Search

BACKGROUND: Innovative approaches to improve diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) have focused on needle design with development of fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles with microcore-acquisition technology. Recently, a 20-gauge (20G) antegrade-cutting-side-bevelled biopsy needle (ProCore®) was developed for EUS-TA, but data about its diagnostic performance and histological capability are scant. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the diagnostic performance and histologic retrieval rate of a new 20G antegrade-cutting-side-bevelled biopsy needle compared with a 22G reverse-side-bevelled needle for EUS sampling of solid pancreatic lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 238 consecutively collected patients who underwent EUS-TA using a 20G or a 22G ProCore® needle, without rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), was conducted at two centres. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Histologic tissue retrieval was evaluated applying a scoring system for each case. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity were estimated as 98.4–100% in the 20G-, and 94.9–100% in the 22G-needle groups, respectively (p > 0.99). The 20G procured more histologic-grade tissues (92.6% vs 49.5%, p

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly affected every country and overwhelmed many healthcare systems. Intensive caretreatment may be needed for extended durations. Patients experience consequences of respiratory illness and post-intensive care illness (1,2). Endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder transmural drainage, can reduce surgicalinterventions, intensive-care admissions, and long-term complications (3). EUS-guided gallbladder drainage is efficient and safe, with a low rate of adverse events. A 54-year-old man, recently recovered from severe COVID-19+ pneumonia and still judged unfit for futhher intubation, wastreated by EUS-guided gallbladder drainage for severe acute cholecistytis by a 10x15-mm electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing stent.

We conducted a survey to investigate to what extent the fear of COVID-19 has influenced the patients decision to undergo or to cancel endoscopic procedures. We collected data from 847 patients from 13 centres. The main indication for endoscopy was anemia, followed by pain and unexplained weight loss. The percentage of not presenters progressively increased throughout the three weeks of study, from 15.1% at the beginning to 48.2% at the end. 37 (34.2%) upper GI endoscopies and 112 (56.3 %) colonoscopies showed an organic cause explaining the symptoms presented by the patients, respectively; 5 cases of gastric cancer (4.6%) and 16 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) (6.0%), respectively, were detected; during the second week the percentage of organic diseases found at upper endoscopy was 19 (33.3%) with 5 cancer (8.7%), and 61 (49.1% ) at colonoscopy, with 2 CRC (1.6%); finally, during the third week the corresponding figures were 19 (48.7%) for upper GI examinations, with 3 gastric cancers (7.7%), and 43 (60.5%) with 4 (6.5%) CRC cases found.We conclude that patients weighted the fear of having a clinically relevant disease with the fear of becoming infected by coronavirus, and a relevant percentage of them (29.4%) decided not to attend the endoscopy suites at the scheduled date.

Background and Objective: A new 20-gauge (G) biopsy needle with a core-trap technology has been developed with a large core size and enhanced flexibility. The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) with the new 20G needle in diagnosing subepithelial lesions (SELs). Materials and Methods: Retrospectively collected data from consecutive patients with SELs undergoing EUS-FNB with the 20G needle at five centers were analyzed. Results: A total of 50 SELs were included. The mean lesion size was 43.1 ± 17.5 mm. The lesion locations were esophagus (n = 1), stomach (n = 37), distal duodenum (n = 5), rectum (n = 6), and colon (n = 1). The procedure was technically feasible in all patients. Definitive diagnosis with full histological assessment including immunohistochemistry was obtained in 88% (44/50) of the patients. Considering malignant versus benign lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.2–94.3), 100% (95% CI 58.7%–100%), 100% (95% CI 85.1%–100%), and 62.5 (95% CI 27.7–84.8), respectively. No major complications requiring additional care have been observed. Conclusions: In this multicenter study, we found that EUS-FNB with the new 20G core needle is an effective and safe method for the diagnosis of SELs with a high rate of producing adequate histological material and high diagnostic accuracy even from difficult-to-approach anatomical locations.

