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BackgroundThe majority of endoscopic antireflux procedures for GERD are cumbersome to use and randomised long-term data are sparse. We conducted such a trial to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel, easy to use endoscopic full-thickness fundoplication (EFTP) device in patients with GERD.DesignPatients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-dependent GERD were randomised to either EFTP or a sham procedure in 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was ≥50% improvement in the health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score at 3 months. Secondary end points included improvement in GERD-HRQL, reflux symptom scores, PPI usage, oesophageal acid exposure and reflux episodes and endoscopic findings at 3, 6 and 12 months.ResultsSeventy patients were randomised; 35 in each group with a median (IQR) age of 36 (29–42) years, 71.4% males. 70% had non-erosive reflux disease on endoscopy with a mean DeMeester score of 18.9 (±19.93). The mean (±SD) duration of EFTP procedure was 17.4 (±4) min. The primary end point was more frequently achieved in the EFTP group (65.7% vs 2.9%; p<0.001). Median (IQR) % improvement in GERD-HRQL was significantly higher in the EFTP group at 6 (81.4 (60.9–100.0) versus 8.0 (2.2–21.6); p<0.001) and 12 (92.3 (84.4–100.0) versus 9.1 (4.8–36.0); p<0.001) months. In the EFTP group, 62.8% patients were off-PPI at 12 months compared with 11.4% in the sham group (p<0.001). pH-metry parameters partially improved at 3 months, (n=70; total reflux episodes in EFTP arm and non-acid reflux episodes for EFTP vs sham) but not at 12 months (n=27); endoscopic oesophagitis was seen in 0% in the treatment (n=18) and 5 (29.4%) in the control group (n=17) at 12 months. No major procedure-related adverse events were encountered in either group.ConclusionEFTP using a novel device is safe and effective in improving quality of life in patients with PPI dependent mostly non-erosive reflux disease at short and long terms; objective parameters showed a limited response rate.Trial registration numberNCT03322553.

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high after per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). GERD after POEM may be qualitatively different from GERD in patients without motility disorders. In this study, we aimed to analyze and compare different aspects of GERD between patients with post‐POEM GERD and nonachalasia GERD. The data of patients with GERD after POEM (January 2018 to June 2019) were compared with that of a control group (nonachalasia GERD group), which included patients presenting with typical reflux symptoms without associated major motility disorders. Patients with lower esophageal sphincter pressure lower than 10 mmHg were excluded from the study. GERD was evaluated at 3 months after POEM. Esophageal acid exposure time higher than 4.2% was used to define GERD. The primary outcome of the study was comparison of GERD‐related quality of life and reflux symptom severity between the two groups. In addition, the severity of erosive esophagitis and reflux‐symptom association were also recorded in the two groups. A total of 100 patients were included in the study, with 50 patients in each group (post‐POEM GERD vs. controls). The baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. Median interquartile range of GERD‐related quality of life score was significantly lower in the post‐POEM group (11 [0–23.3] versus 34 [24–44]; p< 0.001). The post‐POEM GERD group had significantly lower median heartburn (6.0 [0–16.3] versus 15.5 [7.5–24.8]; p= 0.001) and regurgitation scores (0 [0–6.0] versus 20.0 [12.3–25.0]; p< 0.001). Erosive esophagitis was more frequent in the post‐POEM group (28 [56%] versus 10 [20.4%], p= 0.001). Only three (6%) patients in the post‐POEM group had a positive reflux‐symptom association as compared with 28 (56%) patients in the control group (p< 0.001). In selected patients with pH positive GERD after POEM, the symptoms are milder and reflux‐symptom association is poor in spite of more severe esophagitis as compared with controls. What is known Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is common and subclinicalData on GERD related quality of life and reflux‐symptom association after POEM is limited. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is common and subclinical Data on GERD related quality of life and reflux‐symptom association after POEM is limited. What is new here Reflux symptoms after POEM are milder and have poor association with reflux episodesTriviality of symptoms despite high acid exposure and severe esophagitis suggests esophageal hyposensitivity Reflux symptoms after POEM are milder and have poor association with reflux episodes Triviality of symptoms despite high acid exposure and severe esophagitis suggests esophageal hyposensitivity

Background and aim The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high after per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). GERD after POEM may be qualitatively different from GERD in patients without motility disorders. In this study, we aimed to analyze and compare different aspects of GERD between patients with post-POEM GERD and non-achalasia GERD.Methods The data of patients with GERD after POEM (January 2018 to June 2019) was compared with that of a control group (non-achalasia GERD group), which included patients presenting with typical reflux symptoms without associated major motility disorders. Patients with lower esophageal sphincter pressure lower than 10 mmHg were excluded from the study. GERD was evaluated at 3 months after POEM. Esophageal acid exposure time higher than 4.2% was used to define GERD. The primary outcome of the study was comparison of GERD related quality of life and reflux symptom severity between the two groups. In addition, the severity of erosive esophagitis and reflux-symptom association were also recorded in the two groups.Results A total of 100 patients were included in the study, with 50 patients in each group (post-POEM GERD vs. controls). The baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. Median interquartile range of GERD related quality of life score was significantly lower in the post-POEM group (11 (0–23.3) vs. 34 (24–44); p< 0.001). The post-POEM GERD group had significantly lower median heartburn (6.0 (0–16.3) vs. 15.5 (7.5–24.8); p= 0.001) and regurgitation scores (0 (0–6.0) vs. 20.0 (12.3–25.0); p< 0.001). Erosive esophagitis was more frequent in the post-POEM group (28 (56%) vs. 10 (20.4%), p= 0.001). Only three (6%) patients in the post-POEM group had a positive reflux-symptom association as compared with 28 (56%) patients in the control group (p< 0.001).Conclusion In selected patients with pH positive GERD after POEM, the symptoms are milder and reflux-symptom association is poor in spite of more severe esophagitis as compared with controls.

