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Abstract Objectives Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed medications for gastric acid‐induced diseases. Despite the effectiveness of PPIs, recent evidence suggested an increased risk of various bacterial infections in PPI users. The current study was conducted to evaluate the risk of biliary infection after endoscopic biliary stent placement in regular users of PPIs. Methods Consecutive patients with a native papilla who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and stent placement for biliary stricture between January 2010 and August 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The cumulative incidences of biliary infection were compared between regular and non‐regular PPI users. Results During the study period, 270 regular PPI users and 146 non‐regular PPI users were included in the analyses. Age, gender, and indication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were not different between the two groups. The incidences of biliary infection were 43% in regular PPI users and 36% in non‐regular PPI users but the time to biliary infection was significantly shorter in regular PPI users than in non‐regular users (28 vs. 87 days, p = 0.01). The cumulative incidence of biliary infection was significantly higher in regular PPI users compared with non‐regular users (p = 0.008). The multivariable Cox regression analysis also showed a significantly higher hazard ratio of biliary infection in regular PPI users (1.62 [95% confidence interval 1.16–2.26; p = 0.005]). Conclusions Regular PPI use was associated with a higher risk of biliary infection after endoscopic biliary drainage. Inappropriate PPI use should be avoided.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition is widely utilized as a diagnostic modality for intra-abdominal masses, but there remains debate regarding which suction technique, slow pull (SP) or conventional suction (CS), is better. A meta-analysis of reported studies was conducted to compare the diagnostic yields of SP and CS during EUS-guided tissue acquisition. Methods: We conducted a systematic electronic search using MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify clinical studies comparing SP and CS. We meta-analyzed accuracy, sensitivity, blood contamination and cellularity using the random-effects model. Results: A total of 17 studies (seven randomized controlled trials, four prospective studies, and six retrospective studies) with 1,616 cases were included in the analysis. Compared to CS, there was a trend toward better accuracy (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 2.27; p=0.07) and sensitivity (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.93; p=0.08) with SP and a significantly lower rate of blood contamination (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.69; p

Background/Aims: Recently, a three-plane symmetric needle with Franseen geometry was developed for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB). In this retrospective study, tissue acquisition per pass was compared between 22-gauge Franseen FNB and standard fine needle aspiration (FNA) needles in patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent EUSFNA or EUS-FNB for solid pancreatic lesions between October 2014 and March 2018 were retrospectively studied. The tissue acquisition rate and the diagnostic performance per session, per pass, and at first pass were compared. Results: A total of 663 passes (300 by the FNB needle and 363 by the standard FNA needle) were performed in 154 patients (71 FNB and 83 FNA). The tissue acquisition rate per session and at first pass in the FNB and FNA groups was 100% and 95% (p=0.13) and 87% and 69% (p=0.007), respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that among the patients, EUS-FNB (odds ratio, 3.07; p=0.01) was associated with a higher first-pass tissue acquisition rate. While the tissue acquisition rate reached a plateau after the 4th pass with FNA, it reached a plateau after the 2nd pass with FNB. Among the 129 malignant cases, the histological tissue acquisition rate per session was similar (100% and 94%), but the sensitivity by histology alone per session was higher for FNB than for FNA (93% and 73%, p

Endoscopic management of bile duct stones is now the standard of care, but challenges remain with difficult bile duct stones. There are some known factors associated with technically difficult bile duct stones, such as large size and surgically altered anatomy. Endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy is now the standard technique used to remove large bile duct stones, but the efficacy of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) and cholangioscopy with intraductal lithotripsy has been increasingly reported. In patients with surgically altered anatomy, biliary access before stone removal can be technically difficult. Endotherapy using two new endoscopes is now utilized in clinical practice: enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment. These new approaches can be combined with EPLBD and/or cholangioscopy to remove large bile duct stones from patients with surgically altered anatomy. Since various endoscopic procedures are now available, endoscopists should learn the indications, advantages and disadvantages of each technique for better management of bile duct stones.

