Endoscopic full-thickness resection of colorectal lesions with the full-thickness resection device: clinical experience from two referral centers in Greece.

Background: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) using the full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is an invasive treatment for colorectal lesions not resectable by conventional endoscopic techniques. This study presents the first Greek experience of the FTRD procedure, assessing the efficacy and safety of EFTR.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 17 consecutive patients treated with the FTRD at 2 referral centers from October 2015 through December 2018.

Long-term benefit of transoral incisionless fundoplication using the esophyx device for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease responsive to medical therapy.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) using the EsophyX device has been shown to be effective and safe in patients with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, the subset of patients that would mostly benefit from this technique remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the TIF procedure in patients with a history of esophagitis or proven chronic GERD who have achieved symptom control with the administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) but did not wish to continue receiving medications for life. Forty-five patients with typical GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain) and a history of esophagitis grade A and B or proven GERD by esophageal pH monitoring underwent TIF using Esophyx.

Eosinophilic Cholangitis--A Challenging Diagnosis of Benign Biliary Stricture: A Case Report.

When confronting a biliary stricture, both benign and malignant etiologies must be carefully considered as a variety of benign biliary strictures can masquerade as hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Therefore, patients could undergo a major surgery despite the possibility of a benign biliary disease. Approximately 15% to 24% of patients undergoing surgical resection for suspected biliary malignancy will have benign pathology.

Endoscopic extraction of large common bile duct stones: A review article.

Since therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography replaced surgery as the first approach in cases of choledocolithiasis, a plethora of endoscopic techniques and devices appeared in order to facilitate rapid, safe and effective bile duct stones extraction. Nowadays, endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with balloon catheters and/or baskets is the routine endoscopic technique for stone extraction in the great majority of patients. Large common bile duct stones are treated conventionally with mechanical lithotripsy, while the most serious complication of the procedure is "basket and stone impaction" that is predominately resolved surgically.

Efficacy of three different dosages of esomeprazole in the long-term management of reflux disease: a prospective, randomized study, using the wireless Bravo pH system.

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that usually requires long-term maintenance therapy with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). In clinical practice, patients receive PPIs at the lowest dose to control symptoms. However, it is not known whether this approach adequately controls acidic esophageal reflux.

Covered Wallstents for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction: primary stent placement versus reintervention.

Background: Covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are designed to prevent tumor ingrowth and can be removed if necessary. Only limited comparative data are available on the performance of covered SEMSs after primary placement versus reintervention.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of covered SEMS placement either as primary treatment or reintervention in patients requiring palliation of malignant biliary obstruction.

Prevalence and axial length of hiatus hernia in patients, with nonerosive reflux disease: a prospective study.

Background And Aims: The relationship between hiatus hernia and reflux esophagitis is well established. However, there are conflicting reports regarding its effect on the development of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and axial length of hiatus hernia in patients with NERD, compared with patients with reflux esophagitis, Barrett esophagus, and controls.

Single-session, graded esophageal dilation without fluoroscopy in outpatients with lower esophageal (Schatzki's) rings: a prospective, long-term follow-up study.

Background: Distal esophageal (Schatzki's) ring is a frequent cause of dysphagia. Bougienage is generally effective but relapses are common. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of single-session graded esophageal dilation with Savary dilators, without fluoroscopic guidance, in outpatients who presented with Schatzki's ring.

Long-term acid suppressive therapy may prevent the relapse of lower esophageal (Schatzki's) rings: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Objectives: Distal esophageal (Schatzki's) rings are a frequent cause of dysphagia. Bougienage is generally effective, but relapses are common. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term antisecretory therapy on the relapse rate of lower esophageal rings after successful bougienage with Savary dilators.

A prospective cross-over study using a sphincterotome and a guidewire to increase the success rate of common bile duct cannulation.

Aim: During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopanc-reatography (ERCP), selective cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD) is required in most of the cases.

Methods: From June 2001 till December 2002, all patients referred to our unit for ERCP were considered for entry into the study. Selective CBD cannulation was first attempted with a standard catheter with or without the use of a guidewire.

Long-term outcome of pneumatic dilation in the treatment of achalasia.

Objective: Achalasia is a well-defined esophageal motor disorder for which pneumatic dilation is an established therapeutic method. Even though it has been used for several years, there are limited data on the long-term outcomes of patients treated with this procedure. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of pneumatic dilation to control the symptoms of achalasia.

Sustained rise of portal pressure after sclerotherapy, but not band ligation, in acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.

During variceal bleeding, several factors may increase portal pressure, which in turn may precipitate further bleeding. This study investigates the early effects of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) during acute bleeding and the possible influence in outcome. In 50 cirrhotic patients with bleeding esophageal varices treated with EIS (n = 25) or EBL (n = 25), we performed repeated HVPG measurements before and immediately after endoscopic treatment (time 0) and every 24 hours for a 5-day period.

Gastric electrical activity in patients with cholelithiasis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective controlled study.

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gallstone disease (GD) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy on gastric electrical activity of slow waves, which was recorded via transcutaneous electrogastrography (EGG).

Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients (M/F: 12/9, 52.7 +/- 15 years old) with GD and no previous history of abdominal operations or known disease affecting gastrointestinal motility were studied.

A comparative study of postendoscopic sphincterotomy complications with various types of electrosurgical current in patients with choledocholithiasis.

Background: Whether the type of electrosurgical current used for endoscopic sphincterotomy influences the frequency of postsphincterotomy complications is unknown.

Methods: One hundred eighty-six patients with choledocholithiasis were prospectively randomized to undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy with pure cutting current (n = 62, Group A), blended current (n = 62, Group B), or pure cutting initially followed by blended current (n = 62, Group C). Serum concentrations of amylase and lipase were evaluated in all patients 12 and 24 hours after sphincterotomy.

Early increase of lower oesophageal sphincter pressure after band ligation of oesophageal varices in cirrhotics: an intriguing phenomenon.

Aim: We conducted a prospective, randomized comparison of endoscopic variceal ligation, sclerotherapy and metoclopramide injection in order to evaluate their early effect on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure.

Methods: Twenty-six patients with established cirrhosis and an episode of variceal bleeding controlled by one session of endoscopic therapy were randomized to undergo an oesophageal manometry. The patients' lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was evaluated, prior to and immediately after a single session of ligation (n = 10), a single session of sclerotherapy (n = 8) or a bolus injection of 20 mg metoclopramide hydrochloride (n = 8).

Effects of endoscopic variceal treatment on oesophageal function: a prospective, randomized study.

Aim: Endoscopic methods are currently the most widely used techniques for the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices (BOV). However, a number of complications may limit their usefulness. We conducted a prospective, randomized comparison of variceal ligation versus sclerotherapy in cirrhotics after the control of variceal haemorrhage to study the relative short-term risks of these two procedures with respect to oesophageal motility and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Octreotide versus hydrocortisone versus placebo in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Octreotide is a potent inhibitor of pancreatic secretion, and corticosteroids suppress humoral and cellular activity. Both agents may reduce the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of octreotide and hydrocortisone in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis.