Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy using a novel bipolar blade and the navigational tunnel technique

Video 1Demonstration of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy using a novel bipolar blade and the navigational tunnel technique.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Colon Polyp Diagnosis and Management: Commentary

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update (CPU) is to review the available evidence and provide expert commentary on the current landscape of artificial intelligence in the evaluation and management of colorectal polyps.

METHODS

This CPU was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC) and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the CPUC and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. This Expert Commentary incorporates important as well as recently published studies in this field, and it reflects the experiences of the authors who are experienced endoscopists with expertise in the field of artificial intelligence and colorectal polyps.

Performance of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Versus Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in Diagnosing Stage 3-4 Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous liver biopsy (P-bx) is the gold standard for diagnosing advanced fibrosis. Despite the proven technical feasibility of EUS-guided liver bx (EUS-bx) as a novel alternative way of liver biopsy, the clinical applicability remains to be determined.

AIMS

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate if EUS-bx, compared to P-bx, can effectively and safely obtain adequate specimen and accurately predict hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

This is a single center, retrospective chart review among patients with liver diseases at a tertiary endoscopy center from February 2011 to March 2020. We assessed the EUS-bx versus P-bx outcomes by success rate, performance, and safety profile. The primary outcome was the association between EUS-bx clinical variables and the presence of histologic liver fibrosis stage ≥ 3. The secondary outcomes were the associations between EUS-bx and variables indicative of fibrosis.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients underwent EUS-bx; and 59, P-bx. All EUS-bx procedures were successfully completed. All 56/56 (100%) of EUS-bx vs. 50/52 (96.2%) P-bx were considered adequate samples. Tissue lengths were significantly longer in the EUS-bx cohort (p < 0.0001) with a trend towards a greater number of portal tracts. 46/56 (82.1%) cases of EUS-bx vs. 32/52 (61.5%) of P-bx had > 10 portal tracts; 21/56 (37.5%) cases of EUS-bx vs. 14/52 (26.9%) of P-bx had > 15 portal tracts. There were 6 (10.2%) EUS-bx vs. 1 (1.7%) P-bx related complication leading to a phone call (p = 0.061).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-bx can safely performed and accurately predict liver fibrosis stage as the standard P-bx without being influenced by procedure-related factors.

A novel through-the-scope helix tack-and-suture device for mucosal defect closure following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Complete closure of large mucosal defects following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with through-the-scope (TTS) clips is oftentimes not possible. We aimed to report our early experience of using a novel TTS suturing system for the closure of large mucosal defects after colorectal ESD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent attempted prophylactic defect closure using the TTS suturing system after colorectal ESD. The primary outcome was technical success in achieving complete defect closure, defined as a < 5 mm residual mucosal defect in the closure line using TTS suturing, with or without adjuvant TTS clips.

RESULTS

82 patients with a median defect size of 30 (interquartile range 25-40) mm were included. Technical success was achieved in 92.7 % (n = 76): TTS suturing only in 44 patients (53.7 %) and a combination of TTS suturing to approximate the widest segment followed by complete closure with TTS clips in 32 (39.0 %). Incomplete/partial closure, failure of appropriate TTS suture deployment, and the need for over-the-scope salvage closure methods were observed in 7.3 % (n = 6). One intraprocedural bleed, one delayed bleed, and three intraprocedural perforations were observed. There were no adverse events related to placement of the TTS suture.

CONCLUSION

The TTS suture system is an effective and safe tool for the closure of large mucosal defects after colorectal ESD and is an alternative when complete closure with TTS clips alone is not possible.

