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The role of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has evolved from small bowel to a panenteric evaluation tool over the past two decades. We systematically reviewed the techniques, applications, outcomes, and complications of VCE in IBD. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Medline. All relevant original articles involving VCE in IBD were included from 2003 to July 2022. After screening 3,089 citations, finally 201 references were included. The diagnostic yield of VCE in suspected Crohn's disease (CD) was highly variable (6–80%) with excellent sensitivity (77–93%) and specificity (80–89%). The diagnostic yield in known CD was 52 to 88.3% leading to a change in management (26–75%) and disease reclassification with variable retention rates. VCE was superior to small bowel series, computed tomography (CT) and could be better than magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), especially for proximal and superficial lesions. Colon or panenteric VCE has strong correlation to ileo-colonoscopy (IC) and combined magnetic resonance imaging and IC, respectively. The VCE retention rate in CD is higher in known CD which significantly decreases after the negative patency capsule test or CT/MRE. VCE can identify lesions beyond the reach of IC in postoperative CD. Colon Capsule Endoscopy is a noninvasive monitoring tool in ulcerative colitis (UC) having a strong correlation with IC and may uncover small bowel involvement. VCE is specifically useful in IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) which can lead to the diagnosis of CD in 16.7 to 61.5%. Various scoring systems have been established and validated for small bowel CD (Lewis score and capsule endoscopy CD activity index—CECDAI), UC (capsule scoring of UC: Capsule Scoring of Ulcerative Colitis), panenteric evaluation (Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Elaikim score), and flare prediction (APEX score). Technological advances include double head, three-dimensional reconstruction, sampling system, panoramic view (344 and 360 degree lateral), and panenteric capsule. Artificial intelligence and software like TOP100 and Quickview can help reduce capsule reading time with excellent sensitivity and specificity. VCE in IBD has widespread application in suspected and known small bowel CD, monitoring of UC, postoperative CD, IBD-U, and for panenteric evaluation. Patency capsule testing helps to reduce retention rates significantly. Artificial intelligence and technical advances can help evolve this novel technology.

Background In clinical practice, decision about management of choledocholithiasis is driven by availability of resources and expertise, patients and healthcare professional preferences. This survey is aimed to describe the approach of physicians and surgeons for the management of choledocholithiasis. Method A 36-question online survey was conducted using Google Forms on various aspects of management of choledocholithiasis. Results The responses from 323 participants were included, of which 202 (62.54%) were physicians and 121 (37.46%) were surgeons. The proportion of responders who do not follow American or European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines is associated with increasing age and experience of responders (p = 0.0001), while place of work (private vs. teaching) and broad specialty (physician vs surgeon) are not associated (p >0.05). For patients with high likelihood of choledocholithiasis, 123 (38.1%) participants prefer to do endoscopic ultrasound/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (EUS/MRCP) rather than directly performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/intraoperative cholangiography (ERCP/IOC). For intermediate likelihood, MRCP is more commonly preferred compared with EUS, due to local availability (44%), expertise (39.6%), healthcare professionals preference (30.7%), and patients preference (17.3%). For difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones, short biliary sphincterotomy with large balloon sphincteroplasty (59.4%), followed by laparoscopic CBD exploration are commonly used approaches. Prophylactic CBD stent placement after ERCP and CBD clearance is common practice. Preoperative ERCP followed by cholecystectomy is more preferred approach than cholecystectomy and CBD exploration. Conclusion There is considerable variability in the management of choledocholithiasis. The practices such as use of EUS/MRCP for high likelihood group, use of prophylactic CBD stent placement after ERCP and CBD clearance, and use of single stage approach especially in patient with intermediate likelihood group should be addressed in future studies.

