Search

Supplemental Figures

Table S3

Supplemental Table Legends

Background and Aims Endoscopic management of acute cholecystitis has expanded in patients who are considered nonoperative candidates. Traditionally managed with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), improvement in techniques and devices has led to increased use of endoscopic methods for gallbladder drainage. This document reviews technical aspects of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ET-GBD) and EUS-guided GBD (EUS-GBD) as well as their respective technical/clinical success and adverse event rates. Available comparative data are also reviewed among nonsurgical gallbladder drainage techniques (PC, ET-GBD, and EUS-GBD). Methods The MEDLINE database was searched through March 2021 for relevant articles by using keywords including “acute cholecystitis,” “interventional EUS,” “percutaneous cholecystostomy,” “transpapillary gallbladder drainage,” “EUS-guided gallbladder drainage,” “lumen-apposing metal stent,” “gallbladder stenting,” and “endoscopic gallbladder drainage.” The manuscript was drafted by 2 authors and reviewed by members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Technology Committee and subsequently by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Governing Board. Results Multiple studies have demonstrated acceptable outcomes comparing PC and both endoscopic gallbladder drainage techniques, ET-GBD and EUS-GBD. Published data suggest that endoscopic gallbladder drainage techniques may be associated with lower rates of adverse events and improved quality of life. However, there are important clinical considerations for choosing among these treatment options, requiring a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to therapeutic decision-making in these patients. Conclusions The implementation of EUS-GBD and ET-GBD in high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis may result in favorable outcomes when compared with PC. Further improvements in techniques and training should lead to more widespread acceptance and dissemination of these treatment options.

Background and Aims Esophageal function testing is an integral component of the evaluation of refractory GERD and esophageal motility disorders. This review summarizes the current technologies available for esophageal function testing, including the functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP), high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) and pH monitoring. Methods We performed a MEDLINE, PubMed, and MAUDE database literature search to identify pertinent clinical studies through March 2021 using the following key words: esophageal manometry, HRM, esophageal impedance, FLIP, MII, and esophageal pH testing. Technical data were gathered from traditional and web-based publications, proprietary publications, and informal communications with pertinent vendors. The report was drafted, reviewed, and edited by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Technology Committee and approved by the Governing Board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Results FLIP is a high-resolution impedance planimetry system used for pressure and dimension measurement in the esophagus, pylorus, and anal sphincter. FLIP provides complementary information to HRM for esophageal motility disorders, especially achalasia. The Chicago classification, based on HRM data, is a widely adopted algorithmic scheme used to diagnose esophageal motility disorders. MII detects intraluminal bolus movement and, combined with pH measurement or manometry, provides information on acid and non-acid gastroesophageal reflux and bolus transit in patients with refractory GERD and for preoperative evaluation for anti-reflux procedures. Conclusions Esophageal function testing techniques (FLIP, HRM, and MII-pH) have diagnostic and prognostic value in the evaluation of esophageal motility disorders and refractory GERD. Newer technologies and classification systems have enabled an increased understanding of these diseases., Video Video 1 Endoscopic video of ENDOFLIP procedure.

Background and Aims Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) are a novel class of devices that have expanded the spectrum of endoscopic GI interventions. LAMSs with their dumbbell configuration, short saddle length, and large inner luminal diameter provide favorable stent characteristics to facilitate anastomosis formation between the gut lumen and adjacent structures. Methods The MEDLINE database was searched through April 2021 for articles related to LAMSs by using additional relevant keywords such as “walled-off pancreatic necrosis,” “pseudocysts,” “pancreatic fluid collection,” “cholecystitis,” “gastroenterostomy,” in addition to “endoscopic treatment” and “endoscopic management,” among others. Results This technology review describes the full spectrum of LAMS designs and delivery systems, techniques for deployment, procedural outcomes, safety, training issues, and financial considerations. Conclusions Although LAMSs were initially introduced for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis, the versatility of these devices has led to a variety of off-label uses including gallbladder drainage, enteric bypass with the creation of gastroenterostomies, and treatment of luminal GI strictures.

