Does endoscopic intervention prevent subsequent gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with left ventricular assist devices?A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Patients with left ventricular assist devices(LVADs)are at increased risk for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB)and repeat endoscopic procedures.We assessed the frequency of endoscopy for GIB in patients with LVADs and the impact of endoscopic intervention on preventing a subsequent GIB.AIM To evaluate for an association between endoscopic intervention and subsequent GIB.Secondary aims were to assess the frequency of GIB in our cohort,describe GIB presentations and sources identified,and determine risk factors for recurrent GIB.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients at a large academic institution who underwent LVAD implantation from January 2011–December 2018 and assessed all hospital encounters for GIB through December 2019.We performed a descriptive analysis of the GIB burden and the outcome of endoscopic procedures performed.We performed multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the association between endoscopic intervention and subsequent GIB.RESULTS In the cohort of 295 patients,97(32.9%)had at least one GIB hospital encounter.There were 238 hospital encounters,with 55.4%(132/238)within the first year of LVAD implantation.GIB resolved on its own by discharge in 69.8%(164/235)encounters.Recurrent GIB occurred in 55.5%(54/97)of patients,accounting for 59.2%(141/238)of all encounters.Of the 85.7%(204/238)of encounters that included at least one endoscopic evaluation,an endoscopic intervention was performed in 34.8%(71/204).The adjusted odds ratio for subsequent GIB if an endoscopic intervention was performed during a GIB encounter was not significant(odds ratio 1.18,P=0.58).CONCLUSION Patients implanted with LVADs whom experience recurrent GIB frequently undergo repeat admissions and endoscopic procedures.In this retrospective cohort study,adherence to endoscopic guidelines for performing endoscopic interventions did not significantly decrease the odds of subsequent GIB,thus suggesting the uniqueness of the LVAD population.A prospective study is needed to identify patients with LVAD at risk of recurrent GIB and determine more effective management strategies.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound for pre-intervention evaluation in early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)stands as an accurate imaging modality for esophageal cancer staging,however utilization of EUS in early-stage cancer management remains controversial.Identification of non-applicability of endoscopic interventions with deep muscular invasion with EUS in pre-intervention evaluation of early-stage esophageal cancer is compared to endoscopic and histologic indicators.AIM To display the role of EUS in pre-intervention early esophageal cancer staging and how the index endoscopic features of invasive esophageal malignancy compare for prediction of depth of invasion and cancer management.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent pre-resection EUS after a diagnosis of esophageal cancer at a tertiary medical center from 2012 to 2022.Patient clinical data,initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy/biopsy,EUS,and final resection pathology reports were abstracted,and statistical analysis was conducted to assess the role of EUS in management decisions.RESULTS Forty nine patients were identified for this study.EUS T stage was concordant with histological T stage in 75.5%of patients.In determining submucosal involvement(T1a vs T1b),EUS had a specificity of 85.0%,sensitivity of 53.9%,and accuracy of 72.7%.Endoscopic features of tumor size>2 cm and the presence of esophageal ulceration were significantly associated with deep invasion of cancer on histology.EUS affected management from endoscopic mucosal resection/submucosal dissection to esophagectomy in 23.5%of patients without esophageal ulceration and 6.9%of patients with tumor size<2 cm.In patients without both endoscopic findings,EUS identified deeper cancer and changed management in 4.8%(1/20)of cases.CONCLUSION EUS was reasonably specific in ruling out submucosal invasion but had relatively poor sensitivity.Data validated endoscopic indicators suggested superficial cancers in the group with a tumor size<2 cm and the lack of esophageal ulceration.In patients with these findings,EUS rarely identified a deep cancer that warranted a change in management.

Ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic techniques and colorectal diseases:Current status and its future

Colorectal diseases are increasing due to altered lifestyle,genetic,and environmental factors.Colonoscopy plays an important role in diagnosis.Advances in colonoscope(ultrathin scope,magnetic scope,capsule)and technological gadgets(Balloon assisted scope,third eye retroscope,NaviAid G-EYE,dye-based chromoendoscopy,virtual chromoendoscopy,narrow band imaging,i-SCAN,etc.)have made colonoscopy more comfortable and efficient.Now in-vivo microscopy can be performed using confocal laser endomicroscopy,optical coherence tomography,spectroscopy,etc.Besides developments in diagnostic colonoscopy,therapeutic colonoscopy has improved to manage lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding,obstruction,perforations,resection polyps,and early colorectal cancers.The introduction of combined endo-laparoscopic surgery and robotic endoscopic surgery has made these interventions feasible.The role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases is also increasing day by day.Hence,this article is to review cutting-edge developments in endoscopic principles for the management of colorectal diseases.

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.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication along with argon plasma coagulation for treatment of proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND Most endoscopic anti-reflux interventions for gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)management are technically challenging to practice with inadequate data to support it utility.Therefore,this study was carried to evaluate the effectiveness and safety newer endoscopic full-thickness fundoplication(EFTP)device along with Argon Plasma Coagulation to treat individuals with GERD.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety newer EFTP device along with Argon Plasma Coagulation to treat individuals with GERD.METHODS This study was a single-center comparative analysis conducted on patients treated at a Noble Institute of Gastroenterology,Ahmedabad,hospital between 2020 and 2022.The research aimed to retrospectively analyze patient data on GERD symptoms and proton pump inhibitor(PPI)dependence who underwent EFTP using the GERD-X system along with argon plasma coagulation(APC).The primary endpoint was the mean change in the total gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life(GERD-HRQL)score compared to the baseline measurement at the 3-month follow-up.Secondary endpoints encompassed enhancements in the overall GERD-HRQL score,improvements in GERD symptom scores at the 3 and changes in PPI usage at the 3 and 12-month time points.RESULTS In this study,patients most were in Hill Class II,and over half had ineffective esophageal motility.Following the EFTP procedure,there were significant improvements in heartburn and regurgitation scores,as well as GERDHRQL scores(P<0.001).PPI use significantly decreased,with 82.6%not needing PPIs or prokinetics at end of 1 year.No significant adverse events related to the procedures were observed in either group.CONCLUSION The EFTP along with APC procedure shows promise in addressing GERD symptoms and improving patients'quality of life,particularly for suitable candidates.Moreover,the application of a lone clip with APC yielded superior outcomes and exhibited greater cost-effectiveness.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in Mexico

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)has recently emerged as an alternative treatment for gastric outlet obstruction(GOO)in selected patients.AIM To report the initial experience of EUS-GE in patients with GOO.METHODS This study was a retrospective,observational,multicenter study in which the data from 10 patients who underwent EUS-GE due to GOO between September 2021 and May 2023 were collected.We analyzed technical success,clinical success,adverse events,and survival.Technical success was defined as adequate positioning and deployment of the stent.Clinical success was defined as the patient’s ability to tolerate oral intake without vomiting 7 d after the procedure.Postprocedural adverse events were recorded.RESULTS Eleven procedures in 10 patients with GOO were included.The mean age of the patients was 67.5 years(range:56-77 years).Malignant GOO was present in 9 patients.Technical success was achieved in 9/11 procedures(82%).Among them,clinical success was achieved in 9 patients(100%).Adverse events occurred in 1 patient(9%).The median survival was 3 months(n=7;range:1-8 months).CONCLUSION EUS-GE is a feasible therapeutic option in the treatment of GOO.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided interventions in the management of pancreatic cancer

