Efficacy of texture and color enhancement imaging for short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted biliary cannulation in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy: Multicenter study (with video)

OBJECTIVES

Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) reportedly improves the identification of the papilla of Vater for selective biliary cannulation compared with white light imaging (WLI). This multicenter study evaluated the efficacy of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted biliary cannulation using a new-generation image-enhanced endoscopy processing system equipped with TXI in patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastrectomy.

METHODS

Patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy with a native papilla, and underwent short SBE-assisted biliary cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures between January 2019 and April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of biliary cannulation using TXI and WLI were compared. The primary outcome was time to successful biliary cannulation.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients underwent biliary cannulation with TXI and 98 underwent WLI. The biliary cannulation success rates and median time to successful biliary cannulation with TXI and WLI were 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 79.8-99.3%) and 83.7% (95% CI 74.8-90.4%), respectively (P = 0.14), and 10 min (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5-23.5) and 18 min (IQR 9.75-24), respectively (P = 0.04). Biliary cannulation with TXI required a shorter cannulation time than that required with WLI. Adverse event rates with TXI and WLI did not differ significantly (P = 0.58). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the use of TXI and short length of oral protrusion were associated with a shorter successful biliary cannulation time.

CONCLUSION

Short SBE-assisted biliary cannulation was effective and safe on TXI in patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastrectomy, and achieved shorter successful biliary cannulation time.

22-gauge Co-Cr versus stainless-steel Franseen needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition in patients with solid pancreatic lesions

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) using Franseen needles is reportedly useful for its high diagnostic yield. This study compared the diagnostic yield and puncturing ability of EUS-TA using 22-gauge cobalt-chromium (CO-Cr) needles with those of stainless-steel Franseen needles in patients with solid pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

Outcomes were compared between the 22-gauge Co-Cr Franseen needle (December 2019 to November 2020; group C) and stainless-steel needle (November 2020 to May 2022; group S).

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients (group C, 75; group S, 80) were eligible. The diagnostic accuracy was 92.0% in group C and 96.3% in group S with no significant intergroup differences (p=0.32). The rate of change in the operator (from training fellows to experts) was 20.0% (15/75) in group C and 7.5% (6/80) in group S. Stainless-steel Franseen needles showed less inter-operator difference than Co-Cr needles (p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Both Co-Cr and stainless-steel Franseen needles showed high diagnostic ability. Stainless-steel Franseen needles are soft and flexible; therefore, the range of puncture angles can be widely adjusted, making them suitable for training fellows to complete the procedure.

Texture and color enhancement imaging aided in the identification of a deviated bile duct orifice in a patient with a large periampullary diverticulum

Deviation of the bile duct orifice due to a large periampullary diverticulum presents difficulty in identifying the bile duct orifice, resulting in failure to achieve selective biliary cannulation. Tanisaka and colleagues demonstrate the usefulness of texture and color enhancement imaging for the identification of a deviated bile duct orifice.

Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a technical review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is technically challenging. For example, scope insertion, selective cannulation, and intended procedures, such as stone extraction or stent placement, can be difficult. Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been used to effectively and safely address these technical issues in clinical practice. However, the small working channel limits its therapeutic potential. To address this shortcoming, a short-type SBE (short SBE) with a working length of 152 cm and a channel of 3.2 mm diameter has recently been introduced. Short SBE facilitates the use of larger accessories to complete certain procedures, such as stone extraction or self-expandable metallic stent placement. Despite the development in the SBE endoscope, various steps have to be overcome to successfully perform such procedure. To improve success, the challenging factors of each procedure must be identified. At the same time, endoscopists need to be mindful of adverse events, such as perforation, which can arise due to adhesions specific to the surgically altered anatomy. This review discussed technical tips regarding SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy to increase success and reduce the risk of adverse events associated with ERCP.

Usefulness of texture and color enhancement imaging in peroral pancreatoscopy

Tanisaka and colleagues report the usefulness of texture and color enhancement imaging provided by a new-generation image-enhanced endoscopy system in a patient with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm who had undergone peroral pancreatoscopy. Texture and color enhancement imaging clearly showed structural changes of the lesion and improved the diagnostic quality of peroral pancreatoscopy.