Effect of computer-aided colonoscopy on adenoma miss rates and polyp detection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Multiple computer-aided techniques utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) have been created to improve the detection of polyps during colonoscopy and thereby reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. While adenoma detection rates (ADR) and polyp detection rates (PDR) are important colonoscopy quality indicators, adenoma miss rates (AMR) may better quantify missed lesions, which can ultimately lead to interval colorectal cancer. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of computer-aided colonoscopy (CAC) with respect to AMR, ADR, and PDR in randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

A comprehensive, systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases in September of 2022 to identify randomized, controlled trials that compared CAC with traditional colonoscopy. Primary outcomes were AMR, ADR, and PDR.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies totaling 10 928 patients were included in the final analysis. There was a 65% reduction in the adenoma miss rate with CAC (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.25-0.49, P < 0.001, I²  = 50%). There was a 78% reduction in the sessile serrated lesion miss rate with CAC (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08-0.65, P < 0.01, I²  = 0%). There was a 52% increase in ADR in the CAC group compared with the control group (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.39-1.67, P = 0.04, I²  = 47%). There was 93% increase in the number of adenomas > 10 mm detected per colonoscopy with CAC (OR 1.93; 95% CI, 1.18-3.16, P < 0.01, I²  = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study demonstrate the promise of CAC in improving AMR, ADR, PDR across a spectrum of size and morphological lesion characteristics.

First interobserver agreement of optical coherence tomography in the bile duct: A multicenter collaborative study

Background and study aims  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new technology available for evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures. It allows under-the-surface visualization and preliminary studies have confirmed standardized characteristics associated with malignancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the first interobserver agreement in identifying previously agreed upon OCT criteria and diagnosing of malignant versus benign disease. Patients and methods  Fourteen endoscopists were asked to review an atlas of reference clips and images of eight criteria derived from expert consensus A total of 35 de-identified video clips were then evaluated for presence of the eight criteria and for final diagnosis of malignant versus benign using the atlas as reference Intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis was done to evaluate interrater agreement. Results  Clips of 23 malignant lesions and 12 benign lesions were scored. Excellent interobserver agreement was seen with dilated hypo-reflective structures (0.85) and layering effacement (0.89); hyper-glandular mucosa (0.76), intact layering (0.81), and onion-skin layering (0.77); fair agreement was seen with scalloping (0.58), and thickened epithelium (0.4); poor agreement was seen with hyper-reflective surface (0.36). The diagnostic ICC for both neoplastic (0.8) and non-neoplastic (0.8) was excellent interobserver agreement. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 51 %, ranging from 43 % to 60 %. Conclusions  Biliary OCT is a promising new modality for evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures. Interobserver agreement ranged from fair to almost perfect on eight previously identified criteria. Interobserver agreement for malignancy diagnosis was substantial (0.8). Further studies are needed to validate this data.

EUS-guided blood patch delivery during liver biopsy: nature's gel foam

Video 1Case 1 EUS liver biopsy with FNA needle complicated by persistent blood flow within biopsy tract, which is successfully treated with blood patch technique. Case 2 EUS liver biopsy with FNA needle complicated by persistent blood flow within biopsy tract, which is successfully treated with blood patch technique.

Navigational tunnel technique for gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy: getting straight to the point (pylorus)

Background and Aims

Gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) is emerging as a treatment option for patients with gastroparesis. The most technically difficult part of the procedure is creating a submucosal tunnel in the gastric antrum, which can be directionally challenging. We describe a novel navigational tunneling method that guides submucosal dissection in the direction of the pylorus and helps to identify the pyloric landmarks.

Methods

Consecutive patients from September to December 2020 who underwent G-POEM for symptomatic gastroparesis were included. All cases were confirmed by prolonged gastric emptying study. The navigational tunnel technique was performed as follows: (1) mucosal cautery markings were made to outline the tunnel starting 3 to 4 cm proximal to the pylorus, (2) submucosal injection was done at the level of the pylorus and extended backward to the incision point, and (3) submucosal dissection was carried out after the prior submucosal injection straight to the pylorus.

Results

Six patients with gastroparesis underwent G-POEM with the navigational tunneling technique. The average time for submucosal injection was 2 minutes and 42 seconds, and the average tunnel time was 15 minutes and 36 seconds. There were no adverse events. All patients reported significant improvement (50%-85%) in symptoms.