Abstract Intra‐abdominal hemorrhage after endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is an uncommon complication, which can lead to potentially fatal outcomes. We describe a case of intra‐abdominal hemorrhage due to left gastric arterial bleeding after EUS. The patient developed severe epigastric pain 10 h after diagnostic EUS for pancreatic cysts. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed extravasation from the left gastric artery as well as a hematoma in the lesser omentum, which was confirmed by emergent angiography. Spontaneous hemostasis was obtained without embolization and the patient did not have further episodes of intra‐abdominal hemorrhage. Endoscopists should be aware of this rare but serious complication after endoscopic procedures.

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA) is now an established technique to obtain the pathological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs), but the diagnosis of small SPLS by EUS‐TA can still be difficult. We conducted a literature review and a meta‐analysis on the diagnostic yield of EUS‐TA according to the tumor size. In a meta‐analysis of 33 studies with 6883 cases, a pooled odds ratio (OR) of sensitivity was significantly higher in SPLs of >20 mm (OR 1.64, p = 0.02) and in SPLs of >10 mm (OR 3.05, p = 0.01), but not in SPLs of >30 mm (OR 1.18, p = 0.46). The meta‐analysis of accuracy also showed a similar trend: OR of 1.59 in SPLs of >20 mm (p < 0.01) and OR of 3.27 in SPLs of >10 mm (p < 0.01) and OR of 1.03 in SPLs of >30 mm (p = 0.87). The use of a 25‐gauge needle tended to improve sensitivity in small SPLs, though not statistically significant: OR of 1.25 and 2.82 in studies with and without a 25‐gauge needle (p = 0.08). The use of fine needle biopsy needles, slow pull method, and rapid on‐site evaluation did not significantly improve sensitivity in small SPLs. EUS‐TA for small SPLs, especially neuroendocrine neoplasms, is reported to have a high risk of adverse events. In summary, the diagnostic yield and safety of EUS‐TA for small (

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) now plays an important role in the management of pancreatic neoplasms. There are various types of pancreatic neoplasms, from benign to malignant lesions, and the role of EUS ranges from the imaging diagnosis to treatment. EUS is useful for the detection, characterization, and tissue acquisition of pancreatic lesions. Recent advancement of contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS and elastography enables better characterization of pancreatic lesions. In addition to these enhanced EUS imaging techniques, EUS-guided tissue acquisition is now the standard procedure to establish the pathological diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms. While these diagnostic roles of EUS have been established, EUS-guided interventions such as ablation and drainage are also increasingly utilized in the management of pancreatic neoplasms. However, most of these EUS-guided interventions are not yet standardized in terms of techniques and devices and thus need further investigations.

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging. Recently, balloon endoscopy has been shown to facilitate ERCP for this population with a high technical success rate, but adverse events (AEs) are not uncommon. Compared to non-elderly patients, elderly patients may be at higher risk of AEs due to underlying comorbidities. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of balloon endoscope-assisted ERCP (BE-ERCP) for the elderly. Patients and methods We retrospectively identified patients who underwent BE-ERCP between January 2010 and September 2019. For patients who underwent multiple procedures during the study period, the first session was analyzed. Early AEs associated with BE-ERCP were compared between elderly (≥ 75 years) and non-elderly patients. Results A total of 1,363 BE-ERCP procedures were performed, and 568 patients (211 elderly and 357 non-elderly) were included for the analyses. Technical success rates were high in both the elderly and non-elderly groups (80 % vs. 80 %, respectively). The rates of early AEs were similar between the groups (12 % vs. 9.0 % in the elderly and non-elderly group, respectively; P = 0.31). The mltivariable-adjusted odds ratio for early AEs comparing elderly to non-elderly patients was 1.36 (95 % confidence interval, 0.74–2.51; P = 0.32). Specifically, we did not observe between-group differences in rates of gastrointestinal perforation (2.4 % vs. 2.8 % in elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively; P = 0.99) and aspiration pneumonia (1.9 % vs. 0.6 %, P = 0.20). Conclusions BE-ERCP is a feasible procedure for elderly individuals with surgically altered anatomy.