A Case of Bile Duct Mixed Neuroendocrine-nonendocrine Neoplasm with a Complete Response to Chemoradiotherapy

The incidence of neuroendocrine carcinomas arising from the bile duct is low, and that of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) is even lower; therefore, there is no standard treatment for MiNENs. Choosing the appropriate treatment in clinical practice is difficult. We herein report a case of unresectable extrahepatic bile duct MiNEN in a 66-year-old man who received curative chemoradiotherapy and achieved a complete response, remaining recurrence-free for 2.5 years. We consider the findings of this case to be valuable in selecting a treatment strategy for unresectable bile duct MiNENs.

Usefulness of novel self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel for post-endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation in a patient with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy

In this case video, Tanisaka and colleagues demonstrate the usefulness of self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel for hemostasis after endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation in a patient with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy. They conclude that this case represents a good indication for this gel, as it facilitates hemostasis even in challenging cases.

Usefulness of texture- and color-enhancement imaging for identifying the bleeding point in a patient with post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding

Video 1Upon reaching the papilla, fresh blood was observed. However, the bleeding point could not be detected on white-light imaging. Therefore, we switched to texture- and color-enhancement imaging to identify the bleeding point. A visible vessel was identified on texture- and color-enhancement imaging. Endoscopic hemostasis was successfully achieved using a hemostatic clip.

Comparison of serum acylcarnitine levels in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease (ME/CFS/SEID) is a condition diagnosed primarily based on clinical symptoms, including prolonged fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, there is no specific test for the disease. Additionally, diagnosis can be challenging since healthcare professionals may lack sufficient knowledge about the disease. Prior studies have shown that patients with ME/CFS/SEID have low serum acylcarnitine levels, which may serve as a surrogate test for patients suspected of having this disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the differences in serum acylcarnitine levels between patients with ME/CFS/SEID and healthy controls.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Ichushi-Web databases. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, we included all studies from the databases' inception until February 17, 2023, that evaluated blood tests in both patients with ME/CFS/SEID and healthy control groups. The primary endpoint was the difference in serum acylcarnitine levels between the two groups.

RESULTS

The electronic search identified 276 studies. Among them, seven met the eligibility criteria. The serum acylcarnitine levels were analyzed in 403 patients with ME/CFS/SEID. The patient group had significantly lower serum acylcarnitine levels when compared with the control group, and the statistical heterogeneity was high.

CONCLUSION

The patient group had significantly lower serum acylcarnitine levels when compared with the control group. In the future, the measurement of serum acylcarnitine levels, in addition to clinical symptoms, may prove to be a valuable diagnostic tool for this condition.

Efficacy for diagnoses of scirrhous gastric cancer and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC) is diagnosed using endoscopy and/or biopsy; however, SGC diagnosis remains challenging owing to its special growth form and morphologic features. Hence, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), which is minimally invasive and has a high proportion of diagnostic tissue, may be an alternative investigative modality for patients with suspected SGC. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and evaluate the evidence for the efficacy and safety of EUS-FNA in patients with suspected SGC. We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and Ichushi-Web (NPO Japan Medical Abstracts Society) databases and included all entries in which SGC was evaluated using EUS-FNA in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement from the databases' inception to October 10, 2022. The primary outcome was the proportion of SGC diagnosed using EUS-FNA. In addition, we analyzed the proportion of adverse events associated with EUS-FNA. The electronic search identified 1890 studies; overall, four studies met the selection criteria and reported data on EUS-FNA performed on 114 patients with suspected SGC. The overall diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA for SGC was 82.6% (95% confidence interval, 74.6-90.6%) and the statistical heterogeneity was 0% (I ² = 0%), indicating a low heterogeneity. Furthermore, the EUS-FNA diagnostic proportion for SGC lymph node metastasis was 75-100%, indicating a high diagnostic performance. The adverse event rate of EUS-FNA was 0%. EUS-FNA may be an alternative investigation mode for SGC patients with negative esophagogastroduodenoscopy-biopsy results.

Distinguishing the papilla of Vater during biliary cannulation using texture and color enhancement imaging: A pilot study

Objectives

Understanding the exact morphology of the bile duct opening is important for determining the success of bile duct cannulation. Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) has been reported to enhance slight changes in color tone and structure that are difficult to see with white light imaging. This study investigated whether TXI mode1 could improve papillary recognition by trainees inexperienced in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Methods

We included 31 patients with naive papilla of Vater at a single institution in the study. Trainee endoscopists (n = 4) evaluated and identified the papilla according to the Inomata classification using white light imaging and TXI. The degree of agreement with the evaluation of supervising physicians (n = 4) was examined using the McNemar test.

