Management of duodenal polyps

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Nonampullary Duodenal Lesions: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

Nonampullary duodenal polyps are found in up to 5% of all upper endoscopies; the vast majority are identified incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Although most are benign, adenomas are estimated to account for 10%-20% of these lesions. Most international guidelines recommend that all duodenal adenomas should be considered for endoscopic resection; this may be associated with a near 15% adverse event rate (predominantly bleeding and perforation) in prospective studies, with substantial local recurrence on surveillance. The aim of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update Expert Review was to describe how individuals should be evaluated and risk-stratified for duodenal polyps, the best approaches to endoscopic resection and surveillance, and management of complications, highlighting opportunities for future research to fill gaps in the existing literature.

METHODS

This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee 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 Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These Best Practice Advice statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these Best Practice Advice statements do not carry formal ratings regarding the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Non-neoplastic duodenal lesions (eg, metaplastic foveolar epithelium and gastric heterotopia) may mimic neoplastic adenomatous pathology. Careful optical evaluation and pathologic correlation may be necessary to exclude dysplasia. Nondysplastic lesions do not require endoscopic resection unless they are symptomatic or bleeding. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Ideal duodenal endoscopic inspection includes identification of the major and minor papilla with photodocumentation to ensure no involvement by the lesion. Adding a clear distal attachment device to a forward-viewing gastroscope improves visualization of the papilla and the medial wall. A side-viewing duodenoscope should be used when the major and minor papilla are not visible with the gastroscope and for most lesions on the medial wall of the duodenum within 5 cm of the ampulla. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: All duodenal polyps should be described according to their size, Paris morphology, suspected histologic layer of origin (mucosal lesion or subepithelial lesion), duodenal location (D1-4) and orientation (anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral wall), and proximity/relationship to the major papilla to facilitate therapeutic planning and subsequent surveillance. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Given the high frequency of concomitant colonic adenomas in patients with duodenal adenomas, on identification of a duodenal adenoma, a colonoscopy should be performed if a high-quality examination has not been performed in the last 3 years. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Routine small bowel investigation (ie, capsule endoscopy) is not advised in patients with sporadic and nonsporadic duodenal adenomas. Periodic small bowel inspection with capsule endoscopy may be of benefit in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Definitive treatment of duodenal adenomas by endoscopic resection is less morbid, resource-intensive, and expensive than surgery and is therefore the preferred treatment option. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Due to the risk of malignant transformation, all sporadic duodenal adenomas should be considered for endoscopic resection. However, in comparison with colonic adenomas, the time course to malignant transformation may be more prolonged, and the risk of resection-related morbidity much greater. Therefore, the comorbidities and anticipated longevity of the patient must be carefully factored into the decision-making process. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: The approach to endoscopic duodenal resection (ie, hot vs cold and conventional vs underwater endoscopic mucosal resection) should be individualized to reduce bleeding risk, based on lesion size, morphology, patient comorbidities, and endoscopist comfort level with specific techniques. Piecemeal cold snare resection for flat duodenal adenomas mitigates postprocedural bleeding risk and, for lesions <20 mm, is effective and carries a minimal risk of recurrence. In patients with comorbidities with flat nonbulky lesions measuring < 20 mm, cold snare resection can be considered. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Currently, duodenal adenomas >20 mm or with large Paris subtype Is components should be removed by conventional hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection. Thermal ablation of the post-endoscopic mucosal resection margin to mitigate the risk of recurrence to <2%-5% is safe and effective and should be considered. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Endoscopists performing duodenal polyp resection should be aware of the increased risk of postprocedural bleeding (compared with elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract), which usually occurs in the first 48 hours after the procedure, with the risk proportional to the lesion size. For lesions >3 cm, bleeding risk is >25% and may be life-threatening and associated with hemodynamic compromise; however, after resuscitation, endoscopic hemostasis is generally effective. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Evaluation of the postpolypectomy/endoscopic mucosal resection defect is critical to identify concerns for postprocedural duodenal perforation, which, if unrecognized and left untreated, may be life-threatening and often mandates surgery. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: Initial endoscopic surveillance for a completely resected duodenal adenoma should be undertaken at an interval of 6 months. Although usually diminutive, recurrence is often scarred and not amenable to conventional snare resection and may require avulsion techniques to achieve cure. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 13: Nonampullary duodenal adenomas associated with familial adenomatous polyposis should be considered for endoscopic resection based on size (≥1 cm), morphologic characteristics, advanced histology (ie, high-grade dysplasia), and/or based on Spiegelman criteria.

