Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural gallbladder drainage in malignant obstruction using a novel lumen-apposing stent: a case series (with video).

 Current endoscopic methods of biliary decompression in malignant pancreatic neoplasms are often limited by anatomical and technical challenges. In this case series, we report our experience with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided placement of an electrocautery-enhanced, lumen-apposing self-expandable metallic stent (LAMS) via transmural gallbladder drainage.  This is a retrospective case series of nine patients (five male, mean age 63.

Enhanced Recovery in Mild Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a leading cause of hospitalization for a gastrointestinal illness in the United States. We hypothesized that enhanced recovery approaches may lead to earlier time to refeeding in patients with AP.

Methods: We performed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients admitted with mild AP from July 2016 to April 2017 at a tertiary medical center.

Cachexia, and not obesity, prior to pancreatic cancer diagnosis worsens survival and is negated by chemotherapy.

Background: Although advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by progressive weight loss and nutritional deterioration, the effect of cancer cachexia and body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis on survival remains unclear.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a prospectively collected internal cancer registry of PDAC cases from 2006-2014 at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. Cancer cachexia was defined as weight loss greater than 5% over the 6 months prior to diagnosis.

Impact of Integrated Health Care Delivery on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether disparities in pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival are reduced in an integrated health system.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study (2006-2014) among patients with pancreatic cancer from Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Racial ethnic groups included non-Hispanic whites (NHW), non-Hispanic blacks (NHB), Hispanics, and Asians.

Influence of Statins and Cholesterol on Mortality Among Patients With Pancreatic Cancer.

Background: Recent studies have suggested associations between statins and enhanced survival among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the relationship between statins, cholesterol, and survival remains unclear.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 2142 PDAC patients in a regional integrated healthcare system from 2006 to 2014.

Risk of Gastric Cancer Among Patients With Intestinal Metaplasia of the Stomach in a US Integrated Health Care System.

Background & Aims: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a common finding from routine endoscopies. Although GIM is an early step in gastric carcinogenesis, there is controversy regarding routine surveillance of patients with GIM in regions with a low prevalence of gastric cancer. We aimed to determine the incidence of gastric cancer among patients with GIM and risk factors for gastric cancer.