Results

In the trainee group, the kappa coefficient agreements were κ = 0.346 and κ = 0.754 for white light imaging and TXI, respectively. When further evaluated, the separate and septal types of papilla groups showed an increased concordance rate in one of the four trainees (76.67%–96.67%, p = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, comparison for two‐group evaluation showed an increased kappa coefficient in two of four trainees (0.34–0.92, p = 0.010, 0.45–0.92, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Observation of the duodenal papilla using TXI improved papillary differentiation and suggested the potential of TXI as a clinical tool. Further study of this method is necessary; it is expected to help reduce cannulation time and the incidence of pancreatitis.

Can endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures for resolving acute cholangitis be effectively and safely performed in patients with surgically altered anatomy? Comparison study to evaluate the timing of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVES

Balloon enteroscopy (BE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related procedures to resolve acute cholangitis (AC) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) are limited. There is a lack of evidence on whether the timing of BE-assisted ERCP affects clinical outcomes in patients with AC. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (short SBE)-assisted ERCP in patients with SAA and AC.

METHODS

Patients with AC who underwent short SBE-assisted ERCP procedures between September 2011 and April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes of procedures undergone at ≤24 h and >24 h were compared. The primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Overall, 56 patients underwent procedures at ≤24 h, and 58 patients at >24 h. The procedural success and adverse event rates of short SBE-assisted ERCP were 87.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80.3-93.1%) and 4.4% (95% CI 1.4-9.9%), respectively. Patients with severe (Grade III) AC and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were more in early (at ≤24 h) ERCP groups. LOS and median time from ERCP procedures to discharge were shorter in the early group. Procedural success and adverse event rates between both groups had no significant differences. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that ERCP performed at ≤24 h was associated with shorter LOS, while severe cholangitis and malignant biliary obstruction were associated with longer LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Short SBE-assisted ERCP is effective and safe in patients with SAA and AC. Early procedures seemed to attribute early improvement of general condition, thus shortening the LOS.

Endoscopic ultrasound‑guided biliary drainage in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a systematic review and Meta‑analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is technically challenging to perform in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA). For these patients, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is one of the good indications. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify and evaluate evidence of the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in patients with SAA.

METHODS

A systematic review of the PubMed was conducted through to December 2021 to identify studies performing EUS-BD in patients with SAA. The primary outcome was the pooled technical success proportion in patients with SAA. The pooled clinical success and adverse event proportions in patients with SAA were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The search identified 1195 possible records, with 18 studies meeting our criteria for analysis, reporting data for 409 patients with SAA who underwent EUS-BD. The pooled technical success, clinical success and adverse event proportions in patients with SAA were 97.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.8-99.7%), 94.9% (95% CI, 91.8-98.1%), and 12.8% (95% CI, 7.4-18.1%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-BD is effective for patients with SAA. However, adverse events should be considered when performing EUS-BD in these patients.

STNM01, the RNA oligonucleotide targeting carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15, as second-line therapy for chemotherapy-refractory patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer: An open label, phase I/IIa trial

BACKGROUND

The impact of stroma-targeting therapy on tumor immune suppression is largely unexplored. An RNA oligonucleotide, STNM01, has been shown to repress carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) responsible for tumor proteoglycan synthesis and matrix remodeling. This phase I/IIa study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of STNM01 in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

This was an open-label, dose-escalation study of STNM01 as second-line therapy in gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel-refractory PDAC. A cycle comprised three 2-weekly endoscopic ultrasound-guided locoregional injections of STNM01 at doses of 250, 1,000, 2,500, or 10,000 nM in combination with S-1 (80-120 mg twice a day for 14 days every 3 weeks). The primary outcome was the incidence of dose-liming toxicity (DLT). The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), tumor response, changes in tumor microenvironment on immunohistopathology, and safety (jRCT2031190055).

FINDINGS

A total of 22 patients were enrolled, and 3 cycles were repeated at maximum; no DLT was observed. The median OS was 7.8 months. The disease control rate was 77.3%; 1 patient showed complete disappearance of visible lesions in the pancreas and tumor-draining lymph nodes. Higher tumoral CHST15 expression was associated with poor CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell infiltration at baseline. STNM01 led to a significant reduction in CHST15, and increased tumor-infiltrating CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in combination with S-1 at the end of cycle 1. Higher fold increase in CD3⁺ T cells correlated with longer OS. There were 8 grade 3 adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

Locoregional injection of STNM01 was well tolerated in patients with unresectable PDAC as combined second-line therapy. It prolonged survival by enhancing T cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment.