Background/Aims: We aimed to investigate incidence, characteristics, and possible risk factors of pancreatic cancer in patients under observation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because the association of hepatitis virus B infection and pancreatic cancer has been reported. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in the Gastroenterology Department of a University Hospital in Japan between 2004 and 2012. A total of 1848 patients who underwent treatment for HCC were included at the initiation of treatment for HCC (mean follow-up period, 33.6 months). The patients received trimonthly radiological follow-ups. Newly developed cases of pancreatic cancer during follow-up for HCC were compared with that of an age- and sex-matched theoretical cohort from national statistics. Possible predisposing factors for pancreatic cancer related to HCC were assessed. Cumulative probabilities of developing a pancreatic cancer were compared using log-rank test. Results: About 13 of 1848 patients developed pancreatic cancer (mean follow-up period, 45.2 months). The risk ratio for all patients was 3.02 (log-rank test: P =0.01). Statistical analyses showed no effects of the following factors on the development of pancreatic cancer: age, sex, follow-up period, alcohol intake, laboratory data, presence of hepatitis virus, characteristics of HCC, type of treatment, number of radiological examinations, and cumulative effective dose. Conclusions: Increased incidence of pancreatic cancer was found in patients under observation for HCC in a relatively small cohort. HCC or other common underlying conditions might be a risk factor for development of pancreatic cancer.

Background/AimsGroove pancreatitis (GP) is an uncommon disease involving the pancreaticoduodenal area. Possible pathogenesis includes obstructive pancreatitis in the duct of Santorini and impaired communication with the duct of Wirsung, minor papilla stenosis, and leakage causing inflammation. Limited data regarding endoscopic treatment have been published.Methods : Seven patients with GP receiving endoscopic treatment were reviewed. The morphology of the pancreatic duct was evaluated by a pancreatogram. Endoscopic dilation of the minor papilla and drainage of the duct of Santorini were performed.Results : There were two pancreatic divisum cases, one ansa pancreatica case and four impaired connections between the duct of Santorini and the main pancreatic duct. Three to 31 sessions of endoscopy, with 2 to 24 sessions of transpapillary stenting and dilation, were performed. Interventions through the minor papilla were successfully performed in six of seven cases. The pancreatic stenting duration ranged from 2 to 87 months. Five patients with evidence of chronic pancreatitis (CP) tended to receive more endoscopic interventions than did the two patients without CP (2–24 vs 2, respectively) for GP and other complications associated with CP.Conclusion : sDisconnection or impairment of communication between the ducts of Santorini and Wirsung was observed in all cases of GP. No surgery was required, and endoscopic minor papilla dilation and drainage of the duct of Santorini were feasible for the treatment of GP.

Background/AimsEndoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) has emerged as a palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Although covered SEMSs can prevent tumor ingrowth, frequent migration of covered SEMSs may offset their advantages in preventing tumor ingrowth.Methods : We conducted this multicenter, single-arm, retrospective study at six tertiary referral centers to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a partially covered SEMS with an uncovered large-bore flare at the proximal end as an antimigration system in 41 patients with symptomatic malignant GOO. The primary outcome was clinical success, and the secondary outcomes were technical success, stent dysfunction, adverse events, and survival after stent placement.Results : The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 95%, respectively. Stent dysfunctions occurred in 17 patients (41%), including stent migration in nine (23%), tumor ingrowth in one (2%), and tumor overgrowth in four (10%). Two patients (5%) developed adverse events: one pancreatitis and one perforation. No procedure-related death was observed.Conclusion : sA novel partially covered SEMS with a large-bore flare proximal end was safe and effective for malignant GOO but failed to prevent stent migration. Further research is warranted to develop a covered SEMS with an optimal antimigration system.