There has been a growing interest in developing endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided interventions for pancreatic cancer,some of which have become standard of care.There are two main factors that drive these advancements to facilitate treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer,ranging from direct locoregional therapy to palliation of symptoms related to inoperable pancreatic cancer.Firstly,an upper EUS has the capability to access the entire pancreas–lesions in the pancreatic head and uncinate process can be accessed from the duodenum,and lesions in the pancreatic body and tail can be accessed from the stomach.Secondly,there has been a robust development of devices that allow through-theneedle interventions,such as placement of fiducial markers,brachytherapy,intratumoral injection,gastroenterostomy creation,and ablation.While these techniques are rapidly emerging,data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial for some procedures are awaited prior to their adoption in clinical settings.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fiducial marker placement for neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy(NACRT)is applied for resectable pancreatic cancer(RPC).To maximize the efficacy of NACRT,it is essential to ensure the accurate placement of fiducial markers for image-guided radiation.However,no standard method for delivering fiducial markers has been established to date,and the nature of RPC during NACRT remains unclear.AIM To determine the feasibility,safety and benefits of endoscopic ultrasound-guided(EUS)fiducial marker placement in patients with RPC.METHODS This was a prospective case series of 29 patients(mean age,67.5 years;62.1%male)with RPC referred to our facility for NACRT.Under EUS guidance,a single gold marker was placed into the tumor using either a 19-or 22-gauge fine-needle aspiration needle.The differences in daily marker positioning were measured by comparing simulation computed tomography and treatment computed tomography.RESULTS In all 29 patients(100%)who underwent EUS fiducial marker placement,fiducials were placed successfully with only minor,self-limiting bleeding during puncture observed in 2 patients(6.9%).NACRT was subsequently administered to all patients and completed in 28/29(96.6%)cases,with one patient experiencing repeat cholangitis.Spontaneous migration of gold markers was observed in 1 patient.Twenty-four patients(82.8%)had surgery with 91.7%(22/24)R0 resection,and two patients experienced complete remission.No inflammatory changes around the marker were observed in the surgical specimen.The daily position of gold markers showed large positional changes,particularly in the superior-inferior direction.Moreover,tumor location was affected by food and fluid intake as well as bowel gas,which changes daily.CONCLUSION EUS fiducial marker placement following NACRT for RPC is feasible and safe.The RPC is mobile and is affected by not only aspiration,but also food and fluid intake and bowel condition.

Clinical utility of treatment method conversion during single-session endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage

BACKGROUND Although several techniques for endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)are available at present,an optimal treatment algorithm of EUS-BD has not yet been established.AIM To evaluate the clinical utility of treatment method conversion during single endoscopic sessions for difficult cases in initially planned EUS-BD.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective analysis using a prospectively accumulated database.Patients with biliary obstruction undergoing EUS-BD between May 2008 and April 2016 were included.The primary outcome was to evaluate the improvement in EUS-BD success rates by converting the treatment methods during a single endoscopic session.Secondary outcomes were clarification of the factors leading to the conversion from the initial EUS-BD and the assessment of efficacy and safety of the conversion as judged by technical success,clinical success,and adverse events(AEs).RESULTS A total of 208 patients underwent EUS-BD during the study period.For 18.8%(39/208)of the patients,the treatment methods were converted to another EUSBD technique from the initial plan.Biliary obstruction was caused by pancreatobiliary malignancies,other malignant lesions,biliary stones,and other benign lesions in 22,11,4,and 2 patients,respectively.The reasons for the difficulty with the initial EUS-BD were classified into the following 3 procedures:Target puncture(n=13),guidewire manipulation(n=18),and puncture tract dilation(n=8).Technical success was achieved in 97.4%(38/39)of the cases and clinical success was achieved in 89.5%of patients(34/38).AEs occurred in 10.3%of patients,including bile leakage(n=2),bleeding(n=1),and cholecystitis(n=1).The puncture target and drainage technique were altered in subsequent EUSBD procedures in 25 and 14 patients,respectively.The final technical success rate with 95%CI for all 208 cases was 97.1%(95%CI:93.8%-98.9%),while that of the initially planned EUS-BD was 78.8%(95%CI:72.6%-84.2%).CONCLUSION Among multi-step procedures in EUS-BD,guidewire manipulation appeared to be the most technically challenging.When initially planned EUS-BD is technically difficult,treatment method conversion in a single endoscopic session may result in successful EUS-BD without leading to severe AEs.

