Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for Suspected Mirizzi Syndrome Type IV as Both a Diagnostic and Bridge-to-Surgery Procedure

Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a challenging diagnosis due to its similar presentation with other biliary diseases; thus, the role of endoscopy is sometimes unclear, especially in altered anatomy. Radiological examinations may usually suspect it, but deeper examinations could be necessary to confirm it. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) certainly has a therapeutic role in cases of jaundice, cholangitis or concurrent choledocolithiasis, although surgery is without doubt the definitive treatment in most of the cases. Therefore, surgeons may have a clearer picture of the condition of the biliary tree with respect to fistulas thanks to ERCP, particularly in patients with a higher grade of MS (type higher than 2 in the Csendes classification). Therefore, a complete removal of biliary stones is sometimes not possible due to size and location, so biliary stenting becomes the only option, even if transitory. Our brief report is a further demonstration of the fundamental role of ERCP in managing MS, even when it has no long-term therapeutic aim but is performed as bridge-to-surgery, especially in cases with a more difficult biliary anatomy due to the type of fistula. Moreover, we truly suggest discussing patients affected with MS in a multidisciplinary board, preferably in tertiary hepatobiliary centers.

Use of catheter-based cholangioscopy in the diagnosis of indeterminate stenosis: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Direct bile ducts visualization through cholangioscopy has gained popularity due to its better diagnostic accuracy than a standard ERCP in indeterminate biliary stricture.

METHODS

We aimed to review our catheter-based cholangioscopy interventions in patients with indeterminate biliary stenosis, using the SpyGlass Direct Visualization System (SDVS) and summarize our experience in terms of procedures and results. We collected 25 consecutive patients with indeterminate biliary stricture over 3 years.

RESULTS

The overall procedural success in our cohort amounted to 96% (24/25). If we focus on the diagnostic procedures, the ability to merely visualize the region of interest/lesion and perform biopsy of the lesion was possible in 96% (24/25) In our cohort localization in the common bile duct (P=0.03; 95% CI: 0.27-0.96) was found as positive determining factor for diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for visual diagnosis by SDVS in our cohort were 100, 83.3 and 96%, respectively. The use of biopsy or obtaining a histological diagnosis to assist in identifying patients with malignant stenosis, to exclude malignancy and to correctly classify diagnosed patients resulted in a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 73% with an overall accuracy of 94.4%. Only a mild adverse event (cholangitis, treated conservatively) occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Today, the SDVS should be considered essential in diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures, since the procedure is associated with high procedural success in terms of diagnostic accuracy, alters clinical outcome in over 80% of considered insolvable cases, with an acceptable safety profile.

EUS-Guided Gallbladder Drainage Using a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent for Acute Cholecystitis: Results of a Nationwide Study with Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has become one of the treatments of choice for acute cholecystitis (AC) in fragile patients, scant data are available on real-life settings and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective study including EUS-guided GBD using LAMS for AC in 19 Italian centers from June 2014 to July 2020. The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success, and the secondary outcomes were the rate of adverse events (AE) and long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

In total, 116 patients (48.3% female) were included, with a mean age of 82.7 ± 11 years. LAMS were placed, transgastric in 44.8% of cases, transduodenal in 53.3% and transjejunal in 1.7%, in patients with altered anatomy. Technical success was achieved in 94% and clinical success in 87.1% of cases. The mean follow-up was 309 days. AEs occurred in 12/116 pts (10.3%); 8/12 were intraprocedural, while 1 was classified as early (<15 days) and 3 as delayed (>15 days). According to the ASGE lexicon, two (16.7%) were mild, three (25%) were moderate, and seven (58.3%) were severe. No fatal AEs occurred. In subgroup analysis of 40 patients with a follow-up longer than one year, no recurrence of AC was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-GBD had high technical and clinical success rates, despite the non-negligible rate of AEs, thus representing an effective treatment option for fragile patients.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy versus uncovered duodenal metal stenting for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (DRA-GOO): a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel endoscopic method to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction. We aimed to assess whether the use of EUS-GE with a double balloon occluder for malignant gastric outlet obstruction could reduce the need for reintervention within 6 months compared with conventional duodenal stenting.

METHODS

The was an international, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial conducted at seven sites in Hong Kong, Belgium, Brazil, India, Italy, and Spain. Consecutive patients (aged ≥18 years) with malignant gastric outlet obstruction due to unresectable primary gastroduodenal or pancreatobiliary malignancies, a gastric outlet obstruction score (GOOS) of 0 (indicating an inability in intake food or liquids orally), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 3 or lower were included and randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either EUS-GE or duodenal stenting. The primary outcome was the 6-month reintervention rate, defined as the percentage of patients requiring additional endoscopic intervention due to stent dysfunction (ie, restenosis of the stent due to tumour ingrowth, tumour overgrowth, or food residue; stent migration; or stent fracture) within 6 months, analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Prespecified secondary outcomes were technical success (successful placement of a stent), clinical success (1-point improvement in gastric outlet obstruction score [GOOS] within 3 days), adverse events within 30 days, death within 30 days, duration of stent patency, GOOS at 1 month, and quality-of-life scores. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03823690) and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 1, 2020, and Feb 28, 2022, 185 patients were screened and 97 (46 men and 51 women) were recruited and randomly allocated (48 to the EUS-GE group and 49 to the duodenal stent group). Mean age was 69·5 years (SD 12·6) in the EUS-GE group and 64·8 years (13·0) in the duodenal stent group. All randomly allocated patients completed follow-up and were analysed. Reintervention within 6 months was required in two (4%) patients in the EUS-GE group and 14 (29%) in the duodenal stent group [p=0·0020; risk ratio 0·15 [95% CI 0·04-0·61]). Stent patency was longer in the EUS-GE group (median not reached in either group; HR 0·13 [95% CI 0·08-0·22], log-rank p<0·0001). 1-month GOOS was significantly better in the EUS-GE group (mean 2·41 [SD 0·7]) than the duodenal stent group (1·91 [0·9], p=0·012). There were no statistically significant differences between the EUS-GE and duodenal stent groups in death within 30 days (ten [21%] vs six [12%] patients, respectively, p=0·286), technical success, clinical success, or quality-of-life scores at 1 month. Adverse events occurred 11 (23%) patients in the EUS-GE group and 12 (24%) in the duodenal stent group within 30 days (p=1·00); three cases of pneumonia (two in the EUS-GE group and one in the duodenal stent group) were considered to be procedure related.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction, EUS-GE can reduce the frequency of reintervention, improve stent patency, and result in better patient-reported eating habits compared with duodenal stenting, and the procedure should be used preferentially over duodenal stenting when expertise and required devices are available.

