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Many tumors may secondarily involve the pancreas; however, only retrospective autopic and surgical series are available. We retrospectively collected data from all consecutive patients with histologically confirmed secondary tumors of the pancreas referred to five Italian centers between 2010 and 2021. We described clinical and pathological features, therapeutic approach and treatment outcomes. EUS characteristics of the lesions and the tissue acquisition procedures (needle, passages, histology) were recorded. A total of 116 patients (males/females 69/47; mean age 66.7) with 236 histologically confirmed pancreatic metastases were included; kidney was the most common primary site. EUS was performed to confirm the diagnosis in 205 lesions which presented as predominantly solitary (59), hypoechoic (95) and hypervascular (60), with a heterogeneous (n = 54) pattern and well-defined borders (n = 52). EUS-guided tissue acquisition was performed in 94 patients with an overall accuracy of 97.9%. Histological evaluation was possible in 88.3% of patients, obtaining final diagnosis in all cases. When cytology alone was performed, the final diagnosis was obtained in 83.3% of cases. A total of 67 patients underwent chemo/radiation therapy, and surgery was attempted in 45 (38.8%) patients. Pancreatic metastases are a possible event in the natural history of solid tumors, even long after the diagnosis of the primary site. EUS-guided fine needle biopsy may be suggested to implement the differential diagnosis.

Background and Aims Electrocautery-tip lumen-apposing metal stents (EC-LAMSs) have extended the indications of therapeutic EUS. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate safety and technical and clinical success of a newly developed EC-LAMS, the Hot-Spaxus (Taewoong Medical Co, Gimpo, Korea), for various EUS-guided procedures. Methods We included and retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients at 8 tertiary care referral centers who had undergone EUS interventional procedures using the Hot-Spaxus between October 2018 and February 2021. Results Of 58 included patients (male-to-female, 36:22; mean age, 63.5 ± 14.9 years), 29 had undergone pancreatic fluid collection drainage (50%), 22 (37.9%) biliary drainage for malignant distal obstruction, 3 (5.1%) gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis, 3 gastroenteroanastomoses, and 1 (1.7%) pelvic collection drainage. Technical success was achieved in 54 of 58 patients (93.1%) and clinical success in all 58. Adverse events occurred in 6 patients (11.1%): 2 early (3.7%), 1 late (1.8%), and 3 long term (5.6%). The outcomes were similar to those observed in a control group of patients treated with the Hot-Axios (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass, USA), the other available EC-LAMS. Conclusions Our study showed that the novel EC-LAMS has high technical and clinical success rates for various interventional EUS indications. Future multicenter prospective studies will better clarify the role of this new EC-LAMS for different indications.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection was introduced in Japan for the mini-invasive treatment of early gastric cancer, as part of national screening program considering high prevalence of disease in these latitudes. This technique allows en-bloc curative oncological excision and to obtain in a single step R0-resection, characterization, histological staging and potential cure of the tumor with a very high cost-benefit balance. Over the years, Western endoscopists have adopted endoscopic submucosal dissection, achieving good rates of efficacy, long-term improved outcomes and safety, with low risk of local recurrence comparable to those obtained in Asian institutes. However, according to some authors, the excellent outcomes from East country could not be representative of the Western experience. Despite epidemiological differences of early gastric cancer, scant volume data and limitations in training opportunities between Western and Eastern countries, European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have adopted Japanese guidelines and developed a European core curriculum for endoscopic submucosal dissection training. Endoscopists should be able to estimate the probability of performing a curative resection by considering the benefit/risk relationship case-by-case in order to implement a correct decision-making process.