Background/Aim: Percutaneous cholecystostomy [percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD)] is the treatment of choice in surgically unfit patients with acute cholecystitis. However, PTGBD tube removal after symptoms resolution results in 41–46% recurrence. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the conversion of PTGBD to transmural endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using plastic stents in patients unfit for cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent internal transmural EUS-GBD as a conversion from PTGBD were reviewed. EUS-GBD was performed after the improvement of cholecystitis due to recurrent cholecystitis and PTGBD intolerance. One or two 7-Fr double pigtail plastic stent insertion with or without temporary endoscopic naso-gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) insertion was performed. Results: Six patients (age 61–88), with three cases of acute cholecystitis after metallic biliary stenting and three cases of calculus cholecystitis, who underwent PTGBD were included. EUS-GBD was performed 10–63 days after PTGBD, using one plastic stent in five cases, two stents in one case, with temporary ENGBD in two cases. The technical success and clinical success were achieved and the PTGBD tubes were subsequently removed in all patients. All ENGBD tubes were removed within 5 days after insertion. Bile leak with peritonitis was demonstrated in one case, which was treated conservatively. No recurrent cholecystitis was seen during 3–26 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The conversion of percutaneous cholecystostomy to internal transmural EUS-GBD with plastic stents is feasible for patients unfit for cholecystectomy. However, more studies are still needed to confirm the results.

Background/AimsIn distal malignant biliary obstruction, an antireflux metal stent (ARMS) with a funnel-shaped valve is effective as a reintervention for metal stent occlusion caused by reflux. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of this ARMS as a first-line metal stent.Methods : Patients with nonresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction were identified between April and December 2014 at three Japanese tertiary centers. We retrospectively evaluated recurrent biliary obstruction and adverse events after ARMS placement.Results : In total, 20 consecutive patients were included. The most common cause of biliary obstruction was pancreatic cancer (75%). Overall, recurrent biliary obstruction was observed in seven patients (35%), with a median time to recurrent biliary obstruction of 246 days (range, 11 to 246 days). Stent occlusion occurred in five patients (25%), the causes of which were sludge and food impaction in three and two patients, respectively. Stent migration occurred in two patients (10%). The rate of adverse events associated with ARMS was 25%: pancreatitis occurred in three patients, cholecystitis in one and liver abscess in one. No patients experienced non-occlusion cholangitis.Conclusion : sThe ARMS as a first-line biliary drainage procedure was feasible. Because the ARMS did not fully prevent stent dysfunction due to reflux, further investigation is warranted.

Background and study aims: Temporary placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) has recently emerged as a treatment option for pancreatic duct strictures due to chronic pancreatitis refractory to conventional plastic stenting. However, there are no data about long-term outcomes with this therapeutic option. The aims of the current study were to estimate the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of temporary FCSEMS placement for refractory pancreatic duct strictures. Patients and methods: This was a prospective, single-center feasibility study. Ten patients with refractory pancreatic duct strictures due to chronic pancreatitis underwent FCSEMS placement for 3 months. We evaluated the rate of recurrent symptoms after stent removal during long-term follow-up, as well as adverse events (AEs). Results: Two patients required early (within 1 week) stent removal because of intolerable pain or pancreatitis. In the remaining 8 patients, the recurrence rate of any symptoms after FCSEMS removal was 63% during 35 months of follow up. The causes of recurrent symptoms were as follows: recurrence of stricture in 2; stent-induced stricture in 1; impaction of pancreatic stones in 1; and development of a pseudocyst in 1. When limited to stricture, the recurrence rate was 38%. Additional endoscopic treatments were required in 4 patients: a second FCSEMS placement in 1; plastic stent (PS) placement in 1; stone extraction in 1; and endoscopic ultrasound–guided pseudocyst drainage in 1. Asymptomatic stent migration occurred in 2 patients. Suppurative pancreatic ductitis due to food impaction in the FCSEMS occurred in 2 patients, and endoscopic pancreatic duct drainage was performed. Stent-induced ductal changes developed in 2 patients and PS treatment was required in 1 patient for pain relief. Conclusion: The FCSEMS appears to be a feasible and potentially effective option for the management of refractory pancreatic duct strictures due to chronic pancreatitis during long-term follow-up. AEs including post-procedure pain, stent-induced ductal changes, migration, and ductitis are issues that need to be resolved.