FUNDING

Research Grants Council (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China) and Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic collections with dedicated metal stents: A nationwide, multicenter, propensity score-matched comparison

BACKGROUND

The new dedicated stents for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transluminal drainage of peri‑pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) demonstrated optimal efficacy and safety profiles.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, technical and clinical success, and recurrence rate of PFCs drained with Lumen Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) or Bi-Flanged Metal Stent (BFMS).

METHODS

Data from a multicenter series of PFCs treated with LAMS or BFMS at 30 Italian centers during a 5-year period were retrieved. The rate of adverse events (AEs), technical success, clinical success, PFC recurrence were evaluated. To overcome biases, a 1-to-1 match was created using propensity score analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 476 patients, 386 were treated with LAMS and 90 with BFMS, with a median follow-up of 290 days (95% CI 244 to 361). Using propensity score matching, 84 patients were assigned to each group. The incidence of AEs did not differ between the two stents (13.1% versus 15.5%, p = 0.29), mainly bleeding or recurrence rate (4.7% versus 3.5%, p = 1). Technical and clinical success in the BFMS and LAMS groups were 92% versus 95% (p = 0.36) and 91% versus 94% (p = 0.64), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that LAMS and BFMS have comparable safety profiles with similar technical and clinical success rates for EUS-guided PFC drainage.

Successful multidisciplinary urgent management of life-threatening intraprocedural bleeding after EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy of a pulmonary mass

Video 1Multidisciplinary management of an intraprocedural endobronchial bleeding after EUS-guided transesophageal FNB of a pulmonary mass.

The Role of Endoscopy in the Palliation of Pancreatico-Biliary Cancers: Biliary Drainage, Management of Gastrointestinal Obstruction, and Role in Relief of Oncologic Pain

Therapeutic endoscopy permits many and various treatments for cancer palliation in patients with bilio-pancreatic cancers, enabling different options, supporting patients during their route to oncologic treatments, and trying to improve their quality of life. Therefore, both endoscopic and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided techniques are performed in this scenario. We performed a literature review focusing on the role of endoscopy in the palliation of those advanced pancreatic and biliary cancers developing malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), and pain unresponsive to medical therapies. Therefore, we explored and focused on the clinical outcomes of endoscopic procedures in this scenario. In fact, the endoscopic treatment is based on achieving biliary drainage in the case of MBO through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), while GOO is endoscopically treated through the deployment of an enteral stent or the creation of EUS-guided gastro-entero-anastomosis (EUS-GEA). Furthermore, untreatable chronic abdominal pain is a major issue in patients unresponsive to high doses of painkillers, so EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) or celiac ganglia neurolysis (CGN) helps to reduce dosage and have better pain control. Therefore, therapeutic endoscopy in the palliative setting is an effective and safe approach for managing most of the clinical manifestations of advanced biliopancreatic tumors.

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage using a lumen-apposing metal stent as rescue treatment for malignant distal biliary obstruction: a large multicenter experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) has been reported as a rescue treatment with encouraging results for the relief of jaundice in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) and after failure of both ERCP and EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of all cases of consecutive EUS-GBD with LAMSs used as a rescue treatment for patients with DMBO in 14 Italian centers from June 2015 to June 2020. Primary endpoints were technical and clinical success, whereas the secondary endpoint was the adverse event (AE) rate.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients (52.1% women) with a mean age of 74.3 ± 11.7 years were included in the study. Biliary stricture was related to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (85.4%), duodenal adenocarcinoma (2.1%), cholangiocarcinoma (4.2%), ampullary cancer (2.1%), colon cancer (4.2%), and metastatic breast cancer (2.1%). The mean diameter of the common bile duct was 13.3 ± 2.8 mm. LAMSs were placed transgastrically in 58.3% of cases and transduodenally in 41.7%. Technical success was 100%, whereas clinical success was 81.3%, with a mean total bilirubin reduction after 2 weeks of 66.5%. The mean procedure time was 26.4 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 9.2 ± 8.2 days. AEs occurred in 5 patients (10.4%): 3 were classified as intraprocedural and 2 were classified as delayed because they occurred after >15 days. When the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon was used, 2 AEs were mild and 3 were moderate (2 buried LAMSs). The mean follow-up was 122 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that EUS-GBD with LAMSs used as a rescue treatment for patients affected by DMBO represents a valuable option in terms of technical and clinical success rates, with an acceptable AE rate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study concerning the use of this procedure. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03903523.).

A rare case of pedunculated ampulloma: EUS view and resection

Video 1Video showing a rare case of pedunculated ampulloma: imaging evaluation and resection technique.

Complete intraperitoneal maldeployment of a lumen-apposing metal stent during EUS-guided gastroenteroanastomosis for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: rescue retrieval with peritoneoscopy through natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery

Video 1Case showing a complete intraperitoneal maldeployment of a lumen-apposing metal stent during EUS-guided gastro-entero-anastomosis for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, which was rescued through a retrieval with peritoneoscopy through natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

A Systematic Review of Endoscopic Treatments for Concomitant Malignant Biliary Obstruction and Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction and the Outstanding Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Therapies

BACKGROUND

The treatments for cancer palliation in patients with concomitant malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) are still under investigation due to the lack of evidence available in the medical literature. We performed a systematic search and critical review to investigate efficacy and safety among patients with MBO and MGOO undergoing both endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) and MGOO endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. EUS-BD included both transduodenal and transgastric techniques. Treatment of MGOO included duodenal stenting or EUS-GEA (gastroenteroanastomosis). Outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, and rate of adverse events (AEs) in patients undergoing double treatment in the same session or within one week.

