A retrospective comparative study of argon plasma versus polypectome snare tip coagulation: effect on recurrence rate after resection of large laterally spreading type lesions.

Background: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an established technique for treating large laterally spreading type (LST) lesions ≥20 mm. The aim of our study was to compare the use of argon plasma (APC) versus snare-tip coagulation on the recurrence rate of large LST lesions.

Methods: All patients with large LST lesions resected by EMR between January 2006 and December 2014 were enrolled.

The impact of age on the incidence and severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

Background: With advancing age there is progressive pancreatic atrophy and fibrosis, leading to tissue destruction and chronic pancreatitis that has been found to be protective against post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). However, there are no reports regarding the potential effect of the aging pancreatic changes on the incidence and severity of PEP. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of senile changes in the pancreas on the incidence and severity of PEP.

A fully covered self-expandable metal stent anchored by a 10-Fr double pigtail plastic stent: an effective anti-migration technique.

Background: Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used successfully in the treatment of malignant and benign biliary strictures. However, stent migration is a major complication. We investigated the efficacy of anchoring FCSEMS with a 10-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent to prevent migration in patients with biliary strictures.