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is histologically characterized by lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis (LPSP). Recently, the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/B) for AIP has been reported. However, its role in the diagnostic flow of AIP is not fully elucidated. We retrospectively reviewed 53 consecutive patients who were suspected with AIP and underwent EUS-FNA/B. We evaluated the contribution of EUS-FNA/B to the diagnosis of AIP before considering response to steroid therapy among patients with diffuse enlargement of the pancreas and those with focal enlargement, respectively. Twenty-two patients showed diffuse pancreatic enlargement and 31 showed focal enlargement. The final diagnosis was definitive AIP in 32 patients, probable AIP in 2, possible AIP in 1, and mass-forming focal pancreatitis in 18. There was no change in diagnosis after EUS-FNA/B among patients with diffuse pancreatic enlargement, while diagnosis changed in 38.7% (12/31) among those with focal enlargement—there was a probable to definitive diagnosis in 4 patients, unspecified to definitive in 3, and unspecified to probable in 5. EUS-FNB provided a significantly higher sensitivity for typical pathological findings of LPSP than EUS-FNA, and 10 patients were diagnosed as pathologically definitive AIP by EUS-FNB, though none were by EUS-FNA (p = 0.002). EUS-FNA/B was useful in the diagnosis of focal type AIP, and steroid therapy could be introduced after the diagnosis was confirmed. Meanwhile, EUS-FNA/B provided no contribution to diagnosis of diffuse type AIP. EUS-FNB showed a higher diagnostic yield than FNA.

The incidence of pancreatic cancer (PCa) is increasing worldwide and has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Screening for high risk populations is fundamental to overcome this intractable malignancy. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is classically known as a risk factor for PCa. Recently the reverse causality is in the spotlight, that is to say, DM is considered to be a manifestation of PCa. Numbers of epidemiological studies clarified that new-onset DM (≤2-year duration) was predominant in PCa patients and the relative risk for PCa inversely correlated with duration of DM. Among patients with new-onset DM, elder onset, weight loss, and rapid exacerbation of glycemic control were reported to be promising risk factors and signs, and the model was developed by combining these factors. Several pilot studies disclosed the possible utility of biomarkers to discriminate PCa-associated DM from type 2 DM. However, there is no reliable biomarkers to be used in the practice. We previously reported the application of a multivariate index for PCa based on the profile of plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) among diabetic patients. We are further investigating on the PFAA profile of PCa-associated DM, and it can be useful for developing the novel biomarker in the near future.

Background and study aims While endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) is recommended to be performed ≥ 4 weeks after onset of acute pancreatitis (AP), early (

Background and study aims Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is a method of bile duct stone removal that has a better long-term outcome but a high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Recent studies have suggested that 5-minute EPBD can reduce the incidence of PEP. This study aimed to examine the safety and effectiveness of longer duration EPBD compared with shorter duration EPBD (5 minutes vs. 15 seconds after disappearance of the waist of a dilation catheter). Patients and methods Patients without a history of endoscopic sphincterotomy or EPBD who underwent EPBD to remove bile duct stones were selected retrospectively from five centers. The incidence of PEP, other early adverse events, and outcomes of EPBD were compared between the groups. A multivariable analysis of risk factors for PEP was performed. Results A total of 607 patients (157 and 450 in the 5-minute and 15-second EPBD groups, respectively) were included. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the incidence of PEP (8.3 % and 8.9 % in the 5-minute and 15-second EPBD groups, respectively; P = 0.871) and the incidence of overall early adverse events (P = 0.999). Although 5-minute EPBD elongated the procedure time (45 vs. 37 minutes, P