RESULTS

11 studies were included in the systematic review for a total number of 337 patients, 150 of whom had concurrent MBO and MGOO treatment, fulfilling the time criteria. MGOO was treated by duodenal stenting (self-expandable metal stents) in 10 studies, and in one study by EUS-GEA. EUS-BD had a mean technical success of 96.4% (CI 95%, 92.18-98.99) and a mean clinical success of 84.96% (CI 95%, 67.99-96.26). The average frequency of AEs for EUS-BD was 28.73% (CI 95%, 9.12-48.33). Clinical success for duodenal stenting was 90% vs. 100% for EUS-GEA.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-BD could become the preferred drainage in the case of double endoscopic treatment of concomitant MBO and MGOO in the near future, with the promising EUS-GEA becoming a valid option for MGOO treatment in these patients.

The Use of PuraStat® in the Management of Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis Drained Using Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents: A Case Series

Background and Objectives: Bleeding is one of the most feared and frequent adverse events in the case of EUS-guided drainage of WOPN using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) and of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). When it occurs, its management is still controversial. In the last few years, PuraStat, a novel hemostatic peptide gel has been introduced, expanding the toolbox of the endoscopic hemostatic agents. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PuraStat in preventing and controlling bleeding of WOPN drainage using LAMSs. Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective pilot study from three high-volume centers in Italy, including all consecutive patients treated with the novel hemostatic peptide gel after LAMSs placement for the drainage of symptomatic WOPN between 2019 and 2022. Results: A total of 10 patients were included. All patients underwent at least one session of DEN. Technical success of PuraStat was achieved in 100% of patients. In seven cases PuraStat was placed for post-DEN bleeding prevention, with one patient experiencing bleeding after DEN. In three cases, on the other hand, PuraStat was placed to manage active bleeding: two cases of oozing were successfully controlled with gel application, and a massive spurting from a retroperitoneal vessel required subsequent angiography. No re-bleeding occurred. No PuraStat-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: This novel peptide gel could represent a promising hemostatic device, both in preventing and managing active bleeding after EUS-guided drainage of WON. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Biliary Drainage in Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction

Malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) is a challenging medical problem that often negatively impacts the patient's quality of life (QoL), postoperative complications, and survival rates. Endoscopic approaches to biliary drainage are generally performed by ERCP or, in selected cases, with a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). Recent advances in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allow drainage where previous methods have failed. EUS has evolved from a purely diagnostic technique to one that allows a therapeutic approach in the event of ERCP failure in distal MBO. Moreover, the introduction of dedicated accessories and prostheses for EUS-guided transmural biliary drainage (EUS-BD) made these procedures more successful with regard to technical success, clinical outcomes and reduction of adverse events (AEs). Finally, lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have improved the therapeutic role of the EUS. Subsequently, the electrocautery enhanced tip of the LAMS (EC-LAMS) allows a direct access of the delivery system to the target lumen, thereby simplifying and reducing the EUS-BD procedure time. EUS-BD using LAMS and EC-LAMS has proven effective and safe with a low rate of AEs. This review aims to evaluate biliary drainage techniques in malignant obstruction, focusing on the role of EUS biliary drainage by LAMS.

Nomogram for prediction of adverse events after lumen-apposing metal stent placement for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections

OBJECTIVES

To generate a prognostic model based on a nomogram for adverse event (AE) prediction after lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) placement in patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFC).

METHODS

Data from a large multicenter series of PFCs treated with LAMS placement were retrieved. AE (overall and excluding mild events) prediction was calculated through a logistic regression model and a nomogram was created and internally validated after bootstrapping. Results were expressed in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Discrimination was assessed by c-statistics and calibrated by comparing deciles of predicted and observed ORs.

RESULTS

Overall, 516 patients were included (males 68%, mean age 61.6 ± 15.2 years). PFCs were predominantly walled-off necrosis (52.1%). Independent predictors of AE occurrence were injury of main pancreatic duct (OR in the case of leak 2.51, 95% CI 1.06-5.97, P = 0.03; OR in the case of complete disruption 2.61, 1.53-4.45, P = 0.01), abnormal vessels (OR in the case of perigastric varices 2.90, 1.31-6.42, P = 0.008; OR in the case of pseudoaneurysm 2.99, 1.75-11.93, P = 0.002), using a multigate technique (OR 3.00, 1.28-5.24; P = 0.05), and need of percutaneous drainage (OR 2.81, 1.03-7.65, P = 0.04). By nomogram, a score beyond 200 points corresponded to a 50% probability of AE occurrence. The model was confirmed even when excluding mild AEs and it showed optimal discrimination (c-index 76.8%, 95% CI 74-79), confirmed after internal validation.

CONCLUSION

Patients with preprocedural evidence of pancreatic duct leak/disruption, vessel alteration, requiring percutaneous drainage or a multigate technique are at higher risk for AE.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage using lumen-apposing metal stent of malignant afferent limb syndrome in patients with previous Whipple surgery: Multicenter study (with video)

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided digestive anastomosis (EUS-A) is a new alternative under evaluation in patients presenting with afferent limb syndrome (ALS) after Whipple surgery. The aim of the present study is to analyze the safety and effectiveness of EUS-A in ALS.

METHODS

This is an observational multicenter study. All patients ≥18 years old with previous Whipple surgery presenting with ALS who underwent an EUS-A using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) between 2015 and 2021 were included. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as resolution of the ALS or ALS-related cholangitis. Furthermore, technical success, adverse event rate, and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients (mean age: 65.5 ± 10.2 years; 44.4% male) were included. The most common underlying disease was pancreatic cancer (68.9%). EUS-A was performed at a median of 6 weeks after local tumor recurrence. The most common approach used was the direct/freehand technique (66.7%). Technical success was achieved in 95.6%, with no differences between large (≥15 mm) and small LAMS (97.4% vs. 100%, P = 0.664). Clinical success was retained in 91.1% of patients. A complementary treatment by dilation of the stent followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography through the LAMS was performed in three cases (6.7%). There were six recurrent episodes of cholangitis (14.6%) and two procedure-related adverse events (4.4%) after a median follow-up of 4 months. Twenty-six patients (57.8%) died during the follow-up due to disease progression.

CONCLUSION

EUS-A is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of malignant ALS, achieving high clinical success with an acceptable recurrence rate.