BACKGROUND Post-surgical anastomotic colorectal leaks often require a surgical second look with a definite morbidity and the risk of delaying adjuvant treatment. The aim of this study is to analyse the long-term results of the endoscopic closure of colorectal leak following low anterior resection (LAR) using the over-the-scope (Ovesco™) clip. METHODS Patients who were submitted to endoscopic closure of a colorectal leak of maximum 2 cm with an Ovesco™ clip following LAR from 2016 to 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective single-center study (Humanitas Mater Domini Clinical Institute, Italy). The follow-up was obtained through radiologic and clinic assessments. RESULTS In the study period 48 patients were submitted to LAR. Six patients were enrolled in the study. The median diameter of the leak was 7 mm. 14/6t or 12/6t OTSC® clip was applied. Three patients were managed exclusively endoscopically, 2 of them had a protective ileostomy; 3 patients underwent urgent laparotomy with ostomy and then underwent endoscopic procedure. Complete healing was reached in all patients in a median of 23 days. Adjuvant chemotherapy was indicated and performed in 4 patients after a median of 64 days from the surgery. Among the 5 carriers of an ostomy, 4 patients underwent recanalization. The median follow-up was 21.5 months. During the follow-up no leak reoccurrence or complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS In the multimodal management of anastomotic leaks following LAR , Ovesco™ clipping system appears a safe and effective technique in the closure of small leaks (

There is scarce evidence on the comparison between different methods for the drainage of distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Therefore, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of these techniques. We searched main databases through September 2021 and identified five randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was clinical success. The secondary outcomes were technical success, overall and serious adverse event rate. Percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage was found to be inferior to other interventions (PTBD: RR 1.01, 0.88–1.17 with EUS-choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD); RR 1.03, 0.86–1.22 with EUS-hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG); RR 1.42, 0.90–2.24 with surgical hepaticojejunostomy). The comparison between EUS-HG and EUS-CD was not significant (RR 1.01, 0.87–1.17). Surgery was not superior to other interventions (RR 1.40, 0.91–2.13 with EUS-CD and RR 1.38, 0.88–2.16 with EUS-HG). No difference in any of the comparisons concerning adverse event rate was detected, although PTBD showed a slightly poorer performance on ranking analysis (SUCRA score 0.13). In conclusion, all interventions seem to be effective for the drainage of DMBO, although PTBD showed a trend towards higher rates of adverse events.

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard procedure for malignant jaundice palliation; however, it can be challenging when a duodenal self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is already in place. Patients and methods The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of the placement of a lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) through the mesh (TTM) of duodenal stents. The secondary aims were to evaluate clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) related to the procedures. Results Data from 23 patients (11 F and 12 M; mean age: 69.5 ± 11 years old) were collected. In 17 patients (73.9 %) TTM LAMS placement was performed as first intention, while in six patients (26.1 %) it was performed after a failed ERCP. Thirteen patients (56.5 %) underwent the procedure due to advanced pancreatic head neoplasia. One technical failure was experienced (4.3 %). The TTM LAMS placement led to a significant decrease in the serum levels of bilirubin, ALP, GGT, WBC and CRP. No cases of duodenal SEMS occlusion occurred and no other AEs were observed during the follow-up. Conclusions Concomitant malignant duodenal and biliary obstruction is a challenging condition. Palliation of jaundice using TTM LAMS in patients already treated with duodenal stent is associated to promising technical and clinical outcomes.

Background and aim In presence of malignant dysphagia, in patients unfit for surgery, the placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) represents a safe and effective palliative treatment. Esophageal stents (ES) present an over-the-wire mechanism where the stent is deployed under X-ray control. Recently a through-the-scope (TTS) ES was launched. The aim of our retrospective study is to assess the technical and clinical success of the new TTS-ES. Materials and methods Patients with malignant dysphagia caused by esophageal cancer or ab-extrinsic compression, who underwent TTS esophageal stent in six Italian endoscopic referral centers, were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 40 patients were enrolled. TTS stent placement was successful in 39/40 patients (97.5%). 31 patients had an Ogilvie score of 4, nine an Ogilvie 3. After 2 weeks from stent placement 29 reported Ogilvie score of 0, eight a score of 1. None of the patients developed retrosternal pain requiring drugs. No patient experienced perforation, bleeding or migration. A total of seven patients (18%) developed dysphagia as late adverse event (AE). Conclusion Through-the-scope ES presented less AEs, in terms of bleeding and perforation, if compared to the previous published data. An anti-migration system could be helpful, especially when the stent is placed for "ab-extrinseco" malignant dysphagia.