Background and Aims Multidrug-resistant infectious outbreaks associated with duodenoscopes have been documented internationally. Single-use duodenoscopes, disposable distal ends, or distal end cap sealants could eliminate or reduce exogenous patient-to-patient infection associated with ERCP. Methods This document reviews technologies that have been developed to help reduce or eliminate exogenous infections because of duodenoscopes. Results Four duodenoscopes with disposable end caps, 1 end sheath, and 2 disposable duodenoscopes are reviewed in this document. The evidence regarding their efficacy in procedural success rates, reduction of duodenoscope bacterial contamination, clinical outcomes associated with these devices, safety, and the financial considerations are discussed. Conclusions Several technologies discussed in this document are anticipated to eliminate or reduce exogenous infections during endoscopy requiring a duodenoscope. Although disposable duodenoscopes can eliminate exogenous ERCP-related risk of infection, data regarding effectiveness are needed outside of expert centers. Additionally, with more widespread adoption of these new technologies, more data regarding functionality, medical economics, and environmental impact will accrue. Disposable distal end caps facilitate duodenoscope reprocessing; postmarketing surveillance culture studies and real-life patient infection analyses are important areas of future research.

BACKGROUND The Black/African Ancestry (AA) population has a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a higher incidence and mortality rate for colorectal cancer (CRC) than all other races in the United States. T2DM has been shown to increase adenoma risk in predominantly white/European ancestry (EA) populations, but the effect of T2DM on adenoma risk in Black/AA individuals is less clear. We hypothesize that T2DM has a significant effect on adenoma risk in a predominantly Black/AA population. AIM To investigate the effect of T2DM and race on the adenoma detection rate (ADR) in screening colonoscopies in two disparate populations. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on ADR during index screening colonoscopies (age 45-75) performed at an urban public hospital serving a predominantly Black/AA population (92%) (2017-2018, n = 1606). Clinical metadata collected included basic demographics, insurance, body mass index (BMI), family history of CRC, smoking, diabetes diagnosis, and aspirin use. This dataset was combined with a recently reported parallel retrospective cohort data set collected at a suburban university hospital serving a predominantly White/EA population (87%) (2012-2015, n = 2882). RESULTS The ADR was higher in T2DM patients than in patients without T2DM or prediabetes (35.2% vs 27.9%, P = 0.0166, n = 981) at the urban public hospital. Multivariable analysis of the combined datasets showed that T2DM [odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.55, P = 0.0049], smoking (current vs never OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.18-1.82, current vs past OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.02-1.70, P = 0.0026), older age (OR = 1.05 per year, 95%CI: 1.04-1.06, P < 0.0001), higher BMI (OR = 1.02 per unit, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03, P = 0.0003), and male sex (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.62-2.15, P < 0.0001) were associated with increased ADR in the combined datasets, but race, aspirin use and insurance were not. CONCLUSION T2DM, but not race, is significantly associated with increased ADR on index screening colonoscopy while controlling for other factors.

Background Instead of choosing one endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) needle over the other, some advocate the use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) consecutively. We explored the yield of combined use of 20 G FNB and 25 G FNA needles in patients with a suspicious solid gastrointestinal lesion. Methods Patients from the ASPRO study who were sampled with both needles during the same procedure were included. The incremental yield of dual sampling compared with the yield of single needle use on the diagnostic accuracy for malignancy was assessed for both dual sampling approaches – FNA followed by FNB, and vice versa. Results 73 patients were included. There were 39 (53 %) pancreatic lesions, 18 (25 %) submucosal masses, and 16 (22 %) lymph nodes. FNA was used first in 24 patients (33 %) and FNB was used first in 49 (67 %). Generally, FNB was performed after FNA to collect tissue for ancillary testing (75 %), whereas FNA was used after FNB to allow for on-site pathological assessment (76 %). Diagnostic accuracy for malignancy of single needle use increased from 78 % to 92 % with dual sampling (P = 0.002). FNA followed by FNB improved the diagnostic accuracy for malignancy (P = 0.03), whereas FNB followed by FNA did not (P = 0.13). Conclusion Dual sampling only improved diagnostic accuracy when 25 G FNA was followed by 20 G FNB and not vice versa. As the diagnostic benefit of the 20 G FNB over the 25 G FNA needle has recently been proven, sampling with the FNB needle seems a logical first choice.

BackgroundFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI). In comparison, FMT has more limited efficacy in treating either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We hypothesize that FMT recipients with rCDI and/or IBD have baseline fecal bile acid (BA) compositions that differ significantly from that of their healthy donors and may be normalized by FMT.AimTo study the effect of single colonoscopic FMT on the microbial composition and function of recipients with rCDI and/or IBD.MethodsMulti-omic analysis was performed on stools from 55 pairs of subjects and donors enrolled in two prospective single arm FMT clinical trials [ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT03268213, 479696, (IND) 15642, ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03267238, IND 16795]. Fitted linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of four recipient groups (rCDI - IBD, rCDI + IBD, UC - rCDI, CD - rCDI), FMT status (Donor, pre-FMT, 1-week post-FMT, 3-months post-FMT) and first order Group*FMT interactions.ResultsFMT was effective in preventing rCDI for up to one year in 92% of the rCDI - IBD group and 75% of the rCDI + IBD recipients. The donor-recipient Sørensen similarity index was < 0.6 in all donor-CDI recipient pairs but > 0.6 in some donor-IBD only recipient pairs at baseline. Increasing post-FMT similarity indices > 0.6 in IBD recipients, was not clearly associated with reduced fecal calprotectin levels. Fecal secondary BA levels were lower in rCDI ± IBD and CD – rCDI recipients compared to donors. FMT restored secondary BA levels in these recipients. Metagenomic baiE gene and some of the 8 bile salt hydrolase (BSH) phylotype abundances were significantly correlated with fecal BA levels.ConclusionRestoration of multiple secondary BA levels, including those recently implicated in immunomodulation, are associated with restoration of fecal baiE gene counts, suggesting that the 7-α-dehydroxylation step is rate-limiting.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the poorest prognoses of all malignancies, with a 5-year survival rate

Background and study aims En bloc endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is preferred over piecemeal resection for polyps ≤ 20 mm. Data on colorectal EMR training are limited. We aimed to evaluate the en bloc EMR rate of polyps ≤ 20 mm among advanced endoscopy trainees and to identify predictors of failed en bloc EMR. Methods This was a multicenter prospective study evaluating trainee performance in EMR during advanced endoscopy fellowship. A logistic regression model was used to identify the number of procedures and lesion cut-off size associated with an en bloc EMR rate of ≥ 80 %. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of failed en bloc EMR. Results Six trainees from six centers performed 189 colorectal EMRs, of which 104 (55 %) were for polyps ≤ 20 mm. Of these, 57.7 % (60/104) were resected en bloc. Trainees with ≥ 30 EMRs (OR 6.80; 95 % CI: 2.80–16.50; P = 0.00001) and lesions ≤ 17 mm (OR 4.56;95 CI:1.23–16.88; P = 0.02) were more likely to be associated with an en bloc EMR rate of ≥ 80 %. Independent predictors of failed en bloc EMR on multivariate analysis included: larger polyp size (OR:6.83;95 % CI:2.55–18.4; P = 0.0001), right colon location (OR:7.15; 95 % CI:1.31–38.9; P = 0.02), increased procedural difficulty (OR 2.99; 95 % CI:1.13–7.91; P = 0.03), and having performed Conclusions In this pilot study, we demonstrated that a relatively low proportion of trainees achieved en bloc EMR for polyps ≤ 20 mm and identified procedure volume and lesion size thresholds for successful en bloc EMR and independent predictors for failed en bloc resection. These preliminary results support the need for future efforts to define EMR procedure competence thresholds during training.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A recently carried out randomized controlled trial showed the benefit of a novel 20-G fine-needle biopsy (FNB) over a 25-G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needle. The current study evaluated the reproducibility of these findings among expert academic and non-academic pathologists. METHODS: This study was a side-study of the ASPRO (ASpiration versus PROcore) study. Five centers retrieved 74 (59%) consecutive FNB and 51 (41%) FNA samples from the ASPRO study according to randomization; 64 (51%) pancreatic and 61 (49%) lymph node specimens. Samples were re-reviewed by five expert academic and five non-academic pathologists and rated in terms of sample quality and diagnosis. Ratings were compared between needles, expert academic and non-academic pathologists, target lesions, and cytology versus histological specimens. RESULTS: Besides a higher diagnostic accuracy, FNB also provided for a better agreement on diagnosing malignancy (ĸ = 0.59 vs ĸ = 0.76, P