This study investigates gender gaps in digital skills among youth (15–24 years old) in 32 low- and middle-income economies using data from UNICEF-supported and internationally comparable Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). Utilizing a household fixed effects approach, we aim to isolate gender-based disparities from household-level variations. The intra-household analysis reveals significant inequalities, with biases against young women in possessing digital skills, including the very basic ones. Supplementary analysis using a mixed-effects model, which accounts separately for within- and between-household variation, highlights that wealthier households exhibit larger gender gaps in digital skills, disadvantaging young women primarily due to a floor effect in the poorest households. The paper concludes with policy implications aimed at reducing gender gaps in digital skills.

Background/Aim: Percutaneous cholecystostomy [percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD)] is the treatment of choice in surgically unfit patients with acute cholecystitis. However, PTGBD tube removal after symptoms resolution results in 41-46% recurrence. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the conversion of PTGBD to transmural endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using plastic stents in patients unfit for cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent internal transmural EUS-GBD as a conversion from PTGBD were reviewed. EUS-GBD was performed after the improvement of cholecystitis due to recurrent cholecystitis and PTGBD intolerance. One or two 7-Fr double pigtail plastic stent insertion with or without temporary endoscopic naso-gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) insertion was performed. Results: Six patients (age 61-88), with three cases of acute cholecystitis after metallic biliary stenting and three cases of calculus cholecystitis, who underwent PTGBD were included. EUS-GBD was performed 10-63 days after PTGBD, using one plastic stent in five cases, two stents in one case, with temporary ENGBD in two cases. The technical success and clinical success were achieved and the PTGBD tubes were subsequently removed in all patients. All ENGBD tubes were removed within 5 days after insertion. Bile leak with peritonitis was demonstrated in one case, which was treated conservatively. No recurrent cholecystitis was seen during 3-26 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The conversion of percutaneous cholecystostomy to internal transmural EUS-GBD with plastic stents is feasible for patients unfit for cholecystectomy. However, more studies are still needed to confirm the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aim Endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) is increasingly reported as a treatment option after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We developed a novel "hitch-and-ride" catheter for biliary cannulation to reduce the risk of guidewire loss during EUS-RV. Patients and methods We retrospectively evaluated safety and technical success of EUS-RV between June 2011 and May 2016. Biliary cannulation during EUS-RV using three methods - over-the-wire, along-the-wire, and hitch-and-ride - were compared. Results A total of 30 EUS-RVs were attempted and the technical success rate was 93.3 %, with two failures (one bile duct puncture and one guidewire insertion). After 28 cases of successful guidewire passage, cannulation was attempted by the over-the-wire (n = 13), along-the-wire (n = 4) or hitch-and-ride (n = 11) method. Only the hitch-and-ride method achieved biliary cannulation without guidewire loss or conversion to the other methods. Time to cannulation was shorter with the hitch-and-ride method (4 minutes) than with over-the-wire and along-the-wire methods (9 and 13 minutes, respectively). The adverse event rate of EUS-RV was 23.3 %. Conclusion A novel hitch-and-ride catheter was feasible for biliary cannulation after EUS-RV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is potentially complicated by bile leak and stent migration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a long (≥10cm), partially covered metal stent (LP-CMS) for EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) for malignant biliary obstruction. Both the stent length and the uncovered portion at the proximal end of the LPCMS are designed to prevent stent migration. Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients undergoing EUS-HGS using an LP-CMS in four centers were retrospectively studied. Technical and clinical success, adverse events, and recurrent biliary obstruction were evaluated. Results: Gastric outlet obstruction (76 %) and surgically altered anatomy (15 %) were two major reasons for EUS-HGS.The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. The median intragastric stent length was 54mm. The adverse event rate was 9%. No stent migration was observed. Recurrent biliary obstruction developed in 24%, with a median cumulative time to recurrence of 8.5 months. Conclusions: EUS-HGS using an LP-CMS for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction was safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on successful endoscopic lithotripsy using digital cholangioscope through an overtube placed by an enteroscope.