Conclusions

This novel navigational tunneling technique appears to guide and facilitate G-POEM by providing a visual path for submucosal dissection straight to the pylorus. It may increase efficiency, decreasing the need to repeatedly exit the tunnel to check direction and preventing nonproductive wandering. It may also help identify the pyloric ring within the tunnel.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Superficial Gastric Neoplasia in a Large Cohort in North America

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely accepted treatment option for superficial gastric neoplasia in Asia, but there are few data on outcomes of gastric ESD from North America. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gastric ESD in North America.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 347 patients who underwent gastric ESD at 25 centers, from 2010 through 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, lesion characteristics, procedure details and related adverse events, treatment outcomes, local recurrence, and vital status at the last follow up. For the 277 patients with available follow-up data, the median interval between initial ESD and last clinical or endoscopic evaluation was 364 days. The primary endpoint was the rate of en bloc and R0 resection. Secondary outcomes included curative resection, rates of adverse events and recurrence, and gastric cancer-related death.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (26%) had low-grade adenomas or dysplasia, 82 patients (24%) had high-grade dysplasia, 139 patients (40%) had early gastric cancer, and 36 patients (10%) had neuroendocrine tumors. Proportions of en bloc and R0 resection for all lesions were 92%/82%, for early gastric cancers were 94%/75%, for adenomas and low-grade dysplasia were 93%/ 92%, for high-grade dysplasia were 89%/ 87%, and for neuroendocrine tumors were 92%/75%. Intraprocedural perforation occurred in 6.6% of patients; 82% of these were treated successfully with endoscopic therapy. Delayed bleeding occurred in 2.6% of patients. No delayed perforation or procedure-related deaths were observed. There were local recurrences in 3.9% of cases; all occurred after non-curative ESD resection. Metachronous lesions were identified in 14 patients (6.9%). One of 277 patients with clinical follow up died of metachronous gastric cancer that occurred 2.5 years after the initial ESD.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD is a highly effective treatment for superficial gastric neoplasia and should be considered as a viable option for patients in North America. The risk of local recurrence is low and occurs exclusively after non-curative resection. Careful endoscopic surveillance is necessary to identify and treat metachronous lesions.

A multicenter, prospective, inpatient feasibility study to evaluate the use of an intra-colonoscopy cleansing device to optimize colon preparation in hospitalized patients: the REDUCE study

Background

High quality bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy can be difficult to achieve in the inpatient setting. Hospitalized patients are at risk for extended hospital stays and low diagnostic yield due to inadequate bowel preparation. The Pure-Vu System is a novel device intended to fit over existing colonoscopes to improve intra-colonoscopy bowel preparation. The objective of the REDUCE study was to conduct the first inpatient study to evaluate optimization of bowel preparation quality following overnight preparation when using the Pure-Vu System during colonoscopy.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective feasibility study enrolled hospitalized subjects undergoing colonoscopy. Subjects recorded the clarity of their last bowel movement using a 5-point scale prior to colonoscopy. After one night of preparation, all enrolled subjects underwent colonoscopy utilizing the Pure-Vu System. The primary endpoint was improvement of colon cleanliness from baseline to post-cleansing with the Pure-Vu System as assessed by the improvement in Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). An exploratory analysis was conducted to assess whether the clarity of the last bowel movement could predict inadequate bowel preparation.

Results

Ninety-four subjects were included. BBPS analyses showed significant improvements in bowel preparation quality across all evaluable colon segments after cleansing with Pure-Vu, including left colon (1.74 vs 2.89; p < 0.0001), transverse colon (1.74 vs 2.91; p < 0.0001), and the right colon (1.41 vs 2.88; p < 0.0001). Prior to Pure-Vu, adequate cleansing (BBPS scores of ≥ 2) were reported in 60%, 62%, and 47% for the left colon, transverse colon, and right colon segments, respectively. After intra-colonoscopy cleansing with the Pure-Vu System, adequate colon preparation was reported in 100%, 99%, and 97% of the left colon, transverse colon, and right colon segments, respectively. Subjects with lower bowel movement clarity scores were more likely to have inadequate bowel preparation prior to cleansing with Pure-Vu.