Background Obesity is a significant health problem and additional therapies are needed to improve obesity treatment. Objective Determine the efficacy and safety of a 6-month swallowable gas-filled intragastric balloon system for weight loss. Setting Fifteen academic and private practice centers in the United States. Methods This was a double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial of the swallowable gas-filled intragastric balloon system plus lifestyle therapy compared with lifestyle therapy alone for weight loss at 6 months in participants aged 22 to 60 years with body mass index 30 to 40 kg/m2, across 15 sites in the United States. The following endpoints were included: difference in percent total weight loss in treatment group versus control group was >2.1%, and a responder rate of >35% in the treatment group. Results Three hundred eighty-seven patients swallowed at least 1 capsule. Of participants, 93.3% completed all 24 weeks of blinded study testing. Nonserious adverse events occurred in 91.1% of patients, but only .4% were severe. One bleeding ulcer and 1 balloon deflation occurred. In analysis of patients who completed treatment, the treatment and control groups achieved 7.1 ± 5.0% and 3.6 ± 5.1% total weight loss, respectively, and a mean difference of 3.5% (P = .0085). Total weight loss in treatment and control groups were 7.1 ± 5.3 and 3.6 ± 5.1 kg (P Conclusions Treatment with lifestyle therapy and the 6-month swallowable gas-filled intragastric balloon system was safe and resulted in twice as much weight loss compared with a sham control, with high weight loss maintenance at 48 weeks.

Introduction: Little is known about the extent of GI tract involvement in acute COVID-19 infection. GI bleed (GIB) has been reported in COVID patients;the etiology is difficult to determine given that of confirmed COVID infection where patients, without prior medical history, presumably developed COVID induced HC, and it was their only presenting symptom. Case Description/Methods: Case 1 A 44 year old male presented with hematochezia, abdominal pain, and syncope and a drop in hemoglobin (Hb) from 15.3 to 12.6g/dL. COVID PCR was positive. Fecal calprotectin (FCP) elevated at 169ug/g (n, 49ug/g), with negative stool cultures (SCx). CT showed a long segment of circumferential wall thickening of the mid-distal descending colon with haustral thickening of the transverse colon. Patient declined treatment with remdesivir and dexamethasone Case 2 A 65 year old female presented with hematochezia and confirmed COVID infection. CBC revealed a drop in Hb 13.5 to 11.8g/dL, platelets 237 to 184K/uL. Negative SCx, elevated FCP 88ug/g, procalcitonin 0.31ng/nL, CRP 7.1mg/dL, and D-Dimer 740ng/mL. CT showed severe wall thickening of the transverse, descending and rectosigmoid colon with fat stranding. Given negative SCx, patient was started on methylprednisolone Case 3 A 38 year old male presented with painless hematochezia. Negative SCx, OPone case with a similar presentation who had colonoscopy with biopsy proven HC, another case with diffuse HC on endoscopic evaluation. Nonetheless, more research is needed to explore the effects of COVID on the GI tract. (Figure Presented).

Background and Aims Data on colorectal EMR (C-EMR) training are lacking. We aimed to evaluate C-EMR training among advanced endoscopy fellows (AEFs) by using a standardized assessment tool (STAT). Methods This multicenter prospective study used a STAT to grade AEF training in C-EMR during their 12-month fellowship. Cumulative sum analysis was used to establish learning curves and competence for cognitive and technical components of C-EMR and overall performance. Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying failure rates. AEFs completed a self-assessment questionnaire to assess their comfort level with performing C-EMR at the completion of their fellowship. Results Six AEFs (189 C-EMRs; mean per AEF, 31.5 ± 18.5) were included. Mean polyp size was 24.3 ± 12.6 mm, and mean procedure time was 22.6 ± 16.1 minutes. Learning curve analyses revealed that less than 50% of AEFs achieved competence for key cognitive and technical C-EMR endpoints. All 6 AEFs reported feeling comfortable performing C-EMR independently at the end of their training, although only 2 of them achieved competence in their overall performance. The minimum threshold to achieve competence in these 2 AEFs was 25 C-EMRs. Conclusions A relatively low proportion of AEFs achieved competence on key cognitive and technical aspects of C-EMR during their 12-month fellowship. The relatively low number of C-EMRs performed by AEFs may be insufficient to achieve competence, in spite of their self-reported readiness for independent practice. These pilot data serve as an initial framework for competence threshold, and suggest the need for validated tools for formal C-EMR training assessment.