Background and aim Endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling (EUS sampling) is a safe and effective technique. The study aim was to evaluate the presence of a histological core from pancreatic lesions using a new 25G fork-tip needle. Methods Observational multicenter prospective and analytical study, including consecutive patients with solid pancreatic masses referred for EUS-guided sampling. At each needle pass, the endoscopist performed macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE). The primary outcome was the histological core procurement rates. Secondary outcomes were the evaluation of interobserver agreement between endoscopists and pathologists, adequacy of EUS samples for the diagnosis and post-procedure adverse events. Results 100 patients were enrolled in 3 centers. The mean size of the lesions was 28.5 mm (SD 11.7). Final diagnoses were adenocarcinoma (68%), neuroendocrine tumor (21%), inflammatory mass/benign lesions (8.0%), and pancreatic metastasis (3.0%). The pathologists described the presence of a core in 67 samples (67.0% of patients), with poor agreement with MOSE (kappa, 0. 12; 95% CI: 0.03–0.28). The diagnostic accuracy was 93%. We observed 6% of mild adverse events. Conclusion The new 25-gauge core needle showed good overall adequacy and a good rate of histological specimens during EUS sampling of solid pancreatic masses, with a minimum number of passes and no major complications. Clinicaltrial.gov number, NCT02946840.

Here we offer a review of the literature regarding endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours and describe the case of a cystic tumour completely ablated after a multisession procedure. A total of 35 PubMed indexed cases of treated functioning and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours resulted from our search, 29 of which are well-documented and summarised. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation appears as a local, minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, suitable for selected patients. This technique appears feasible, relatively safe and efficient, especially when applied to symptom relief in functioning tumours, aiming at loss of endocrine secretion. For non-functioning tumours, where the goal is complete tissue ablation, eus guided ethanol ablation can provide good results for patients who are unfit for surgery or for those who refuse surgical resection. Its role in “fit for surgery” patients requires assessment through further studies.

for treatment of a chronic post-surgical tracheoesophageal fistula Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula is a rare condition, often linked tomalignancy, trauma, or iatrogenic cuff-related injury. Poor nutrition, infection, radiotherapy, and steroid use are predisposing factors. Surgical management is difficult, timeconsuming, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality [1]. Conservative endoscopic therapeutic options, such as self-expandablemetal stents, clips, and sealants have been investigated with satisfactory results. In recent years, over-the-scope clip (OTSC) systems have shown good technical and clinical success as a result of their more vigorous closure than regular through-the-scope clips and because of their wider mouths and ability to grip larger amounts of tissue [2]. Recently a novel tissue-closure device (Padlock Clip; Aponos Medical, Kingston NewHampshire, USA) has been developed and tested in porcine models, providing secure closure of full-thickness wall defects [3]. It consists of a hexagonal nitinol ring with six inner needles and is preassembled on an applicator cap. It is thumb-press deployed by the Lock-It delivery system, which is located parallel to the endoscope, so does not require the working channel or other instruments (●" Fig.1). Simple suction is enough to obtain tissue adhesion to the instrument tip. When deployed, the ring instantly springs back to its original form. In 2007, a 60-year-old man underwent laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer followed by chemoradiotherapy. In March 2014, he was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent bronchitis and cough. Computed tomography (CT) scanning, Gastrografin esophagography, and endoscopy showed a tracheoesophageal fistula (●" Fig.2). Several unsuccessful treatments were attempted, including surgery, salivary bypass stenting, and endoscopic clipping. In September 2014, we decided to try placing a Padlock Clip. Using endoscopic and fluoroscopic control, we successfully deployed the clip at the esophageal edge of the fistula (●" Video 1; ●" Fig.3). The patient did well after treatment and no immediate or delayed complications occurred. After 5 months of follow-up, he is feeding normally and no recurrence of symptoms has been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical experience of closure of a tracheoesophageal fistula using a Padlock Clip. Fig.2 The tracheoesophageal fistula seen on: a radiological view (fistula indicated by green arrow); b endoscopic view; c bronchoscopic view. Fig.1 Photographs showing: a the new Padlock Clip; and b its extrascope Lock-It delivery system. Cases and Techniques Library (CTL) E437