Methods for Drainage of Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction after ERCP Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

There is scarce evidence on the comparison between different methods for the drainage of distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Therefore, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of these techniques. We searched main databases through September 2021 and identified five randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was clinical success. The secondary outcomes were technical success, overall and serious adverse event rate. Percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage was found to be inferior to other interventions (PTBD: RR 1.01, 0.88–1.17 with EUS-choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD); RR 1.03, 0.86–1.22 with EUS-hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG); RR 1.42, 0.90–2.24 with surgical hepaticojejunostomy). The comparison between EUS-HG and EUS-CD was not significant (RR 1.01, 0.87–1.17). Surgery was not superior to other interventions (RR 1.40, 0.91–2.13 with EUS-CD and RR 1.38, 0.88–2.16 with EUS-HG). No difference in any of the comparisons concerning adverse event rate was detected, although PTBD showed a slightly poorer performance on ranking analysis (SUCRA score 0.13). In conclusion, all interventions seem to be effective for the drainage of DMBO, although PTBD showed a trend towards higher rates of adverse events.

Novel 15-mm-long lumen-apposing metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections located ≥10 mm from the luminal wall

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) by cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has largely been limited to collections located < 10 mm from the luminal wall. We present outcomes of the use of a novel 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS for drainage of PFCs located ≥ 10 mm away.

METHODS

This international, multicenter study analyzed all adults with PFCs located ≥ 10 mm from the luminal wall who were treated by EUS-guided drainage using the 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included clinical success (decrease in PFC size by ≥ 50 % at 30 days and resolution of clinical symptoms without surgical intervention), complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS

35 patients (median age 57 years; interquartile range [IQR] 47-64 years; 49 % male) underwent novel LAMS placement for drainage of PFCs (26 walled-off necrosis, 9 pseudocysts), measuring 85 mm (IQR 64-117) maximal diameter and located 11.8 mm (IQR 10-12.3; range 10-14) from the gastric/duodenal wall. Technical and clinical success were high (both 97 %), with recurrence in one patient (3 %) at a median follow-up of 123 days (58-236). Three complications occurred (9 %; one mild, two moderate).

CONCLUSIONS

The 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS was feasible and safe for drainage of PFCs located 10-14 mm from the luminal wall.

Definition of a hospital volume threshold to optimize outcomes after drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with lumen-apposing metal stents: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is increasing interest in expanding the use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) in patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a hospital volume threshold for which patient outcomes could be optimized.

METHODS

Data from a large multicenter series of patients with PFCs treated with LAMSs were retrieved. Rate of adverse events (AEs) was the primary outcome. Multivariable models with restricted cubic splines were used to identify a hospital volume threshold by plotting hospital volume against the log odds ratio (OR) of AE rate. Propensity score matching was applied to obtain 2 well-balanced groups according to hospital volume, and univariate/multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of AEs.

RESULTS

Overall, 516 patients were included. Increasing hospital volume was associated with a reduced AE rate (P = .03), and the likelihood of experiencing an AE declined as hospital volume increased up to 15 cases. After propensity score matching, 175 patients in the high-volume (>15 cases) and 132 in the low-volume hospital group were compared. Overall, 41 AEs were observed (13.3%), of which 14 (8%) and 27 (20.4%) occurred at high-volume and low-volume centers, respectively (P = .001). Severe and fatal events were observed more frequently in low-volume centers (6% vs 1.7% and 2.2% vs 0%, respectively; P = .05). In multivariate analysis, main pancreatic duct injury (OR, 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-4.67; P = .02), presence of abnormal vessels (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.41-5.02; P = .006), and institutional experience (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.48-5.90; P = .002) were significant predictors of AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

With 15 procedures representing the minimum number of cases associated with the lowest risk for postprocedural AEs, hospital volume is associated with improved outcomes. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03903523.).

Coffee is more than just caffeine – a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial (CaCo trial)

Objective

Avoidance of prolonged postoperative bowel paralysis after colorectal surgery is of major importance due to its significant clinical implications. Postoperative caffeine consumption appears to be a promising strategy. The aim of this study was to assess whether postoperative oral caffeine intake shortens bowel hypomotility after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Methods

This was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial conducted from October 1st, 2015 to August 10th, 2020. Patients aged &gt;=18 years with malignant or benign disease undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy were included and assigned randomly before surgery to receive 3x daily either 100 mg caffeine or 200 mg caffeine or 250 mg corn starch (placebo) after the procedure. Substances were served in indistinguishable capsules three times daily before the meals. The primary endpoint was time to first bowel movement, measured from the time of wound closure to the patient's first defecation. Secondary endpoints included colonic transit time, time to tolerance of solid food, length of hospital stay and perioperative morbidity.

Results

A total of 60 patients were randomized, 20 to each group. Twenty-seven patients followed the protocol and were included in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. Baseline characteristics were similarly distributed among the groups. In intention-to-treat analysis, the time to first bowel movement in the caffeine 200 mg group was 67.9 h (standard deviation [SD] 19.2), in the caffeine 100 mg group 68.2 h (SD 32.2) and in the placebo group 67.3 h (SD 22.7) (p=0.887). PP analysis and measurement of colonic transit time (41.8 h [SD 21.7] in the caffeine 200 mg group, 34.2 h [SD 22.9] in the caffeine 100 mg group and 46.3 h [SD 20.6] in the placebo group, p=0.317) confirmed non-significant differences. The time to tolerance of solid food, length of hospital stay and postoperative morbidity were comparable among the three groups and no deaths or related serious adverse events were observed during the study.

Conclusion

Although caffeine intake after laparoscopic colorectal surgery is safe, its administration was not associated with a shortened time to first bowel movement in contrast to previous studies. Thus, other ingredients of coffee might be responsible for the intestinal stimulatory effect previously described.

The endoscopic ultrasound features of pancreatic fluid collections and their impact on therapeutic decisions: an interobserver agreement study

BACKGROUND

A validated classification of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) morphological characteristics and consequent therapeutic intervention(s) in pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is lacking. We performed an interobserver agreement study among expert endosonographers assessing EUS-related PFC features and the therapeutic approaches used.