Duodenal Traditional Serrated Adenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) of the duodenum are rare lesions with potential for malignant transformation. We present the case of a 44-year-old female with a history of bariatric surgery who presented with worsening abdominal pain, nausea, and significant weight loss. Imaging studies, including MRI, revealed a 3.2 cm periampullary polyp in the second portion of the duodenum, with associated biliary dilatation. Endoscopic evaluation confirmed a pedunculated lesion with a villous surface, and en bloc resection was performed using a diathermic snare, followed by prophylactic hemostasis. Histopathology confirmed a TSA with low-grade dysplasia, with clear surgical margins. Postoperatively, the patient showed gradual recovery and remains asymptomatic on follow-up. Long-term endoscopic surveillance is planned due to the risk of recurrence or malignant transformation. Duodenal TSAs, though infrequent, share molecular and histopathological characteristics with their colorectal counterparts. They are typically located in the periampullary region or the second portion of the duodenum. Complete endoscopic resection is often feasible, though larger lesions may require surgical intervention. Given the potential for recurrence or malignant progression, long-term surveillance is recommended. This case underscores the importance of early detection and appropriate management to prevent cancerous transformation. Further studies are necessary to deepen the understanding of the natural history and optimal management strategies for duodenal TSAs, as current knowledge is largely extrapolated from colorectal TSA studies. This case contributes to the limited literature on duodenal TSAs and emphasizes the importance of vigilant follow-up.

Gastric foveolar adenoma in the duodenal bulb: case report

Foveolar-type adenomas are very rare lesions, representing approximately 2.7% of duodenal adenomas with gastric phenotype, histologically characterized by tall columnar cells resembling gastric foveolar epithelium and a tubulovillous structure with various degrees of dysplasia. Their risk of progression to adenocarcinoma is related to the size of the polyp and the presence of high-grade dysplasia. The recommended therapeutic approach is the endoscopic resection. our clinical case reports a rare case of a patient in whom gastric foveolar adenoma was incidentally discovered as an 8 mm sessile polyp in the duodenal bulb resected entirely by en-bloc mucosectomy technique. Through this case, we draw attention to the existence of bulbar adenomas, which carry a risk of dysplasia and progression to adenocarcinoma.

Cold-snare endoscopic resection of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas: Systematic review and pooled-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mirroring the experience with colonic resections, cold snare-based techniques have been recently proposed for non-ampullary duodenal lesions to reduce the risk of adverse events (AEs). As the duodenal wall is thinner and more vascularized than in the colon, electrocautery-related AEs are relevant issues in this setting.

AIMS

We performed a systematic review with pooled-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.

METHODS

Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, EMBASE) were searched up to January 2023. Full articles including patients with duodenal lesions resected by cold-snare technique were eligible. The adverse events (i.e., bleeding, perforation, stricture), complete resection, and recurrence rates were pooled using a random model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were eligible, providing data on 3137 lesions removed from 233 patients. The overall AE rate for cold snaring was 0.25% (95% CI, 0.19%-0.69%). Among the three studies comparing cold- and hot-snare approaches, procedure-related bleeding rate was significantly lower with cold approach (OR 1.21, 0.51-2.85; p = 0.66). The complete resection rate was 99.40% (95% CI, 98.60%-100%), with a residual/recurrence rate of 12.95% (95% CI, 4.75%-21.16%). On univariate meta-regression, lesion size significantly affected both the adverse events and recurrence risk.

CONCLUSION

Cold-snare resection appears effective and extremely safe for resecting non-ampullary duodenal lesions.