FUNDING

The present study was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

Competence development of trainees performing short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the trainees' practice and learning curve in short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (short SBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) and determine how to train these trainees.

METHODS

The data of short SBE-assisted ERCP procedures between September 2011 and June 2021 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three trainees and 180 cases were included in the analysis. Each trainee performed 60 cases between April 2016 and June 2021. The trainees' completion rate was 73.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.8-80.1%). Adverse events occurred in 5.0% of cases (95% CI, 2.3-9.3%). The trainee who experienced colonoscopy and ERCP the most achieved better outcomes of enteroscopy success (reaching the target site) and trainee's completion rates than those of the others (P = .03 and .02, respectively). The learning curve for trainee's completion showed a significant improvement after 60 cases (P = .001). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that Roux-en-Y reconstruction was the factor affecting trainees' completion failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Short SBE-assisted ERCP trainees has a substantial learning curve. If trainees do not have much experience with colonoscopy and ERCP procedures, it may be beneficial for them to start performing short SBE-assisted ERCP procedures on non-Roux-en-Y reconstruction cases.

Factors affecting complete stone extraction in the initial procedure in short type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stone extraction in patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastrectomy using short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) and to clarify the factors affecting complete stone extraction in the initial procedure.

METHODS

The data of patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy who underwent endoscopic stone extraction using short SBE between September 2011 and January 2022 was analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 85 patients were scheduled to undergo stone extraction. 77 patients were intended stone extraction after successful biliary cannulation. The complete stone extraction success in the initial procedure, overall complete stone extraction success including repeated procedures, and adverse event rates were 68.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.2%-77.9%), 87.1% (95% CI, 78.0%-93.4%), and 8.2% (95% CI, 3.4%-16.2%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that bile duct diameter affected the success of complete stone extraction after successful biliary cannulation in the initial procedure (odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI, 0.30-0.94, p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Stone extraction in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy using short SBE was effective. Patients with a large diameter bile duct required several sessions for complete stone extraction, suggesting that more dedicated devices are warranted for patients with surgically altered anatomy.

Endoscopic hemostasis using gel immersion endoscopy for duodenal ulcer and a sigmoid colon polyp: A novel gel injection method

Gel immersion endoscopy (GIE) has gained prominence for securing a good visual field. Traditionally, OS-1 jelly (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory) has been used for GIE. However, due to the presence of electrolytes, it is unsuitable for endoscopic hemostasis using a monopolar device. Therefore, VISCOCLEAR (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory), a new gel that does not contain electrolytes, has been developed. Moreover, unlike water or saline, VISCOCLEAR does not readily mix with blood, making it effective in visualizing gastrointestinal bleeding. We report two cases in which GIE was performed using a novel gel injection method.

Effectiveness of a multi-loop traction device for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection performed by trainees: a pilot study

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a difficult procedure, and its introduction to trainees has been debated. Although the criteria for performing colorectal ESD vary among institutions, it is often allowed after gaining experience performing surgeries in animals and upper gastrointestinal ESD. This pilot study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of ESD performed by trainees using the multi-loop traction device (MLTD group) and those of conventional ESD performed by experts (control group). It also aimed to determine whether the MLTD can be used to safely introduce colorectal ESD to trainees. We included 26 colorectal ESD patients (13 in the MLTD group and 13 in the control group) treated at our hospital from October to December 2021. There were no significant differences in the procedure time (50 min vs. 30 min), dissection speed (19.9 mm²/min vs. 28.7 mm²/min), and intraoperative perforation (0% vs. 0%) of the two groups. Furthermore, the rate of ESD self-completion in the MLTD group was 100%. Therefore, the use of the MLTD allowed the safe introduction of colorectal ESD, even among endoscopists with no experience performing colorectal ESD. Consequently, the use of the MLTD may replace animal and upper gastrointestinal ESD when introducing colorectal ESD to trainees.

