Search

Endoscopy units are considered to be at an increased risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2. Our aim is to assess the correlation between pre-endoscopic screening with reverse-transcription-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) in asymptomatic individuals scheduled for elective endoscopy and the epidemiological data published by the local Health Administration.Observational retrospective study collecting the results of our screening strategy spanning June/2020-June/2021, the effective potential growth (EPG), an index measuring the outbreak risk, and the 7 and 14-day cumulative incidence (CI). Indication, delay and the findings of the endoscopic examinations were registered for RT-PCR positive patients.A total of 5808 tests were performed, yielding 125 positive results (2.15%). All positive tests occurred in weeks of high/very high risk (EPG100) with the highest monthly rate being 9.36%, recorded in January/2021. A significant correlation (rho=0.796; p0.001) between weekly positive rates and EPG was observed, and a significantly lower weekly number of positive tests was recorded when EPG100. Planning the screening strategy one week ahead according to EPG100 would have avoided up to 826 tests with only one positive result to account for. One hundred and thirteen individuals tested positive and 89 endoscopies were delayed. The most common findings were colon polyps, colorectal cancer and gastric metaplasia. Oncological diagnosis was delayed 50±3 days.No positive RT-PCR test were registered out of high-risk periods. Epidemiological administrative data in the preceding two weeks showed a significant correlation with screening results and could be useful to plan pre-endoscopic screening and avoid unnecessary tests.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated efficacy as submucosal injection before endoscopic mucosal resection or local injection after endoscopic submucosal dissection of nonpedunculated colorectal lesions. Methods: The EndoPRP study was a prospective single-center study to analyze the efficacy of PRP shield after endoscopic mucosal resection of large nonpedunculated colorectal lesio with impossible clip closure, assessed by the incidence of delayed bleeding (DB) and delayed perforation, and percentage of mucosal restoration after 4 weeks (mucosal healing rate). Results: Shielding technique with PRP was performed in 4 patients, aged 52 to 80, with 4 lesions at rectum (mean size 53.7 +/- 20.6 mm, range 35 to 80 mm). DB occurred in 1 lesion (25% of all lesions), no required blood transfusion or endoscopic treatment. No postoperative delayed perforation occurred. Mucosal healing rate was of 78.6% after 4 weeks. Conclusions: PRP shield failed in prevent DB, probably due to migration and failure in the adherence in large wounds. Future comparative studies are needed to confirm these data.

Background and Aim A newly developed hydrogel, applied through the endoscope as an endoscopic shielding technique (EndoSTech), is aimed to prevent deep thermal injury and to accelerate the healing process of colonic induced ulcers after therapeutic endoscopy. Methods Lesions were performed in rats (n = 24) and pigs (n = 8). Rats were randomized to receive EndoSTech (eight rats each) with: saline (control), hyaluronic acid and product. In pigs, three ulcer sites were produced in each pig: endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)-ulcer with prior saline injection (A; EMR-saline), EMR-saline plus EndoSTech with product (B; EMR-saline-P), and EMR with prior injection of product plus EndoSTech-P (C; EMR-P-P). At the end of the 14-day study, the same lesions were performed again in healthy mucosa to assess acute injury. Animals were sacrificed after 7 (rats) and 14 (pigs) days. Ulcers were macroscopically and histopathologically evaluated. Thermal injury (necrosis) was assessed with a 1-4 scale. Results In rats, treatment with product improved mucosal healing comparing with saline and hyaluronic acid (70% vs 30.3% and 47.2%; P = 0.003), avoiding mortality (0% vs 50% and 25%; P = 0.038), and perforation (0% vs 100% and 33.3%; P = 0.02); respectively. In pigs, submucosal injection of product induced a marked trend towards a less deep thermal injury (C = 2.25-0.46 vs A and B = 2.75-0.46; P = 0.127). Mucosal healing rate was higher with product (B = 90.2-3.9%, C = 91.3-5.5% vs A = 73.1-12.6%; P = 0.002). Conclusions This new hydrogel demonstrates strong healing properties in preclinical models. In addition, submucosal injection of this product is able to avoid high thermal load of the gastrointestinal wall.