Hybrid resection versus conventional resection for laterally spreading lesions of the papilla

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although conventional hot snare resection (CR) of laterally spreading lesions of the major papilla (LSL-Ps) is effective, it can be associated with delayed bleeding in upward of 25% of cases. Given the excellent safety profile of cold snare polypectomy in the colorectum, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel hybrid resection (HR) technique for LSL-P management, consisting of hot snare papillectomy plus cold snare resection of the laterally spreading component.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of patients underwent HR in a tertiary referral center over 60 months until December 2022. This cohort was compared with a historical cohort of patients who underwent CR at the same institution over 120 months until August 2017. The primary outcomes were recurrence and bleeding.

RESULTS

Twenty patients underwent HR (14 female; mean age 65.2 ± 12.2 years). Median lesion size was 30 mm (interquartile range, 25.0-47.5 mm). Recurrent or residual adenoma (RRA) was greater with HR (58.8% [n = 10] vs 29.8% [n = 14]; P = .034). The odds ratio for recurrence was 3.6 times (95% CI, 1.2-11.0) higher with HR (P = .027). RRA was multifocal in 4 (40%) and had a composite RRA volume >10 mm in 7 (70%). The median number of procedures required to treat RRA was higher with HR (4 vs 1, P = .002). There was no difference between CR and HR for intraprocedural bleeding (41.1% [n = 23] vs 25% [n = 5]; P = .587) or delayed bleeding (25.0% vs 10.0%, P = .211). There were no perforations.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel HR technique for LSL-P management is associated with a high rate of RRA that is recalcitrant to treatment, without mitigating the risk of intraprocedural or delayed bleeding. Therefore, CR should remain the mainstay management option for treating patients with an LSL-P. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02306603.).

Effects of Music Therapy on Negative Emotions and Physiological Parameters in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopic Polypectomy: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the postoperative effects of music therapy on negative emotions, pain, and inflammatory and physiological parameters in patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy in Funan County People's Hospital between March 2020 and June 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Patients were divided into exposure (underwent music therapy) and control (did not undergo music therapy) groups. Baseline characteristics, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, physiological parameters [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR)], and inflammatory marker levels [neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)] of patients before and after exposure to music were determined. The propensity score matching (PSM) method (1:1) was used to balance the baseline characteristics of the two groups.

RESULTS

After PSM, the exposure group comprised 50 cases and the control group comprised 50 cases. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative SAS score of the exposure group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the postoperative VAS score of the exposure group was nonsignificantly lower than that of the control group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative SBP, DBP, and HR levels of the exposure group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative levels of NLR, PLR, and ESR were not significantly different between the exposure and control groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Music therapy exerts beneficial effects on the postoperative psychological and physiological parameters of patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy.

Endoscopic resection of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas: Is cold snaring the promised land?

Due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with surgical resection in this tract, endoscopic resection (ER) has taken the place of surgical resection as the first line treatment for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas. However, due to the anatomical characteristics of this area, which enhance the risk of post-ER problems, ER in the duodenum is particularly difficult. Due to a lack of data, no ER technique for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumours (SNADETs) has yet been backed by strong, high-quality evidence; yet, traditional hot snare-based techniques are still regarded as the standard treatment. Despite having a favourable efficiency profile, adverse events during duodenal hot snare polypectomy (HSP) and hot endoscopic mucosal resection, such as delayed bleeding and perforation, have been reported to be frequent. These events are primarily caused by electrocautery-induced damage. Thus, ER techniques with a better safety profile are needed to overcome these shortcomings. Cold snare polypectomy, which has already been shown as a safer, equally effective procedure compared to HSP for treatment of small colorectal polyps, is being increasingly evaluated as a potential therapeutic option for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas. The aim of this review is to report and discuss the early outcomes of the first experiences with cold snaring for SNADETs.

