Endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has evolved significantly in the past 20 years. Current practices include devices specifically designed for GERD. Newer techniques aim to use less extra equipment, to be less costly, and to use accessories readily available in endoscopy units, as well as using standard endoscopes to apply such techniques.

Accurate and safe diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic biliary lesions using a novel 9F and 11F digital single-operator cholangioscope.

Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) allows the diagnosis of biliary duct disorders and treatment for complicated stones. However, these technologies have limitations such as the size of the probe and working channel, excessive cost, and low image resolution. Recently, a novel DSOC system (eyeMAX, Micro-Tech, Nanjing, China) was developed to address these limitations.

The Assessment of a Novel Endoscopic Ultrasound-Compatible Cryocatheter to Ablate Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease that may be treated utilizing thermal therapies. Cryoablation is an effective, minimally invasive therapy that has been utilized for the treatment of various cancers, offering patients a quicker recovery and reduced side effects. Cryoablation has been utilized on a limited basis for the treatment of PDAC.

Artificial intelligence for diagnosing neoplasia on digital cholangioscopy: development and multicenter validation of a convolutional neural network model.

Background: We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for detecting neoplastic lesions during real-time digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) and to clinically validate the model through comparisons with DSOC expert and nonexpert endoscopists.

Methods: In this two-stage study, we first developed and validated CNN1. Then, we performed a multicenter diagnostic trial to compare four DSOC experts and nonexperts against an improved model (CNN2).

Per-oral pancreatoscopy-guided lithotripsy vs. extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for treating refractory main pancreatic duct stones in chronic pancreatitis: Protocol for an open-label multi-center randomized clinical trial.

Backgrounds/objectives: Patients with chronic pancreatitis may develop pancreatic duct stones that can obstruct outflow leading to ductal hypertension and pain. Both endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) with per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) and intraductal lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are feasible options to attempt ductal stone clearance. This study aims to compare POP-guided lithotripsy with ESWL in the management of refractory symptomatic main pancreatic duct stones.

First interobserver agreement of optical coherence tomography in the bile duct: A multicenter collaborative study.

 Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new technology available for evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures. It allows under-the-surface visualization and preliminary studies have confirmed standardized characteristics associated with malignancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the first interobserver agreement in identifying previously agreed upon OCT criteria and diagnosing of malignant versus benign disease.

An international experience with single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy in patients with altered anatomy.

The utility of digital single- operator cholangiopancreatoscopy (D-SOCP) in surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is limited. We aimed to evaluate the technical success and safety of D-SOCP in patients SAA. Patients with SAA who underwent D-SOCP between February 2015 and June 2020 were retrospectively evaluated.

Future of Cholangioscopy.

This article highlights the current status of cholangioscopy. In addition, the authors present their view on the future directions of cholangioscopy, including novel clinical applications, the need for technologic developments, and the expansion on the use of cholangioscopy in clinical practice. The authors envision that cholangioscopy will eventually become a conventional tool in the shelf of any biliary endoscopist.

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography outcomes using various technical approaches.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presents an anatomic challenge for patients needing ERCP. EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) offers high clinical success but carries considerable risk of adverse events (AEs) with no standardized technical approach. In our study, we review the safety and efficacy of our various EDGE technical approaches.

An In Vitro Investigation into Cryoablation and Adjunctive Cryoablation/Chemotherapy Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Using the PANC-1 Cell Line.

As the incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to grow, so does the need for new strategies for treatment. One such area being evaluated is cryoablation. While promising, studies remain limited and questions surrounding basic dosing (minimal lethal temperature) coupled with technological issues associated with accessing PDAC tumors and tumor proximity to vasculature and bile ducts, among others, have limited the use of cryoablation.

Digital single-operator cholangioscopy interobserver study using a new classification: the Mendoza Classification (with video).

Background And Aims: Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) allows direct visualization of the biliary tree for evaluation of biliary strictures. Our objective was to assess the interobserver agreement (IOA) of DSOC interpretation for indeterminate biliary strictures using newly refined criteria.

Methods: Fourteen endoscopists were asked to review an atlas of reference clips and images of 5 criteria derived from expert consensus.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Finding of Diffuse Echogenicity in the Pancreas, Is It Relevant?