Background and Aim The study of electrical and rheological properties of solutions to carry out endoscopic resection procedures could determinate the best candidate. An ex vivo study with porcine stomachs was conducted to analyze electrical resistivity (R) and rheological properties (temperature, viscosity, height and lasting of the cushion) of different substances used in these techniques. Methods Tested solutions were: 0.9% saline (S), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Gliceol (GC), hyaluronic acid 2% (HA), Pluronic-F127 20% (PL), saline with 10% glucose (GS), Gelaspan (GP), Covergel-BiBio (TB) and PRP with TB (PRP+TB). Measurements of electrical and rheological properties were done at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after submucosal injection. Results Solutions showed a wide variability of transepithelial R after submucosal injection. Substances able to maintain the highest R 60 min postinjection were TB (7 x 10(4) omega), HA (7 x 10(4) omega) and PL (7 x 10(4) omega). Protective solutions against deep thermal injury (T lower than 60 degrees C) were PL (47.6 degrees C), TB (55 degrees C) and HA (56.63 degrees C). Shortest time to carry out resections were observed with GC (17.66 ''), PRP (20.3 '') and GS (23.45 ''). Solutions with less cushion decrease (

AIM To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of submucosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on endoscopic resection of large sessile lesions. METHODS Eleven patients were submitted to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with prior injection of PRP, obtained at the time of endoscopy. Patients were followed during 1 mo. The incidence of adverse events (delayed bleeding or perforation) and the percentage of mucosal healing (MHR) after 4 wk were registered. RESULTS EMR was performed in 11 lesions (46.4 mm ± 4 mm, range 40-70 mm). Delayed bleeding or perforation was not observed in any patient. Mean ulcerated area at baseline was 22.7 cm2 ± 11.7 cm2 whereas at week 4 were 2.9 cm2 ± 1.5 cm2. Patients treated with PRP showed a very high MHR after 4 wk (87.5%). CONCLUSION PRP is an easy-to-obtain solution with proven and favourable biological activities that could be used in advanced endoscopic resection.

Background and Aim Getting ready for a colonoscopy is difficult and involves many steps. Information given to patients is very important for adherence to treatment. We created a novel smart phone application (SPA) aimed to increase bowel preparation quality and patient satisfaction. Methods We carried out a prospective, endoscopist-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. We enrolled 260 outpatient (58% female, age range 21–75 years) owners of a smartphone. Patients were allocated to two different protocols: instructions provided by SPA (SPA group; n = 108) or written instructions with visual aids (control group; n = 152). All procedures were carried out in the afternoon and patients received the same purgative regimen (2 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution plus ascorbic acid), in a full-dose same-day regimen. The study was designed to detect an improvement in quality of bowel preparation using the Harefield Cleansing Scale (HCS) scale. Effect of protocol on patient satisfaction was assessed with a specific questionnaire at the time of colonoscopy. Results Proportion of patients who obtained successful bowel preparation for colonoscopy (HCS A or B) was significantly higher in the SPA group than in the control group (100% vs 96.1%, respectively; P = 0.037). Mean global HCS scores were similar in both groups. Patient-reported tolerability and overall experience with the prescribed bowel preparation were significantly higher for the SPA group than for the control group. Conclusion Successful cleansing and patient acceptability with the use of SPA were superior to written instructions in outpatients submitted for colonoscopy using 2 L PEG solution plus ascorbic acid.

Background The aim of the present study was to develop a rat model of colonic microperforation secondary to thermal injury for future studies to assess new treatments. Methods Twenty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were used in this study. Hot biopsy forceps were used for all treatments. All lesions were created in proximal left colon using the soft coagulation setting. The power setting tested was 40 W, and the durations of monopolar soft coagulation application evaluated were 2, 3, and 4 s. Results In the acute phase, 48 h after thermal injury, durations of cautery of 2 and 3 s resulted in transmural necrosis, whereas with 4 s microperforation was obtained. In the late phase, 7 d after the damage, only duration of cautery of 4 s showed deep cautery effects, with signs of peritonitis. Conclusions We determined optimal power settings and duration of therapy in a rat model for producing electrocautery that involves transmural necrosis with microperforation.