Evaluation of non-gastric upper gastrointestinal system polyps: an epidemiological assessment

Non-gastric upper gastrointestinal system polyps are detected rarely and mostly incidentally during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. While the majority of lesions are asymptomatic and benign, some lesions have the potential to become malignant, and may be associated with other malignancies. Between May 2010 and June 2022, a total of 127,493 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrospectively screened. Among these patients, those who had polyps in the esophagus and duodenum and biopsied were included in the study. A total of 248 patients with non-gastric polyps were included in this study. The esophageal polyp detection rate was 80.00/100,000, while the duodenal polyp detection rate was 114.52/100,000. In 102 patients (41.1%) with esophageal polyps, the mean age was 50.6 ± 15.1, and 44.1% (n = 45) were male. The most common type of polyps was squamous papilloma (n = 61, 59.8%), followed by inflammatory papilloma (n = 18, 17.6%). In 146 patients (58.9%) with duodenal polyps, the mean age of patients was 58.3 ± 16.5, and 69.8% (n = 102) were male. Brunner's gland hyperplasia, inflammatory polyp, ectopic gastric mucosa, and adenomatous polyp were reported to be the most prevalent types of polyps in the duodenum overall (28.1%, 27.4%, 14.4%, and 13.7%, respectively). It is crucial to identify rare non-gastric polyps and create an effective follow-up and treatment plan in the era of frequently performed upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. The epidemiological assessment of non-gastric polyps, as well as a follow-up and treatment strategy, are presented in this study.

The Approach to Performance of Quality Upper Endoscopy in Lynch Syndrome (QUELS): An International Expert Statement

Strong evidence demonstrates the protective benefit of frequent colonoscopy surveillance for colorectal cancer prevention in Lynch Syndrome (LS) and is endorsed by many guidelines. Until recently, the evidence supporting the utility of upper endoscopy [esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)] for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer surveillance was limited. Over the last 3 years, multiple studies have demonstrated that EGD surveillance in LS is associated with the detection of both precancerous lesions and early-stage UGI cancers. On the basis of the emerging favorable evidence derived from EGD surveillance programs, the 2022 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for LS recommend UGI surveillance with EGD starting between age 30 and 40 years with repeat EGDs every 2 to 4 years, preferably in conjunction with colonoscopy, in all patients with a germline pathogenic variant (PV) in MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM, and MSH6 and, because of the lack of data, consideration in PMS2. Standardization of the approach to performing EGD surveillance in LS and reporting clinically actionable findings is requisite for both improving quality and understanding the cost efficiency and outcomes of patients undergoing EGD as a surveillance tool. Accordingly, the primary objective of this Quality of Upper Endoscopy in Lynch Syndrome (QUELS) statement is to articulate a framework for standardizing the approach to performing and reporting EGD findings in patients with LS by introducing emerging quality metrics. The recommendations presented herein were developed from available evidence and consensus-based expert opinion and provide a practical approach for clinicians applying EGD surveillance in accordance with the most recent and existing LS guidelines.

Endoscopic Surveillance and Treatment of Upper GI Tract Lesions in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis-A New Perspective on an Old Disease

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Patients with FAP develop up to thousands of colorectal adenomas as well as lesions in the upper GI tract. In FAP, the upper digestive lesions include gastric fundic gland polyps (FGPs), antrum adenomas, duodenal or small intestinal adenomas, and carcinoma. Patients, after colectomy, are still at significant risk for extracolonic malignancies. Advances in endoscope resolution and optical enhancement technologies allow endoscopists to provide assessments of benign and malignant polyps. For this reason, in the past decades, endoscopic resection techniques have become the first line of treatment in patients with polyps in the upper GI, whereby polyps and even early cancers can be successfully cured. In FAP patients, endoscopic ampullectomy appears to be a safe and effective way of treating patients with ampullary tumors. According to current indications, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting of the main pancreatic duct follow ampullectomy.