Background and Aims In recent years, the feasibility and safety of endoscopic placement of different biodegradable biliary stents have been investigated. New, helicoidally shaped, biliary and pancreatic biodegradable stents have been developed for endoscopic use. Stents are provided in different sizes and with 3 expected speeds of degradation: slow (11 weeks), medium (20 days), and fast (12 days). The aim of this study was to evaluate degradation time, technical outcomes, and safety of these stents. Methods This was a single-center, prospective, pilot study (August 2018 to January 2019) of consecutive patients with indication for biliary or pancreatic plastic stent positioning during ERCP. The primary outcome was the evaluation of degradation time of the stents, which was controlled by abdominal radiograph. Secondary outcomes were the evaluation of specific stent-related technical features (loadability, pushability, and fluoroscopic visibility) as compared with commonly used plastic stents and adverse events (AEs). Results Thirty-eight patients (11 women [28.9%]; median age, 68.05 ± 10.74 years) who received 53 biodegradable stents (34 [64.2%] biliary and 19 [35.8%] pancreatic stents) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-five (66%) slow-degrading stents, 6 (11.3%) medium-degrading stents, and 12 (22.6%) fast-degrading stents were used. At time 1, partial degradation of the stents was present in 48 cases (90.6%). Five stents (9.4%) prematurely migrated. At the subsequent time 2 evaluation, complete degradation occurred in 100% of cases. Stent loadability was defined as excellent in all cases. Pushability of the stent was scored as excellent in 48 cases (90.5%), good in 4 cases (7.5%), and fair in 1 case (1.9%). Fluoroscopic visualization was excellent in 11 cases (20.8%), good in 39 cases (73.6%), and fair in 3 (5.6%). Only 1 AE of mild post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred. Conclusions The results of our study suggest that the biodegradation of the new biliary and pancreatic stents is reliable and in line with expected times and technically successful in a variety of indications. Further randomized multicenter studies are required to validate our preliminary findings. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03767166.)

The two most relevant endoscopic treatable benign biliary diseases (BBD) are benign biliary strictures (BBSs) and biliary leaks (BLs), often associated with high morbidity. The most common endoscopic treatment for biliary strictures involves placement of multiple plastic stents (PSs), with or without balloon dilation, followed by planned exchange of the stents. Thus, there continues to be high interest in pursuing alternative endoscopic approaches that may achieve better results with fewer interventions. In this setting, the use of a fully-covered, self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) is an attractive alternative to single or multiple PSs for the treatment of BBDs. A single metal stent can remain in place for a longer period of time before removal; however, the maximum time the stent can be remain in place is still not well defined. The aim of this review is to determine the removal time of the TaeWoong® FCSEMS, placed for BBD. According to our data analysis, considering the absence of loss of the covering of the FCSEMS and of any adverse events during and after stent removal, leaving the TaeWoong medical FCSEMS in situ for an 8 months' period seems to be acceptable for benign biliary diseases. Further studies need to evaluate their removability at 1 year.