Pancreatic rest (PR) is an ectopic pancreatic lesion that is usually found incidentally on endoscopy or surgery. While most lesions do not have clinical significance, some patients are symptomatic and rarely, PR can predispose to malignancy. With the growing popularity of bariatric surgery, it has been unclear how to manage PR found on screening endoscopies, prior to bariatric surgery. Through review of the current literature, we propose an algorithm for clinicians to evaluate and manage PR found on screening endoscopies prior to bariatric surgery. We performed a literature search in PubMed pertaining to PR, clinical characteristics, risk of malignant transformation, endoscopic characteristics, histological descriptions, and resection techniques. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we found 33 published articles from 2001 to 2019, including case reports, case series, retrospective cohorts, and a review paper. PR is commonly found incidentally in the gastric antrum. Larger lesions have a higher risk of being symptomatic or predisposing to malignant transformation. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can assist in the diagnosis of PR and guide resection technique. Certain histological characteristics, such as Heinrich class, grading of neoplasia, and genetic alterations, can determine malignancy risk of PR. Resection technique, either endoscopically or surgically, should be based on lesion size, depth of wall invasion, and the endoscopists’ level of skill in endoscopic resection. Proper evaluation and treatment of PR should be considered because of the risk for symptoms and malignant transformation. Symptomatic lesions and those at risk for malignant transformation should be considered for resection. EUS can guide the diagnosis and type of resection, either endoscopically through EMR or ESD or surgically through sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly is peaking now in New York City and has triggered significant changes to the standard management of gastrointestinal diseases. Priorities such as minimizing viral transmission, preserving personal protective equipment, and freeing hospital beds have driven unconventional approaches to managing gastroenterology (GI) patients. Conversion of endoscopy units to COVID units and redeployment of GI fellows and faculty has profoundly changed the profile of most GI services. Meanwhile, consult and procedural volumes have been reduced drastically. In this review, we share our collective experiences regarding how we have changed our practice of medicine in response to the COVID surge. Although we review our management of specific consults and conditions, the overarching theme focuses primarily on noninvasive measures and maximizing medical therapies. Endoscopic procedures have been reserved for those timely interventions that are most likely to be therapeutic. The role of multidisciplinary discussion, although always important, now has become critical. The support of our faculty and trainees remains essential. Local leadership can encourage well-being by frequent team check-ins and by fostering trainee development through remote learning. Advancing a clear vision and a transparent process for how to organize and triage care in the recovery phase will allow for a smooth transition to our new normal.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths today. Since precancerous colorectal polyps slowly progress into cancer, screening methods are highly effective in reducing the overall mortality rate of CRC by removing them before developing into later stages. The two current screening modalities, optical colonoscopy (OC) and virtual tomographic colonography (CTC), are both effective at detecting polyps, but the diagnostic performance from each has lagged behind detection. In this paper, we propose a texture analysis-based approach for integrating the complementary information from these two screening modalities. We use a set of well-established texture features including gray-level co-occurrence matrix features, gray-level run-length matrix features, local binary pattern features, first order histogram features, and more. To maximize the amount of textures extracted to examine the tissue heterogeneities between polyp pathologies, these textures are also computed on the higher order derivative images of the CTC polyp images and on the Hue/Saturation/Value color-space of the optical polyp images. The dataset used consisted of 165 polyps taken from 113 patients who underwent standard clinical prep prior to the procedures. Patients first had the CTC scan followed by the OC procedure, where the polyps where registered between imaging modalities and were pathologically confirmed for ground truth. Using a random forest classifier with a greedy feature selection algorithm, we find that the combination of using both CTC and OC texture features can improve the diagnostic performance by area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) score by upwards of 3%.