Background and aims: Achalasia cardia is rare in children and optimum endoscopic management options are not well known. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel treatment modality for achalasia with excellent results in adult patients. The long-term outcomes of POEM are not well known in children. In this study, we aim to evaluate the outcome of POEM in children with idiopathic achalasia. Methods: We analyzed the data of children (=?18 years) diagnosed with achalasia from September 2013 to January 2018. Technical success, clinical success, and adverse events were assessed. Post-POEM, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was assessed with 24-h pH-impedance study and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Results: A total of 44 children (boys—23, girls—21) with mean age of 14.5?±?3.41 years (4–18) were diagnosed with achalasia during the study period. Of these, 43 children underwent POEM. The subtypes of achalasia according to Chicago classification were type I—11, type II—29, type III—2, and unclassified—2. Eighteen children (40.9%) had history of prior treatment. POEM was successfully performed in 43 children (technical success—97.72%). Intra-operative adverse events occurred in 11 (25.6%) children including retroperitoneal CO2 (7), capnoperitoneum (3), and mucosal injury (1). Clinical success at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years’ follow-up was 92.8%, 94.4%, 92.3%, and 83.3%, respectively. Erosive esophagitis was detected in 55% (11/20) children. On 24-h pH study, GER was detected in 53.8% (7/13) children. Conclusion: POEM is a safe, effective, and durable treatment for achalasia in children. However, GER is a potential concern and should be evaluated in prospective studies before adopting POEM for the management of achalasia in children.

Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is frequently encountered in cases with walled off necrosis (WON). The impact of DPDS on the outcomes of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is not well known. In this study, we aim to evaluate the incidence of DPDS and its clinical impact on the outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of PFC in children. All children with symptomatic WON who underwent EUS-guided drainage using metal stents were included in the study. At 4 weeks, pancreatic ductal anatomy was evaluated, and metal stents removed. All the children were followed at regular intervals and evaluated for the recurrence of PFC and the development of new-onset diabetes. A total of 32 children (28 boys, median age 15 years) underwent EUS-guided drainage of WON. Resolution of WON was documented in all children at 4 weeks. Pancreatic ductal anatomy using magnetic resonance retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography was available in 30 (93.7%) children. Of these, DPDS was documented in 25 (83.3%) children including proximal disconnection in 12 and distal disconnection in 13 children. Recurrent PFC and new-onset diabetes were found in 5 (20%) and 2 (8%) children with DPDS, respectively. Of the 5 recurrences of PFC, endoscopic reintervention was required in 3 children. Majority of the children with DPDS do not develop a symptomatic recurrence of PFC after the removal of cystogastric stents. DPDS may be a risk factor for the development of new-onset diabetes. However, future prospective studies are needed.

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Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel treatment modality for achalasia cardia. The procedure is technically challenging and time consuming. Recently, a new triangle tip knife (TTJ) has been introduced, which is equipped with water jet facility. In the present study, we analyzed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of POEM in children with new triangle tip knife. We retrospectively evaluated the data of children (18 years or younger) who underwent POEM using TTJ knife at our institution. All POEM procedures were performed under general anesthesia in an endoscopy suite. Technical feasibility, safety, efficacy, and procedure duration were assessed. Ten children (4 boys, 6 girls) with mean age of 14.2 ± 2.74 (9–18) years, underwent POEM with TTJ knife. The subtypes of achalasia cardia were type I (4), type II (5), and type III (1). Two children had prior treatment with pneumatic balloon dilatation. POEM was performed via anterior route in majority of children (70%). Mean operating time was 47.6 ± 19.74 (30–98) minutes with no significant difference between anterior and posterior approaches to POEM (48.57 ± 24.01 vs 45.3 ± 3.51; P< 0.05). Four gas-related adverse events were encountered including capnoperitoneum and retroperitoneal carbon dioxide in 2 children each. Clinical success was noticed in 9 children with significant reduction in Eckardt score at 1 month after POEM (6.7 ± 1.49 vs 0.3 ± 0.48; P= 0.0001). POEM can be efficiently performed with new triangle knife equipped with water jet technique. Integration of water jet reduces procedure duration and technical difficulty with POEM.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage with fully covered self-expanding metallic stents (FCSEMS) has been successfully used in adult patients. The utility of FCSEMS in children with walled-off necrosis (WON) is, however, unknown. The aim of present study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EUS drainage of WON using FCSEMS in children. We retrospectively evaluated the data of children (18 years or younger) who underwent EUS drainage of WON using FCSEMS at our institution. All FCSEMS were removed between 1 and 3 months. Feasibility, safety, and efficacy were analysed. Twenty-one children (20 boys, mean age 14.9 ± 2.34 years, range 9–18 years) underwent EUS-guided drainage of WON with FCSEMS. The median size of WON was 88 mm (55–148 mm). The median interval between onset of acute pancreatitis and EUS guided drainage was 58 days (range 30–288 days). The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 95%, respectively. Nasocystic tube was placed in 3 children for lavage. Endoscopic necrosectomy was not required in any of the children. There were no major complications. Minor complications included bleeding (2), stent migration (1), and difficulty in removal of stent (1). After a median follow-up of 360 days (range: 30–1020 days), there was 1 recurrence of WON. EUS drainage of WON using specially designed FCSEMS is safe and efficacious in children. The utility of FCSEMS in children should be further explored and compared with plastic stents.

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To study the factors that influence the cellularity and adequacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA).