Efficacy of spray flushing in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Commonly used cleaning brushes in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes often cause damage within the working channels.AIM To develop a spray flushing system to achieving effective cleaning of the working channels while minimizing damage.METHODS This prospective study included 60 used endoscopes and 60 Teflon tubes randomly divided into a control group(n=30)and an experimental group(n=30).The material of Teflon tubes was the same as that of the endoscope working channel.Endoscopes in the control group were manually cleaned using traditional cleaning brushes,while those in the experimental group were cleaned using the newly developed spray flushing system.ATP levels,cleanliness,and microbiological testing of the working channels were measured.Additionally,Teflon tubes in the control group underwent 500 passes with a cleaning brush,while those in the experimental group were subjected to the spray flushing system,and channel damage was evaluated.RESULTS The ATP levels(RLU)in the two groups were 32.5(13-66)and 26(16-40),respectively(P>0.05).Cleanliness scores were 1.5(1-2)and 1(1-2),respectively(P>0.05).Debris was found in 73.3%of the control group,which was significantly higher than 46.7%in the experimental group(P<0.05).Microbiological tests for both groups yielded negative results.Teflon tube damage in the control group was rated at 4(4-5.25),which was significantly higher than in the experimental group 4(3-4)(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The spray flushing system demonstrated superior efficacy in removing debris and resulted in less damage to the endoscope working channels compared with traditional cleaning brushes.

A Novel Sensing Imaging Equipment Under Extremely Dim Light for Blast Furnace Burden Surface:Starlight High-Temperature Industrial Endoscope

Blast furnace(BF)burden surface contains the most abundant,intuitive and credible smelting information and acquiring high-definition and high-brightness optical images of which is essential to realize precise material charging control,optimize gas flow distribution and improve ironmaking efficiency.It has been challengeable to obtain high-quality optical burden surface images under high-temperature,high-dust,and extremelydim(less than 0.001 Lux)environment.Based on a novel endoscopic sensing detection idea,a reverse telephoto structure starlight imaging system with large field of view and large aperture is designed.Combined with a water-air dual cooling intelligent self-maintenance protection device and the imaging system,a starlight high-temperature industrial endoscope is developed to obtain clear optical burden surface images stably under the harsh environment.Based on an endoscope imaging area model,a material flow trajectory model and a gas-dust coupling distribution model,an optimal installation position and posture configuration method for the endoscope is proposed,which maximizes the effective imaging area and ensures large-area,safe and stable imaging of the device in a confined space.Industrial experiments and applications indicate that the proposed method obtains clear and reliable large-area optical burden surface images and reveals new BF conditions,providing key data support for green iron smelting.

Optical scanning endoscope via a single multimode optical fiber

Optical endoscopy has become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic approach in modern biomedicine for directly observing organs and tissues deep inside the human body,enabling non-invasive,rapid diagnosis and treatment.Optical fiber endoscopy is highly competitive among various endoscopic imaging techniques due to its high flexibility,compact structure,excellent resolution,and resistance to electromagnetic interference.Over the past decade,endoscopes based on a single multimode optical fiber(MMF)have attracted widespread research interest due to their potential to significantly reduce the footprint of optical fiber endoscopes and enhance imaging capabilities.In comparison with other imaging principles of MMF endoscopes,the scanning imaging method based on the wavefront shaping technique is highly developed and provides benefits including excellent imaging contrast,broad applicability to complex imaging scenarios,and good compatibility with various well-established scanning imaging modalities.In this review,various technical routes to achieve light focusing through MMF and procedures to conduct the scanning imaging of MMF endoscopes are introduced.The advancements in imaging performance enhancements,integrations of various imaging modalities with MMF scanning endoscopes,and applications are summarized.Challenges specific to this endoscopic imaging technology are analyzed,and potential remedies and avenues for future developments are discussed.

Beyond boundaries:Feasibility of curved linear array echoendoscope in appendiceal neoplasm detection

We recently read with great interest a study by Zhang et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.In our practice,we focus specifically on examining appendiceal mucinous neoplasms(AMNs)with endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)using different scopes.AMNs are rare neoplastic lesions characterized by an accumulation of mucin inside a cystic dilatation of the appendix.Clinically,they can present as nonspecific acute appendicitis.AMNs can turn into a life-threatening condition,termed pseudomyxoma peritonei,in which the ruptured appendix causes accumulation of mucin in the abdomen.Therefore,accurate and rapid diagnosis of AMN is essential.EUS is able to confirm and stage AMNs;although,EUS examination was once limited to the rectal and anal regions due to the conven-tional oblique-view scopes.With the emergence of new forward-view linear echoendoscopes and instruments like EUS miniprobes and overtubes,the scope of examination is changing.Herein,we discuss the feasibility of using the curved linear array echoendoscopes to examine cecal and appendiceal orifice lesions.

