was reviewed by multidisciplinary experts. These guidelines provide useful information that can assist endoscopists in the management of patients receiving antithrombotic agents who require diagnostic and elective therapeutic endoscopy. It will be revised as necessary to cover changes in technology, evidence, or other aspects of clinical practice.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection techniques and technology: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Technical Review

ESGE suggests conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD; marking and mucosal incision followed by circumferential incision and stepwise submucosal dissection) for most esophageal and gastric lesions. ESGE suggests tunneling ESD for esophageal lesions involving more than two-thirds of the esophageal circumference. ESGE recommends the pocket-creation method for colorectal ESD, at least if traction devices are not used. The use of dedicated ESD knives with size adequate to the location/thickness of the gastrointestinal wall is recommended. It is suggested that isotonic saline or viscous solutions can be used for submucosal injection. ESGE recommends traction methods in esophageal and colorectal ESD and in selected gastric lesions. After gastric ESD, coagulation of visible vessels is recommended, and post-procedural high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (or vonoprazan). ESGE recommends against routine closure of the ESD defect, except in duodenal ESD. ESGE recommends corticosteroids after resection of  > 50 % of the esophageal circumference. The use of carbon dioxide when performing ESD is recommended. ESGE recommends against the performance of second-look endoscopy after ESD. ESGE recommends endoscopy/colonoscopy in the case of significant bleeding (hemodynamic instability, drop in hemoglobin > 2 g/dL, severe ongoing bleeding) to perform endoscopic hemostasis with thermal methods or clipping; hemostatic powders represent rescue therapies. ESGE recommends closure of immediate perforations with clips (through-the-scope or cap-mounted, depending on the size and shape of the perforation), as soon as possible but ideally after securing a good plane for further dissection.

Association between perioperative management of antiplatelet agents and risk of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding in early gastric cancer: analysis of a nationwide multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data are lacking regarding post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) bleeding in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) who take antiplatelet agents (APAs), particularly in those taking thienopyridine and cilostazol. We aimed to clarify the association between the status of APA medication and post-ESD bleeding risk.

METHODS

This study is a secondary analysis using data from a recently conducted nationwide multicenter study in Japan. We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with APAs or on no antithrombotic therapy recruited from 33 institutions who underwent ESD for EGC between November 2013 and October 2016. The primary outcome of this study was the relationship between the rate of post-ESD bleeding and the status of each APA medication.

RESULTS

A total of 9736 patients were included in the analysis. Among 665 aspirin users, the continuation group was significantly associated with post-ESD bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77-4.37). Among 227 thienopyridine users, the aspirin or cilostazol replacement group was not significantly associated with post-ESD bleeding (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, .72-4.78). Among 158 cilostazol users, there was no significant association with post-ESD bleeding, irrespective of medication status. The rate of post-ESD bleeding was approximately 10% to 20% irrespective of the status of APA administration among dual-antiplatelet therapy users. No patients experienced thromboembolic events in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Replacement of thienopyridine with aspirin or cilostazol may be acceptable for minimizing both the risk of post-ESD bleeding and thromboembolism in patients with EGC. In patients on cilostazol monotherapy undergoing ESD, continuation of therapy may be acceptable.

Utility of a deep learning model and a clinical model for predicting bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Bleeding is one of the major complications after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in early gastric cancer (EGC) patients. There are limited studies on estimating the bleeding risk after ESD using an artificial intelligence system.

AIM

To derivate and verify the performance of the deep learning model and the clinical model for predicting bleeding risk after ESD in EGC patients.

METHODS

Patients with EGC who underwent ESD between January 2010 and June 2020 at the Samsung Medical Center were enrolled, and post-ESD bleeding (PEB) was investigated retrospectively. We split the entire cohort into a development set (80%) and a validation set (20%). The deep learning and clinical model were built on the development set and tested in the validation set. The performance of the deep learning model and the clinical model were compared using the area under the curve and the stratification of bleeding risk after ESD.

RESULTS

A total of 5629 patients were included, and PEB occurred in 325 patients. The area under the curve for predicting PEB was 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.78) in the deep learning model and 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.77) in the clinical model, without significant difference (P = 0.730). The patients expected to the low- (< 5%), intermediate- (≥ 5%, < 9%), and high-risk (≥ 9%) categories were observed with actual bleeding rate of 2.2%, 3.9%, and 11.6%, respectively, in the deep learning model; 4.0%, 8.8%, and 18.2%, respectively, in the clinical model.

CONCLUSION

A deep learning model can predict and stratify the bleeding risk after ESD in patients with EGC.