METHODS

50 EUS videos of PFCs were independently reviewed by 12 experts and evaluated for PFC type, percentage solid component, presence of infection, recognition of and communication with the main pancreatic duct (MPD), stent choice for drainage, and direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) performance and timing. The Gwet's AC1 coefficient was used to assess interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

A moderate agreement was found for lesion type (AC1, 0.59), presence of infection (AC1, 0.41), and need for DEN (AC1, 0.50), while fair or poor agreements were stated for percentage solid component (AC1, 0.15) and MPD recognition (AC1, 0.31). Substantial agreement was rated for ability to assess PFC-MPD communication (AC1, 0.69), decision between placing a plastic versus lumen-apposing metal stent (AC1, 0.62), and timing of DEN (AC1, 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Interobserver agreement between expert endosonographers regarding morphological features of PFCs appeared suboptimal, while decisions on therapeutic approaches seemed more homogeneous. Studies to achieve standardization of the diagnostic endosonographic criteria and therapeutic approaches to PFCs are warranted.

EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy for malignant distal biliary obstruction after failed ERCP: a retrospective nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) has been proposed as an alternative procedure in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) and failed ERCP.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective analysis included all cases of EUS-CDS with LAMS performed in patients with DMBO and failed ERCP in 23 Italian centers from January 2016 to July 2020. Primary endpoints were technical and clinical success. Secondary endpoints were the assessment of the adverse event (AE) rate and variables associated with technical success.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-six patients (44.9% women) with a mean age of 73.9 ± 12.6 years were included in the study. The most common etiology of DMBO was pancreatic adenocarcinoma (75%), followed by ampullary cancer (8.6%) and cholangiocarcinoma (6.6%). The common bile duct median diameter was 17.3 ± 3.9 mm. Technical and clinical success were achieved in 239 of 256 (93.3%), and 230 of 239 (96.2%) patients, respectively. The mean follow-up was 151 ± 162 days. Twenty-seven AEs occurred in 25 of 239 patients (10.5%) (3 mild, 21 moderate, and 3 severe). No fatal AEs occurred. Reinterventions to manage AEs with endoscopic or radiologic procedures occurred in 22 patients (9.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study show that EUS-CDS with LAMSs in patients with DMBO and failed ERCP represent a viable alternative in terms of effectiveness and safety with acceptable AE rates. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03903523.).

Difficult biliary cannulation in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction: An underestimated problem?

BACKGROUND

Failed biliary cannulation still poses a major challenge in patients undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). To date, there is a lack of data on rates of Difficult Biliary Cannulation (DBC) in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO).

MATERIALS

This was a retrospective study (09/2015 to 02/2019) of consecutive patients with DMBO that underwent ERCP in four Italian centers. The primary outcome was to evaluate the rate of DBC. Secondary outcomes were: cannulation failure, rate of adverse events (AEs), the predictive factors for DBC as well as for AEs.

RESULTS

A total of 622 patients with DMBO, were included in the study, with 351(56,4%) matching the definition of DBC. One-hundred and two ERCP-related AEs occurred in 97 of 622 patients (15,6%). Subjects with DBC showed a higher risk for AEs (p = 0.02). The lack of pancreatitis prophylaxis (p = 0.03), diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (p = 0.02), the use of papillotomy (OR=1.98; 95%CI = 1.14-3.45) and the combination of two or more techniques for cannulation (OR = 2.88; 95%CI = 1.04-7.97) were associated with the occurrence of AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, patients with DMBO carries a higher rate of DBC thus requiring alternative techniques for biliary drainage. Furthermore, DBC carries a high risk for AEs. Further prospective multicentric studies are needed to confirm these data in this specific subgroup of patients.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle biopsy vs fine-needle aspiration for lymph nodes tissue acquisition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition represents the choice of methods for suspected lymph nodes (LNs) located next to the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to compare the pooled diagnostic performance of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) and fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for LNs sampling.

Methods

We searched PubMed/MedLine and Embase databases through August 2021. Primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy; secondary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, sample adequacy, optimal histological core procurement, number of passes, and adverse events. We performed a pairwise meta-analysis using a random-effects model. The results are presented as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference along with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We identified nine studies (1,276 patients) in this meta-analysis. Among these patients, 66.4% were male; the median age was 67 years. Diagnostic accuracy was not significantly different between the two approaches (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.81–2.10; P = 0.270). The accuracy of EUS-FNB was significantly higher when being performed with newer end-cutting needles (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.17–3.00; P = 0.009) and in abdominal LNs (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.52–4.05; P &lt; 0.001) than that of EUS-FNA. No difference in terms of sample adequacy was observed between the two approaches (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.46–4.26; P = 0.550); however, histological core procurement and diagnostic sensitivity with EUS-FNB were significantly higher than those with EUS-FNA (OR, 6.15; 95% CI, 1.51–25.07; P = 0.010 and OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.27–2.74, P = 0.001). The number of needle passes needed was significantly lower in the EUS-FNB group than in the EUS-FNA group (mean difference, −0.54; 95% CI, −0.97 to −0.12; P = 0.010).

Conclusions

EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB perform similarly in LN sampling; however, FNB performed with end-cutting needles outperformed FNA in terms of diagnostic accuracy.

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.

Lumen-apposing metal stents: How far are we from standardization? An Italian survey

Background and Objectives:

EUS-guided transluminal drainage has increasingly developed, especially after the era of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS): a fully covered, barbell-shaped, metal stent with anti-migratory properties allowing direct therapeutic interventions through a wide and short channel. The aim of this survey is to investigate the current management of patients undergoing LAMS placement nationwide.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-eight questions were submitted to Italian centers about expertise, peri- and intra-procedural aspects, budget/refund, and future perspectives. Statistical analyzer was SPSS®.

Results:

Thirty-six centers completed the survey. Indications for LAMS positioning are pancreatic fluid collection drainage (PFCD, 97.2%), biliary drainage (BD, 80.5%), gallbladder drainage (GBD, 75%), and gastroentero-anastomosis (GEA, 19.4%). A total of 77.7% of the endoscopists perform only on-label procedures and 22.2% both on-label and off-label. 38.8% attended a training preliminary course, 27.7% were just supported by an expert, 22.2% had both the opportunities, and 8.3% none of them. Management of antiplatelets and sedation protocol is very heterogeneous. Only 50% involves a multidisciplinary meeting and 30.5% has a specialized clinic for follow-up. Acid suppression is usually continued after PFCD. The type and timing of postprocedural imaging varies widely. 8.3% of the endoscopists work without fluoroscopy. Refund for LAMS is mostly not guaranteed. Main future growing indications appear to be BD, GBD, and GEA (69.4%, 55.5%, and 55.5%, respectively).