Endoscopic ultrasonography drainage and debridement of an infected subcapsular hepatic hematoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)has evolved in the last years making it not only a diagnostic modality but a therapeutic procedure.EUS is now used as an alternative technique to percutaneous and surgical drainage.Even though EUS is a challenging procedure and not always suitable compared to percutaneous drainage,there is a need for developing new therapeutic approaches to the liver for when percutaneous drainage is not feasible.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 82 years old male who developed an infected subcapsular hepatic hematoma(SHH)of the left lobe following percutaneous biliary drainage.After 2 failed attempts of percutaneous drainage of the SHH and because the patients couldn’t withstand surgery,we conducted a EUS drainage and debridement of the SHH.Using a lumen apposing metal stent(LAMS)by a transgastric approach,we were able to gain endoscopic access to the SHH.With our experience in the debridement of walled off pancreatic necrosis using this technique,we were confident it was the right approach.After four debridement sessions,the computed tomography scan showed a clear regression of the SHH.CONCLUSION To our knowledge,this is the first case of successful endoscopic debridement of a SHH using a LAMS which appear to be feasible and safe in this specific case.

Endoscopic approach to gastric remnant outlet obstruction after gastric bypass:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute gastric remnant bleeding is a rare complication of bariatric surgery.Furthermore,acute bleeding from the gastric remnant resulting in gastric remnant outlet obstruction has not been described previously.Endoscopic management of gastric remnant bleed has been challenging due to difficulty accessing the excluded stomach.Traditionally,this necessitates surgical intervention.Recently,however,the adoption of endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric intervention provides an alternative approach to management.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old male with a prior gastric bypass presented with the sudden onset of progressive abdominal distension,nausea,and melena of two days duration.His imaging illustrated a massively distended stomach.A nasogastric tube did not result in drainage of fluid or decompression of his abdomen.His endoscopy revealed a normal-appearing gastro-jejunal anastomosis and confirmed the distended"fluid"-filled gastric remnant.An endoscopic ultrasound-directed gastrogastrostomy was created to decompress the gastric remnant.Two liters of blood was suctioned before a large adherent clot was visualized in the gastric antrum.The patient underwent emergent angiography with embolization of the gastroduodenal artery.He was discharged with a stable hemoglobin level and resolution of symptoms.Healing superficial gastric ulcers were visualized on a follow-up endoscopy.Gastric biopsies were consistent with Helicobacter pylori infection for which the patient was treated,and successful eradication was achieved.CONCLUSION This patient benefited from a timely diagnosis and effective therapy of an acute gastric remnant obstruction from a bleeding ulcer with endoscopic ultrasound directed transgastric intervention.

Evolution of interventional endoscopic ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)has become an indispensable modality for the assessment of the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent structures since its origin in the 1980s.Following the development of the linear echoendoscope,EUS has evolved from a purely diagnostic modality to a sophisticated tool for intervention,with numerous luminal,pancreaticobiliary,and hepatic applications.Broadly,these applications may be subdivided into three categories:transluminal drainage or access procedures,injection therapy,and EUS-guided liver interventions.Transluminal drainage or access procedures include management of pancreatic fluid collection,EUS-guided biliary drainage,EUS-guided bile duct drainage,EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage,and enteral anastomosis formation.Injection therapies include therapeutic EUS-guided injections for management of malignancies accessible by EUS.EUS-guided liver applications include EUS-guided liver biopsy,EUS-guided portal pressure gradient measurement,and EUS-guided vascular therapies.In this review,we discuss the origins of each of these EUS applications,evolution of techniques leading to the current status,and future directions of EUS-guided interventional therapy.