A clinical study following phase I/IIa trial of STNM01 to investigate the overall survival and tumor microenvironment in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer

4144

Background: Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) is a proteoglycan biosynthetic enzyme and responsible for tumor matrix remodeling. We reported last year the top-line clinical results of Phase I/IIa (PI/IIa) trial of STNM01, a synthetic RNA oligonucleotide to CHST15, as a second-line (2L) therapy in patients with progressive, unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we report the final PI/IIa results and follow-up clinical results investigating the changes of tumor microenvironmental parameters and the correlation with overall survival (OS). Methods: An additional clinical study was followed by PI/IIa trial (jRCT2031190055), which was a multicenter, open-label study of locoregional injections with STNM01 three times at 2 week-interval in 4 weeks as one cycle. A total of 3 cycles were repeated at maximum in combination with systemic 2L chemotherapy, oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 in the PI/IIa trial. The primary objective of this additional clinical study was OS. The secondary objectives were relations of tumor microenvironmental parameters evaluated by immunohistochemistry with OS. For comparison analyses, two-tailed unpaired t-test was performed. For correlation analyses, the Pearson coefficient analyses were performed. Results: A total of 22 patients were enrolled in the study. The average number of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ (13.8/mm2) and CD8+ T cells (8.0/mm2) at baseline in the evaluable population (n = 20) was at most one tenth or less, compared to historical data, indicating 2L population contained more T cell-immune suppressive patients. Baseline CD3+ and CD8+ T cells negatively correlated with tumoral CHST15 expression (p = 0.0051, p = 0.0478, respectively). As the final PI/IIa results, the median OS was 7.8 months with 6 and 12 months-survival rates of 68.2% and 31.8%, respectively. Disease control rate was 76.2% including 1 complete response. STNM01 led to a significant reduction in CHST15 at the end of cycle 1 compared to baseline (p = 0.0095, n = 19), and this was associated with increased CD3+ (p = 0.0331) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.0146) and reduced CD33+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) (p = 0.0281) in the tumor. Patient subpopulation who survived over 1 year (n = 5) showed a significant fold increase of CD3+ (p = 0.0033) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.0147) and decrease of CD33+ MDSCs (p = 0.0403) at the end of cycle 1 compared to another subpopulation who survived less than 1 year (n = 13-14). Higher fold increase of CD3+ T cells (p = 0.0035, n = 19) or fold decrease of CD33+ MDSCs (p = 0.0212, n = 15) at the end of cycle 1 significantly correlated with longer OS. Conclusions: Locoregional injection of STNM01 was able to reactivate and augment tumor-infiltrating T cells while repress MDSCs. These changes in tumor immune cell profiles correlate with prolong prognosis in patients with first-line refractory, unresectable PDAC. Clinical trial information: jRCT2031190055.

Effectiveness of clip-and-thread traction-assisted duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a propensity score-matched study (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The indications for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) remain controversial because the procedure is technically challenging. Moreover, the effectiveness of clip-and-thread traction-assisted ESD (TA-ESD) for SNADETs has not been assessed. The aim of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of duodenal TA-ESD and conventional ESD for SNADETs.

METHODS

SNADETs treated with conventional ESD or TA-ESD between April 2017 and March 2021 at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 49 cases of conventional ESD and 32 cases of TA-ESD for SNADETs. Using a propensity score-matched design, we selected 26 pairs of cases with conventional ESD and TA-ESD. In the unmatched cohort, patients treated with TA-ESD were characterized by a higher R0 (no tumor identified at the lateral or vertical margins) resection rate (P = .004), more frequent poor submucosal lifting because of fibrosis (P = .014), and shorter follow-up period (P = .0004) than patients treated with conventional ESD. In the propensity score-matched pairs, patients treated with TA-ESD were characterized by a higher rate of R0 resection (P = .021) and a shorter follow-up period (P = .0061). The findings regarding R0 resection rates were confirmed by multivariate logistic regression models, which found a higher odds ratio (OR) for R0 resection in patients who underwent TA-ESD than in patients who underwent conventional ESD both in the unmatched cohort (OR, 17.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-178.8; P = .018) and in the propensity score-matched pairs (OR, 26.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-460.2; P = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest TA-ESD may increase the rate of R0 resection in patients with SNADETs in comparison with conventional ESD.

Endoscopic closure using an over‐the‐scope clip for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related large gastrointestinal perforation (with video)

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreatobiliary diseases require advanced techniques. We usually use an oblique‐viewing endoscope in such procedures. Sometimes, tumor invasion causes gastrointestinal strictures. Crossing a stricture using an oblique‐viewing endoscope is more difficult than using a forward‐viewing scope. Therefore, the frequency of scope perforation is higher than other endoscopic procedures. Although surgical repair for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes has been performed, patients with pancreatobiliary diseases are often elderly and in poor general condition; therefore, patients are hesitant to undergo surgical treatments. Recently, the usefulness of over‐the‐scope clipping (OTSC) as a minimally invasive rescue method has also been reported. In this study, we report cases of successful endoscopic closure using OTSC for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes in ERCP and EUS‐related procedures. After those procedures, all cases showed no abnormalities in blood tests or symptoms, and emergency surgery was successfully avoided. Thus, endoscopic closure using OTSC for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations is safe and effective. However, OTSC requires some expertise. A good assessment of defect size and careful insertion of the scope using OTSC attached to the upper esophagus are needed to avoid clip migration or disinsertion and esophageal tears. Therefore, endoscopic closure using OTSC could be the first choice of treatment for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations. We should be familiar with its indication and perform it carefully and rapidly.