Background and aim To assess the rate of adverse events and the technical success rate of biliary stenting with or without EBS. Methods A literature search up to February 2017 was performed. Studies assessing adverse events (AEs) and technical success rates of stenting with or without EBS were considered. Results Seven studies (870 patients; 12 treatment arms) were included. Early AEs, i. e. those occurring within 30 days, were significantly lower in no-EBS vs. EBS-group (11 % vs. 20.1 %; OR: 0.36, 95 %CI: 0.13 – 1.00). Rates of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis were not significantly different in the two groups (no-EBS vs. EBS: 6.1 % vs 5 %; OR: 1.33, 95 %CI: 0.68 – 2.59). The rate of bleeding was significantly lower in patients without EBS (no-EBS vs EBS: 0 % vs 5 %; OR: 0.12, 95 % CI: 0.03 – 0.45). Rates of cholangitis were significantly lower in patients without EBS (no-EBS vs. EBS: 3.3 % vs. 7.4 %; OR: 0.38, 95 %CI: 0.17 – 0.83). Both late AEs and mortality rates did not significantly differ between no-EBS and EBS patients (19.9 % vs. 18.9 %; OR: 0.93, 95 %CI: 0.56 – 1.53, and 2.5 % vs. 2.9 %; OR: 1.18, 95 %CI: 0.22 – 6.29, respectively). The technical success rate for stent insertion also did not differ (98 % vs. 97.6 %; OR: 1.05, 95 %CI: 0.42 – 2.63). Conclusion EBS seems to be associated, in the first 30 days after the procedure, with an increased risk of cholangitis and bleeding. No difference was observed in the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Synchronous biliary and duodenal malignant obstruction is a challenging endoscopic scenario in patients affected with ampullary, peri-ampullary, and pancreatic head neoplasia. Surgical bypass is no longer the gold-standard therapy for these patients, as simultaneous endoscopic biliary and duodenal stenting is currently a feasible and widely used technique, with a high technical success in expert hands. In recent years, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic to a therapeutic procedure, and is now increasingly used to guide biliary drainage, especially in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The advent of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has expanded EUS therapeutic options, and changed the management of synchronous bilioduodenal stenosis. The most recent literature regarding endoscopic treatments for synchronous biliary and duodenal malignant stenosis has been reviewed to determine the best endoscopic approach, also considering the advent of an interventional EUS approach using LAMS.

Background and study aims Endoscopic treatment is the mainstay approach for gastrointestinal bleeding, in either upper (UGIB) or lower (LGIB) tract. The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) may overcome limitations of standard clips or thermocoagulation in high-risk bleeding lesions. We evaluate the main clinically relevant outcomes following endoscopic hemostasis with OTSC in high-risk lesions and/or patients. Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected databases including all patients with UGIB and LGIB who underwent OTCS placement as first-line treatment in eleven tertiary endoscopic referral centers. Technical success, primary hemostasis, rebleeding, blood transfusion, hospital stay, and hemorrhage-related mortality rates were evaluated. Results Data from 286 patients, with either UGIB (N = 214) or LGIB (N = 72) were available. Overall, 112 patients (39.2 %) were receiving antithrombotic therapy. Technical success and primary hemostasis rates were 97.9 % and 96.4 %, respectively. Early rebleeding occurred in 4.4 %, more frequently in those on antithrombotic therapy, and no late rebleeding was observed. Following a successful primary haemostasis, only 5.2 % patients needed blood transfusions, and the median hospital stay was 4 days (range: 3 – 11). Eighteen patients with either technical failure (N = 6) or rebleeding (N = 12) underwent radiological or surgical approaches. Overall, bleeding-related deaths occurred in 5 (1.7 %) patients, including 3 patients with technical procedural failure, and 2 in the rebleeding group. Conclusions Data from our large, multicenter study show that OTSC placement is an effective first-line treatment for hemostasis in high-risk patients and/or lesions both in upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Background: The guidewire biliary cannulation (GWC) technique may increase the cannulation rate and decrease the risk for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. The aim of our multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial was to determine if the use of an atraumatic loop-tip guidewire reduces the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) compared with the standard contrast-assisted cannulation (CC) technique. Methods: From June 2012 to December 2013, a total of 320 patients who had a naïve papilla and were referred for ERCP were randomly assigned to the GWC group (n = 160) or the CC group (n = 160). GWC or CC was randomly used. In cases of failed cannulation in both arms after crossover, biliary access was attempted with alternative techniques (e. g., dual-wire technique, pancreatic duct stenting, precut). Results: The biliary cannulation rates were 81 % in the GWC group and 73 % in the CC group (P = n. s.). Following crossover, cannulation was successful in 8 % and 11 % of patients in the GWC and CC groups, respectively. With use of an alternative technique, the cannulation rates were 98 % in the GWC group and 96 % in the CC group, respectively. The rates of PEP were 5 % in the GWC group and 12 % in the CC group (P = 0.027). The post-interventional complication rates did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: GWC with the new wire guide is associated with a lower rate of PEP in comparison with the CC technique. Clinical trial reference number: NCT01771419