Comparison of cold snare and hot snare polypectomy for the resection of sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nonampullary duodenal adenomas can undergo malignant transformation, making endoscopic resection, often by hot snare (HSP) or cold snare polypectomy (CSP), necessary. Although CSP has been shown to be safer for removal of colon polyps, data comparing these techniques for the resection of duodenal adenomas are limited. Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of CSP and HSP for the removal of nonampullary duodenal adenomas.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients referred to 2 academic medical centers with a histologically confirmed sporadic, nonampullary duodenal adenoma who underwent endoscopic snare polypectomy between January 1, 2007 and March 1, 2021. Patients with underlying polyposis syndromes were excluded. Outcomes included postprocedural adverse events and polyp recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 110 total patients, 69 underwent HSP and 41 underwent CSP. Intraprocedural bleeding was similar between both groups, but 7 patients in the HSP group experienced delayed adverse events versus none in the CSP group (P = .04). Fifty-four patients had complete polyp resection and subsequent surveillance endoscopies. Multivariate analysis showed polyp size to be associated with recurrence (per mm; odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.20; P < .01). Endoscopic resection technique (HSP vs CSP) was not a predictor of recurrence (P = .18).

CONCLUSIONS

HSP led to more delayed adverse events compared with CSP, whereas no significant differences on outcomes were noted, suggesting that CSP is equally effective and potentially safer for the removal of duodenal adenomas.

Role of endoscopy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary disease that, without intervention, will cause nearly all patients to develop colorectal cancer by the age of 45. However, even after prophylactic colorectal surgery the eventual development of duodenal adenomas leads to an additional risk of duodenal and ampullary cancers. Endoscopy is an essential part of the multidisciplinary management of FAP to aid the early identification or prevention of advanced gastrointestinal malignancy. This review article details the current evidence and consensus guidance available regarding the role of endoscopic surveillance and treatment strategies for FAP.

Computer-assisted and magnetic resonance imaging assessment of tumors and tumor invasion of the duodenum

Aim: To present the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging assessments of benign and malignant duodenal tumors, pancreatic head adenocarcinoma invading the duodenum, and duodenal dystrophy.

Methods: We searched for scientific papers and clinical guidelines in the information and analytical databases PubMed and Google Scholar from the 2013–2021 period using the following search terms: duodenal neoplasms, adenocarcinoma, duodenum, duodenal neuroendocrine tumors, duodenal adenoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, cholangiocarcinoma, radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, pancreatic head cancer. Then, we examined the reference lists of all the identified studies to collate the papers that would meet the eligibility criteria.

Results: We analyzed 1494 articles, 22 of which were included in our review. From the papers published within 1992–2021, 35 articles from the reference lists were additionally included. Based on the search results, several domains of articles were clustered; the articles from those domains were reviewed and evaluated that involved the abovementioned diagnostic features.

Conclusion: The early diagnosis and selection of appropriate management methods remain extremely relevant for the treatment of duodenal tumors, and hence, require careful attention from diagnosticians and clinicians.

Case series of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas

Duodenal adenomas are benign tumours of the duodenum which carry a malignant potential. They are found either sporadically or associated with familial syndromes. Majority of these cases are treated endoscopically but surgical resection is a better alternate to endoscopy in select cases. Endoscopic treatment is associated with higher chances of local recurrence and require frequent check endoscopies in the follow up period, while surgery offers a one-time treatment option. Identification of the ampulla and a duodenal resection sparing ampullary area becomes difficult in larger lesions of the 2nd part of the duodenum. Passage of a catheter from cystic duct through common bile duct to duodenum aids in identification of the ampullary area and is helpful in performing a local/wedge resection of the duodenum containing adenoma without injuring ampullary orifice.

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Duodenal adenomas carry malignant potential.

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Found sporadically or with familial syndromes.

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Surgery offers one time treatment options for larger lesions.

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Isolating the ampullary orifice through catheterization of the cystic duct is useful.

Outcomes of thermal ablation of the defect margin after duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Laterally spreading lesions (LSLs) in the duodenum are conventionally treated by EMR. Recurrence is commonly encountered and can be difficult to treat safely due to the unique anatomic characteristics of the duodenum. Auxiliary techniques designed to prevent recurrence have not been described.