Conclusions

In this feasibility study, the Pure-Vu System appears to be effective in significantly improving bowel preparation quality in hospitalized subjects undergoing colonoscopy. Clarity of last bowel movement may be useful indicator in predicting poor bowel preparation. Larger studies powered to evaluate clinical outcomes, hospital costs, and blinded BBPS assessments are required to evaluate the significance of these findings.

Trial registration Evaluation of the Bowel Cleansing in Hospitalized Patients Using Pure-Vu System (NCT03503162).

Palliative endoscopic spray cryotherapy to prevent worsening of dysphagia and improve quality of life in esophageal cancer

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Background: Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer can have progressive dysphagia and associated worsening quality of life (QOL). Maintenance of esophageal patency by reducing intraluminal tumor burden can improve QOL by palliating dysphagia and delay or prevent the need for feeding tubes and esophageal stents. We aimed to assess the effect of endoscopic palliative cryoablation with trūFreeze Spray Cryotherapy (SCT) on dysphagia burden, QOL, and survival in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: This is a multi-center prospective study of esophageal cancer patients at 10 sites in the United States. Subjects are 18-89 years old with luminal esophageal cancer, non-surgical candidates, not receiving systemic therapy, without esophageal stents, or history of prior SCT for esophageal cancer. SCT is an endoluminal ablation modality using non-contact medical grade liquid nitrogen (LN2) reaching a temperature of -1960 C delivered by a catheter. SCT was performed at 6 week intervals or as clinically indicated at a dose of 2x30 or 3x30 seconds per every 2-3 cm treatment site. Dysphagia and QOL were assessed with the 5-point Dysphagia score and EORTC QLQ 30 and OES18 esophageal module. Results: Of 49 subjects, mean age is 74.2 ± 11.8, 88% are men, 92% have esophageal adenocarcinoma and 19% have prior esophageal surgery or esophagectomy. 75% had a history of chemotherapy and/or radiation, and 58% (n=21) had a tumor stage >2. Subjects had a total of 258 treatment sessions over a mean follow-up of 329.7 ± 219.1 days, and received a median of 4 (IQR:2-7) SCT sessions with an average dose of 90 (3x30 sec) seconds/treatment site. There were 19 procedure related adverse events (20.4% of patients and 7.4% of procedures), all of which were mild (n=13) or moderate (n=6) in severity. Mean baseline dysphagia score was 1.7 ± 0.9 and 89% maintained (72%) or improved (17%) their baseline dysphagia score after initial SCT, p<0.05, and maintained this degree of symptom burden with ongoing SCT for a mean 239 ± 198 days. 28.6% (n=14) needed an esophageal stent after a mean 168 ± 169 days and 8% (n=4) had a feeding tube placed after a mean 145 ± 76 days after initial treatment. There was improvement in global health status (61.9 ± 23.3 vs 67.7 ± 19.7) and social functioning (73.9 ± 24.7 vs 81.2 ± 28.0) with decreased dysphagia (OES18: 21.5 vs. 16.7) and eating problems (26.1 vs. 20.6), p<0.05 for all. During the follow-up period, 49% of this palliative group survived and median survival was 386 days. Factors associated with survival with SCT were earlier cancer stage (69% stage 1 or 2 were survivors vs. 20% non-survivors; p=0.03) and ≤25% of luminal obstruction by tumor (62% vs. 36%; p=0.06). Conclusions: Liquid nitrogen SCT is an effective option to curb dysphagia progression in palliation of esophageal cancer and improves overall quality of life. Degree of luminal obstruction and tumor stage predicted survival. Clinical trial information: NCT03243734.

Multifocal Cryoballoon Ablation for Eradication of Barrett's Esophagus-Related Neoplasia: A Prospective Multicenter Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Ablation of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the preferred approach for the treatment of neoplasia without visible lesions. Limited data on cryoballoon ablation (CBA) suggest its potential clinical utility. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of CBA in a multicenter study of patients with neoplastic BE.

METHODS

In a prospective clinical trial, 11 academic and community centers recruited consecutive patients with BE of 1-6 cm length and low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (ImCA) confirmed by central pathology. Patients with symptomatic pre-existing strictures or visible BE lesions had dilation or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), respectively, before enrollment. A nitrous oxide cryoballoon focal ablation system was used to treat all visible columnar mucosa in up to 5 sessions. Study end points included complete eradication of all dysplasia (CE-D) and intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) at 1 year.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients with BE with ImCA (20%), HGD (56%), or low-grade dysplasia (23%) were enrolled. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the CE-D and CE-IM rates were 76% and 72%, respectively. In the per-protocol analysis (94 patients), the CE-D and CE-IM rates were 97% and 91%, respectively. Postablation pain was mild and short lived. Fifteen subjects (12.5%) developed strictures requiring dilation. One patient (0.8%) with HGD progressed to ImCA, which was successfully treated with EMR. Another patient (0.8%) developed gastrointestinal bleeding associated with clopidogrel use. One patient (0.8%) had buried BE with HGD in 1 biopsy, not confirmed by subsequent EMR.

DISCUSSION

In patients with neoplastic BE, CBA was safe and effective. Head-to-head comparisons between CBA and other ablation modalities are warranted (clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT02514525).

Efficacy of palliative liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy in curbing progression of dysphagia in esophageal cancer

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Background: Progressive dysphagia in locally advanced esophageal cancer worsens quality of life (QOL). Endoscopic cryoablation may effectively palliate dysphagia. Aim: To study the effect of palliative cryoablation with trūFreeze Spray Cryotherapy (SCT) in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: This is an interim analysis of a multi-center prospective study of esophageal cancer patients who are non-surgical candidates, not on active systemic therapy, without esophageal stents, or prior SCT. SCT is an endoscopic ablation modality using liquid nitrogen (LN2) delivered by catheter. SCT occurred at 6 week intervals or as indicated at a dose of 2x30 or 3x30 secs/treatment site. Dysphagia and esophageal symptoms were assessed at baseline and after treatment with a 5-point Dysphagia score and the EORTC-QLQ-OES18 (higher score = more symptoms). Results: 39 subjects (mean age 74.4 ±12.2; 87% men, Table) had 182 treatment sessions over a mean follow-up of 206.9 days, and received a median 3 SCT sessions with an average dose of 90 (3x30) secs/site. There was 1 procedure related SAE (2.6% of patients and 0.5% procedures). Mean follow-up dysphagia score was 1.6 ±0.8 and 90% had same or improved dysphagia score after SCT treatment, p<0.01. On average, treated patients maintained the same or improved levels of dysphagia for 117 days. Esophageal QOL was maintained with improvement in “eating problems” (24.4 before treatment to 18.2 after, p=0.01). Only 4 subjects needed an esophageal stent (n=2) or gastrostomy tube (n=2) for nutrition. Conclusions: SCT for palliation of esophageal cancer was effective in limiting progression of dysphagia, while maintaining esophageal QOL. Only 10% required either esophageal stenting or feeding tube at >6 month follow-up. Clinical trial information: NCT03243734.

[Table: see text]

Prediction of Polyp Pathology Using Convolutional Neural Networks Achieves "Resect and Discard" Thresholds

OBJECTIVES

Reliable in situ diagnosis of diminutive (≤5 mm) colorectal polyps could allow for "resect and discard" and "diagnose and leave" strategies, resulting in $1 billion cost savings per year in the United States alone. Current methodologies have failed to consistently meet the Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable endoscopic Innovations (PIVIs) initiative thresholds. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have the potential to predict polyp pathology and achieve PIVI thresholds in real time.

