Endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomoses with lumen-apposing metal stents: predictors of technical success.

Background: Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) may be inserted to create gastrointestinal anastomoses under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. This new technique has mostly been evaluated as treatment for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), especially of malignant origin. Technical success was high in the few and small available studies.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric subepithelial tumors with the gFTRD-system: a prospective pilot study (RESET trial).

Background: Gastric subepithelial tumors (SET) are rare and usually benign. However, up to 13% are malignant. Histology after conventional biopsy often is inconclusive.

Doppler ultrasound surveillance of TIPS-patency in the era of covered stents - retrospective analysis of a large single-center cohort.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine accuracy and necessity of long-term Doppler ultrasound (DU) surveillance of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) patency after implantation of an ePTFE-covered stent-graft (Viatorr).

Methods: This single-center retrospective study includes 228 consecutive cirrhotic patients with TIPS implantation due to portal hypertensive complications. Standardized DU surveillance was scheduled 3 - 5 days, 3 months, and 6 months after TIPS implantation and every 6 months thereafter.

Use of Ultrasound in the Diagnostic Work-Up of Adult Intussusception - A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

Purpose:  To evaluate the use of ultrasound (US) in the diagnostic work-up of adult intussusception (AI).

Methods:  This multicenter study includes 26 consecutive patients diagnosed with AI between January 2010 and November 2017. A retrospective chart analysis was conducted with a focus on abdominal US findings and diagnostic accuracy of different imaging modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging).

Transjugular portal vein recanalization with creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) in patients with chronic non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis.

Purpose: To determine safety and efficacy of transjugular portal vein recanalization with creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) in patients with chronic non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

Methods: This retrospective study includes 17 consecutive patients with chronic non-cirrhotic PVT (cavernous transformation n = 15). PVR-TIPS was indicated because of variceal bleeding (n = 13), refractory ascites (n = 2), portal biliopathy with recurrent cholangitis (n = 1), or abdominal pain (n = 1).

Colonoscopic full-thickness resection using an over-the-scope device: a prospective multicentre study in various indications.

Objective: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a novel treatment of colorectal lesions not amenable to conventional endoscopic resection. The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the full-thickness resection device.

Design: 181 patients were recruited in 9 centres with the indication of difficult adenomas (non-lifting and/or at difficult locations), early cancers and subepithelial tumours (SET).

Transjugular local thrombolysis with/without TIPS in patients with acute non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis.

Background & Aims: Therapeutic anticoagulation is the standard treatment in patients with acute non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In critically ill patients, anticoagulation only may not suffice to achive rapid and stable recanalization. This study evaluates efficacy and safety of transjugular interventional therapy in acute non-cirrhotic PVT.

Wing-shaped plastic stents vs. self-expandable metal stents for palliative drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction: a randomized multicenter study.

Background And Study Aims: Previous studies have shown superior patency rates for self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) compared with plastic stents in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare stent patency, patient survival, and complication rates between a newly designed, wing-shaped, plastic stent and SEMSs in patients with unresectable, malignant, distal, biliary obstruction.

Patients And Methods: A randomized, multicenter trial was conducted at four tertiary care centers in Germany.

Endoscopic resection of subepithelial tumors.

Management of subepithelial tumors (SETs) remains challenging. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has improved differential diagnosis of these tumors but a definitive diagnosis on EUS findings alone can be achieved in the minority of cases. Complete endoscopic resection may provide a reasonable approach for tissue acquisition and may also be therapeutic in case of malignant lesions.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric subepithelial tumors: a single-center series.

Background And Study Aims: Endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric subepithelial tumors with a full-thickness suturing device has been described as feasible in two small case series. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcome of this resection technique.

Patients And Methods: After 31 patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness resection, the data were analyzed retrospectively.

Endoscopic removal of over-the-scope clips using a novel cutting device: a retrospective case series.

Background And Study Aims: Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs; Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany) are extensively used for treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, leakages, fistulas, and bleeding. In this report, a new method of removing OTSCs using a prototype bipolar cutting device is described.

Patients And Methods: A total of 11 patients underwent endoscopic removal of an OTSC.

Transmural endoscopic necrosectomy of infected pancreatic necroses and drainage of infected pseudocysts: a tailored approach.

Objective: Transmural endoscopic drainage and necrosectomy have become favored treatment modes for infected pancreatic pseudocysts and necroses. In this analysis, we summarize the outcome of 40 patients with complicated course of acute pancreatitis after endoscopic treatment.

Material And Methods: From January 2006 through May 2011, 40 patients of our department with complicated pancreatitis were included in this retrospective analysis.

Evaluating outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness plication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with impedance monitoring.

Background: Endoscopic full-thickness plication allows transmural suturing at the gastroesophageal junction to recreate the antireflux barrier. Multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring (MII) can be used to detect nonacid or weakly acidic reflux, acidic swallows, and esophageal clearance time. This study used MII to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic full-thickness plication.

Gastric full-thickness suturing during EMR and for treatment of gastric-wall defects (with video).

Background: The endoscopic full-thickness Plicator device was initially developed to provide an endoscopic treatment option for patients with GERD. Because the endoscopic full-thickness Plicator enables rapid and easy placement of transmural sutures, comparable with surgical sutures, we used the Plicator device for endoscopic treatment or prevention of GI-wall defects.

Objective: To describe the outcomes and complications of endoscopic full-thickness suturing during EMR and for the treatment of gastric-wall defects.