METHODS

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of thermal ablation of the defect margin after EMR (EMR-T) in reducing recurrence at first surveillance endoscopy (SE1, scheduled at 6 months) in a single tertiary referral center. All duodenal LSLs ≥10 mm referred for EMR were eligible. After successful EMR, thermal ablation was performed using snare-tip soft coagulation around the entire circumference of the resection defect. The primary outcome was the frequency of recurrence at SE1. A previous, well-characterized, prospective cohort of duodenal LSLs ≥10 mm treated by conventional EMR was the comparator.

RESULTS

Over 43 months up to October 2019, 54 LSLs underwent EMR-T. One hundred twenty-five LSLs underwent conventional EMR in the comparator group. Patient and lesion characteristics were similar between the groups. Recurrence was significantly lower in the EMR-T group compared with the conventional EMR group (1 of 49 [2.3%] vs 19 of 108 [17.6%]; P = .01). No difference in technical success, EMR-related adverse outcomes, or referral to surgery were identified between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EMR-T significantly reduces the frequency of recurrence for duodenal LSLs. This technique is safe in the duodenum and has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness of duodenal EMR. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02306603.).

Endoscopic management of superficial nonampullary duodenal tumors: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

1: ESGE recommends that all duodenal adenomas should be considered for endoscopic resection as progression to invasive carcinoma is highly likely.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends performance of a colonoscopy, if that has not yet been done, in cases of duodenal adenoma.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends the use of the cap-assisted method when the location of the minor and/or major papilla and their relationship to a duodenal adenoma is not clearly established during forward-viewing endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 4: ESGE recommends the routine use of a side-viewing endoscope when a laterally spreading adenoma with extension to the minor and/or major papilla is suspected.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 5: ESGE suggests cold snare polypectomy for small (< 6 mm in size) nonmalignant duodenal adenomas.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 6: ESGE recommends endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) as the first-line endoscopic resection technique for nonmalignant large nonampullary duodenal adenomas.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 7: ESGE recommends that endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for duodenal adenomas is an effective resection technique only in expert hands.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends using techniques that minimize adverse events such as immediate or delayed bleeding or perforation. These may include piecemeal resection, defect closure techniques, noncontact hemostasis, and other emerging techniques, and these should be considered on a case-by-case basis.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 9: ESGE recommends endoscopic surveillance 3 months after the index treatment. In cases of no recurrence, a further follow-up endoscopy should be done 1 year later. Thereafter, surveillance intervals should be adapted to the lesion site, en bloc resection status, and initial histological result. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

The pathology of gastric and duodenal polyps: current concepts

The liberal use of upper endoscopy has led to an increased detection of gastric and duodenal polyps, which are identified in as many as 6 and 4.6% of patient examinations, respectively. Gastroduodenal polyps are a heterogeneous group of lesions that can be neoplastic or non-neoplastic (e.g. hyperplastic or heterotopical). Most polyps present characteristic topographical features, as well as endoscopic appearance and size. Evaluation of the surrounding mucosa is essential in assessing the underlying pathology (e.g. Helicobacter pylori, autoimmune gastritis or inherited polyposis syndromes). Phylogenetically, gastric and duodenal polyps can be classified according to the epithelial compartment from which they derive. Polyps that arise from the surface epithelium can either be of foveolar or intestinal type, and they can develop from either the native mucosa or the metaplastic epithelium (gastric intestinal metaplasia or duodenal foveolar metaplasia). Other polyps develop from the deeper glandular component, such as pyloric/oxyntic gland derived subtypes. In this review we focus upon epithelial polyps, with an emphasis on the most common and clinically relevant lesions, and present recently described entities.