Conclusions:

This is the first survey assessing the state of the art on LAMS almost 10 years after their advent. There are currently wide variations in practice nationwide, which demonstrates a pressing need to define technical, qualitative, and peri-procedural requirements to carry out this procedure, toward a standardization.

Biliopancreatic Endoscopy in Altered Anatomy

Background and Objectives: Anatomical post-surgical alterations of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract have always been challenging for performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, especially when biliopancreatic diseases are involved. Esophagectomy, gastrectomy with various reconstructions and pancreaticoduodenectomy are among the most common surgeries causing upper GI tract alterations. Technological improvements and new methods have increased the endoscopic success rate in these patients, and the literature has been rapidly increasing over the past few years. The aim of this systematic review is to identify evidence on the available biliopancreatic endoscopic techniques performed in the altered post-surgical anatomy of upper GI tract. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases. Study-level variables extracted were the last name of the first author, publication year, study design, number of patients, type of post-surgical anatomical alteration, endoscopic technique, success rate and endoscopic-related adverse events. Results: Our primary search identified 221 titles, which was expanded with studies after the citation search. The final full-text review process identified 52 articles (31 retrospective studies, 8 prospective studies and 13 case reports). We found several different techniques developed over the years for biliopancreatic diseases in altered anatomy, in order to perform both endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). They included enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (double and single balloon enteroscopy-ERCP, spiral enteroscopy-ERCP) laparoscopic assisted ERCP, EUS-Directed transgastric ERCP, EUS-directed transgastric intervention, gastric access temporary for endoscopy, and percutaneous assisted trans prosthetic endoscopic therapy. The success rate was high (most of the techniques showed a success rate over 90%) and a low rate of adverse events were reported. Conclusions: We suggest the considerationof the novel techniques when approaching patients with altered anatomy who require biliopancreatic endoscopy, focusing on the surgery type, success rate and adverse events reported in the literature.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Biopsy With or Without Rapid On-site Evaluation for Diagnosis of Solid Pancreatic Lesions: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The benefit of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) on the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) has never been evaluated in a randomized study. This trial aimed to test the hypothesis that in solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs), diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB without ROSE was not inferior to that of EUS-FNB with ROSE.

METHODS

A noninferiority study (noninferiority margin, 5%) was conducted at 14 centers in 8 countries. Patients with SPLs requiring tissue sampling were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo EUS-FNB with or without ROSE using new-generation FNB needles. The touch-imprint cytology technique was used to perform ROSE. The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy, and secondary endpoints were safety, tissue core procurement, specimen quality, and sampling procedural time.

RESULTS

Eight hundred patients were randomized over an 18-month period, and 771 were analyzed (385 with ROSE and 386 without). Comparable diagnostic accuracies were obtained in both arms (96.4% with ROSE and 97.4% without ROSE, P = .396). Noninferiority of EUS-FNB without ROSE was confirmed with an absolute risk difference of 1.0% (1-sided 90% confidence interval, -1.1% to 3.1%; noninferiority P < .001). Safety and sample quality of histologic specimens were similar in both groups. A significantly higher tissue core rate was obtained by EUS-FNB without ROSE (70.7% vs. 78.0%, P = .021), with a significantly shorter mean sampling procedural time (17.9 ± 8.8 vs 11.7 ± 6.0 minutes, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNB demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in evaluating SPLs independently on execution of ROSE. When new-generation FNB needles are used, ROSE should not be routinely recommended. (ClinicalTrial.gov number NCT03322592.).

Digital single‑operator cholangioscopy in treating difficult biliary stones: results from a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

In clinical practice, standard endoscopic treatment of biliary stones fails in up to 10% of patients, and more invasive procedures such as percutaneous trans-hepatic interventions or surgery might become necessary. The aim of this multi-center retrospective study, based on prospectively-collected data, was to evaluate both the efficacy and the safety of Digital-Single Operator Cholangioscopy (D-SOC) to treat difficult biliary stones, in cases with a previous failure of conventional endoscopic methods.

METHODS

Only patients with a previous failure of endoscopic standard treatment and a DSOC- based biliary stone treatment using electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) or laser lithotripsy (LL) were included. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the stone clearance rate per procedure and per patient. Out of 1258 ERCP performed at our (three?) centers, 31 cholangioscopies in 21 patients were solely performed for the treatment of difficult biliary stones using EHL or LL.

RESULTS

A complete biliary stone removal was achieved in 67.7% (21/31) of all procedures including initial and repeated examinations, while in 35.4% (11/31) of all procedures an incomplete removal was accomplished of which 36.3% had a partial stone removal. In 22 procedures EHL was adopted as techniques to fragment and remove biliary stones, while in 9 procedures LL was used. In both the techniques, the complete stone removal rate and the incomplete stone removal rate were similar (75% vs 77.7%, p>.05). Furthermore, the success rate of digital DSOC to treat difficult biliary stones was assessed per patient: overall, 100% of patients with difficult biliary stones were successfully treated using D-SOC. Only one patient experienced mild cholangitis classified ad mild adverse event following ASGE (American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) lexicon.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data indicate that digital D-SOC assisted biliary stone treatment is highly efficient for the treatment of difficult biliary stones even in such patients in whom previous conventional endoscopic methods to treat biliary stones have failed. Therefore, D-SOC might be considered the new standard of care for these patients, being both, effective and safe.

Acute Toxicity in Hypofractionated/Stereotactic Prostate Radiotherapy of Elderly Patients: Use of the Image-guided Radio Therapy (IGRT) Clarity System

BACKGROUND

The use of intra-fractional monitoring and correction of prostate position with the Image Guided Radio Therapy (IGRT) system can increase the spatial accuracy of dose delivery. Clarity is a system used for intrafraction prostate-motion management, it provides a real-time visualization of prostate with a transperineal ultrasound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Clarity-IGRT on proper intrafraction alignment and monitoring, its impact on Planning Tumor Volume margin and on urinary and rectal toxicity in elderly patients not eligible for surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five elderly prostate cancer patients, median age=75 years (range=75-90 years) were treated with Volumetric Radiotherapy and Clarity-IGRT using 3 different schemes: A) 64.5/72 Gray (Gy) in 30 fractions on prostate and seminal vesicles (6 patients); B) 35 Gy in 5 fractions on prostate and seminal vesicles (12 patients); C): 35 Gy in 5 fractions on prostate (7 patients). Ultrasound identification of the overlapped structures to the detected ones during simulation has been used in each session. A specific software calculates direction and entity of necessary shift to obtain the perfect match. The average misalignment in the three-dimensional space has been determined and shown in a box-plot.

