Per-oral endoscopic myotomy: a multi-centre New Zealand experience.

Background And Aims: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for achalasia. We aim to review outcomes of all POEM cases performed in New Zealand for achalasia.

Methods: A retrospective review of all POEM procedures performed in the five hospitals offering POEM between November 2015 and December 2022 was undertaken.

Safety and feasibility of same-day discharge for per-oral endoscopic myotomy.

Aims: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a recognised treatment for achalasia, with the accepted approach involving admission for imaging and dietary progression. However, recent publications suggest same-day discharge (SDD) may be possible, which could be time and cost-saving. We sought to investigate the safety of SDD following POEM.

Long-term open-label vebicorvir for chronic HBV infection: Safety and off-treatment responses.

Background & Aims: The investigational first-generation core inhibitor vebicorvir (VBR) demonstrated safety and antiviral activity over 24 weeks in two phase IIa studies in patients with chronic HBV infection. In this long-term extension study, patients received open-label VBR with nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NrtIs).

Methods: Patients in this study (NCT03780543) previously received VBR + NrtI or placebo + NrtI in parent studies 201 (NCT03576066) or 202 (NCT03577171).

Rare finding of a symptomatic epidermoid cyst of the diaphragm - a case report.

Cystic lesions of the diaphragm are rare and accordingly present a diagnostic challenge. Specific radiological features with which to clinch a diagnosis may be elusive. Herein we present the case of a patient who presented with symptoms attributable to a cyst in the left upper abdomen, irritating the diaphragm.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Waikato, New Zealand: incidence and prevalence.

Background And Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prevalence is rising globally; however, indigenous groups are underrepresented. Waikato, New Zealand, is a large region with a high proportion of Māori patients. In Canterbury in 2006, 1% of patients with IBD were Māori.