Background and Aims Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are used to relieve malignant biliary obstructions. We aimed to compare stent patency, the adverse events rate, and overall survival of covered versus uncovered self-conformable metal stents in patients with primary malignant extrahepatic biliary strictures, not eligible for surgery. Methods This is a multicenter randomized trial analyzing 158 patients with inoperable distal malignant biliary obstruction conducted in 5 Italian referral centers between December 2014 and October 2016. Seventy-eight patients were randomized to receive a fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS), and 80 patients received uncovered SEMSs (USEMSs). Data from 148 (72 FCSEMSs and 76 USEMSs) of 158 patients were analyzed. Results Median time of stent patency was lower for FCSEMSs (240 days vs 541 days for USEMSs; P = .031). Adverse events occurred with 19 FCSEMSs (26.4%) and 10 USEMSs (13.2%); P = .061. The main causes of FCSEMS dysfunction were migration (7% vs 0% in the USEMS group) and early occlusion mainly because of sludge or overgrowth; late stent occlusion because of tumor ingrowth occurred in 13.2% of patients in the USEMS group. There were no significant differences either in levels of conjugated bilirubin improvement or in overall survival between the FCSEMS and USEMS groups. Median survival was 134 days in the FCSEMS group and 112 days in the USEMS group (P = .23). Conclusion The number of stent-related adverse events was higher, although not significantly, among patients in the FCSEMS group. FCSEMSs had a significantly higher rate of migration than USEMSs, and stent occlusion occurred earlier. A significant difference in the patency rate was observed in favor of the USEMS group. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02102984.)

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Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can lead from mild to immediately life-threatening clinical conditions. Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is associated with a mortality of 6-10%. Spurting and oozing bleeding are associated with major risk of failure. Hemospray™ (TC-325), a new hemostatic powder, may be useful in these cases. Aim of this study is to review the efficacy of traditional endoscopic treatment in Forrest 1a-1b ulcers and to investigate the usefulness of Hemospray in these patients.A MEDLINE search was performed and articles that evaluated hemostatic efficacy and rebleeding rate with traditional endoscopic techniques related to Forrest classification were reviewed. Patients with Forrest 1a-1b ulcers were treated with Hemospray, either as monotherapy or in association with other endoscopic techniques. Primary outcome was immediate hemostasis, secondary outcomes were recurrent bleeding and adverse events related to Hemospray use.Analysis of literature showed that mean initial hemostasis success rate in Forrest 1a-1b ulcers was of 92.8%, and mean rebleeding rate was of 13.3%. We enrolled 13 patients treated with Hemospray. Initial hemostasis was achieved in 100% and we reported three cases of rebleeding. No adverse events occurred.Forrest 1a-1b bleeding ulcer is very difficult to treat. Hemospray appears to be an effective hemostatic therapy for these ulcers. However, additional prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Hemospray TM (TC-325) is a novel hemostatic agent licensed for use in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) in Europe. GOALS: We present the operating characteristics and performance of TC-325 in the largest registry to date of patients presenting with NVUGIB in everyday clinical practice. METHODS: Prospective anonymized data of device performance and clinical outcomes were collected from 10 European centers using the multicentre SEAL survey (Survey to Evaluate the Application of Hemospray in the Luminal tract). TC-325 was used as a monotherapy or as second-line therapy in combination with other hemostatic modalities at the endoscopists' discretion. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (44 men, 19 women), median age 69 (range, 21 to 98) years with NVUGIB requiring endoscopic hemostasis were treated with TC-325. There were 30 patients with bleeding ulcers and 33 with other NVUGIB pathology. Fifty-five (87%) were treated with TC-325 as monotherapy; 47 [85%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 76%-94%] of them achieved primary hemostasis, and rebleeding rate at 7 days was 15% (95% CI, 5%-25%). Primary hemostasis rate for TC-325 in patients with ulcer bleeds was 76% (95% CI, 59%-93%). Eight patients, who otherwise may have required either surgery or interventional radiology, were treated with TC-325 as second-line therapy after failure of other endoscopic treatments, all of whom achieved hemostasis following the adjunct of TC-325. CONCLUSIONS: This multicentre registry identifies potentially useful characteristics of Hemospray (TC-325) when used either as monotherapy or as a rescue therapy in a wide variety of ulcer and nonulcer NVUGIB.