METHODS

We developed a CNN-based optical pathology (OP) model using Tensorflow and pretrained on ImageNet, capable of operating at 77 frames per second. A total of 6,223 images of unique colorectal polyps of known pathology, location, size, and light source (white light or narrow band imaging [NBI]) underwent 5-fold cross-training (80%) and validation (20%). Separate fresh validation was performed on 634 polyp images. Surveillance intervals were calculated, comparing OP with true pathology.

RESULTS

In the original validation set, the negative predictive value for adenomas was 97% among diminutive rectum/rectosigmoid polyps. Results were independent of use of NBI or white light. Surveillance interval concordance comparing OP and true pathology was 93%. In the fresh validation set, the negative predictive value was 97% among diminutive polyps in the rectum and rectosigmoid and surveillance concordance was 94%.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of in situ diagnosis of colorectal polyps using CNN. Our model exceeds PIVI thresholds for both "resect and discard" and "diagnose and leave" strategies independent of NBI use. Point-of-care adenoma detection rate and surveillance recommendations are potential added benefits.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal neoplasia: a multicenter North American experience

Background and aims  Rectal lesions traditionally represent the first lesions approached during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) training in the West. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of rectal ESD in North America. Methods  This is a multicenter retrospective analysis of rectal ESD between January 2010 and September 2018 in 15 centers. End points included: rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, adverse events, comparison of pre- and post-ESD histology, and factors associated with failed resection. Results  In total, 171 patients (median age 63 years; 56 % men) underwent rectal ESD (median size 43 mm). En bloc resection was achieved in 141 cases (82.5 %; 95 %CI 76.8-88.2), including 24 of 27 (88.9 %) with prior failed endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). R0 resection rate was 74.9 % (95 %CI 68.4-81.4). Post-ESD bleeding and perforation occurred in 4 (2.3 %) and 7 (4.1 %), respectively. Covert submucosal invasive cancer (SMIC) was identified in 8.6 % of post-ESD specimens. There was one case (1/120; 0.8 %) of recurrence at a median follow-up of 31 weeks; IQR: 19-76 weeks). Older age and higher body mass index (BMI) were predictors of failed R0 resection, whereas submucosal fibrosis was associated with a higher likelihood of both failed en bloc and R0 resection. Conclusion  Rectal ESD in North America is safe and is associated with high en bloc and R0 resection rates. The presence of submucosal fibrosis was the main predictor of failed en bloc and R0 resection. ESD can be considered for select rectal lesions, and serves not only to establish a definitive tissue diagnosis but also to provide curative resection for lesions with covert advanced disease.

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy and its application to Barrett's esophagus: results from a 1,000 patient registry

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) for real-time, microscopic cross-sectional imaging. A US-based multi-center registry was constructed to prospectively collect data on patients undergoing upper endoscopy during which a VLE scan was performed. The objective of this registry was to determine usage patterns of VLE in clinical practice and to estimate quantitative and qualitative performance metrics as they are applied to Barrett's esophagus (BE) management. All procedures utilized the NvisionVLE Imaging System (NinePoint Medical, Bedford, MA) which was used by investigators to identify the tissue types present, along with focal areas of concern. Following the VLE procedure, investigators were asked to answer six key questions regarding how VLE impacted each case. Statistical analyses including neoplasia diagnostic yield improvement using VLE was performed. One thousand patients were enrolled across 18 US trial sites from August 2014 through April 2016. In patients with previously diagnosed or suspected BE (894/1000), investigators used VLE and identified areas of concern not seen on white light endoscopy (WLE) in 59% of the procedures. VLE imaging also guided tissue acquisition and treatment in 71% and 54% of procedures, respectively. VLE as an adjunct modality improved the neoplasia diagnostic yield by 55% beyond the standard of care practice. In patients with no prior history of therapy, and without visual findings from other technologies, VLE-guided tissue acquisition increased neoplasia detection over random biopsies by 700%. Registry investigators reported that VLE improved the BE management process when used as an adjunct tissue acquisition and treatment guidance tool. The ability of VLE to image large segments of the esophagus with microscopic cross-sectional detail may provide additional benefits including higher yield biopsies and more efficient tissue acquisition. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02215291.

