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.

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.

Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with placement of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction:Updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocautery-enhanced(ECE)delivery of lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS)is gradually being re-cognized as a viable palliative technique for malignant biliary obstruction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)failure.However,most of the studies that have assessed its efficacy and safety were small and hetero-geneous.Prior meta-analyses of six or fewer studies that were published 2 years ago were therefore underpowered to yield convincing evidence.AIM To update the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS for treatment of biliary ob-struction after ERCP failure.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and Scopus databases from the inception of the ECE technique to May 13,2022.Primary outcome measure was pooled technical success rate,and secondary outcomes were pooled rates of clinical success,re-intervention,and adverse events.Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model following Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation in R soft-ware(version 4.1.3).RESULTS Fourteen eligible studies involving 620 participants were ultimately included.The pooled rate of technical success was 96.7%,and clinical success was 91.0%.Adverse events were reported in 17.5%of patients.Overall reinter-vention rate was 7.3%.Subgroup analyses showed results were generally consistent.CONCLUSION ECE-LAMS has favorable success with acceptable adverse events in relieving biliary obstruction when ERCP is impossible.The consistency of results across most subgroups suggested that this is a generalizable approach.

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.

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.

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.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in elderly patients

BACKGROUND With advancements in the development of endoscopic technologies,the endo-scopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has been one of the gold-standard therapies for early gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety ESD in the treatment of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in the elderly patients.METHODS Seventy-eight elderly patients with early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University were se-lected and classified into two groups according to the different surgical therapies they received between January 2021 and June 2022.Among them,39 patients treated with ESD were included in an experimental group,and 39 patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)were included in a control group.We compared the basic intraoperative conditions,postoperative short-term recovery,long-term recovery effects and functional status of gastric mucosa between the two groups;the basic intraoperative conditions included lesion resection,intra-operative bleeding and operation time;the postoperative short-term recovery assessment indexes were length of hospital stay and incidence of surgical complic-ations;and the long-term recovery assessment indexes were the recurrence rate at 1 year postoperatively and the survival situation at 1 year and 3 years postoper-atively;and we compared the preoperative and predischarge serum pepsinogen I(PG I)and PG II levels and PG I/PG II ratio in the two groups before surgery and discharge.RESULTS The curative resection rate and the rate of en bloc resection were higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The intraoperative bleeding volume was higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The operation time was longer in the experimental group than that in the control group,and the rate for base residual focus was lower in the experimental group than that of the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).The length of hospital stay was longer in the experi-mental group than in the control group,and the incidence of surgical complications,1-year postoperative recu-rrence rate and 3-year postoperative survival rate were lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).However,the difference in the 1-year postoperative survival rate was not statistically significant between the two groups(P>0.05).Before discharge,PG I and PG I/PG II ratio were elevated in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the above indexes were higher in the experimental group than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Moreover,before discharge,PG II level was lower in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the level was lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with EMR,ESD surgery is more thorough.It reduces the rate of base residual focus,recurrence rate,surgical complications,and promotes the recovery of gastric cells and glandular function.It is safe and suitable for clinical application.

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.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following endoscopic resection of large(≥3 cm)gastric submucosal tumors

BACKGROUND Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR)of gastric submucosal tumors(SMTs)is safe and effective;however,postoperative wound management is equally important.Literature on suturing following EFTR for large(≥3 cm)SMTs is scarce and limited.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and clinical value of double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following EFTR of large(≥3 cm)SMTs.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 85 patients with gastric SMTs in the fundus of the stomach or in the lesser curvature of the gastric body whose wounds were treated with double-nylon purse-string sutures after successful tumor resection at the Endoscopy Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.The operative,postoperative,and follow-up conditions of the patients were evaluated.RESULTS All tumors were completely resected using EFTR.36(42.35%)patients had tumors located in the fundus of the stomach,and 49(57.65%)had tumors located in the body of the stomach.All patients underwent suturing with double-nylon sutures after EFTR without laparoscopic assistance or further surgical treatment.Postoperative fever and stomach pain were reported in 13(15.29%)and 14(16.47%)patients,respectively.No serious adverse events occurred during the intraoperative or postoperative periods.A postoperative review of all patients revealed no residual or recurrent lesions.CONCLUSION Double-nylon purse-string sutures can be used to successfully close wounds that cannot be completely closed with a single nylon suture,especially for large(≥3 cm)EFTR wounds in SMTs.

Effect of nursing intervention on rehabilitation of patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps after nasal endoscopy

