EUS-guided drainage: Summary of therapeutic EUS consortium meeting

Impact and assessment of training models in interventional endoscopic ultrasound

Interventional endoscopic ultrasound (IEUS) has gained significant popularity in recent years because of its diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The proper training of endoscopists is critical to ensure safe and effective procedures. This review study aims to assess the impact of different training models on the competence of trainees performing IEUS. Eight studies that evaluated simulators for IEUS were identified in the medical literature. Various training models have been used, including the EASIE-R, Mumbai EUS, EUS Magic Box, EndoSim, Thai Association for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy model, and an ex vivo porcine model (HiFi SAM). The trainees underwent traditional didactic lectures, hands-on training using simulators, and direct supervision by experienced endoscopists. The effectiveness of these models has been evaluated based on objective and subjective parameters such as technical proficiency, operative time, diagnostic success, and participant feedback. As expected, the majority of skills were improved after the training sessions concluded, although the risk of bias is high in the absence of external validation. It is difficult to determine the ideal simulator among the existing ones because of the wide variation between them in terms of costs, reusability, design, fidelity of anatomical structures and feedback, and types of procedures performed. There is a need for a standardized approach for the evaluation of IEUS simulators and the ways skills are acquired by trainees, as well as a clearer definition of the key personal attributes necessary for developing a physician into a skilled endoscopist capable of performing basic and advanced therapeutic EUS interventions.

Efficacy of EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy in prolonging survival of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background and Objectives

The background of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients treated with EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS).

Methods

All patients with pCCA who underwent EUS-HGS from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed. The primary outcome was clinical success; the secondary outcomes were technical success, adverse events (AEs), stent patency, and oncological outcomes. Cox proportional-hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier curves were analyzed to identify variables related to survival.

Results

Thirty-four patients (50% females, 76 years old) were included; 24 (70.6%) presented with distant metastasis. Indications for EUS-HGS were ERCP failure (64.7%), duodenal stricture (23.5%), postsurgical anatomy (5.9%), and dilation limited to the left intrahepatic duct (5.9%). The technical success rate was 97.1%. The clinical success rate was 64.7%. Nine (26.5%) presented AEs, 2 fatal (bleeding and leakage). The overall survival was 91 (31-263) days. On multivariate analysis, EUS-HGS clinical success (Exp[b]: 0.23 [0.09-0.60]; P = 0.003) and chemotherapy (Exp[b]: 0.06 [0.02-0.23]; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with survival. The survival was longer in patients who achieved EUS-HGS clinical success (178[61-393] vs. 15[73-24] days; hazard ratio: 6.3; P < 0.001) and in those starting chemotherapy (324[178-439] vs. 31 [9-48]; hazard ratio: 1.2; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

EUS-HGS is effective in pCCA patients despite a not negligible AE rate. Clinical success, potentially leading to jaundice resolution and chemotherapy start, significantly improves survival.

Managing adverse events after endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of the biliary tract and pancreatic fluid collections: Narrative review (with video)

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided therapeutic procedures have become increasingly common in clinical practice. The development of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration cytology led to the concept of interventional EUS. However, it carries a considerable risk of adverse events (AEs), which occur in approximately 23% of the procedures performed for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and 2.5-37.0% of those performed for drainage of the biliary tract. Although the vast majority of AEs occurring after EUS-guided drainage are mild, a deep understanding of such events is necessary for their appropriate management. Because EUS-guided drainage is a novel procedure, there have been few studies of the topic. To our knowledge, this is the first narrative review that focuses on the management and resolution of AEs occurring after EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections or the biliary tract. We also include an explanatory video.

Common bile duct size in malignant distal obstruction and lumen-apposing metal stents: a multicenter prospective study

Background and study aims  Feasibility of EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) using available lumen-apposing stents (LAMS) is limited by the size of the common bile duct (CBD) (≤ 12 mm, cut-off for experts; 15 mm, cut-off for non-experts). We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictive factors associated with CBD size ≥ 12 and 15 mm in naïve patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Patients and methods  This was a prospective cohort study involving 22 centers with assessment of CBD diameter and subjective feasibility of the EUS-CDS performance in naïve jaundiced patients undergoing EUS evaluation for MDBO. Results  A total of 491 patients (mean age 69 ± 12 years) with mean serum bilirubin of 12.7 ± 6.6 mg/dL entered the final analysis. Dilation of the CBD ≥ 12 and 15 mm was detected in 78.8 % and 51.9 % of cases, respectively. Subjective feasibility of EUS-CDS was expressed by endosonographers in 91.2 % for a CBD ≥ 12 mm and in 96.5 % for a CBD ≥ 15 mm. On multivariate analysis, age ( P  < 0.01) and bilirubin level ( P  ≤ 0.001) were the only factors associated with both CBD dilation ≥ 12 and ≥ 15 mm. These variables were poorly associated with the extent of duct dilation; however, based on them a prediction model could be constructed that satisfactorily predicted CBD size ≥ 12 mm in patients at least 70 years and a bilirubin level ≥ 7 mg/dL. Conclusions  Our study showed that at presentation in a large cohort of patients with MDBO, EUS-CDS can be potentially performed in three quarters to half of cases by expert and less experienced endosonographers, respectively. Dedicated stents or devices with different designs able to overcome the limitations of existing electrocautery-enhanced LAMS for EUS-CDS are needed.