Evaluation of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms by curved lineararray echoendoscope:A preliminary study

BACKGROUND Preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms is challenging,and there are few reports regarding the endosonographic characteristics of these neoplasms.AIM To provide a retrospective assessment of the imaging features of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms using endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)by curved linear-array echoendoscope.METHODS A database of all patients with appendiceal mucinous neoplasms who had received EUS examination at our hospital between January 2018 and July 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.The EUS characteristics and patients’clinical data were reviewed.RESULTS Twenty-two patients were included in the study.The linear-array echoendoscope successfully reached the ileocecal region in every patient.In the endoscopic view,we could observe the protrusion in the appendiceal orifice in all patients.A volcano sign was observed in two patients,and an atypical volcano sign was seen in two patients.EUS showed that all 22 lesions were submucosal cystic hypoechoic lesions with clear boundaries.No wall nodules were observed,but an onion-peeling sign was observed in 17 cases.CONCLUSION Linear-array echoendoscope is safe to reach the ileocecal region under the guidance of EUS.Image features on endoscopic and echoendosonograhic views could be used to diagnose appendiceal mucinous neoplasms.

Endoscopic features and treatments of gastric cystica profunda

BACKGROUND Gastric cystica profunda(GCP)represents a rare condition characterized by cystic dilation of gastric glands within the mucosal and/or submucosal layers.GCP is often linked to,or may progress into,early gastric cancer(EGC).AIM To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the endoscopic features of GCP while assessing the efficacy of endoscopic treatment,thereby offering guidance for diagnosis and treatment.METHODS This retrospective study involved 104 patients with GCP who underwent endoscopic resection.Alongside demographic and clinical data,regular patient followups were conducted to assess local recurrence.RESULTS Among the 104 patients diagnosed with GCP who underwent endoscopic resection,12.5%had a history of previous gastric procedures.The primary site predominantly affected was the cardia(38.5%,n=40).GCP commonly exhibited intraluminal growth(99%),regular presentation(74.0%),and ulcerative mucosa(61.5%).The leading endoscopic feature was the mucosal lesion type(59.6%,n=62).The average maximum diameter was 20.9±15.3 mm,with mucosal involvement in 60.6%(n=63).Procedures lasted 73.9±57.5 min,achieving complete resection in 91.3%(n=95).Recurrence(4.8%)was managed via either surgical intervention(n=1)or through endoscopic resection(n=4).Final pathology confirmed that 59.6%of GCP cases were associated with EGC.Univariate analysis indicated that elderly males were more susceptible to GCP associated with EGC.Conversely,multivariate analysis identified lesion morphology and endoscopic features as significant risk factors.Survival analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in recurrence between GCP with and without EGC(P=0.72).CONCLUSION The findings suggested that endoscopic resection might serve as an effective and minimally invasive treatment for GCP with or without EGC.

Prediction,prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy:An update

Achalasia cardia,the most prevalent primary esophageal motility disorder,is predominantly characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation.The principal therapeutic approaches for achalasia encompass pneumatic dilatation(PD),Heller's myotomy,and the more recent per-oral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM has been substantiated as a safe and efficacious modality for the management of achalasia.Although POEM demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PD and an efficacy parallel to Heller's myotomy,the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)following POEM is notably higher than with the aforementioned techniques.While symptomatic reflux post-POEM is relatively infrequent,the significant occurrence of erosive esophagitis and heightened esophageal acid exposure necessitates vigilant monitoring to preclude long-term GERD-related complications.Contemporary advancements in the field have enhanced our comprehension of the risk factors,diagnostic methodologies,preventative strategies,and therapeutic management of GERD subsequent to POEM.This review focuses on the limitations inherent in the 24-h pH study for evaluating post-POEM reflux,potential modifications in the POEM technique to mitigate GERD risk,and the strategies for managing reflux following POEM.

Diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound in liver diseases:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND In hepatology,the clinical use of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)has experienced a notable increase in recent times.These applications range from the diagnosis to the treatment of various liver diseases.Therefore,this systematic review summarizes the evidence for the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of EUS in liver diseases.AIM To examine and summarize the current available evidence of the possible roles of the EUS in making a suitable diagnosis in liver diseases as well as the therapeutic accuracy and efficacy.METHODS PubMed,Medline,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and Google Scholar databases were extensively searched until October 2023.The methodological quality of the eligible articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.In addition,statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.RESULTS Overall,45 articles on EUS were included(28 on diagnostic role and 17 on therapeutic role).Pooled analysis demonstrated that EUS diagnostic tests had an accuracy of 92.4%for focal liver lesions(FLL)and 96.6%for parenchymal liver diseases.EUS-guided liver biopsies with either fine needle aspiration or fine needle biopsy had low complication rates when sampling FLL and parenchymal liver diseases(3.1%and 8.7%,respectively).Analysis of data from four studies showed that EUS-guided liver abscess had high clinical(90.7%)and technical success(90.7%)without significant complications.Similarly,EUS-guided interventions for the treatment of gastric varices(GV)have high technical success(98%)and GV obliteration rate(84%)with few complications(15%)and rebleeding events(17%).CONCLUSION EUS in liver diseases is a promising technique with the potential to be considered a first-line therapeutic and diagnostic option in selected cases.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation in the treatment of bleeding from mild to moderate gastric varices type 1

BACKGROUND According to practice guidelines,endoscopic band ligation(EBL)and endoscopic tissue adhesive injection(TAI)are recommended for treating bleeding from esophagogastric varices.However,EBL and TAI are known to cause serious complications,such as hemorrhage from dislodged ligature rings caused by EBL and hemorrhage from operation-related ulcers resulting from TAI.However,the optimal therapy for mild to moderate type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage(GOV1)has not been determined.Therefore,the aim of this study was to discover an individualized treatment for mild to moderate GOV1.AIM To compare the efficacy,safety and costs of EBL and TAI for the treatment of mild and moderate GOV1.METHODS A clinical analysis of the data retrieved from patients with mild or moderate GOV1 gastric varices who were treated under endoscopy was also conducted.Patients were allocated to an EBL group or an endoscopic TAI group.The differences in the incidence of varicose relief,operative time,operation success rate,mortality rate within 6 wk,rebleeding rate,6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate,complication rate and average operation cost were compared between the two groups of patients.RESULTS The total effective rate of the two treatments was similar,but the efficacy of EBL(66.7%)was markedly better than that of TAI(39.2%)(P<0.05).The operation success rate in both groups was 100%,and the 6-wk mortality rate in both groups was 0%.The average operative time(26 min)in the EBL group was significantly shorter than that in the TAI group(46 min)(P<0.01).The rate of delayed postoperative rebleeding in the EBL group was significantly lower than that in the TAI group(11.8%vs 45.1%)(P<0.01).At 6 wk after the operation,the healing rate of operation-related ulcers in the EBL group was 80.4%,which was significantly greater than that in the TAI group(35.3%)(P<0.01).The incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was similar.The average cost and other related economic factors were greater for the EBL than for the TAI(P<0.01).CONCLUSION For mild to moderate GOV1,patients with EBL had a greater one-time varix eradication rate,a greater 6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate,a lower delayed rebleeding rate and a lower cost than patients with TAI.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-related diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance on small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms

This research aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)in the context of small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs).A total of 108 patients with rectal subepithelial lesions(SELs)with a diameter of<20 mm were included in the analysis.The diagnosis and depth assessment of EUS was compared to the histology findings.The prevalence of NENs in rectal SELs was 78.7%(85/108).The sensitivity of EUS in detecting rectal NENs was 98.9%(84/85),while the specificity was 52.2%(12/23).Overall,the diagnostic accuracy of EUS in identifying rectal NENs was 88.9%(96/108).The overall accuracy rate for EUS in assessing the depth of invasion in rectal NENs was 92.9%(78/84).Therefore,EUS demonstrates reasonable diagnostic accuracy in detecting small rectal NENs,with good sensitivity but inferior specificity.EUS may also assist physicians in assessing the depth of invasion in small rectal NENs before endoscopic excision.

Development of multi-band and high-speed visible endoscope diagnostic on EAST with catadioptric optics

A new multi-band and high-speed endoscope diagnostic for the observation of visible light has been successfully developed on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak.The mirror with an aperture is designed at the head of the optical system.Based on two dichroic mirrors,the system is divided into three imaging mirror groups with different bands,i.e.B(380-500 nm),G(500-580 nm)and R(580-750 nm)bands,and its focal length is 16 mm with a relatively large aperture of D/f=1:4.The spatial resolution is less than 5 mm near the object distance of 1750 mm with the camera NAC ACS-1 M60.This optical system will be used to contrastively study both the spatial distribution and time evolution of different impurities in the same field of view.The experimental results confirm that it can be applied to the recognition of plasma boundary and related physical research.