La estenosis luminal es mas frecuente en la enfermedad de Crohn (EC) dado su compromiso transmural. Antes de proceder a cualquier tratamiento endoscopico se debe descartar la presencia de una estenosis neoplasica. La dilatacion endoscopica con balon se ha utilizado en varias series como tratamiento de las estenosis benignas, principalmente en EC con afectacion del de ileon distal, colon o anastomosis quirurgicas, con un exito de entre el 51 y el 85%, aunque la recurrencia es alta. El uso concomitante de esteroides inyectados (triamcinolona) tras la dilatacion endoscopica muestra unos resultados mas duraderos, aunque la experiencia publicada es escasa. Ante pacientes con estenosis luminal resistente a la tecnica convencional, disponemos de 3 tecnicas endoscopicas emergentes que pueden ser de utilidad: stents metalicos autoexpandibles, endoprotesis biodegradables e inyeccion intralesional de infliximab.

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins is a very rare disease occurring in young male patients, with no more than eight cases reported in the world literature. It causes venous ischemia in the sigmoid colon and rectum that clinically resembles inflammatory bowel disease. Pneumatosis intestinalis is also a rare condition usually associated to a wide range of diseases including bowel ischemia. We herein report on a case of pneumatosis intestinalis associated to idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such an association, and the first one of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins occurring in a female patient as well.

Resumen Introduccion Los criterios europeos para el uso apropiado de la endoscopia (EPAGE) han sido actualizados este ano (EPAGE II), pero aun no han sido evaluados. Objetivos (1) Analizar la adecuacion de las colonoscopias segun los criterios de EPAGE II y (2) evaluar su correlacion con el diagnostico. Pacientes y metodos Analisis retrospectivo de 700 colonoscopias (48% hombres, edad media 58 anos). Se excluyeron 45 (6,4%) por preparacion insuficiente o indicacion electiva. Segun EPAGE II se considero la prueba «apropiada», «no apropiada» o «incierta». Resultados 94% (n=655) fueron evaluables, siendo el cribado de cancer colorectal (CCR) el motivo de indicacion mas frecuente (19%). El 70% de las pruebas fueron «apropiadas», y un 18% «no apropiadas», con diferencias significativas segun el origen de la peticion. Control postpolipectomia fue la indicacion mas inapropiada por acortamiento en los plazos de realizacion. En el 48% se evidencio diagnostico endoscopico, encontrando la presencia lesiones relevantes —CCR, adenomas, enfermedad inflamatoria (EII), angiodisplasias y estenosis benignas—en el 25% de ellas (n=167). El cribado de CCR (17,3%) y el control tras polipectomia (16,7%) fueron las indicaciones mas asociadas con la presencia de diagnostico relevante, aunque sin significacion. La unica indicacion que se asocio al diagnostico de CCR fue la anemia ferropenica (p Conclusion Un 18% de las colonoscopias solicitadas son inapropiadas y un 12% inciertas. La anemia ferropenica es la indicacion con mayor correlacion para el diagnostico de CCR. Los criterios de EPAGE II presentan una buena asociacion con el diagnostico endoscopico de CCR.

Background Capsule endoscopy (CE) has proven efficacy in detecting mucosal lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract and it has been widely evaluated for assessing small-bowel lesions in patients with suspected or established Crohn’s disease (CD). Aims To evaluate the impact of CE on the management of patients with established CD. Methods All patients with known CD that underwent CE were identified from IBD and endoscopy databases. Baseline characteristics of the study population, CE findings, changes in therapy, and patient outcome were recorded. Patients were followed for 18 months after CE. Results CE was performed in 14 CD patients for iron deficiency anemia (n = 5) or abdominal pain of unknown origin (n = 3), or re-evaluation of disease location (n = 6). The overall diagnostic yield was 85.7%. As a result of the CE findings, CD therapy was changed in 64% of cases. Clinical outcome changed in three out of five patients with iron deficiency anemia and in two out of three patients with abdominal pain. Conclusions CE has a high diagnostic yield even in patients with previously known CD, and its findings may influence disease management and clinical outcome.

