Publications by authors named "Jessica L Widmer"
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.
Article Synopsis
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technique used to remove early-stage gastrointestinal tumors, primarily in Asia, but its adoption in Western countries is limited, prompting this study on its learning curve in the U.S.
- A retrospective analysis of 540 ESD cases performed by a single operator revealed that proficiency benchmarks for successful resections were reached after approximately 250 procedures, with en bloc resection rates increasing significantly before plateauing.
- The study concludes that training for ESD takes longer in the West due to the complexity of lesions tackled early in training, differing from the experiences in Asia.
Background: Radiofrequency ablation of malignant biliary strictures has been offered for the last 3 years, but only limited data have been published.
Aim: To assess the safety, efficacy, and survival outcomes of patients receiving endoscopic radiofrequency ablation.
Methods: Between April 2010 and December 2013, 69 patients with unresectable neoplastic lesions and malignant biliary obstruction underwent 98 radiofrequency ablation sessions with stenting.
Background: Confocal endomicroscopy provides real-time evaluation of various sites and has been used to provide detailed endomicroscopic imaging of the biliary tree. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy of the pancreatic duct as compared to cytologic and histologic results in patients with indeterminate pancreatic duct strictures.
Methods: Retrospective data on patients with indeterminate pancreatic strictures undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and confocal endomicroscopy were collected from two tertiary care centres.
Since the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the 1990s, it has evolved from a primarily diagnostic modality into an instrument that can be used in various therapeutic interventions. EUS-guided fine-needle injection was initially described for celiac plexus neurolysis. By using the fundamentals of this method, drainage techniques emerged for the biliary and pancreatic ducts, fluid collections, and abscesses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Study Aims: Migration is the most common complication of the fully covered metallic self-expanding esophageal stent (FCSEMS). Recent studies have demonstrated migration rates between 30% and 60%. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fixation of the FCSEMS by endoscopic suturing on migration rate.
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