Digital Single-operator Cholangioscopy (DSOC) Improves Interobserver Agreement (IOA) and Accuracy for Evaluation of Indeterminate Biliary Strictures: The Monaco Classification.

Background: Visual characteristics seen during digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) have not been validated. The aim of this 2-phase study was to define terminology by consensus for the visual diagnosis of biliary lesions to develop a model for optimization of the diagnostic performance of DSOC.

Materials And Methods: In phase 1 (criteria identification), video-cholangioscopy clips were reviewed by 12 expert biliary endoscopists, who were blinded to the final diagnosis.

EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections using lumen apposing metal stents: An international, multicenter experience.

Introduction: Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) have been used increasingly for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). We present an international, multicenter study evaluating the safety and efficacy of LAMS in PFCs.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing LAMS placement for PFC at 12 international centers were included (ClinicalTrials.

GeNET: a web application to explore and share Gene Co-expression Network Analysis data.

Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (GCNA) is a popular approach to analyze a collection of gene expression profiles. GCNA yields an assignment of genes to gene co-expression modules, a list of gene sets statistically over-represented in these modules, and a gene-to-gene network. There are several computer programs for gene-to-gene network visualization, but these programs have limitations in terms of integrating all the data generated by a GCNA and making these data available online.

EUS-guided Gastrojejunostomy Versus Laparoscopic Gastrojejunostomy: An International Collaborative Study.

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) with placement of a lumen-apposing metal stent is a minimally invasive and efficacious procedure for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) patients not amenable to surgery. Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (Lap-GJ) has traditionally been the standard of care. No direct comparison between EUS-GJ and Lap-GJ has been described.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy as salvation technique post-Heller: International experience.

Background: Treatment for achalasia has traditionally been Heller myotomy (HM). Despite its excellent efficacy rate, a number of patients remain symptomatic post-procedure. Limited data exist as to the best management for recurrence of symptoms post-HM.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Significantly Reduces Body Mass Index and Metabolic Complications in Obese Patients.

Background & Aims: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an incisionless, minimally invasive bariatric procedure that reduces the length and width of the gastric cavity to facilitate weight loss. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the effects of ESG on total body weight loss and obesity-related comorbidities.

Methods: We collected data from 91 consecutive patients (mean age, 43.

EUS-guided Versus Percutaneous Gallbladder Drainage: Isn't It Time to Convert?

Background And Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUS-GLB) is a minimally invasive option for patients with cholecystitis who are poor surgical candidates. Compared with percutaneous drainage (PC-GLB), earlier studies have demonstrated similar efficacy with improved quality of life. We present a multicenter, international experience comparing PC-GLB and EUS-GLB in nonsurgical patients with cholecystitis.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) prior to peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) reduces procedural time and bleeding: a multicenter international collaborative study.

Background: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as an endoscopic treatment of achalasia. There are no pre-procedural imaging modalities to predict the safest and the most efficacious approach.

Aim: To evaluate the use of optimal coherence tomography (OCT) in providing a pre-procedural esophageal assessment.

A multicenter international registry of redo per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) after failed POEM.

Background And Aims: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become an accepted treatment for patients with achalasia. Despite its excellent efficacy rate of greater than 80%, a small percentage of patients remain symptomatic after the procedure. Limited data exist as to the best management for recurrence of symptoms after POEM.

EUS-guided biliary drainage after failed ERCP: a novel algorithm individualized based on patient anatomy.

Background And Aims: EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been offered for more than a decade as an alternative to percutaneous biliary drainage. Multiple approaches have been described. We propose an algorithm for biliary drainage based on patient anatomy.

Endoscopic Therapy With Lumen-apposing Metal Stents Is Safe and Effective for Patients With Pancreatic Walled-off Necrosis.

Background & Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage and necrosectomy have become the standard treatment for patients with pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON). Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have shown success in the management of pancreatic fluid collections. However, there are few data on their specific roles in management of WON.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: predictors of successful outcome in patients who fail endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Background: Patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are conventionally offered percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). While PTBD is effective, it is associated with catheter-related complications, pain, and poor quality of life. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a minimally invasive endoscopic option increasingly offered as an alternative to PTBD.

Gaps in recognition and evaluation of incidentally identified hepatic steatosis.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of liver disease, is frequently diagnosed incidentally on imaging. The goal of the present study was to characterize rates of documentation and evaluation of incidentally identified steatosis.

Methods: Adults who underwent abdominal computed tomography with incidentally reported steatosis from January 2008 to October 2011 and with ≥1 primary care appointment within 14 months following imaging were included.