Clinical characteristics of non-ampullary duodenal polyps in the elderly and the outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection

At present, there are no reports on non-ampullary polyps of the duodenum (NAPDs) in the elderly. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological features of NAPDs in elderly and non-elderly patients to explore the efficacy and safety of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of NAPDs in the elderly.A total of 110 patients underwent EMR of NAPDs between April 2016 and December 2019. The shape, location, size, postoperative complications, and histopathological types of NAPDs were compared between the elderly group (n = 44) and the non-elderly group (n = 66).Sessile type was the most common form of NAPD in both groups. In the elderly group, the average size of NAPDs was 12.6 ± 3.9 mm. In the non-elderly group, NAPDs had an average size of 10.1 ± 5.8 mm. Complete EMR was performed in both groups. The postoperative complications of EMR did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Postoperative pathological examination showed that tubular villous adenomas were more common in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group (P = .005), while tubular adenomas were more common in the non-elderly group than in the elderly group (P = .007). Of the 110 patients, 99 completed postoperative follow-up (median follow-up duration, 20.93 months). There were no residual or recurrent lesions.EMR is safe and effective for the treatment of NAPDs in elderly patients.

Relationship between Cancer Diagnosis and Complications Following Pancreatoduodenectomy for Duodenal Adenoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for duodenal adenoma (DA) resection may be associated with excessive surgical risk for patients with potentially benign lesions, given the absence of pancreatic duct obstruction. We examined factors associated with final malignant pathology and evaluated the postoperative course of patients with DA versus pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with DA who underwent PD from 2008 to 2018 and assessed the accuracy rate of preoperative biopsy and factors associated with final malignant pathology. Complications for DA patients were compared with those of matched PDAC patients.

RESULTS

Forty-five consecutive patients who underwent PD for DA were identified, and the preoperative biopsy false negative rate was 29. Factors associated with final malignant pathology included age over 70 years, preoperative biliary obstruction, and common bile duct diameter > 8 mm (p < 0.05). Compared with patients with PDAC (n = 302), DA patients experienced more major complications (31% vs. 15%, p < 0.01), more grade C postoperative pancreatic fistulas (9% vs. 1%, p < 0.01), and greater mortality (7% vs. 2%, p < 0.05). Propensity score matched patients with DA had more major complications following PD (32% vs. 12%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative biopsy of duodenal adenomas is associated with a high false-negative rate for malignancy, and PD for DA is associated with higher complication rates than PD for PDAC. These results aid discussion among patients and surgeons who are considering observation versus PD for DA, especially in younger patients without biliary obstruction, who are less likely to harbor malignancy.

Benign and non-neoplastic tumours of the duodenum

This review study describes the problem of duodenal tumours, which are rare but important in gastrological practice. The most common location of small intestinal tumours is the duodenum, and this observation is probably partly due to the greater diagnostic availability for most proximal segments of the small intestine. Among tumours the following should be mentioned – benign: adenomas, lipomas, haemangiomas, and leiomyomas; and malignant: malignant tumours of epithelial origin, primary gastrointestinal stromal tumours, neuroendocrine tumours and carcinoids, lymphomas, sarcomas, teratomas, and secondary metastases. Early duodenal tumour recognition, especially with histological assessment, plays a crucial diagnostic role with future therapeutic implications. In recent years the prevalence of benign duodenal tumours has been rising due to a higher level of clinicians’ doubts and the convenience of gastrointestinal endoscopy; hence, knowledge of this problem is important in routine clinical practice. The method of duodenal tumour treatment should be selected on an individual basis.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for non-ampullary duodenal polyps: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is commonly used to treat early-stage digestive cancer because it results in a higher frequency of en-bloc resection and a lower frequency of local recurrence. However, the efficacy and safety of duodenal ESD remain unclear. Therefore, present study is aimed at evaluating clinical outcomes of duodenal ESD.

METHODS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of duodenal ESD, electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL and EMBASE) were searched by two independent reviewers. The authors were contacted for additional information. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duodenal ESD.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies (203 patients) were included in the quantitative synthesis analysis. The pooled proportions of the frequencies of en-bloc resection, need for surgical intervention, bleeding, intraoperative perforation and delayed perforation were 87%, 4%, 2%, 15% and 2%, respectively. The quality of evidence regarding on surgical intervention outcomes was rated as moderate, whereas that of en-bloc resection was rated as low because of its marked inconsistency.

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenal ESD produced acceptable outcomes in terms of the en-bloc R0 resection, but the incidence of procedure-related adverse events is high (PROSPERO register, CRD42017057110).