Tumors of the ampulla of Vater are called ampullary tumors and can arise from any of the three epithelia (duodenal, pancreatic and biliary) that delimit the papilla. These tumors are clinically important and early identification, appropriate staging and proper treatment are essential. The symptoms of these tumors are non-specific and not always evident. All ampullary tumors must be resected but opinions differ on the optimal method of excision. Currently, controlled trials are lacking and consequently the treatment chosen must be individually tailored according to the characteristics of the patient and the tumor. Curative treatment may be endoscopic or surgical. In patients who are not candidates for curative treatment, palliative treatment through drainage can be performed.

Endoscopic snare papillectomy is increasingly performed with curative intent for benign papillary tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic resection for ampullary tumors at a single center.All ampullary tumors without macroscopic features of malignancy identified by the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from January 1995 to February 2007 were included in the study. Papillectomy was performed by snare resection using electrocautery. Argon plasma coagulation was effective for fulguration of small tissue remnants not amenable to snare resection.Of the 21 patients (9 men and 12 women; mean age, 67.2 +/- 14.3 years) evaluated, 11 had adenoma (7 had low-grade dysplasia [LGD] and 4 had high-grade dysplasia [HGD]), and 10 had carcinoma. All the patients underwent papillectomy. Of the 21 patients, 18 had extraductal growth or minimal intraductal growth, and 3 had extensive intraductal growth. The endoscopic complications (23.8%) included one case of mild bleeding, two cases of mild pancreatitis, and two cases of moderate pancreatitis. After papillectomy, 15 patients underwent Whipple procedures (endoscopic failure, 74.1%), including 3 patients with extensive intraductal growth (complete removal of the lesion impossible), 9 patients with carcinoma beyond the mucosal layer, and 3 patients with recurrence treated surgically. Endoscopic success (28.5%) was obtained for the remaining six patients (4 with LGD and 2 with HGD). Papillectomy was determined to be curative after a mean follow-up period of 15.9 +/- 14.9 months.In the hands of an experienced endoscopist, endoscopic papillectomy is a clinically effective treatment for ampullary tumors without invasive neoplasia. Evaluation of a prepapillectomy tumor extension is an important criterion for assessment of endoscopic success.

Large sessile colorectal polyps represent a treatment challenge. Nowadays there are discrepancies regarding how to proceed with them because of morbidity, the possibility of incomplete endoscopic resection, and the high possibility of a coexisting malignancy. This study was performed to determine the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic removal of sessile colorectal adenomas larger than 4 cm. Seventy-four patients with a total of 74 sessile polyps larger than 4 cm in diameter were treated endoscopically. Polyps were removed using argon plasma coagulation (APC) as an adjunct to piecemeal technique. Surgery was recommended in patients with invasive neoplasia. Patients with favorable histology (low-grade dysplasia [LDG] or high-grade dysplasia [HGD]) were followed up with monthly endoscopies untill total ablation of the lesion, and then at 3- to 6-month intervals. LGD was found in 38 patients, HGD in 24, and invasive neoplasia in the remaining 12 patients. A total of 54 patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Recurrence rate of polyps with favorable histology was 9.2% (5/54). Postpolypectomy bleeding was the only complication, observed in 10 patients (13.5%). We conclude that piecemeal polypectomy plus APC without saline injection, performed by an expert endoscopist, is a safe and effective treatment for all LGD or HGD large sessile colorectal polyps.

The use of fluoroscopy to aid endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) places both the patient and the endoscopy staff at the risk of radiation-induced injury. Previous reports have demonstrated a linear relationship between radiation dose and fluoroscopy duration.To identify predictive factors of fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure to patients undergoing ERCP by using pulsed fluoroscopy.Four hundred and four consecutive ERCPs performed from January 2010 to November 2010 at 2 tertiary centers in Spain were prospectively studied. Patients and procedural variables were analyzed. Philips BV Pulsera mobile fluoroscopy system was used on the endoscopy unit. Entrance surface dose, dose-area product, and fluoroscopy time were recorded for each patient.A total of 404 ERCPs on 404 consecutive patients were studied (mean age 73 y). The average entrance surface dose and dose-area product were 12.0 mGy and 0.37 mGy/m2, respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 2.31 minutes. The biliary ducts were adequately visualized in 371 (92%) cases. After analysis with a univariable model, the factors found to significantly increase the radiation dose (P7519.6 mGy) were as follows: alkaline phosphatase serum levels (P=0.047), balloon dilation (P=0.005), biliary stent placement (P=0.001), and ERCP diagnosis (P=0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, only stent insertion significantly increased the radiation dose (risk ratio 4.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-7.63).In this prospective analysis, multiple factors affected the radiation dose. Stent insertion was the only independent predictor significantly associated with prolonged fluoroscopy.

