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Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) is a safe and efficacious procedure to treat pancreaticobiliary diseases in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This multicenter study aimed to determine the long-term outcomes of EDGE focusing on fistula persistence rates and post-procedure weight change. Patients and methods Information about patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy who underwent EDGE between 2015 and 2021 from 10 institutions was captured in a registry. Patient demographics, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results One hundred seventy-two patients were included in the study (mean age 60, 25 % male). Technical success of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) placement was 171 of 172 (99.4 %) while clinical success of intervention was 95%. The mean procedure time was 65 minutes. The most commonly reported complication was stent dislodgement/migration (n = 29, 17). Mean length of time of LAMS duration was 69 days. Mean follow-up time was 6 months. Endoscopic fistula closure was performed in 40 % of patients (69/172) at the time of LAMS removal. Persistence of fistula was observed in 19 of 62 patients (31 %) assessed. Length of LAMS indwell time (days) was a predictor of persistent fistula. The average weight gain while the LAMS was in place was 12 lb in 63 patients (36.6 %); 59.4 % of patients gained Conclusions EDGE is a safe and efficacious procedure for RYGB patients requiring ERCP. Post-procedure evaluation and management of the enteral fistula varies widely among centers currently and would benefit from further standardization. Fistula persistence appears to be uncommon and can be managed endoscopically but may be related to length of indwell times of the LAMS.

Background and study aims Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become a recognized treatment for achalasia. The technique requires CO2 insufflation. It is estimated that the partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) is 2 to 5 mm Hg higher than the end tidal CO2 (etCO2), and etCO2 is used as a surrogate for PaCO2 because PaCO2 requires an arterial line. However, no study has compared invasive and noninvasive CO2 monitoring during POEM. Patients and methods Seventy-one patients who underwent POEM were included in a prospective comparative study. PaCO2 plus etCO2 was measured in 32 patients (invasive group) and etCO2 only in 39 matched patients (noninvasive group). Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and Spearman’s Rho were used to calculate the correlation between PaCO2 and ETCO2. Results PaCO2 and ETCO2 were strongly correlated: PCC R value: 0.8787 P ≤ 0.00001, Spearman’s Rho R value: 0.8775, P ≤ 0.00001. Within the invasive group, the average difference between PaCO2 and ETCO2 was 3.39 mm Hg (median 3, standard deviation 3.5), within the 2- to 5-mm Hg range. The average procedure time (scope in to scope out) was increased 17.7 minutes (P = 0.044) and anesthesia duration was 46.3 minutes. Adverse events (AEs) included three hematomas and one nerve injury in the invasive group and one pneumothorax in the noninvasive group. There were no differences in AE rates between the groups (13 % vs 3 % P = 0.24). Conclusions Universal PaCO2 monitoring contributes to increased procedure and anesthesia times without any decrease in AEs in patients undergoing POEM. CO2 monitoring with an arterial line should only be performed in patients with major cardiovascular comorbidities; in all other patients, ETCO2 is an appropriate tool.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in North America and globally. The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the most utilized and available endoscopic and surgical treatments for GERD.Systematic literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical and endoscopic treatments for GERD in adults: preoperative evaluation, endoscopic vs surgical or medical treatment, complete vs partial fundoplication, and treatment for obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/mThe consensus provided 13 recommendations. Through the development of these evidence-based recommendations, an algorithm was proposed for aid in the treatment of GERD. Patients with typical symptoms should undergo upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-testing; additional testing may be required for patients with atypical or extra-esophageal symptoms. Patients with normal or abnormal findings on manometry should consider undergoing partial fundoplication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation or fundoplication are appropriate surgical procedures for adults with GERD. For patients who wish to avoid surgery, the Stretta procedure and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0) were found to have better outcomes than proton pump inhibitors alone. Patients with concomitant obesity were recommended to undergo either gastric bypass or fundoplication, although patients with severe comorbid disease or BMI 50 should undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the additional benefits that follow weight loss.Using the recommendations an algorithm was developed by this panel, so that physicians may better counsel their patients with GERD. There are certain patient factors that have been excluded from included studies/trials, and so these recommendations should not replace surgeon-patient decision making. Engaging in the identified research areas may improve future care for GERD patients.

The last decade has seen the rise of multiple novel endoscopic techniques to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, many of which are efficacious when compared with traditional surgical options and allow relief from long-term dependence on antacid medications. This review will explore the latest endoscopic treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease including a description of the technique, review of efficacy and safety, and future directions.