BACKGROUND Chronic sinusitis is a kind of chronic suppurative inflammation of the sinus mucosa.Nasal endoscopy is a good method to treat nasal polyps.However postoperative rehabilitation and care should not be neglected.AIM To investigate the Effect of nursing intervention on the rehabilitation of patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps(CSNPS)after nasal endoscopy.METHODS A total of 129 patients with CSNPS hospitalized from February 2017 to February 2019 were studied.Using the digital parity method,we investigated nursing cooperation strategies for endoscopic surgery.The comparison group(64 cases):Surgical nursing was carried out with traditional nursing measures;experimental group(65 cases):Surgical nursing was carried out by traditional nursing countermeasures+comprehensive nursing measures.We compared postoperative recovery rates,nursing satisfaction rates,and nasal cavity ratings between the two groups.RESULTS Experimental group patients with CSNPS had a significantly higher recovery rate(98.46%)compared to the control group(79.69%).This difference was statistically significant(χ2=11.748,P<0.05).Additionally,the satisfaction rate with treatment was also significantly higher in the experimental group(98.46%)compared to the control group(79.69%),with a statistically significant difference(χ2=11.748,P<0.05).Before nursing,there was no significant difference in sinus nasal cavity scores between the experimental group(20.29±7.25 points)and the control group(20.30±7.27 points)(t=0.008,P>0.05).However,after nursing,the sinus nasal cavity score in the experimental group(8.85±3.22 points)was significantly lower than that in the control group(14.99±5.02 points)(t=8.282,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Comprehensive nursing intervention in patients with CSNPS can significantly improve the total recovery rate after endoscopic surgery.

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.

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.

Is appendoscope a new option for the treatment of acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.It is commonly caused by obstruction of the appendiceal lumen due to fecaliths,tumors,or lymphoid hyperplasia.For over a century,appendectomy has been the primary treatment for acute appendicitis.Abraham Groves performed the first open appendectomy in 1883.In 1983,Kurt Semm completed the first laparoscopic appendectomy,heralding a new era in appendectomy.However,appendectomy is associated with certain complications and a rate of negative appendectomies.Studies have suggested controversy over the impact of appendectomy on the development of inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson’s disease,but an increasing number of studies indicate a possible positive correlation between appendectomy and colorectal cancer,gallstones,and cardiovascular disease.With the recognition that the appendix is not a vestigial organ and the advancement of endoscopic technology,Liu proposed the endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy.It is an effective minimally invasive alternative for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis.Our team has developed an appendoscope with a disposable digital imaging system operated through the biopsy channel of a colonoscope and successfully applied it in the treatment of appendicitis.This article provides an overview of the progress in endoscopic treatment for acute appendicitis and offers a new perspective on the future direction of appendiceal disease treatment.

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.

Effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies on the sphincter of Oddi

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),with its clinical ad-vantages of less trauma and faster recovery,has become the primary treatment for choledocholithiasis.AIM To investigate the effects of different ERCP procedures on the sphincter of Oddi.METHODS The clinical data of 91 patients who underwent ERCP at Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into endoscopic sphinc-terotomy(EST,n=24)and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD,n=67)groups.The duration of operation,pancreatic development,pancreatic sphinc-terotomy,intubation difficulties,stone recurrence,and incidence of reflux cho-langitis and cholecystitis were statistically analyzed in patients with a history of choledocholithiasis,pancreatitis,and Oddi sphincter dysfunction in the EST and EPBD groups.RESULTS Differences in hypertension,diabetes,increased bilirubin,small diameter of the common bile duct,or ampullary diverticulum between the two groups were not significant.Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning sex and age(<60 years).Patients with a history of choledocholithiasis,pancreatitis,and Oddi sphincter dysfunction were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.The number of cases of pancreatic development,pancreatic duct sphincterotomy,and difficult intubation were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.The number of Oddi’s sphincter manometries,ERCP surgical outcomes,and guidewires entering the pancreatic duct several times in EST group were lower than those in the EPBD group.The numbers of stone recurrences,reflux cholangitis,and cholecystitis were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.CONCLUSION In summary,common bile duct stones,pancreatitis history,and multiple guided wire introductions into the pancreatic duct are independent risk factors for EST and EPBD.Based on this evidence,this study can provide actionable insights for clinicians and researchers.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection for esophageal and gastric lesions:A comparison of procedures

Objective Esophageal and gastric lesions are effectively managed with minimally invasive upper endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic mucosa resection(EMR)and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),offering patients alternatives to invasive interventions.While ESD is well established in Eastern Asia,its adoption in Denmark for superficial esophageal cancer is recent.This study presents real-world data on the feasibility,safety,and hospitalization duration associated with ESD and EMR for esophageal and gastric lesions.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent ESD or EMR at a specialized center in Denmark from October 2016 to June 2022.Data on treatment,indication,lesion location,hospitalization duration,procedure duration,specimen size,complications,recurrence,and one-year overall survival were collected.Statistical comparisons utilized the Mann-Whitney U test,independent sample median test,and chi-squared test.Results The study included 130 patients(144 procedures):72 underwent ESD and 58 underwent EMR.Compared with EMR,ESD resulted in greater percentages of en bloc and R0 resections(98.8%vs.64.1%,p<0.001;and 83.9%vs.23.8%,p<0.001),greater complication rates(28.7%vs.3.1%,p<0.001)and longer procedure times(119.5 min vs.37.0 min,p<0.001).The ESD procedure time significantly decreased over time(p=0.01).The local recurrence rates were 14.5%for ESD and 23.8%for EMR(p=0.767).The one-year overall survival rates were similar between the groups(95.8%vs.94.8%,p=0.553).Conclusion Both ESD and EMR are safe and viable for treating esophageal and gastric lesions.ESD offers advantages but requires more time and skill.These findings support the literature,emphasizing the importance of considering patient-specific factors and surgeon proficiency in selecting the appropriate procedure.