Organoids are three-dimensional in vitro models of human disease developed from benign and malignant gastrointestinal tissues with tremendous potential for personalized medicine applications. We sought to determine whether gastric cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) could be safely established from endoscopic biopsies for rapid drug screening. Patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for surveillance or staging and had additional forceps biopsies taken for PDO creation. Cancer tissues from operative specimens were also used to create PDOs. To address potential tumor heterogeneity, we performed low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of endoscopic-derived PDOs with paired surgical PDOs and whole-tumor lysates. The stability of genomic alterations in endoscopic organoids was assessed by next-generation sequencing and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The feasibility and potential accuracy of drug sensitivity screening with endoscopic-derived PDOs were also evaluated. Gastric cancer PDOs (n = 15) were successfully established from EGD forceps biopsies (n = 8) and surgical tissues (n = 7) from five patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Low-coverage whole-genomic profiling of paired EGD and surgical PDOs along with whole-tumor lysates demonstrated absence of tumor heterogeneity. Nested PCR assay identified similar KRAS alterations in primary tumor and paired organoids. Drug sensitivity testing of endoscopic-derived PDOs displayed standard dose–response curves to current gastric cancer cytotoxic therapies. Our study results demonstrate the feasibility of developing gastric cancer PDOs from EGD biopsies. These results also indicate that endoscopic-derived PDOs are accurate surrogates of the primary tumor and have the potential for drug sensitivity screening and personalized medicine applications.

Background and Aims Pancreatic cancer organoids are tumor models of individualized human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), created from surgical specimens and used for personalized treatment strategies. Unfortunately, most patients with PDA are not operative candidates. Creation of human PDA organoids at the time of initial tumor diagnosis is therefore critical. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of creating human PDA organoids by EUS fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) sampling in patients with PDA. Methods In this prospective clinical trial in patients referred to evaluate a pancreatic mass, EUS-FNA was performed for initial onsite diagnosis. Two additional needle passes were performed with a 22-gauge FNB needle for organoid creation. Primary outcome was successful isolation of organoids within 2 weeks of EUS-FNB sampling (P0, no passages), confirmed by organoid morphology and positive genotyping. Results Thirty-seven patients with 38 PDA tumors were enrolled. Successful isolation of organoids (P0) was achieved in 33 of 38 tumors (87%). Establishment of PDA organoid lines for ≥5 passages of growth (P5, five passages) was reached in 25 of 38 tumors (66%). In the single patient with successful P5 FNB sampling–derived and P5 surgically derived organoids, there was identical matching of specimens. There were no serious adverse events. Two patients developed bleeding at the EUS-FNB puncture site requiring hemostasis clips. Conclusions Pancreatic cancer organoids can be successfully and rapidly created by means of EUS-FNB sampling using a 22-gauge needle at the time of initial diagnosis. Successful organoid generation is essential for precision medicine in patients with pancreatic cancer in whom most are not surgically resectable. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03140592.)

Background: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of adenoma detection rates (ADR) in initial screening colonoscopies to further investigate the role of diabetes in adenoma detection. Methods: A chart review was performed on initial average risk screening colonoscopies (ages 45–75) during 2012–2015. Data collected included basic demographics, insurance, BMI, family history of CRC, smoking, diabetes, and aspirin use. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models for binary outcomes were used to examine the relationship between diabetes and variables associated with CRC risk and ADR. Results: Of 2865 screening colonoscopies, 282 were performed on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Multivariable analysis suggested that T2DM (OR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.13–1.97, p = 0.0047) was associated with an increased ADR, as well as smoking, older age, higher BMI and male sex (all p

Placement of a pancreatic duct (PD) stent for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP)1-3 often necessitates a second procedure for stent removal, generally within 2-4 weeks to avoid stent occlusion or injury to the duct.4 These procedures are associated with increased costs and may result in procedure-related complications. Stents without internal anchoring flaps were developed to allow spontaneous migration into the duodenum,5 thus obviating the need for a repeat procedure. However, radiographic confirmation of a migrated stent can be challenging.6.