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) has become standard-of-care therapy at many centers for pancreaticobiliary disease in patients with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the opinions and practices of endoscopists who perform EDGE.A 22-question utilization of EDGE survey was sent to 36 advanced endoscopists at tertiary care centers in the United States. The two-section survey included questions regarding advanced endoscopy volume and training at the respective facilities, and questions on specific details of EDGE utilization.Among 36 interventional endoscopists (IE) surveyed, 14 (39%) reported performing 1000 ERCPs annually. Thirty (83%) offered EDGE as an option for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients with previous cholecystectomy. Other options offered included: 19 (53%) offered Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP), 7 (19%) offered Single-Balloon ERCP (SBE), and 10 (28%) offered percutaneous drainage (PTC). Twenty (56%) IE performed 10 or less EDGE procedures, while 16 (44%) performed 11 or more. Single-session EDGE was performed by 7 (19%) IE, while 15 (42%) performed dual session, and 13 (36%) performed both. 19 (53%) actively closed fistulas while 17 (47%) let them close spontaneously. Thirty one (86%) reported a technical success rate of 91% to 100%. The most frequently reported immediate adverse event post-procedurally was abdominal pain, reported by 17 IE (47%). Weight gain was reported by 2 IE (6%).EDGE continues to gain in popularity as an option for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients requiring pancreaticobiliary interventions, with 24/36 IE (67%) believing that it should be the new standard. In addition, most report a low frequency of post-procedural weight gain.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05041608.

While the effects of changing heart rate and systemic vascular resistance have been generally understood and appreciated, the effects of changes in left ventricular contractility on end-systolic volume may have been less understood and appreciated and the effects of changes in venous capacitance on end-diastolic volume may have been unknown to many readers. Herein, we have provided a brief review for the medical student and beginning graduate student highlighting these sometimes-complex relationships.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are minimally invasive procedures that treat early rectal cancer (ERC). Both are effective treatments, yet there are very few studies comparing them. The aim of our study was to identify ideal candidates for each procedure.Between January 2016 and November 2019, 204 ERC patients were managed with either ESD (n=101) or TEM (n=103) at 7 international centers. Data analyzed included clinical success, tumor characteristics, procedure info, and recurrence rates.Median tumor size was 40 mm±23.9 in the ESD group and 56 mm±27.9 in the TEM group, significantly larger in the latter (P0.00001). Average procedure time was 131.5±67.9 minutes in ESD group and 104.9±28.4 minutes in TEM group (P=0.000347). Average hospital stay was 3.3±2.6 days in the ESD group and 4.7±0.7 days in the TEM group (P0.00001). Adverse event rate was 6.8% in the ESD group and 24% in the TEM group. There were no significant difference in the rate of en bloc resection, technical success, tumor location, necessity of additional procedures, and tumor recurrence rates.Compared with TEM, ESD is a safer procedure with shorter hospital stay and should be offered for patients who have ERC.

Background and Aims Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) lacks dedicated instruments and requires repetitive and cumbersome procedures. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new powered endoscopic debridement (PED) system designed to simultaneously resect and remove solid debris within WOPN. Methods This was a single-arm, prospective, multicenter, international device trial conducted from November 2018 to August 2019 at 10 sites. Patients with WOPN ≥6 cm and ≤22 cm and with >30% solid debris were enrolled. The primary endpoint was safety through 21 days after the last DEN procedure. Efficacy outcomes included clearance of necrosis, procedural time, adequacy of debridement, number of procedures until resolution, hospital stay duration, and quality of life. Results Thirty patients (mean age, 55 years; 60% men) underwent DEN with no device-related adverse events. Of 30 patients, 15 (50%) achieved complete debridement in 1 session and 20 (67%) achieved complete debridement within 2 or fewer sessions. A median of 1.5 interventions (range, 1-7) were required. Median hospital stay was 10 days (interquartile range, 22). There was an overall reduction of 91% in percent necrosis within WOPN from baseline to follow-up and 85% in collection volume. Baseline WOPN volume was positively correlated with the total number of interventions (ρ = .363, P = .049). Conclusions The new PED system seems to be a safe and effective treatment tool for WOPN, resulting in fewer interventions and lower hospital duration when compared with published data on using conventional instruments. Randomized controlled trials comparing the PED system with conventional DEN are needed. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03694210 .)