The underutilization of EUS-guided biliary drainage: Perception of endoscopists in the East and West

Background and Objectives

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is increasingly utilized to manage unresectable malignant biliary obstruction after a failed ERCP. However, there is no data on how endoscopists perceive EUS-BD. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of endoscopists on EUS-BD.

Patients and Methods

A survey questionnaire of six topics with 22 survey statements was developed. A total of 17 pancreatobiliary endoscopists (10 from East and 7 from West) were invited to survey. The participants were asked to answer the multiple choice questionnaire and give comments. The opinions of the participants for individual survey statements were assessed using 5-point Likert scale.

Results

All participants completed the survey. The endoscopists had a trend to perceive EUS-BD as a procedure indicated after a failed ERCP. Various EUS-BD methods were regarded as having different efficacy and safety. The superiority of EUS-BD over percutaneous transhepatic BD (PTBD) with regard to efficacy, procedure-related adverse events, and unscheduled re-intervention was not in agreement.

Conclusions

EUS-BD was not yet perceived as the initial procedure to relieve the unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. Various EUS-BD methods were regarded as having different efficacy and safety. The superiority of EUS-BD over PTBD was not in agreement. Refining the procedure, developing dedicated devices, and gaining expertise in the procedure are necessary to popularize EUS-BD.

Feasibility and safety of microforceps biopsy in the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The tissue acquisition and diagnostic yield of cyst fluid cytology is low-to-moderate and rarely provides a specific diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare the tissue acquisition and diagnostic tissue yield of microforceps biopsy (MFB) with cyst fluid cytology.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, data of 42 patients who had cysts both aspirated by EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) and biopsy specimens were then obtained with an MFB device, were collected. Cytology analysis of cyst fluid and histologic analysis of biopsy specimens were done. Acquisition yield was defined as percentage of patients with tissue present in the aspirate or biopsy. Diagnostic tissue yield was evaluated at 3 levels: the ability of differentiation between mucinous and/or nonmucinous cysts, detection of high risk for malignancy, and specific cyst type diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 69 years. Sixteen pancreatic cysts (38.1%) were located in the head, 17 (40.5%) in the body, and 9 (21.4%) in the tail. The mean cyst size was 28.2 mm (12-60 mm); 25 of 42 (60%) were septated. The EUS-FNA tissue (fluid) acquisition yield was 88.1% (37/42). The MFB tissue acquisition yield was 90.4% (38/42). The diagnostic cytology yield to differentiate between mucinous and/or nonmucinous cysts was 47.6% (20/42), and the MFB histologic yield to differentiate between mucinous and/or nonmucinous cysts was 61.9% (26/42) (P = .188). The percentage of cysts at high risk for malignancy by cytology was 54.7% (23/42), and MFB was 71.5% (30/42) (P = .113). However, the ability of MFB to provide a specific cyst type diagnosis was 35.7% (15/42), and that for cytology was 4.8% (2/42) (P = .001). Surgical histology was concordant with that of MFB in 6 of 7 patients (85%), and with that of cytology in 1 of 7 patients (15%).

CONCLUSION

The cyst tissue acquisition yield for MFBs was 90%. Although cytology of cyst fluid and MFB were comparable in distinguishing mucinous and nonmucinous cysts and detecting cysts at high risk for malignancy, MFB was far superior to cytology for providing a specific cyst diagnosis.

Lumen-apposing metal stents for benign gastrointestinal tract strictures: An international multicenter experience

AIM

To investigate technical feasibility, outcomes and adverse events of the lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) for benign gastrointestinal (GI) tract strictures.