Background/Aims With the growing multidisciplinary model of practice in the management of complex inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rising incidence of IBD, interventional IBD (IIBD) promises to play a key role. We aimed to evaluate current the role of IIBD in India and its short-term outcomes. Methods IBD patients undergoing IIBD procedures for stricture, bleeding, colitis-associated neoplasia, therapeutic small bowel endoscopy including retained capsule retrieval and postsurgical complications were enrolled prospectively between September 2021 and May 2022. Demographic and disease details, indications, initial and redo procedure details, technical/clinical success, and complications were recorded. Results IIBD procedures were performed in total 54 patients (61% males, median age: 37.5 years, range: 21–74 years, Crohn's disease [CD]: 42, ulcerative colitis [UC]: 12 between September 2021 and April 2022). Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) was performed in 44 patients (56 strictures, 9% anastomotic, 9% pouch) who underwent total 83 EBD procedures in 63 sessions. Short-term clinical efficacy after maximal dilation, technical success (i.e., scope passage after EBD), and complications (all mild) were noted in 95.4, 81.8, and 9.1%, respectively. Recurrent symptoms were seen in 27.3% on short-term follow-up (1–8 months, median: 5 months) for which redilation, surgery, and endoscopic stricturotomy were done in 22.7, 2.3, and 2.3% respectively. During small bowel EBD, motorized spiral enteroscopy-guided retained capsule endoscope retrieval was done in four patients. Ulcerative colitis-associated neoplasia (UCAN) was resected endoscopically in six patients (endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)—1, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)—5). High-grade dysplasia was resected in two patients (1 ESD for recurrent UCAN, 1 EMR had residual neoplasia on follow-up treated with underwater EMR). R0 resection was achieved in 83.3%. Endoscopic hemostasis was done with hemoclipping and sclerotherapy for UC-related bleeding in two, whereas a case of CD with proximal ileal bleeding was controlled with antegrade single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted hemoclipping. Conclusions IIBD is a promising modality in resource-limited settings like India acting as a bridge between medical therapy and surgery. Surgery can be avoided in a significant proportion with good short-term outcomes. Long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.

Background Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) is an emerging therapeutic option for resecting subepithelial lesions (SELs) and epithelial neoplasms. We aimed to systematically review the techniques, applications, outcomes, and complications of EFTR. Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed. All relevant original research articles involving EFTR were included for the review along with case report/series describing novel/rare techniques from 2001 to February 2022. Results After screening 7,739 citations, finally 141 references were included. Non-exposed EFTR has lower probability of peritoneal contamination or tumor seeding compared with exposed EFTR. Among exposed EFTR, tunneled variety is associated with lower risk of peritoneal seeding or contamination compared with non-tunneled approach. Closure techniques involve though the scope (TTS) clips, loop and clips, over the scope clips (OTSC), full thickness resection device (FTRD), and endoscopic suturing/plicating/stapling devices. The indications of EFTR range from esophagus to rectum and include SELs arising from muscularis propria (MP), non-lifting adenoma, recurrent adenoma, and even early gastric cancer (EGC) or superficial colorectal carcinoma. Other indications include difficult locations (involving appendicular orifice or diverticulum) and full thickness biopsy for motility disorders. The main limitation of FTRD is feasibility in smaller lesions (

Lower gastrointestinal (LGI) bleeding indicates bleeding from colon or anorectum. Typically, patients with LGI bleeding present with bright red blood per rectum or hematochezia, although rarely they can present with melena as well. Alternatively, LGI bleeding is also defined as bleeding from a source within potential reach of a colonoscope, that is, colon and terminal ileum. LGI bleedings have more favorable outcomes than upper GI (UGI) bleeding and less common than UGI bleeding. Any patient presenting with GI bleeding should undergo a detailed history and physical examination for clues that may suggest source and possible etiology. Colonoscopy remains the most widely used and preferred instrument of choice for both diagnosis and therapy. This review will discuss in brief the causes, triaging, and role of colonoscopy in the management of LGI bleeding.