[Research Progress in Delayed Bleeding after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Early-Stage Gastrointestinal Cancer]

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of early-stage and precancerous lesions of the digestive tract. Compared with traditional open surgery, the procedure has a number of advantages, including low postprocedural recurrence rate, the location and scope of lesions not posing much restrictions on the procedure, and quick patients recovery afterwards. The procedure has hence become one of the minimally-invasive procedures commonly performed with gastrointestinal endoscope. However, due to the influence of various factors, complications such as intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, perforation, electrocoagulation syndrome and lumen stenosis may occur. Delayed postoperative bleeding, in particular, may induce cardiovascular and other related diseases due to the insidious nature of its onset, resulting in serious consequences. It is critically important for the further development of ESD that we should acquire thorough understanding and mastery of the relevant influencing factors and preventive measures of delayed bleeding after ESD of early-stage gastrointestinal cancer. We herein summarized and discussed the latest research findings in the preventative and treatment measures.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles, and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

Anticoagulation and antiplatelet management in gastrointestinal endoscopy: A review of current evidence

The role of endoscopic procedures, in both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes is continually expanding and evolving rapidly. In this context, endoscopists will encounter patients prescribed on anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications frequently. This poses an increased risk of intraprocedural and delayed gastrointestinal bleeding. Thus, there is now greater importance on optimal pre, peri and post-operative management of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy to minimise the risk of post-procedural bleeding, without increasing the risk of a thromboembolic event as a consequence of therapy interruption. Currently, there are position statements and guidelines from the major gastroenterology societies. These are available to assist endoscopists with an evidenced-based systematic approach to anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet management in endoscopic procedures, to ensure optimal patient safety. However, since the publication of these guidelines, there is emerging evidence not previously considered in the recommendations that may warrant changes to our current clinical practices. Most notably and divergent from current position statements, is a growing concern regarding the use of heparin bridging therapy during warfarin cessation and its associated risk of increased bleeding, suggestive that this practice should be avoided. In addition, there is emerging evidence that anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy may be safe to be continued in cold snare polypectomy for small polyps (< 10 mm).

Effects of antithrombotic agents on post-operative bleeding after endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neoplasms and polyps: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There are some studies investigating the relationship between antithrombotic medication and postoperative bleeding after endoscopic resection (ER) with controversial results. 

AIM

To perform a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of antithrombotic therapy on postoperative bleeding after ER.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Stata 12.0 was used for statistical analysis. The odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI were calculated and heterogeneity was quantified using Cochran’s Q test and I².

RESULTS

Total 66 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data suggested that antithrombotic therapy was significantly associated with postoperative bleeding (OR = 2.302, 95%CI: 2.057-2.577, P = 0.000) after ER. The risk of postoperative bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection, endoscopic mucosal resection and polypectomy in the antithrombotic group was higher than the non-antithrombotic group (OR = 2.439, 95%CI: 1.916-3.105; OR = 2.688, 95%CI: 1.098-6.582; OR = 2.112, 95%CI: 1.434-3.112). 

CONCLUSION

The risk of postoperative bleeding after ER correlated with the types and management of antithrombotic agents by our meta-analysis.

Current evidence and issues of endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric neoplasms during antithrombotic therapy

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric neoplasms is a useful treatment globally. However, postoperative bleeding after gastric ESD is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening complication in patients receiving antithrombotic drugs, because antithrombotic drugs are considered to increase the risk of postoperative bleeding after gastric ESD. In contrast, withdrawal of antithrombotic drugs during the perioperative period increases the risk of thrombotic complications. Guidelines for the management of antithrombotic drugs during the periendoscopic period have been published by different countries, and recent guidelines place greater emphasis on the risk of thromboembolism with the discontinuation of antithrombotic drugs than on the risk of bleeding with the continuation of antithrombotic drugs. Several studies have reported on the validity of these guidelines, and clinical evidence is being established. Most studies reported that gastric ESD under continuation of aspirin or cilostazol did not increase the risk of bleeding, whereas heparin replacement was strongly associated with a higher risk of bleeding. However, the data regarding some clinical issues about the management of antithrombotic drugs, such as the safety of gastric ESD under continuation of thienopyridine, administration of multiple antithrombotic drugs including dual antiplatelet and anticoagulants (warfarin and direct oral anticoagulant), and effective prophylactic methods for postoperative bleeding after gastric ESD are lacking. Larger clinical data are needed to resolve the remaining issues in the future.

The Efficacy and Safety of a Promising Single-Channel Endoscopic Closure Technique for Endoscopic Treatment-Related Artificial Ulcers: A Pilot Study

Background/Aims

It is important to appropriately manage patients with procedure-related artificial mucosal ulcers or procedure-related complications. Many endoscopic closure techniques have been reported; however, they often require the use of special devices. We developed a single-channel endoscopic closure technique (SCCT) that can be performed with conventional devices. In the present study, we describe the technique and evaluate its efficacy.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatment and whose artificial ulcer was closed using the SCCT were enrolled in this study. The technical success rate, number of clips for closure, procedure time, complication rate on the day of the procedure, clinical success rates on days 1 and 5, and incidence of severe stenosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at 2 months after the procedure were evaluated.

Results

The median ulcer diameter was 20 mm. The tumor locations were the stomach (n = 19), jejunum (n = 1), and colon (n = 5). The technical success rate was 100% (25/25), and the rate of incomplete closure was 0% (0/25). Eight clips were needed on average. The median procedure time was 18 min (range 5-49 min). The complication rate was 0% (25/25). The clinical success rates on days 1 and 5 were 100% (19/19) and 100% (9/9), respectively. No patients presented stenosis as a late complication at 2 months after the procedure (0/25).

Conclusion

The SCCT could be applied in the treatment of artificial ulcers in several parts of the GI tract with a high clinical success rate and no complications. The SCCT appears to be a good option for closing artificial mucosal ulcers.