The article presents a case study of a 70-year-old man who suffered from metastatic rectal cancer and had developed metastatic lymph nodes.

Background/Aims: To determine the nutritional markers important for assessing the degree of pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis in routine clinical practice. Methods: A total of 137 patients with chronic pancreatitis were followed up for more than 1 year. They were divided into two groups: a pancreatic diabetes mellitus (DM) group, consisting of 47 patients undergoing medical treatment for DM of pancreatic origin, and a nonpancreatic DM group, consisting of 90 other patients (including 86 patients without DM). Serum albumin, prealbumin, total cholesterol, cholinesterase, magnesium, and hemoglobin were compared between the two groups. Results: The total cholesterol was significantly lower in the pancreatic than the nonpancreatic DM group (164 mg/dL vs 183 mg/dL, respectively; p=0.0028). Cholinesterase was significantly lower in the former group (263 U/L vs 291 U/L, respectively; p=0.016). Among the 37 patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis, there was no difference in the cholinesterase levels between the pancreatic and nonpancreatic (296 U/L vs 304 U/L, respectively; p=0.752) DM groups, although cholesterol levels remained lower in the former (165 mg/dL vs 187 mg/dL, respectively; p=0.052). Conclusions: Cholinesterase levels are possibly affected by concomitant alcoholic liver injury. The total cholesterol level should be considered when assessing pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Stent migration occurs frequently, but the prevention of complications resulting from covered self-expandable metal stents (C-SEMSs) remains unresolved. We prospectively assessed a newly developed C-SEMS, a modified covered Zeo stent (m-CZS), in terms of its antimigration effect. Methods: Between February 2010 and January 2011, an m-CZS was inserted into 42 patients (31 initial drainage cases and 11 reintervention cases) at a tertiary referral center and three affiliated hospitals. The laser-cut stent was flared for 1.5 cm at both ends, with a 1 cm raised bank located 1 cm in from each flared end. The main outcome of this study was the rate of stent migration, and secondary outcomes were the rate of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), the time to RBO, the frequencies of complications, and overall survival. Results: Of the 31 patients with initial drainage, stent migration occurred in four (12.9%, 95% confidence interval, 5.1% to 29.0%), with a mean time of 131 days. RBO occurred in 18 (58%), with a median time to RBO of 107 days. Following previous C-SEMS migration, seven of 10 patients (70%) did not experience m-CZS migration until death. Conclusions: m-CZSs with antimigration properties effectively, although not completely, prevented stent migration after stent insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Endoscopists seek to conduct more aggressive surgical procedures that surpass the limitations of existing endoscopic procedures. Endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) are typical examples of this new trend; both are performed through the gastrointestinal wall without a skin incision. Endoscopic necrosectomy is effective for managing organized pancreatic necrosis and abscesses. The necrotic tissues are removed endoscopically by directly entering the cavity of the organized pancreatic necrosis. NOTES is a possible advance over surgical intervention, as it is a less invasive, more cosmetic, and effective procedure. There are various approaches, including the esophagus, stomach, colon, and vagina; Various procedures are possible using NOTES, such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, full-thickness stomach resection, splenectomy, gastrointestinal (GI) anastomosis, and peritoneoscopy. The requirements for NOTES include high proficiency in endoscopic techniques, including knowledge of various devices, anatomy, and surgical procedures. Since most GI endoscopists have no surgical background, to increase the usage of NOTES, GI endoscopists should form and lead teams that include various specialists. We believe that endoscopic necrosectomy and NOTES represent a major shift in the treatment paradigm because physicians can treat beyond the gastrointestinal wall and endoscopic procedures will replace surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study is presented of 65-year old man with advanced pancreatic cancer with combination of malignant biliary obstruction and gastric outlet obstruction referred to a hospital and who underwent simultaneous duodenal stenting and endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy for treatment.