Endoscopic intramural cystogastrostomy for treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection: A viewpoint from a surgeon

Percutaneous or endoscopic drainage is the initial choice for the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection in symptomatic patients.Endoscopic transgastric fenestration(ETGF)was first reported for the management of pancreatic pseu-docysts of 20 patients in 2008.From a surgeon’s viewpoint,ETGF is a similar procedure to cystogastrostomy in that they both produce a wide outlet orifice for the drainage of fluid and necrotic debris.ETGF can be performed at least 4 wk after the initial onset of acute pancreatitis and it has a high priority over the surgical approach.However,the surgical approach usually has a better success rate because surgical cystogastrostomy has a wider outlet(>6 cm vs 2 cm)than ETGF.However,percutaneous or endoscopic drainage,ETGF,and surgical approach offer various treatment options for peripancreatic fluid collection patients based on their conditions.

Effect of a disposable endoscope precleaning kit in the cleaning procedure of gastrointestinal endoscope:A multi-center observational study

BACKGROUND Precleaning is a key step in endoscopic reprocessing.AIM To develop an effective and economic endoscope cleaning method by using a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit.METHODS Altogether,228 used gastrointestinal endoscopes were selected from five high-volume endoscopy units and precleaned by a traditional precleaning bucket(group T)or a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit(group D).Each group was further subdivided based on the replacement frequency of the cleaning solution,which was replaced every time in subgroups T1 and D1 and every several times in subgroups Ts and Ds.The adenosine triphosphate(ATP)level and residual proteins were measured three times:Before and after precleaning and after manual cleaning.RESULTS After precleaning,the precleaning kit significantly reduced the ATP levels(P=0.034)and has a more stable ATP clearance rate than the traditional precleaning bucket.The precleaning kit also saved a quarter of the cost of enzymatic detergent used during the precleaning process.After manual cleaning,the ATP levels were also significantly lower in the precleaning kit group than in the traditional precleaning bucket group(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the number of uses of the cleaning solution(up to four times)has no significant impact on the cleaning effect(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Considering its economic cost and cleaning effect,the use of a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit can be an optimal option in the precleaning stage with the cleaning solution being replaced several times in the manual cleaning stage.

Propensity score matching analysis for clinical impact of braided-type versus laser-cut-type covered self-expandable metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy

Background:To prevent stent migration during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy(EUS-HGS),intra-scope channel release technique is important,but is unfamiliar to non-expert hands.The self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)is an additional factor to prevent stent migration.However,no compara-tive studies of laser-cut-type and braided-type during EUS-HGS have been reported.The aim of this study was to compare the distance between the intrahepatic bile duct and stomach wall after EUS-HGS among laser-cut-type and braided-type SEMS.Methods:To evaluate stent anchoring function,we measured the distance between the hepatic parenchyma and stomach wall before EUS-HGS,one day after EUS-HGS,and 7 days after EUS-HGS.Also,propensity score matching was performed to create a propensity score for using laser-cut-type group and braided-type group.Results:A total of 142 patients were enrolled in this study.Among them,24 patients underwent EUS-HGS using a laser-cut-type SEMS,and 118 patients underwent EUS-HGS using a braided-type SEMS.EUS-HGS using the laser-cut-type SEMS was mainly performed by non-expert endoscopists(n=21);EUS-HGS using braided-type SEMS was mainly performed by expert endoscopists(n=98).The distance after 1 day was significantly shorter in the laser-cut-type group than that in the braided-type group[2.00(1.70-3.75)vs.6.90(3.72-11.70)mm,P<0.001].In addition,this distance remained significantly shorter in the laser-cut-type group after 7 days.Although these results were similar after propensity score matching analysis,the distance between hepatic parenchyma and stomach after 7 days was increased by 4 mm compared with the distance after 1 day in the braided-type group.On the other hand,in the laser-cut-type group,the distance after 1 day and 7 days was almost the same.Conclusions:EUS-HGS using a laser-cut-type SEMS may be safe to prevent stent migration,even in non-expert hands.

Endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic tissue adhesive injection in the treatment of gastric varices:Which is better?