A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Feasibility Trial of Double-guidewire Techniques for Difficult Biliary Cannulation Comparing a New Double-guidewire-supported Sphincterotome (MagicTome) to a Conventional Device

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the double-guidewire technique (DGT) using a new double-guidewire-supported sphincterotome (MagicTome) for patients who required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary cannulation. Methods This prospective multicenter randomized feasibility trial involved patients with difficult biliary cannulation at any of the three study sites from June 2017 to October 2018. Patients were assigned to the DGT with MagicTome (MDGT) initially performed group and the conventional DGT (CDGT) initially performed group. The success rates of biliary cannulation by MDGT and CDGT and the ERCP-related complications were evaluated. Results Twenty-eight patients were included in this study. No significant difference was observed in the success rates of first attempts and crossover attempts between the groups (p=0.69 and p=1.00). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the success rate of biliary cannulation between MDGT and CDGT (62.5% and 75.0%, respectively; p=0.48). CDGT was successful in two of four patients with malignant biliary obstruction. MDGT was successful in all four patients with malignant biliary obstruction, including the two for whom CDGT was unsuccessful. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in only one MDGT case. Conclusion MDGT is safe for biliary cannulation and can be used in cases where biliary cannulation by CDGT is difficult.

Efficacy and factors affecting procedure results of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP for altered anatomy: a multicenter cohort in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted or short-type SBE (short SBE)-assisted ERCP has been reported as useful in patients with surgically altered anatomy, most studies had small sample sizes or single-center designs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and factors affecting the procedure results of short SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted at 8 tertiary referral care centers in Japan. The data of patients who underwent ERCP-related procedures using short SBE between September 2011 and August 2019 at each facility were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1318 patients were included in this analysis. The enteroscopy (reaching the target site), cannulation, and total procedural success rates were 87.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.1%-89.6%), 87.0% (95% CI, 84.9%-88.8%), and 74.9% (95% CI, 72.5%-77.2%), respectively. Adverse events occurred in 7.7% of patients (95% CI, 6.4%-9.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age (≥75 years), Roux-en-Y reconstruction, pancreatic indication, and malignancy were factors affecting the total procedural failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This large-scale study proved that short SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy was effective. Moreover, it clarified factors affecting procedure results. Proficiency with alternative treatment techniques is required in difficult cases. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN00004045.).

Adrenocortical Carcinoma Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Aspiration

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a very poor prognosis. A 77-year-old man underwent imaging studies due to poorly controlled hypertension, which revealed a mass measuring 43 mm in diameter near the left adrenal gland. There were no findings indicative of pheochromocytoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed for the preoperative pathological evaluation, and the findings indicated a possibility of ACC. Based on these results, curative surgery was performed. If the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is excluded, then EUS-FNA for adrenal lesions is relatively safe. It can also be used for the preoperative diagnosis of ACC.

Status of single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis on biliary interventions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is still challenging. Usefulness of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been increasingly reported. Short SBE is considered beneficial with a 152-cm working length and a 3.2-mm working channel. This has increased the variety of devices that can be used during ERCP procedures. The aim of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy and elucidate the current status.

METHODS

This systematic review only involved biliary interventions which excluded pancreatic cases. Studies involving SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy, hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y, pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple or Child procedure), or Billroth II gastrectomy were analyzed. Enteroscopy, biliary cannulation, and procedural success were assessed by pooling data in a random-effect model, according to the degree of heterogeneity, to obtain a proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI). The outcomes observed for conventional and short SBE cases were also reported.

RESULTS

Overall, 1227 SBE-assisted ERCP procedures from 21 studies were included. The pooled enteroscopy, biliary cannulation, and procedural success rates were 86.6% (95% CI, 82.4-90.3%), 90% (95% CI, 87.1-92.5%), and 75.8% (95% CI, 71.0-80.3%), respectively. Adverse events occurred in 6.6% (95% CI, 5.3-8.2%) of the procedures. Although good outcomes were reported for short SBE-assisted ERCP, these should not be directly compared to the outcomes observed for conventional SBE, as they assume different backgrounds and include confounding variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy on biliary interventions is effective.