Advances in The Diagnosis and Treatment of Achalasia of The Cardia: a Review

Idiopathic achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder characterized by the loss of the lower esophageal sphincter ganglion, resulting in impaired lower esophageal relaxation and absence of esophageal peristalsis. Patients commonly present with progressive dysphagia accompanied by reflux, heartburn, retrosternal pain, and severe weight loss. Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's chief complaints, barium esophagography, and the most recent high-resolution manometry. Endoscopic assessment and endoscopic ultrasonography also have significant value with regard to the exclusion of esophageal anatomical lesions, neoplastic diseases, and pseudoachalasia. However, as most patients with achalasia demonstrate a gradual onset, early diagnosis is difficult. Currently, treatment of idiopathic achalasia, including pneumatic dilation, stent placement, and surgical myotomy, is aimed at reducing lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relieving the symptoms of dysphagia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy has gradually become the mainstream treatment because it causes less trauma and has a rapid recovery rate. This article reviews the main methods of diagnosis and treatment of achalasia, with an emphasis on the potential of peroral endoscopic myotomy and the advancements of immunotherapy for achalasia.

Clinical evaluation of physician-controlled guidewire manipulation during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (with video)

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) may be most complex because of the EUS-guided biliary drainage procedure and variations in the course of the intrahepatic bile duct compared with the common bile duct (CBD). Appropriate guidewire insertion is essential. Physician-controlled guidewire manipulation (PCGW) might improve technical success rates of bile duct cannulation. The present study aimed to determine the technical feasibility and safety of PCGW during EUS-HGS. Patients and methods  A total of 122 consecutive patients who were scheduled to undergo EUS-HGS between October 2017 and April 2019 were prospectively registered. The primary endpoint was the technical success rate of guidewire insertion into the CBD or hepatic hilum. Guidewire insertion was considered to have failed if the HGS assistant failed to achieve manipulation. Results  The intrahepatic bile duct was successfully punctured in 120 of 122 patients. During guidewire insertion by the HGS assistant, guidewire fracture was observed in one patient. The guidewire was successfully inserted into the biliary tract and manipulated by the HGS assistant in 96 patients. PCGW was thus attempted for the remaining 23 patients. The guidewire was inserted by PCGW in all 23 patients, improving the technical success rate for guidewire insertion from 80 % to 100 %. After tract dilation, we deployed covered metal stents and plastic stents in 117 and two patients, respectively. The overall technical success rate for EUS-HGS was 97.5 % (119/122). Adverse events comprising bile peritonitis or leakage developed in five patients. Conclusion  PCGW might contribute to improving the success rate of EUS-HGS.

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy and the antegrade technique in the management of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction: study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is used after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Based on existing studies, intrahepatic (IH) approaches are preferred in patients with dilated IH bile ducts. Both ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) and ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) are appropriate for patients with unreachable papillae. Nevertheless, there have been no direct comparisons between these two approaches. Therefore, we aim to evaluate and compare the safety and efficiency of EUS-HGS and EUS-AG in patients with an unreachable papilla.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre study with two parallel groups without masking. One hundred forty-eight patients from three hospitals who met the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo either EUS-HGS or EUS-AG for relief of malignant biliary obstruction. The final study follow-up is scheduled at 1 year postoperatively. The primary endpoint is efficiency, described by technical and clinical success rates of EUS-HGS and EUS-AG in patients with unreachable papillae. The secondary endpoints include stent patency, overall survival rates, complication rates, length of hospital stays, and hospitalisation expenses. The chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier methods, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis will be used to analyse the data.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare these two EUS-BD approaches directly using a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial design. The clinical economic indexes will also be compared, as they may also affect the patient’s choice. The result may contribute to establishing a strategic guideline for choosing IH EUS-BD approaches.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR1900020737. Registered on 15 January 2019

Effect of motivational interviewing on postoperative weight control in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND

Obesity is an important factor to cause the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Higher body mass index (BMI) often results in more severe OSAHS. Currently, the common measures for controlling the weight mainly include diet control, increase exercise and so on. Motivational interviewing (MI) could explore the patient's internal state and make the patient realize his/her ambivalence, resulting in the change in his/her behavior. This process emphasizes respecting the patient's autonomy.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of MI on the weight control of patients with OSAHS.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study was conducted in 100 obese OSAHS patients undergoing surgical treatment at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. The patients were divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 50 cases each. The control group was given routine health education after the operation; in addition to the regular health education, the intervention group was given MI according to a predetermined plan. Obesity-related indicators, postoperative complications, and the sleep status of both groups were evaluated before and 6 mo after the intervention.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group had significantly improved body weight, BMI, and waist and neck circumferences compared with patients in the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding complications at 6 mo after operation, the incidence of cough and reflux in patients in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Self-Rating Scale of Sleep scores of patients in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the sleep status of patients in the intervention group was improved (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MI intervention has a significant advantage over postoperative routine health education. It can greatly change the lifestyle, further control the postoperative weight, reduce the occurrence of complications, improve the quality of sleep, and improve long-term postoperative efficacy in OSAHS patients.

Retrieval anchor-assisted endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is an emerging procedure for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) as an alternative to endoscopic stent placement in the duodenum or surgery; however, it is technically challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, success rate, and adverse events rate associated with retrieval anchor-assisted EUS-GE.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent retrieval anchor-assisted EUS-GE for malignant and benign GOO were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics, procedure time, and success and adverse event rates were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients (6 females; mean age 63.2 ± 5.8 years) were included in our study. Nine cases were malignant and one case was benign GOO. Nine patients received retrievable anchor-assisted EUS-GE for GOO. One patient received retrievable anchor-assisted EUS-GE and concurrent EUS-guided hepatogastrostomy due to the biliary obstruction. There were no complications during any of the procedures. The rate of technical and clinical success was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-GE is a safe and effective procedure for GOO. The retrieval anchor can make EUS-GE easier to perform successfully.