RESULTS

All patients completed treatment with mild-moderate toxicity. During treatment, genitourinary toxicity was 32% Grade 1; 4% Grade 2, rectal was 4% Grade 1. At follow-up of 3 months, genitourinary toxicity was 20% Grade 1; 4% Grade 2, rectal toxicity was 4% Grade 2. At follow-up of 6 months, genitourinary toxicity was 4% Grade 1; 4% Grade 2. Rectal toxicity was 4% Grade 2.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy with the Clarity System allows a reduction of PTV margins, the amount of fractions can be reduced increasing the total dose, not exacerbating urinary and rectal toxicity with greater patient's compliance.

Macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of specimens from solid lesions acquired during EUS-FNB: multicenter study and comparison between needle gauges

Background and study aims  The standard method for obtaining samples during endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is fine-needle aspiration (FNA), the accuracy of which can be affected by the presence of a cytopathologist in endoscopy room (rapid on-site evaluation [ROSE]). With the introduction of fine-needle biopsy (FNB), macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of a acquired specimen has been proposed. Only a few studies have evaluated the role of MOSE and in all except one, a 19G needle was used. Our primary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and accuracy of MOSE with different needle sizes and the secondary aim was to identify factors influencing the yield of MOSE. Patients and methods  Data from patients who underwent EUS-FNB for solid lesions, with MOSE evaluation of the specimen, were collected in six endoscopic referral centers. Results  A total of 378 patients (145 F and 233 M) were enrolled. Needles sizes used during the procedures were 20G (42 %), 22G (45 %), and 25G (13 %). The median number of needle passes was two (IQR 2-3). The overall diagnostic yield of MOSE was of 90 % (confidence interval [CI] 86 %-92 %). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables independently associated with the diagnostic yield of MOSE were a larger needle diameter (20G vs. 25G, OR 11.64, 95 %CI 3.5-38.71; 22G vs. 25G, OR 6.20, 95 %CI 2.41-15.90) and three of more needle passes (OR 3.39, 95 %CI 1.38-8.31). Conclusions  MOSE showed high diagnostic yield and accuracy. Its yield was further increased if performed with a large size FNB needles and more than two passes.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) -guided visceral anastomoses: indications and techniques

BACKGROUND

Technologic advancements in the field of therapeutic endoscopy have led to the development of minimally invasive techniques to create gastrointestinal anastomosis instead of surgical interventions. Examples of the potential clinical applications include bypassing malignant and benign gastric outlet obstruction, providing access to the pancreato-biliary tree in those who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and relieving pancreato-biliary symptoms in afferent loop syndrome.

METHODS

starting from the available literature, aim of this narrative review is to summarize indications and techniques of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided visceral anastomoses.

RESULTS

A critical review of literature on the new EUS-guided anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing evidences are accumulating demonstrating advantages of EUS guided visceral anastomoses. These new procedures represent a novel, minimally invasive alternative for managing different type of intestinal obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage of malignant stenosis, not treatable with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a single-center, prospective observational study

Background and study aims  The therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evolved in recent decade,s opening a new chapter in the field of endoscopic biliary drainage (BD). EUS-BD has emerged as a new mini-invasive technique for neoplastic jaundice not amenable to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The primary study aims were to assess the clinical efficacy of EUS-BD using an electrocautery-enhanced lumen apposing metal stent (ECE-LAMS) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction with failed\unfeasible ERCP and the adverse event (AE) rate. The secondary aims were to evaluate the technical success and incidence of jaundice recurrence. Patients and methods  Data from All patients referred to our tertiary-care Institute with obstructive jaundice due to unresectable malignant distal biliary stricture and unfeasible\failed ERCP, were prospectively recorded from January 2015 to February 2018. The procedures were performed by a single-step ECE-LAMS (AXIOS-EC, Boston Scientific) placement, from the upper gut lumen to the biliary tree, for definitive biliary decompression. Results  Twenty-one patients were consecutively enrolled. Mean pre-procedure common bile duct diameter was 16 mm and the bilirubin level was 13.9 mg/dL (range 3.8-29.5). LAMS was positioned from the duodenal bulb (n = 19) to gastric antrum (n = 2). We registered a 100 % of technical and clinical success. No AEs occurred. We observed a single case of delayed AE consisting of a buried LAMS, which was successfully resolved endoscopically. Conclusions  Despite the limits of being non-comparative, our study shows outcomes in a homogeneous population in terms of indications and technique. EUS-BD with dedicated ECE-LAMS is associated with extremely good clinical efficacy and safety and can be considered as an alternative in cases of failed/unfeasible ERCP.

Patency of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy in the treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a novel, minimally invasive technique in the palliative treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Several studies have demonstrated feasibility and safety of EUS-GE, but evidence on long-term durability is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate patency of EUS-GE in treatment of malignant GOO. Patients and Methods  An international multicenter study was performed in seven centers in four European countries. Patients who underwent EUS-GE with a LAMS between March 2015 and March 2019 for palliative treatment of symptomatic malignant GOO were included retrospectively. Our main outcome was recurrent obstruction due to LAMS dysfunction; other outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, adverse events (AEs), and survival. Results  A total of 45 patients (mean age 69.9 ± 12.3 years and 48.9 % male) were included. Median duration of follow-up was 59 days (interquartile range [IQR] 41-128). Recurrent obstruction occurred in two patients (6.1 %), after 33 and 283 days of follow-up. Technical success was achieved in 39 patients (86.7 %). Clinical success was achieved in 33 patients (73.3 %). AEs occurred in 12 patients (26.7 %), of which five were fatal. Median overall survival was 57 days (IQR 32-114). Conclusions  EUS-GE showed a low rate of recurrent obstruction. The relatively high number of fatal AEs underscores the importance of careful implementation of EUS-GE in clinical practice.