METHODS

Between July 2015 and January 2017, patients undergoing treatment by LAMS for benign GI strictures at three tertiary referral centers were included in this study. Primary outcomes included technical success, short-term clinical success, long-term clinical success, and adverse events. Short-term clinical success was defined as symptom resolution at 30 d after stent placement. Long-term clinical success was defined by symptom resolution at 60 d in patients who continued to have indwelling stent, or continued symptom resolution at 30 d after elective stent removal.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients (mean age 62.6 years, 47.6% males) underwent placement of LAMS for benign GI strictures. A 15 mm × 10 mm LAMS was placed in 16 patients, a 10 mm × 10 mm LAMS was placed in 2 patients, and a 16 mm × 30 mm LAMS was placed in 3 patients. Technical success was obtained in all cases. Short-term clinical success was achieved in 19 out of 21 cases (90.5%), and long-term clinical success was achieved in 12 out of 18 (66.7%). Mean (range) stent indwell time was 107.2 (28-370) d. After a mean (range) dwell time of 104.3 (28-306) d, 9 LAMSs were removed due to the following complications: ulceration at stent site (n = 1), angulation (n = 2), migration (n = 4) and stricture overgrowth (n = 2). Migration occurred in 4 cases (19.0%), and it was associated with stricture resolution in one case. Median (range) follow-up period was 119 (31-422) d.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of LAMS for benign strictures has shown to be technically feasible and safe, but adverse events highlight the need for further study of its indications.

Use of the Endocuff during routine colonoscopy examination improves adenoma detection: A meta-analysis

AIM

To perform meta-analysis of the use of Endocuff during average risk screening colonoscopy.

METHODS

Scopus, Cochrane databases, MEDLINE/PubMed, and CINAHL were searched in April 2016. Abstracts from Digestive Disease Week, United European Gastroenterology, and the American College of Gastroenterology meeting were also searched from 2004-2015. Studies comparing EC-assisted colonoscopy (EAC) to standard colonoscopy, for any indication, were included in the analysis. The analysis was conducted by using the Mantel-Haenszel or DerSimonian and Laird models with the odds ratio (OR) to assess adenoma detection, cecal intubation rate, and complications performed.

RESULTS

Nine studies (n = 5624 patients) were included in the analysis. Compared to standard colonoscopy, procedures performed with EC had higher frequencies for adenoma (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.23-1.80; P = 0.03), and sessile serrated adenomas detection (OR = 2.34 95%CI: 1.63-3.36; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in cecal intubation rates between the EAC group and standard colonoscopy (OR = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.70-2.27, I2 = 0%; P = 0.44). EAC was associated with a higher risk of complications, most commonly being superficial mucosal injury without higher frequency for perforation.

CONCLUSION

The use of an EC on colonoscopy appears to improve pre-cancerous polyp detection without any difference in cecal intubation rates compared to standard colonoscopy.

Individuals homozygous for the H63D mutation have significantly elevated iron indexes

Our objective was to assess the iron indexes of patients with one or more mutations of the HFE gene with a specific interest in studying the effect of the H63D/H63D genotype. Eight hundred twenty subjects who underwent HFE mutational testing for C282Y and H63D mutations were retrospectively identified. Data collected included age, gender, HFE genotype, and values for serum ferritin, iron saturation, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Compared to the Wild/Wild genotype (0.34 +/- 0.17), genotypes H63D/C282Y (0.44 +/- 0.14 P < 0.01), H63D/H63D (0.51 +/- 0.21 P < 0.01), and C282Y/C282Y (0.64 +/- 0.20 P < 0.01) had significantly higher transferrin saturation levels and were independent predictors of higher iron saturation in multivariate regression analysis. Compared to the Wild/Wild genotype, no abnormal HFE genotypes had significantly higher ferritin levels, although the genotype H63D/H63D was an independent predictor of higher serum ferritin (P = 0.02) in regression analysis. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with abnormally elevated AST (P = 0.64) or ALT (P = 0.80) between groups. H63D homozygotes have elevated transferrin saturation compared to the Wild genotype, comparable to that of C282Y homozygotes and compound heterozygotes. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear but warrants further study.