Background Hemospray is a new endoscopic haemostatic powder that can be used in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleedings. Aims To assess the efficacy and safety of Hemospray as monotherapy for the treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to cancer. Methods The endoscopy databases of 3 Italian Endoscopic Units were reviewed retrospectively and 15 patients (8 males; mean age 74 years) were included in this study. Results Immediate haemostasis was achieved in 93% of cases. Among the successful cases, 3 re-bled, one case treated with Hemospray and injection had a good outcome, while 2 cases died both re-treated with Hemospray, injection and thermal therapy. No complications related to Hemospray occurred. Finally, 80% of patients had a good clinical outcome at 30 days and 50% at six months. Conclusion Hemospray may be considered an effective and safe method for the endoscopic management of acute neoplastic upper gastrointestinal bleedings.

AIM: To determine the outcome of the management of iatrogenic gastrointestinal tract perforations treated by over-the-scope clip (OTSC) placement. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 20 patients (13 female and 7 male; mean age: 70.6 ± 9.8 years) in eight high-volume tertiary referral centers with upper or lower iatrogenic gastrointestinal tract perforation treated by OTSC placement. Gastrointestinal tract perforation could be with oval-shape or with round-shape. Oval- shape perforations were closed by OTSC only by suction and the round-shape by the “twin-grasper” plus suction. RESULTS: Main perforation diameter was 10.1 ± 4.3 mm (range 3-18 mm). The technical success rate was 100% (20/20 patients) and the clinical success rate was 90% (18/20 patients). Two patients (10%) who did not have complete sealing of the defect underwent surgery. Based upon our observations we propose two types of perforation: Round-shape “type-1 perforation” and oval-shape “type-2 perforation”. Eight (40%) out of the 20 patients had a type-1 perforation and 12 patients a type-2 (60%). CONCLUSION: OTSC placement should be attempted after perforation occurring during diagnostic or thera- peutic endoscopy. A failed closure attempt does not impair subsequent surgical treatment.

To assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of colorectal lesions.A literature search was conducted from January 2000 to May 2015. The main outcomes were: recurrence after "en bloc" and "piecemeal" resection; procedure related adverse events; the EMR endoscopic success rate and the completely eradicated resection rate (R0) after ESD.A total of 66 studies were included in the analysis. The total number of lesions was 17950 (EMR: 11.873; ESD: 6077). Recurrence rate was higher in the EMR than ESD group (765/7303l vs. 50/3910 OR 8.19, 95% CI 6.2-10.9 p0.0001). EMR-en bloc resection was achieved in 6793/10803 lesions (62.8%) while ESD-en bloc resection was obtained in 5500/6077 lesions (90.5%) (OR 0.18, p0.0001, 95% CI 0.16-0.2). Perforation occurred more frequently in ESD than in EMR group (p0.0001, OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.15-0.24).Endoscopic resection of large colorectal lesions is safe and effective. Compared with EMR, ESD results in higher "en bloc" resection rate and lower local recurrence rate, however ESD has high procedure-related complication rates.