The combination of endoscopic ultrasound with endoscopic treatment of type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage may improve the robustness and generalizability of the findings in future studies.Moreover,the esophageal varices should also be included in the evaluation of treatment efficacy in subsequent studies to reach a more convincing conclusion.

Gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy:Management literature

In this editorial,we respond to a review article by Nabi et al,in which the authors discussed gastroesophageal reflux(GER)following peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM is presently the primary therapeutic option for achalasia,which is both safe and effective.A few adverse effects were documented after POEM,including GER.The diagnostic criteria were not clear enough because approximately 60%of patients have a long acid exposure time,while only 10%experience reflux symptoms.Multiple predictors of high disease incidence have been identified,including old age,female sex,obesity,and a baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure of less than 45 mmHg.Some technical steps during the procedure,such as a lengthy or full-thickness myotomy,may further enhance the risk.Proton pump inhibitors are currently the first line of treatment.Emerging voices are increasingly advocating for the routine combining of POEM with an endoscopic fundoplication method,such as peroral endoscopic fundoplication or transoral incisionless fundoplication.However,more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of these procedures in the long term for patients who have undergone them.

Endoscopic hemostasis using self-expandable metal stent combinedwith PuraStat® for patient with high risk of post-endoscopicsphincterotomy bleeding (with video)

To the Editor:Endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)is an established technique for removal of bile duct stones and self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)deployment.However,bleeding can be considered an adverse event after EST,particularly for patients with high risk of bleeding such as those on hemodialysis.Among the various techniques reported for obtaining endoscopic hemostasis[1-3].

Use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage as a rescue approach in cases of unsuccessful biliary drainage

This narrative review provides an overview of the utilization of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage(EUS-GBD)as a salvage approach in cases of unsuccessful conventional management.EUS-GBD is a minimally invasive and effective technique for drainage in patients with acute cholecystitis with high risk of surgery.The procedure has demonstrated impressive technical and clinical success rates with low rates of adverse events,making it a safe and effective option for appropriate candidates.Furthermore,EUS-GBD can also serve as a rescue option for patients who have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or EUS biliary drainage for relief of jaundice in malignant biliary stricture.However,patient selection is critical for the success of EUS-GBD,and proper patient selection and risk assessment are important to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure.As the field continues to evolve and mature,ongoing research will further refine our understanding of the benefits and limitations of EUS-GBD,ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients.

Exploring non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection:Current treatment optimization and future indication expansion

The increasing popularity of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)as a treatment for early gastric cancer has highlighted the importance of quality assessment in achieving curative resections.This article emphasizes the significance of evaluating ESD quality,not only for curative cases but also for non-curative ones.Postoperative assessment relies on the endoscopic curability(eCura)classification,but management strategies for eCuraC-1 tumour with a positive horizontal margin are unclear.Current research primarily focuses on comparing additional surgical procedures in high-risk patients,while studies specifically targeting eCuraC-1 patients are limited.Exploring management strategies and follow-up outcomes for such cases could provide valuable insights.Furthermore,the application of molecular imaging using near-infrared fluorescent tracers holds promise for precise tumour diagnosis and navigation,potentially impacting the management of early-stage gastric cancer patients.Advancing research in these areas is essential for improving the overall efficacy of endoscopic techniques and refining treatment indications.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs transanal endoscopic surgery for rectal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and transanal endoscopic submucosal dissection(TES)are widely employed surgical techniques.However,the comparative efficacy and safety of both remain inconclusive.AIM To comprehensively analyze and discern differences in surgical outcomes between ESD and TES.METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,Scopus,and CINAHL from inception till August 2023.We analyzed outcomes including recurrence rate,en bloc resection,R0 resection rate,perforation rate,procedure length,and hospital stay length applying a random-effects inverse-variance model.We assessed publication bias by conducting an Egger’s regression test and sensitivity analyses.RESULTS We pooled data from 11 studies involving 1013 participants.We found similar recurrence rates,with a pooled odds ratio of 0.545(95%CI:0.176-1.687).En bloc resection,R0 resection,and perforation rate values were also similar for both ESD and TES.The pooled analysis for procedure length indicated a mean difference of-4.19 min(95%CI:-22.73 to 14.35),and the hospital stay was on average shorter for ESDs by about 0.789 days(95%CI:-1.671 to 0.093).CONCLUSION Both ESD and TES displayed similar efficacy and safety profiles across multiple outcomes.Our findings show that individualized patient and surgeon preferences,alongside specific clinical contexts,can be considered when selecting between these two techniques.