AIM: To describe colon anatomy with colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) to develop a rat model for future studies of therapeutic colonoscopy. METHODS: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats, on average 400-420 g, underwent total colonoscopy, CT and histological examination. Colonoscopy was performed after bowel preparation with a baby upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with an outer diameter of 6.7 mm. CT obtained a 3D image of total colon after a rectal enema with radiological contrast. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were examined with a conventional technique (hematoxylin and eosin). Colonic wall thickness, length and diameter measurements were taken from the anus, 3, 7, 14 and 20 cm from the anal margin. RESULTS: The median colonoscope depth was 24 cm (range 20-28 cm). Endoscopic and tomographic study of colon morphology showed an easy access with tubular morphology in the entire left colon (proximal left colon and rectum). Transverse colon was unapparent on colonoscopy. Right colon, proximal to the splenic flexure, was the largest part of the colon and assumed saccular morphology with tangential trabecula. Radiological measurements of the colonic length and diameter substantiate a subdivision of the right colon into two parts, the cecum and distal right colon. In addition, histological measurement of the colonic wall thickness confirmed a progressive decrease from rectum to cecum. The muscular layer was thinner in the proximal left colon. CONCLUSION: The combination of colonoscopy, tomography and histology leads to a better characterization of the entire colon. These data are important for deciding when to perform endoscopic resections or when to induce perforations to apply endoscopic treatments.

Adequate bowel preparation is essential before a colonoscopy, allowing us to make a proper examination of the entire mucosa. The ideal method of colon cleansing should be fast, safe, and get a proper cleaning with minimal discomfort for the patient. Today we have a wide variety of colon cleansing products, information sometimes becomes confused. A good colon preparation depends partly on correct choice of the same, but also upon dietary restriction. Knowledge of all these products, with their advantages and limitations, we can make a better selection for each patient, and although the efficacy is comparable, is the experience of the browser, patient preferences, and the degree of compliance with the instructions preparation, which greatly influence the results.

Luminal stenosis is frequent in Crohn's disease (CD) due to transmural involvement. Before any endoscopic treatment, the presence of neoplastic stenosis should always be excluded. Endoscopic balloon dilatation has been used in several series to treat benign stenosis, mainly in CD with involvement of the distal ileon, colon or surgical anastomosis, with success rates of 51% to 85%, although recurrence is high. The concomitant use of injected steroids (triamcinolone) after endoscopic dilatation produces longer-lasting results, but there are few published reports. In patients with luminal stenosis refractory to conventional endoscopy, three emerging techniques may be useful: self-expanding metallic stents, biodegradable endoprostheses and intralesional infliximab injection.

Background and Aims: Postpolypectomy surveillance is one of the most common reasons for performing colonoscopy. Our purpose was to assess characteristics of basal adenomas related to the recurrence of advanced adenomas, and to compare the patterns observed in recurrent adenomas with the use of conventional colonoscopy (CC) (1995-1998 period) or high-definition colonoscopy (HDC) (2005-2008 period). Methods: Analyses were based on 612 patients with recurrent adenomas (n=306) or no adenomas (control group; n=306), with at least two follow-up colonoscopies. A total of 56 patients with recurrent adenomas during the 1995-1998 period were compared with 116 patients in the 2005-2008 period. Morphology, size, location, and pathological diagnosis of each polyp were recorded. Multiple logistic regressions were used to calculate relative risk (RR) for recurrence. Results: The study population was predominantly male (68.8%), with a mean age of 61.1 years and a mean follow-up period of 90.6±59.4 months. Advanced adenomas were found during follow-up evaluation in 120 patients (39.2%). The RR of advanced adenoma recurrence was 1.64 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.64] among patients with baseline high-risk adenoma and 0.61 (CI: 0.38-0.98) among those with baseline low-risk adenoma. In the multivariable analyses, patients with larger adenomas were more likely to develop advanced recurrence (RR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). Both techniques (CC and HDC) detected a similar number (2.37±3.28 vs. 3.11±4.63; P=0.406) at qualifying colonoscopy. During follow-up both periods showed comparable adenoma characteristics. Conclusion: Patients with larger adenomas were more likely to develop advanced recurrence. HDC did not detect significantly more adenomas than CC. Characteristics of recurrent adenomas were comparable in both periods. © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The appropriateness criteria for colonoscopy developed by a European expert panel (EPAGE), published in 1999, were revised this year (EPAGE II), but have not yet been evaluated.(1) To analyze colonoscopies performed at our hospital, and (2) to evaluate the appropriateness of the new EPAGE II criteria.We retrospectively analyzed 700 colonoscopies (48% males, mean age 58 years). Forty-five colonoscopies (6.4%) were excluded for insufficient bowel preparation or elective indication. EPAGE II criteria classified colonoscopies as "appropriate", "inappropriate" and "uncertain".Ninety-four percent (n=655) of colonoscopies were evaluated. The most frequent indication for colonoscopy (19%) was screening of colorectal cancer (CRC). Seventy percent of colonoscopies were "appropriate", and 18% were "inappropriate", with significant differences according to where the request was made. The most inappropriate indication was postpolypectomy follow-up, due to shorter follow-up intervals. An endoscopic diagnosis was made in 315 patients (48%), with a finding of significant lesions in 25% (n=167; CCR, adenomas, inflammatory bowel disease, angiodysplasia and benign stricture). The indications most frequently associated with relevant findings were screening of CRC (17.3%) and postpolypectomy follow-up (16.7%) but this association was non-significant. Only iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with CRC (p0.0001).Eighteen percent of requests for colonoscopy were inappropriate and 12% provided incomplete information. The indication most strongly associated with a diagnosis of CRC was iron-deficiency anemia. The EPAGE II criteria showed a significant correlation with an endoscopic diagnosis of CRC.

Tumors of the ampulla of Vater are called ampullary tumors and can arise from any of the three epithelia (duodenal, pancreatic and biliary) that delimit the papilla. These tumors are clinically important and early identification, appropriate staging and proper treatment are essential. The symptoms of these tumors are non-specific and not always evident. All ampullary tumors must be resected but opinions differ on the optimal method of excision. Currently, controlled trials are lacking and consequently the treatment chosen must be individually tailored according to the characteristics of the patient and the tumor. Curative treatment may be endoscopic or surgical. In patients who are not candidates for curative treatment, palliative treatment through drainage can be performed.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic procedure associated with a risk of serious complications. This cohort study was designed to assess the accuracy of an endoscopic method aimed at discriminating procedures eligible to teach ERCP: patients with and without significant difficulty of selective deep cannulation (DSDC). Clinically relevant variables were analyzed in a cohort of 400 consecutive patients (estimation group = 250 patients; validation group = 150 patients) who underwent an ERCP procedure. Multivariate analysis identified fixated duodenum, inflamed duodenum, soft major papilla, previous biliary surgery, and papilla with ectopion as independent predictors of DSDC. We constructed a model and a score system combining these five variables. The area under the ROC curve was 0.81 for the estimation group and 0.80 for the validation group. Using the best cutoff score (> 1.63), absence of significant DSDC could be excluded with high accuracy (negative predictive value = 89.2%) in 111 (44.4%) of 250 patients. Similarly, it could be excluded with the same certainty in 77 (51.3%) of the 150 patients in the validation group. A combination of easily accessible variables accurately predicts the absence of significant DSDC in half the patients who underwent the ERCP procedure. This score system discriminates procedures eligible to teach ERCP.

Biodegradable stents (BDSs) are an attractive option to avoid ongoing dilation or surgery in patients with benign stenoses of the small and large intestines. The experience with the currently the only BDS for endoscopic placement, made of Poly-dioxanone, have shown promising results. However some aspects should be improved as are the fact that BDSs lose their radial force over time due to the degradable material, and that can cause stent-induced mucosal or parenchymal injury. This complication rate and modest clinical efficacy has to be carefully considered in individual patients prior to placement of BDSs. Otherwise, the price of these stents therefore it is nowadays an important limitation.