Background Fetomaternal outcomes are of primary concern for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in pregnancy. We aimed to systematically review the safety and utility of endoscopic procedures in pregnancy. Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed. All original research articles with sample size > 10 involving endoscopy in pregnancy were included for the review along with case report/series describing novel/rare techniques from 1948 to July 2021. Results After screening 12,197 references, 216 citations were found and finally 66 references were included. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy had favorable fetal outcome (>95%) based on two large retrospective studies and a review of case reports. Sclerotherapy and band ligation of varices were safe according to case series. A large nationwide cohort study established safety of endotherapy for nonvariceal bleed. Botulinum toxin and pneumatic dilation in achalasia are only supported by case reports. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy can be useful to support nutrition based on case reports. A retrospective case–control and cohort study with systemic review justified flexible sigmoidoscopy if strongly indicated. Low birth weight was more common when sigmoidoscopy was done in inflammatory bowel disease based on a prospective study. Colonoscopy was considered safe in second trimester based on a case–control study whereas it can be performed otherwise only in presence of strong indication like malignancy. Capsule endoscopy is promising and can be useful in acute small bowel bleeding although risk of capsule retention is unknown. There are no reports of enteroscopy in pregnancy. Twelve retrospective studies and one prospective study showed high success rate of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (> 90%) in all trimesters and can be performed if strongly indicated. Pregnancy was an independent risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis in a large nationwide case–control study. Radiation-free ERCP with wire-guided bile observation, stent-guided or precut sphincterotomy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance, and spyscopy have been described. Safety of EUS is limited to case series and can be used in intermediate probability of choledocholithiasis to guide ERCP and endoscopic cystogastrostomy. Conclusion This review concludes that GI endoscopy during pregnancy can be done effectively if strongly indicated with good fetomaternal outcomes. Precautions are advocated during procedures where radiation exposure is expected.

Objective Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an emerging public health problem in Asia and India. However, there is scarcity of data on CRC and adenoma. We aimed to study prevalence and characteristics of colonic polyps in a large retrospective cohort. Methods For this retrospective single center study, all patients with age > 18 years undergoing colonoscopy from January 2018 to December 2019 were included. Age, gender, and polyp characteristics were collected from endoscopy and histology database. Patients with incomplete histology reports and anal canal polyps were excluded. Based on histology, polyps were divided into adenocarcinoma, adenoma with advanced pathology (AAP; size > 10 mm, villous morphology or high-grade dysplasia), nonadvanced adenomas (nAAP), and nonadenomas. Results Overall colon polyp prevalence was 10.18% (3551/34893). The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 51.51 (14.84) with 75.4% males, of which 128 (3.6%) were adenocarcinoma. A total of 1514 (42.64%) were adenomas; 344 (9.7%) were AAP and 1170 (32.9%) were nAAP. The remaining 1909 (53.8%) were nonadenomas. Colonic adenoma prevalence after excluding adenocarcinoma was 4.35% (1514/34893). Adenocarcinoma (68.8% vs. 31.2%), AAP (70.6% vs. 29.4%), other adenomas (75.4% vs. 24.6%), and nonadenomas (76.7% vs. 23.3%) were significantly higher in male compared with female (p < 0.05). Adenomas and adenocarcinomas were more common in left colon and rectum than right colon (p < 0.05). The mean age (SD) were significantly lower in nonadenomas than adenocarcinomas, AAP, and other adenomas (p 0.0001; 49.25 [14.84] vs. 55.97 [12.47], 54.78 [16.40], 53.76 [13.71]). Conclusions The prevalence of colonic adenoma in India is 4.35%. Male gender and increased age were associated with increased risk of colonic adenoma and adenocarcinoma, which is more common in left colon and rectum. Prospective multicenter studies are required for evaluation of other risk factors of CRC and colonic adenomas.

Background Recently updated guidelines for choledocholithiasis stratify suspected patients into high, intermediate, and low likelihood, with the aim to reduce risk of diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This approach has increased proportion of patients in intermediate likelihood making it heterogenous. We aim to substratify intermediate group so that diagnostic tests (endoscopic ultrasound/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) are judicially used. Methods This is a single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data. We used subset of patients who met intermediate likelihood of American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) criteria from previously published data (PMID:32106321) as derivation cohort. Binominal logistic regression analysis was used to define independent predictors of choledocholithiasis. A composite score was derived by allotting 1 point for presence of each independent predictor. The diagnostic performance of a composite score of ≥ 1 was evaluated in validation cohort. Results A total of 678 (mean age [standard deviation]: 47.0 [15.9] years; 48.1% men) and 162 (mean age 47.8 [14.8] years; 47.4% men) patients in ASGE intermediate-likelihood group were included as derivation cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Binominal logistic regression analysis showed that male gender (p = 0.024; odds ratio [OR] = 1.92), raised bilirubin (p = 0.001; OR = 2.40), and acute calculus cholecystitis (p = 0.010; OR = 2.04) were independent predictors for choledocholithiasis. A composite score was derived by allotting 1 point for presence of independent predictors Using ≥ 1 as cutoff, sensitivity and specificity for detection of choledocholithiasis were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.2–88.9) and 36.2% (95% CI: 32.2–40.0), respectively, in derivation cohort. Applying composite score in independent validation cohort showed sensitivity and specificity of 73.3% (95% CI: 44.9–92.2) and 40.1% (95% CI: 30.1–48.5), respectively. Conclusion Substratification of intermediate-likelihood group of ASGE criteria is feasible. It may be useful in deciding in whom confirmatory tests should be performed with priority and in whom watchful waiting may be sufficient.