Current Status of Endoscopic Biliary Drainage in Patients with Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Distal malignant biliary obstruction is caused by various malignant diseases that require biliary drainage. In patients with operable situations, preoperative biliary drainage is required to control jaundice and cholangitis until surgery. In view of tract seeding, endoscopic biliary drainage is the first choice. Since neoadjuvant therapies are being developed, the time to surgery is increasing, especially in pancreatic cancer cases. Therefore, it requires long stent patency. Recently, preoperative biliary drainage using self-expandable metal stents has been reported as a useful modality to secure long stent patency. In patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction, self-expandable metal stent is the first choice for maintaining long stent patency. Although there are many comparison studies between a covered and an uncovered self-expandable metal stent, their use is still controversial. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage has been performed as an alternative treatment. The clinical success and stent patency are favorable. We should take into consideration that both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biliary drainage and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage have advantages and disadvantages and chose the drainage method depending on the patient’s situation or the expertise of the endoscopist. Here, we discuss the current status of endoscopic biliary drainage in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction.

A retrospective cohort study of factors influencing long procedure times in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes and factors influencing colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with a long procedure time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, we included 1,100 patients with 1,199 lesions who underwent colorectal ESD between April 2016 and December 2020. ESD was performed using an advanced system knife for lesions >20 mm. An S-O clip was used as the traction device. The long-time group (LP; procedure time >120 min) and normal-time group (NP; procedure time <120 min) were compared.

RESULTS

The procedure times were 166.86 and 44.72 min in the LP and NP groups, respectively. The completion rate was higher in the NP group (96.5% vs. 83.5%, p = .001); the completed lesions were resected en bloc. Multivariate analysis revealed 18.8% and 7.8% of submucosal fibrosis in the LP and NP groups, respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 2.410, p = .026). Compared to the NP group, the LP group presented larger maximum lesion sizes and higher rates of R1 resection, and traction device use. Time to introduction of traction device use was longer in the LP than in the NP group (126.05 vs. 21.72 min; p < .001). Fibrosis tends to occur cecal lesions (OR 2.436, p = .011) and laterally spreading tumor-non-granular-pseudo-depressed (LST-NG-PD) (OR 2.6181, p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lesion size and fibrosis were factors associated with a long procedure time in colonic ESD. For fibrotic lesions (LST-NG-PD and cecal lesions), it is necessary to consider early use of traction devices and advisable to plan a strategy for the use of traction devices.

Can the laser-cut covered self-expandable metallic stent be the first choice for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction? (with video)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether laser-cut covered self-expandable metallic stents (LC-CSEMSs) can be the first choice for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO).

METHODS

Patients with unresectable DMBO who received LC-CSEMS (September 2014-December 2020) or braided CSEMS (B-CSEMS) (July 2013-December 2020) placement for biliary drainage were enrolled. Outcomes, including endoscopic CSEMS removal, of LC-CSEMSs and B-CSEMSs were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 124 patients received LC-CSEMSs placement, and 121 B-CSEMSs. Technical success, clinical success, and procedure-related adverse event rates with LC-CSEMSs were 100%, 96.8%, and 6.5%, respectively, and 100%, 95.9%, and 5.8%, respectively, for B-CSEMSs, with no significant difference (P > .99, .75, and >.99, respectively). The recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rates with LC-CSEMSs and B-CSEMSs were 9.7% (12/124) and 13.2% (16/121), respectively (P = .43). The median time to RBO with LC-CSEMSs and B-CSEMSs was 198 (interquartile range [IQR], 124-244) days and 191 (IQR, 106-271) days (P = .41). The endoscopic removal success rates of LC-CSEMSs and B-CSEMSs were 88.9% (8/9) and 90% (9/10) (P > .99), although there were a small number of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-inferiority of LC-CSEMSs was proven. LC-CSEMSs can be considered as the first choice for patients with unresectable DMBO.

Pancreatic Hamartoma Difficult to Diagnose Preoperatively

Abdominal ultrasonography in a 70-year-old woman showed a hypoechoic mass, 14 mm in diameter, in the pancreatic body. Computed tomography showed a mass with contrast effect in the pancreatic body. Test results for endocrine factors or tumor markers were normal. The initial consideration was nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Over 8 years of monitoring, the tumor diameter increased to 18 mm, until pancreatic tumor enucleation was performed. The postoperative diagnosis was pancreatic hamartoma, a rare type of benign pancreatic tumor. The preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic hamartoma is difficult, but consideration must be given to the possibility of hamartoma when encountering pancreatic tumors.

