Next-generation sequencing of bile cell-free DNA for the early detection of patients with malignant biliary strictures.

Objective: Despite significant progresses in imaging and pathological evaluation, early differentiation between benign and malignant biliary strictures remains challenging. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to investigate biliary strictures, enabling the collection of bile. We tested the diagnostic potential of next-generation sequencing (NGS) mutational analysis of bile cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

Gallbladder perforation after closed thoracoabdominal trauma, diagnosed and treated by ERCP.

Single gallbladder injury after abdominal trauma is a rare finding. Early diagnosis of this disease is often difficult due to the variability of symptoms and unspecific results in the usual radiological tests. The usual management in patients with vesical trauma is surgery.

Advances in the endoscopic management of pancreatic collections.

Treatment of pancreatic collections has experienced great progress in recent years with the emergence of alternative minimally invasive techniques comparing to the classic surgical treatment. Such techniques have been shown to improve outcomes of morbidity vs surgical treatment. The recent emergence of endoscopic drainage is noteworthy.

Prospective observational study of the incidental findings on endoscopic ultrasonography: should a complete exploration always be performed?

Objectives: To quantify the additional non-suspected new diagnoses made on upper endosonography (EUS) which were unknown before the procedure, and to analyse their influence on the management of patients. A further objective was to evaluate the influence that previous radiological or endoscopic explorations have on the capacity of EUS to diagnose these unsuspected lesions.

Material And Methods: During a 2-year period every patient sent to our unit for upper EUS underwent a complete investigation, after signing an informed consent document.