Background and Objectives: In the perspective of improving accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling, the efforts of innovation have focused on needle design, with the development of micro-core acquisition technology, and puncture technique variations. Available studies have shown that fine needle biopsy (FNB) needles can achieve a satisfactory diagnostic yield after fewer passes when compared to fine needle aspiration (FNA) needles, without an overall diagnostic advantage. Limited data are available to explain these results. We compared FNA and side-beveled FNB needles for micro-core/cellular material retrieval and diagnostic performance in pancreatic solid lesions. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of 110 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-sampling for a solid pancreatic lesion. All cellular material was collected for cell-block construction. The cytological examination was performed according to Papanicolaou. KRAS analysis was used as an ancillary technique to resolve indeterminate cases. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated in FNA (EchoTip® Ultra) and in FNB (EchoTip ProCore®) categories. All cases were evaluated for cellularity and micro-core (fragment retaining tissue architecture) retrieval. We compared FNA and FNB needles of different diameter (FNA: 19, 22, and 25G and FNB: 20, 22, and 25G), as well as large (19–20G) and small bore needles (22–25G). Results: Considering only positive cytology as diagnostic for malignancy, FNB needles showed higher sensitivity than FNA needles (86.4% vs. 54.9%, P = 0.002). If KRAS-mutated indeterminate cases were considered as malignant, overall sensitivity was 94.7%. In subcategories (FNB vs. FNA), sensitivity was 97.7% versus 92.2%, P = 0.37. Micro-cores were present in 65.2% of FNB versus 15.1% of FNA samples (P < 0.0001), rising to 95.2% in 20G-FNB category, and in 88.5% of large bore versus 20.5% of small bore needles (P < 0.0001). Considering the overall amount of cellular material (micro-cores plus cellular aggregates), FNB needles were better than FNA (91.3% vs. 62.3%, P = 0.001). The needle diameter did not influence the overall amount of cellular material retrieval since a satisfactory amount could be retrieved in both categories (large vs. small bore needles: 88.5% vs. 71.2%, P = 0.063). Conclusions: FNB needles allowed a relevant improvement in positive cytology with reduced need of KRAS mutational assessment or ancillary techniques. Dedicating all cellular material to the construction of cell-blocks and high retrieval rate of micro-cores may explain these results.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones. Spillage of stones due to gallbladder rupture has been reported in up to 33% of all LCs, but clinical sequelae caused by dropped gallstones are uncommon. We recently observed two patients with retained stones after LC. Correct diagnosis was made by abdominal ultrasonography (US) in both cases. In the first patient, who presented with fever, malaise, and weight loss 18 months after LC, abdominal US revealed hypoechoic focal lesions containing hyperechoic images with posterior shadowing of the liver and spleen. US-guided aspiration biopsies of these lesions yielded purulent material, and the injection and aspiration of saline solution provoked rolling movements of the hyperechoic images. Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of abscess-containing spilled gallstones. In the second patient, multiple hyperechoic images with posterior shadowing were observed in the Morison pouch during a routine US examination. The diagnosis of retained stones was consistent with the history of gallstone spillage during LC performed 2 months previously and was confirmed by computed tomographic findings of hyperdense images in the Morison pouch. The patient was asymptomatic, and treatment was thus deferred. Our experience suggests that US can be very useful in the detection of gallstones spilled during LC.

This paper reports our experience with a new over-the-scope clip in the setting of recurrent bleeding and oesophageal fistula. We treated five patients with the over-the-scope Padlock Clip™. It is a nitinol ring, with six inner needles preassembled on an applicator cap, thumb press displaced by the Lock-It™ delivery system. The trigger wire is located alongside the shaft of the endoscope, and does not require the working channel. Three patients had recurrent bleeding lesions (bleeding rectal ulcer, post polypectomy delayed bleeding and duodenal Dieulafoy’s lesion) and two patients had a persistent respiratory-esophageal fistula. In all patients a previous endoscopic attempt with standard techniques had been useless. All procedures were conducted under conscious sedation but for one patient that required general anaesthesia due to multiple comorbidities. We used one Padlock Clip™ for each patient in a single session. Simple suction was enough in all of our patients to obtain tissue adhesion to the instrument tip. A remarkably short application time was recorded for all cases (mean duration of the procedure: 8 min). We obtained technical and immediate clinical success for every patient. No major immediate, early or late (within 24 h, 7 d or 4 wk) adverse events were observed, over follow-up durations lasting a mean of 109.4 d. One patient, treated for duodenal bulb bleeding from a Dieulafoy's lesion, developed signs of mild pancreatitis 24 h after the procedure. The new over-the-scope Padlock Clip™ seems to be simple to use and effective in different clinical settings, particularly in “difficult” scenarios, like recurrent bleeding and respiratory-oesophageal fistulas.