The intraoperative identification of the lesions found at endoscopic examination is often difficult, especially during laparoscopic surgery. At present, the most used technique for the intraoperative detection of pathological lesions is endoscopic tattooing. The large majority of studies carried out concern colorectal lesions; however, endoscopic tattooing has also been described for esophageal, gastric, small bowel and, more recently, pancreatic lesions. In this review, the authors evaluated indications, substances used, injection techniques, accuracy, safety and, finally, the risk of complications related to this procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to verify the use of covered removable self-expandable metal stents (CRSEMS) in benign biliary disease after a failure of traditional endoscopic treatment. METHODS: A total of 23 patients who failed traditional endoscopic therapy were enrolled in the study and treated with CRSEMS. RESULTS: Among all the patients, 11 had a bile leak and 12 suffered benign biliary stenosis. Technical success and immediate clinical success were achieved in all the patients. The overall long-term clinical success rate after stent removal was 100%. The CRSEMS were left in place for a median of 47 days (range 30–240 days). Immediate complications occurred in one patient, stent migration in two and overgrowth of inflammatory tissue in the stent in two. CONCLUSION: CRSEMS is an excellent treatment option for patients with benign biliary disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the feasibility, technical success rate and complication between single-step endo-ultrasonography (EUS)-guided and two-step EUS-guided drainage technique for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst (PP). METHODS: Twenty-one PP patients with clear intra-cystic fluid that needed to be drained were divided into two groups, depending on the availability of the therapeutic echoendoscope at the time of the procedure: Group 1 (13 patients) underwent a single-step EUS-guided endoscopic drainage and Group 2 (8 patients) underwent a two-step EUS-guided drainage technique. RESULTS: In Group 1 immediate technical success was achieved in 92.3% (12/13); two patients had recurrent PP and both were successfully treated by a second EUS-guided drainage. Clinical success was achieved in all cases. In Group 2 technical success was achieved in 75.0% of the patients (6/8). One patient (12.5%) bled 36 h after the procedure. Five out of 6 patients had long-term success. Clinical success was significantly greater in Group 1 (P

Iatrogenic perforations that occur during the endoscopic procedures are generally surgically managed, even if some authors prefer a non-surgical approach in selected cases. The endoscopic application of metallic clips has been widely used in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for hemostasis and also for marking lesions. Since 1993 several series of endoscopic perforations treated with endoclips have been described in the literature. In this review we offer a descriptive analysis of the reported cases of the acute iatrogenic perforation, describing the closure of different perforations occurring in the GI tract, treated with metallic clips.

Through-the-scope clips are commonly used for endoscopic hemostasis of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but their efficacy can be suboptimal in patients with complex bleeding lesions. The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) could overcome the limitations of through-the-scope clips by allowing compression of larger amounts of tissue, allowing a more efficient hemostasis. We analyzed the use of OTSC in a consecutive case series of patients with acute GI bleeding unresponsive to conventional endoscopic treatment modalities.In a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in tertiary referral centers, patients undergoing emergency endoscopy for severe acute nonvariceal GI bleeding were treated with the OTSC after failure of conventional techniques. All patients underwent repeat endoscopy 2-4 days after the procedure. Data analysis included primary hemostasis, complications, and 1-month follow-up clinical outcome.During a 10-month period, 30 patients entered the study consecutively. Bleeding lesions unresponsive to conventional endoscopic treatment (saline/adrenaline injection and through-the-scope clipping) were located in the upper and lower GI tract in 23 and 7 cases, respectively. Primary hemostasis was achieved in 29 of 30 cases (97 %). One patient with bleeding from duodenal bulb ulcer required emergent selective radiological embolization. Rebleeding occurred in two patients 12 and 24 h after the procedure; they were successfully treated with conventional saline/adrenaline endoscopic injection.OTSC is an effective and safe therapeutic option for severe acute GI bleeding when conventional endoscopic treatment modalities fail.