Background/objectives: Diffuse echogenicity of the pancreas, a commonly discovered finding on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), is often of undetermined significance. The goal of this study was to characterize the clinical picture and pancreatic function in patients who incidentally present with this endosonographic finding.

Methods: This was a case-control study comparing consecutive adult patients with diffuse echogenicity of the pancreas found on EUS to those who did not have known pancreas disease.

Maximizing success in single-session EUS-directed transgastric ERCP: a retrospective cohort study to identify predictive factors of stent migration.

Background And Aims: EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (the EDGE procedure) is a simplified method of performing ERCP in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. The EDGE procedure involves placement of a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) into the excluded stomach to serve as a conduit for passage of the duodenoscope for pancreatobiliary intervention. Originally a multistep process, urgent indications for ERCP have led to the development of single-session EDGE (SS-EDGE) with LAMS placement and ERCP performed in the same session.

Digital Cholangioscopic Interpretation: When North Meets the South.

Background: Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) (SpyGlass DS™, Boston Scientific, MA, USA) allows for high-definition imaging of the biliary tree. The superior visualization has led to the development of two different sets of criteria to evaluate and classify indeterminate biliary strictures: the Monaco criteria and the criteria in Carlos Robles-Medranda's publication (CRM). Our objective was to assess the interrater agreement (IA) of DSOC interpretation for indeterminate biliary strictures using the two newly published criteria.

Aspiration fluid cytology during single operator cholangioscopy with targeted biopsy to improves the diagnostic yield in indeterminate biliary strictures.

Introduction: Sensitivities of various sampling methods to detect malignant biliary strictures remain suboptimal. Irrigation during digital single operator cholangioscopy (dSOC) is done routinely for visualization of the duct. The aim of this study was to evaluate improvement of the sensitivity for detecting malignant biliary strictures when adding aspiration fluid cytology (AFC) from the irrigated fluid during cholangioscopy to cholangioscopic biopsy (CBx).

Optical coherence tomography of the pancreatic and bile ducts: are we ready for prime time?

 First-generation optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to increase diagnostic sensitivity for malignant biliary and pancreatic-duct strictures. A newer OCT imaging system, NVision Volumetric Laser Endomicroscopy (VLE), allows for in vivo cross-sectional imaging of the ductal wall at the microstructure level during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate characteristics on OCT that are predictive of benign and malignant strictures.

Digital Single-operator Cholangioscopy (DSOC) Improves Interobserver Agreement (IOA) and Accuracy for Evaluation of Indeterminate Biliary Strictures: The Monaco Classification.

Background: Visual characteristics seen during digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) have not been validated. The aim of this 2-phase study was to define terminology by consensus for the visual diagnosis of biliary lesions to develop a model for optimization of the diagnostic performance of DSOC.

Materials And Methods: In phase 1 (criteria identification), video-cholangioscopy clips were reviewed by 12 expert biliary endoscopists, who were blinded to the final diagnosis.

An international, multi-institution survey of the use of EUS in the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions.

Background And Objectives: Currently, pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are recognized with increasing frequency and have become a more common finding in clinical practice. EUS is challenging in the diagnosis of PCLs and evidence-based decisions are lacking in its application. This study aimed to develop strong recommendations for the use of EUS in the diagnosis of PCLs, based on the experience of experts in the field.

EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections using lumen apposing metal stents: An international, multicenter experience.

Introduction: Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) have been used increasingly for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). We present an international, multicenter study evaluating the safety and efficacy of LAMS in PFCs.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing LAMS placement for PFC at 12 international centers were included (ClinicalTrials.

Per Oral Pancreatoscopy Identification of Main-duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms and Concomitant Pancreatic Duct Stones: Not Mutually Exclusive.

Objectives: Per oral pancreatoscopy (POP) assists in the evaluation and treatment of select benign and neoplastic pancreatic disorders including main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (MD-IPMN). Although pancreatic duct stones are classically thought of as pathognomonic for chronic pancreatitis, its co-occurrence with MD-IPMN as identified via POP may help identify an alternative etiology for presumed idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.

Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective case series of patients found to have pancreatic duct stones with concomitant MD-IPMN by POP.