Weber’s law for image feature descriptor (WLD) is based on the theory that the ratio of the increment threshold to the background intensity is a constant. It has been used in facial recognition, structure detection, and tissue classification in X-ray images. In this paper, WLD is explored in the polyp classification in color colonoscopy images for the first time. An open, on-line colonoscopy image database is used to evaluate the new descriptor. The database contains 74 polyps, including 19 benign polyps and 55 malignant ones. Each polyp has a white light image (WLI) and a narrow band image (NBI), both were obtained by the same fibro-colonoscopy from the same patient. WLD image texture features are extracted from three color channels of (1) color WLI, (2) color NBI and (3) WLI+NBI. The extracted features are analyzed, ranked and classified using a Random Forest package based on the merit of the area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC). The performance of WLD is quantitatively documented by the AUC, the ROC curve, the P-R (precision-recall) plot and the accuracy measure with comparison to commonly used features, such as Haralick and local binary pattern feature descriptors. The results demonstrate the advantage of WLD in the polyp classification in terms of the quantitative measures.

Several studies have compared EUS-guided FNA with fine-needle biopsy (FNB), but none have proven superiority. We performed a multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare the performance of a commonly used 25-gauge FNA needle with a newly designed 20-gauge FNB needle.Consecutive patients with a solid lesion were randomized in this international multicenter study between a 25-gauge FNA (EchoTip Ultra) or a 20-gauge FNB needle (ProCore). The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy for malignancy and the Bethesda classification (non-diagnostic, benign, atypical, malignant). Technical success, safety, and sample quality were also assessed. Multivariable and supplementary analyses were performed to adjust for confounders.A total of 608 patients were allocated to FNA (n = 306) or FNB (n = 302); 312 pancreatic lesions (51%), 147 lymph nodes (24%), and 149 other lesions (25%). Technical success rate was 100% for the 25-gauge FNA and 99% for the 20-gauge FNB needle (P = .043), with no differences in adverse events. The 20-gauge FNB needle outperformed 25-gauge FNA in terms of histologic yield (77% vs 44%, P .001), accuracy for malignancy (87% vs 78%, P = .002) and Bethesda classification (82% vs 72%, P = .002). This was robust when corrected for indication, lesion size, number of passes, and presence of an on-site pathologist (odds ratio, 3.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-8.56; P = .004), and did not differ among centers (P = .836).The 20-gauge FNB needle outperformed the 25-gauge FNA needle in terms of histologic yield and diagnostic accuracy. This benefit was irrespective of the indication and was consistent among participating centers, supporting the general applicability of our findings. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02167074.).

Background and Aims The need for transpapillary drainage (TPD) in patients undergoing transmural drainage (TMD) of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) remains unclear. The aims of this study were to compare treatment outcomes between patients with pancreatic pseudocysts undergoing TMD versus combined (TMD and TPD) drainage (CD) and to identify predictors of symptomatic and radiologic resolution. Methods This is a retrospective review of 375 consecutive patients with PFCs who underwent EUS-guided TMD from 2008 to 2014 at 15 academic centers in the United States. Main outcome measures included TMD and CD technical success, treatment outcomes (symptomatic and radiologic resolution) at follow-up, and predictors of treatment outcomes on logistic regression. Results A total of 375 patients underwent EUS-guided TMD of PFCs, of which 174 were pseudocysts. TMD alone was performed in 95 (55%) and CD in 79 (45%) pseudocysts. Technical success was as follows: TMD, 92 (97%) versus CD, 35 (44%) ( P = .0001). There was no difference in adverse events between the TMD (15%) and CD (14%) cohorts ( P = .23). Median long-term (LT) follow-up after transmural stent removal was 324 days (interquartile range, 72-493 days) for TMD and 201 days (interquartile range, 150-493 days) ( P = .37). There was no difference in LT symptomatic resolution (TMD, 69% vs CD, 62%; P = .61) or LT radiologic resolution (TMD, 71% vs CD, 67%; P = .79). TPD attempt was negatively associated with LT radiologic resolution of pseudocyst (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.8; P = .03). Conclusions TPD has no benefit on treatment outcomes in patients undergoing EUS-guided TMD of pancreatic pseudocysts and negatively affects LT resolution of PFCs.