Multicentric Italian survey on daily practice for autoimmune pancreatitis: Clinical data, diagnosis, treatment, and evolution toward pancreatic insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare, and relatively new, form of chronic pancreatitis. The management of AIP can vary considerably among different centres in daily clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to present a picture of epidemiological, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and the real-life practice in terms of management in several academic and non-academic centres in Italy.

METHODS

Data on the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, treatments, frequency of relapses, and long-term outcomes were retrospectively collected in a cohort of AIP patients diagnosed at 14 centres in Italy.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients were classified as type 1 AIP, 48 as type 2 AIP, and 19 as not otherwise specified. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and serological characteristics, and relapses were similar to those previously reported for different types of AIP. Endoscopic cytohistology was available in 46.2% of cases, and diagnostic for AIP in only 35.2%. Steroid trial to aid diagnosis was administered in 43.3% cases, and effective in 93.3%. Steroid therapy was used in 70.5% of cases, and effective in 92.6% of patients. Maintenance therapy with low dose of steroid (MST) was prescribed in 25.4% of cases at a mean dose of 5 (±1.4) mg/die, and median time of MST was 60 days. Immunosuppressive drugs were rarely used (10.9%), and rituximab in 1.7%. Faecal elastase-1 was evaluated in only 31.2% of patients, and was pathological in 59.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of AIP patients, diagnosis and classification for subtype was frequently possible, confirming the different characteristics of AIP1 and AIP2 previously reported. Nevertheless, we observed a low use of histology and steroid trial for a diagnosis of AIP. Steroid treatment was the most used therapy in our cohort. Immunosuppressants and rituximab were rarely used. The evaluation of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is underemployed considering its high prevalence.

The safety and efficacy of a new 20-mm lumen apposing metal stent (lams) for the endoscopic treatment of pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections: a large international, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) allows an easy access to peripancreatic fluid collections (PPFCs) and the possibility of performing direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new 20-mm LAMS in the management of PPFCs. This novel stent represents the largest diameter LAMS available on the market to date.

METHODS

This is an international, multicenter retrospective study involving 20 centers. Consecutive patients who underwent EUS-guided PPFC drainage using a 20-mm LAMS were included. Primary outcomes were technical and clinical success. Secondary outcomes were rate and the severity of adverse events.

RESULTS

A total 105 patients underwent PPFC drainage using the new 20-mm LAMS and 106 LAMS were placed. Technical success was 100% (106/106). 7/105 patients died due to causes not related to the stent. Clinical success was achieved in 92/98 patients (93.9%). Significant adverse events occurred in 8/98 patients (8.16%): 4 cases (4.08%) of bleeding, 3 cases (3.06%) of suprainfection, 1 case of gastric outlet obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter study demonstrated acceptable rates of technical and clinical success using a new 20-mm LAMS for PPFC, including walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). The results of our study suggest that a new 20-mm LAMS is non-inferior in terms of safety, efficacy, and adverse events as compared to smaller diameter LAMS in the management of PPFCs, including pancreatic psuedocysts (PP) and WOPN. Randomized controlled studies will be needed to determine the ideal size of LAMS need to achieve the greatest clinical benefit with the minimized risk exposure for this high-risk patient population.

Sequential multistenting protocol in biliary stenosis after liver transplantation: a prospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications are a serious source of morbidity after orthotopic and living-related liver transplantation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) is the gold standard for patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis because it allows a direct approach for interventional procedures. A retrospective study showed results of a sequential multistenting protocol, without stent removal/exchange, with promising results. We conducted a prospective analysis to assess the clinical success, recurrence rate, and adverse event rate related to this protocol.

METHODS

From May 2012 to April 2018, all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of anastomotic stenosis following liver transplantation were enrolled in the study, and were followed for a period of at least 6 months after the last ERC. During the first ERC, a maximum number of plastic stents (10 Fr) were placed. In subsequent ERCs, scheduled every 3 months up to a maximum of 1 year, additional stents were inserted, as many as possible, without removing the previously placed stents.

RESULTS

From May 2012 to May 2018, 87 patients were included in the study and treated with a sequential multistenting protocol. The mean number of stents placed was 3.7 (SD 1.0). Clinical success (stricture resolution and normalization of cholestasis) was achieved in 86 patients (98.9 %). Seven patients (8.0 %) developed complications. Recurrence was recorded in seven patients (8.0 %) after a mean of 992.7 days (SD 622.1).

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first prospective demonstration of the efficacy and safety of a sequential multistenting protocol. A key limitation of the study is the lack of a comparative group treated according to the traditional stent exchange approach.

Endoscopic management of post-surgical GI wall defects with the overstitch endosuturing system: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Post-GI surgical wall defects are frequent and life-threatening complications, with limited literature regarding current treatment. This case series aims to assess the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of endoluminal therapy with the overstitch endoscopic suturing system (Apollo Endosurgery Inc, Austin).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent endoscopic suturing for post-surgical wall defect management at IRCCS-ISMETT Palermo from October 2017 until January 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Stratification therapy was applied according to the clinical scenario, time from surgery to endoscopic intervention, and structural condition of the wall defect layers (tissue status and suture feasibility). The therapeutic endoscopic strategy was divided into three groups (A: pure endoscopic direct suture; B: combined therapy with endoscopic direct suture + FC-SEMS placement + anchoring; C: FC-SEMS placement + anchoring). Success was considered the resolution of symptoms and the presence of a regular intestinal transit after a period of 4-6 weeks.

RESULTS

Twenty (20) patients (male/female 7/13; mean age 54 ± 13.43 years) were included in the study (group A: 9 patients, group B: 7 patients, group C: 4 patients). The types of operative procedures were bariatric (9/20), post-tracheostomy (3/20), post-operative GI surgery (8/20). The post-surgical defects were predominantly intermediate and chronic (24-72 h: 1/20; 3-30 days: 13/20; > 30 days: 6/20). The overall clinical success was 80% (17/20 patients), with a success of 94% (16/17 patients) when excluding the three cases of tracheo-esophageal fistula. No evidence of migration was detected. The only complication was short stenosis of the distal esophagus, present in 4 patients (19%) and successfully treated with a novel lumen-apposing metal stent.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, considering the absence of clear guidelines, the endoluminal approach with the overstich endoscopic suturing system is a valid alternative to conventional therapy, offering mini-invasiveness, and presenting promising opportunities in terms of technical feasibility and clinical efficacy.