Large-diameter biliary orifice balloon dilation to aid in endoscopic bile duct stone removal: a multicenter series.

Background: The utility and safety of endoscopic biliary orifice balloon dilation (EBD) for bile duct stone removal (with use of large-diameter balloons) after biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (BES) is currently not well established.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of BES followed by > or = 12 mm diameter EBD for bile duct stone removal.

Design: Retrospective, multicenter series.

Endoscopic antireflux procedures: a good wrap?

Background & Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prevalent worldwide. Until recently patients and physicians have had a choice between long-term medical therapy, usually in the form of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or surgical fundoplication. During the past several years, endoscopic antireflux therapies have been approved for GERD patients to potentially obviate the risks of surgery and avoid long-term medication use.

Progression or regression of Barrett's esophagus--is it all in the eye of the beholder?

Objectives: Accurate measurements of Barrett's esophagus length are important in clinical follow-up as well as in studies of therapeutic intervention in Barrett's esophagus. Our aim was to evaluate both the inter- and intraobserver reliability in measuring Barrett's length during two consecutive endoscopies by either the same or different experienced endoscopists. The relationship between Barrett's mucosa length and the absolute change in Barrett's length measurements on a follow-up endoscopy was also evaluated.

A predictive model for length of Barrett's esophagus with hiatal hernia length and duration of esophageal acid exposure.

Background: A significant correlation between the duration and height of esophageal acid exposure and the length of Barrett's mucosa has been demonstrated. The aims of this study were to determine if there is a correlation between hiatal hernia length and Barrett's esophagus length, and to develop a predictive model for Barrett's esophagus length by using hiatal hernia length and duration of esophageal acid exposure.

Methods: Consecutive patients with Barrett's esophagus diagnosed endoscopically were enrolled in the study.