A phase I/IIa trial of the RNA oligonucleotide STNM01 by EUS-FNI to investigate the safety and efficacy in patients with first-line refractory, unresectable pancreatic cancer

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Background: Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) is an enzyme that synthesizes heavily sulfated matrix glycosaminoglycan and shown to promote tumor invasion and correlate with poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To explore the role of CHST15 blockage, we conducted a Phase I/IIa (P I/IIa) study to investigate the safety and efficacy of EUS guided locoregional injection of STNM01, a synthetic RNA oligonucleotide, in patients with unresectable PDAC, refractory to first-line chemotherapy. Methods: This was an open-label and dose-escalation study of STNM01 as second-line (2L) therapy in unresectable PDAC patients at 4 centers in Japan. One cycle consists of locoregional injection with STNM01 three times at 2 week-interval in 4 weeks (Days 0, 14 and 28 of dosing) in combination with systemic 2L chemotherapy. A 3+3 dose cohort escalation design initiated with 250 nM (n = 3) followed by 1,000 nM (n = 3), 2,500 nM (n = 3) and 10,000 nM (n = 4) was used for P I part. P IIa part (n = 9) was subsequently conducted with MTD or the highest dose level determined by P I. The primary outcome was incidence of DLT at the end of cycle 1. The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), local tumor response, histology and safety. This study was registered with jRCT (jRCT2031190055). Results: A total of 22 patients across 4 doses were enrolled in the study of which 21 were evaluable as per protocol population. All patients received S-1 as a systemic 2L chemotherapy and total 3 cycles were repeated at maximum. The most common AEs were abdominal pain and pyrexia. There were 9 grade 3 AEs. No drug-related SAE as well as DLT was observed. Since MTD was not reached in P I, P IIa was conducted with the highest dose, 10,000 nM. The 6-month survival rate in the entire population (n = 21) and in the highest dose population (n = 12; 3 for P I and 9 for P IIa) was 66.7 and 83.3%, respectively. In histological analyses, the % positive area of CHST15 tended to show dose-dependent suppression at the end of cycle 1, especially with 70.0% reduction from baseline in the highest dose population. Increased tumoral infiltrations of CD3+, CD8+ and CD20+ cells were observed during study period in the highest dose population. Local tumor response for the entire population showed 14 patients (66.7%) with stable disease. Notably, one patient showed complete disappearance on the CT image of both primary and metastatic tumors in the regional lymph node. Conclusions: Repeated locoregional injection of STNM01 is safe and well tolerated in patients with unresectable PDAC as combined 2L therapy. The 6-month survival rate of 10,000 nM of STNM01 was 83.3%, which is remarkable compared with previously reported data. Unexpected mode of action for tumoral lymphocyte infiltration also suggests the promising potential of locoregional injection of STNM01 as a new therapeutic option for PDAC. Clinical trial information: jRCT2031190055.

Endoscopic resection using an over-the-scope clip for duodenal neuroendocrine tumors

Background and study aims  Endoscopic resection of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (DNETs) remains controversial, and its indications are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes of a newly developed endoscopic muscularis resection (EMR) method that utilizes an over-the-scope clip (OTSC), termed EMRO, for treating DNETs. Patients and methods  In total, 13 consecutive patients with 14 small (≤ 10 mm) DNETs who underwent EMRO from September 2017 to March 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. EMRO was performed by a single experienced endoscopist. Patients' characteristics and treatment outcomes were assessed. Results  The En bloc and R0 resection rates were 100 % (14/14) and 92.9 % (13/14), respectively. The median pathological resected specimen size was 10 mm, with a median pathological resected tumor size of 6 mm. During the EMRO procedure, there was no occurrence of misplacement of the OTSC to the target lesion. With respect to the pathological resection depth, nine cases (64.3 %) and five cases (35.7 %) were categorized as deep submucosal resection and muscularis resection, respectively, whereas no case was categorized as full-thickness resection. There were no intraoperative or delayed perforations. However, delayed bleeding occurred in two cases. At a median follow-up of 12 months (range 7-36) after EMRO, there was no incidence of local recurrence. At the first follow-up endoscopy performed at 6 months after EMRO, the OTSC was retained in place in two of 14 DNETs (14.3 %). Conclusions  EMRO can be performed safely, by an experienced endoscopist, for small (≤ 10 mm) DNETs.