Cell block processing is optimal for assessing endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration specimens of pancreatic mucinous cysts.

Aims: The cell block technique for assessing endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) specimens from pancreatic mucinous cystic lesions (MCLs) was systematically evaluated for the first time, including comparisons with three traditional methods of assessing such specimens.

Methods: The prospective arm comprised EUS-FNA specimens from EUS-suspected pancreatic MCLs. The retrospective arm comprised EUS-FNA specimens from pancreatic MCLs surgically resected before the study start.

Endoscopic Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy for Large Bowel Obstruction Secondary to Colonic Gallstone Impaction.

Large bowel obstruction secondary to colonic gallstone impaction is rare. We report an elderly patient who presented with colonic obstruction secondary to impaction of a gallstone in a diverticular segment of his sigmoid colon. He had severe comorbidities that precluded surgery, and it was not possible to remove the gallstone using standard endoscopic techniques.

Transnasal endoscopy: no gagging no panic!

Background: Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is performed with an ultrathin scope via the nasal passages and is increasingly used. This review covers the technical characteristics, tolerability, safety and acceptability of TNE and also diagnostic accuracy, use as a screening tool and therapeutic applications. It includes practical advice from an ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist to optimise TNE practice, identify ENT pathology and manage complications.

Randomised clinical study: comparison of acceptability, patient tolerance, cardiac stress and endoscopic views in transnasal and transoral endoscopy under local anaesthetic.

Background: Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) with ultrathin endoscopes has been advocated as an attractive alternative, for diagnostic upper endoscopy.

Aim: To assess tolerability, acceptability and quality of TNE, in comparison with standard upper endoscopy (SOGD, standard oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy) under local anaesthetic.

Methods: We prospectively recruited 157 patients (83 females/74 males) mean age 57 years.

Three-dimensional representation software as image enhancement tool in small-bowel capsule endoscopy: a feasibility study.

Background: Three-dimensional imaging in capsule endoscopy is not currently feasible due to hardware limitations. However, software algorithms that enable three-dimensional reconstruction in capsule endoscopy are available.

Methods: Feasibility study.