Introduction The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has led to drastic change in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy practice. Endoscopy is an aerosol-generating procedure. COVID-19 testing prior to endoscopy can reduce transmission by delaying non-emergency endoscopies in positive patients. There is scarcity of literature to support such protocols. We aimed to study the clinical impact of universal testing for COVID-19 before therapeutic endoscopy. Methods This is retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data. All patients requiring therapeutic endoscopy were enrolled between June 15 to July 15, 2020. Clinical profile, indication, endoscopic intervention, and outcome of patients tested positive for COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) or CT chest suggestive of CO-RADS 3 or more were included for analysis. Results Out of 772 patients scheduled for endoscopic interventions, 26 (3.34%) patients had COVID-19 infection with mean age (range) of 48.19 (3–75) years. Eight (30.8%) were females. Of them, seven (26.9%) patients underwent emergency endoscopy, and another seven (26.9%) patients underwent endoscopy after minimum of 2 weeks waiting period. Two deaths were seen in patients who underwent emergency interventions which were unrelated to endoscopy. One patient, who was planned for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for choledocholithiasis, developed acute biliary pancreatitis in the waiting period. Conclusion We suggest use of universal testing for COVID-19 by RT-PCR before endoscopic intervention. Endoscopy can be postponed for 2 weeks with marginal risk of adverse events during the waiting period in nonemergency indications. However, this approach needs to be tailored as per local needs, resources availability, and indication of endoscopy.

Introduction Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed bariatric surgery. Sleeve leak is the most important complication, with an incidence of 1.9 to 2.4%. Various endoscopic approaches to LSG have been used, including self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs), glue injection, and clipping along with percutaneous drainage. This study was aimed to study the role of endotherapy in the management of post-LSG leaks. Methods This study included patients referred for endotherapy for post-LSG leak between January 2016 and December 2018. We maintained data prospectively, which included the location and type of leak, type of endotherapy, adverse events, and time for leak closure. Primary endotherapy included mega SEMS placement; if it failed, then secondary endoscopic therapy was performed. Results Seven patients (four females, with a mean age of 45.2 years) with a preoperative body mass index of mean 38.5 kg/m2 underwent endotherapy for post-LSG leaks. Two were acute, four were early, and the remaining one was late leak. Five were located proximally near gastroesophageal junction and two at the midsleeve level. In four (57.1%) patients, the leak was resolved by primary therapy. Three patients underwent secondary therapy that included overlapping SEMS placement (in one patient), SEMS replacement (in one patient), and short plastic biliary stent placement with Argon plasma coagulation (APC) to create a raw surface and induce granulation tissue. The median duration for leak closure was 12 weeks (range: 8–24 weeks). One patient who had partial distal migration underwent overlapping SEMS placement. Three patients had nonbleeding ulcers at the distal end of SEMS at removal. Conclusion Endotherapy is effective and safe for the management of post-LSG leaks. Additional endotherapy can be used if primary therapy is not successful for resolution of the leak.

Objectives Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)—assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been shown to be cost effective and less technically demanding than other modes of device-assisted enteroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SBE-ERCP in surgically altered anatomy. Methods This was a prospective cohort study in a high-volume tertiary care gastroenterology center. Patients with surgically altered anatomy requiring pancreaticobiliary interventions, who failed ERCP with a colonoscope/duodenoscope, underwent SBE-ERCP. Diagnostic and therapeutic success, procedure time, and adverse events were evaluated prospectively with short-term follow-up. Results Twenty-eight patients with surgically altered anatomy (19 males, aged 15–66 years) underwent total 40 SBE-ERCP (23 Roux-en-Y, 17 Billroth II anatomy) procedures. The ERCP diagnosis were hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) stricture (N = 10), HJ stricture and stone (N = 7), common bile duct (CBD) stricture (N = 6), CBD stone (N = 1), pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) stricture (N = 1), and pancreatic duct (PD) stricture (N = 1). Diagnostic success was achieved in 91.3% (21/23) patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy and 100% (17/17) with Billroth II anatomy. Therapeutic success was achieved in 86.95% (20/23) and 94.1% (16/17) patients with Roux-en-Y and Billroth II anatomy, respectively. In patients with intact papilla (N = 8), diagnostic and therapeutic success were achieved in 100% (8/8) and 75% (6/8) cases, respectively. The mean procedure time for Roux-en-Y and Billroth II anatomy were 64.95 minutes (range 30–110 min) and 38.31 minutes (range 25–60 min), respectively. Immediate complications occurred in 7.5% (3/40) procedures (2 requiring laparotomy, 1 treated endoscopically) in the form of perforation. Among delayed complications, 5 patients had cholangitis and 1 had recurrent cholestasis, which were successfully treated with stent exchange. No other complications occurred over median follow-up of 110 days (30–390 d). Conclusion SBE-ERCP in surgically altered anatomy requiring pancreatic–biliary intervention appears safe and highly effective with current long ERCP accessories. Further improvement in SBE-ERCP technique and accessories has the potential to make it a promising avenue in surgically altered anatomy.

The use of antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents has increased hand in hand with the number and complexity of endoscopic procedures. Hence, the endoscopists are often faced with considering endoscopy in patients on these agents. In this setting, to make informed decision, four key aspects are need to be considered. The type of antithrombotic or antiplatelet agent used and its characteristics, risk of thromboembolic events (which can lead to ischemic stroke or acute coronary syndrome, both of which carry high morbidity) due to withholding the drug, risk of bleeding (increases with invasiveness of procedure), and timing of procedure (elective or urgent) are the key factors to consider. We aim to discuss the risk of gastrointestinal bleed and endoscopic procedures on antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents focusing on Indian context based on recent Asia?pacific guidelines along with other existing guidelines.

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation has been shown to be superior to air insufflation in colonoscopy, and double balloon enteroscopy. However, the value of CO2 insufflation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not established. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of CO2 insufflation during ERCP. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients referred for ERCP at a single center were randomized to either air or CO2 insufflation during ERCP. The primary objectives were a post-ERCP abdominal pain (measured by 10 cm visual analog scale [VAS] 30 and 90 min, and 3 h and 24 h after ERCP). Secondary objectives included end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) values and procedural complications. Results: We randomized 298 patients; 149 into air group and 149 into CO2 group. The VAS score for pain was higher in the air group compared to the CO2 group at 30 min, with a median of 1 (interquartile range 1–0) versus median of 1 (interquartile range 1–0); P = 0.031 and 90 min after the procedure with a median of 0 (interquartile range 1–0) versus median of 0 (interquartile range 0–0); P = 0.006. There were no serious adverse events, and the ETCO2 was within normal limits in both groups. Conclusions: CO2 insufflation is superior to air insufflation during ERCP with regard to patient pain and discomfort and warrants wide adoption. Clinical Trials.gov registration number NCT 01321203.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a disease of varied etiology can, from the endoscopists perspective present as ductal strictures, stones, ductal leaks and fluid collections, biliary strictures or duodenal narrowing. This article deals with role of ERCP in the management of CP associated strictures and calculi. ERCP has a limited role in the diagnosis CP, though we feel that it is better at identifying small ductal calculi or leaks as compared to MRCP. Major and minor papilla sphincterotomy gives relief from pain in patients with mild or moderate ductal changes. Pancreatic ductal strictures are best managed by stenting. Use of multiple plastic stents (8.5-11Fr diameter) gives relief from pain in 84% and strictures resolution in 95% on follow up of over 3 years. CP associated CBD strictures are also managed by placement of multiple stents. Covered SEMS are increasingly being used in these strictures. Surgery is often the best option for CP associated CBD strictures which recur after adequate endotherapy. ESWL is the standard of therapy for pancreatic ductal calculi which are large, as seen in the tropics and the non alcoholic form of CP. Our experience has shown complete or partial clearance with ESWL in over 90% of patients with large PD calculi. Good pain relief was seen in both on short and long term follow up. In selected patients of CP, ERCP and endotherapy should be offered as first line of treatment, as the results are comparable to surgery. Prior endotherapy also does not interfere with subsequent surgical procedures.