Contamination of Disposable Distal Cap Duodenoscopes and Detachable Elevator Duodenoscopes After Reprocessing: A Randomized Trial.

Background And Aim: To reduce bacterial contamination after reprocessing, various new designs of duodenoscopes have been developed to better expose the elevator complex for cleaning. We compared the rates of bacterial contamination and organic residue in disposable distal cap duodenoscopes and detachable elevator duodenoscopes after manual cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD), as well as their cost-effectiveness.

Methods: A total of 162 duodenoscopes were randomly assigned to either Group A (disposable distal caps; n = 81) or Group B (detachable elevator; n = 81).

Validation and efficacy of the Varix Trainer model as a Training device for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

The Varix Trainer model 1 (VTM1) was created for trainees to safely practice basic endoscope manipulation skills. The VTM1 was tested to see if it could distinguish levels of endoscope manipulation skills (construct validity) and whether training with it could improve these skills faster (content validity). We enrolled 23 novice endoscopists, 18 second-year trainees, and 13 expert endoscopists.

Performance comparison between two computer-aided detection colonoscopy models by trainees using different false positive thresholds: a cross-sectional study in Thailand.

Background/aims: This study aims to compare polyp detection performance of "Deep-GI," a newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) model, to a previously validated AI model computer-aided polyp detection (CADe) using various false positive (FP) thresholds and determining the best threshold for each model.

Methods: Colonoscopy videos were collected prospectively and reviewed by three expert endoscopists (gold standard), trainees, CADe (CAD EYE; Fujifilm Corp.), and Deep-GI.

Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting to Prevent Recurrent Cholecystitis in Deferred Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Trial.

Background & Aims: Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGS) has been proposed as one of the adjunctive treatments, apart from antibiotics, before surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis whose cholecystectomy could not be performed or was deferred. Currently, there are no comparative data on the outcomes of ETGS in those who receive and do not receive ETGS. We aimed to compare the rates of recurrent cholecystitis at 3 and 6 months in these 2 groups.

The synergistic role of virtual coaching with simulation-based mastery learning for upper endoscopy.

Introduction: Our simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum, delivered in person, has been shown to successfully train novices in structured esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). SBML with virtual coaching (VC) has the potential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of endoscopy training and expand access to trainees from around the world. We share our observations conducting an EGD training course using SBML with VC.

Efficacy of multi-hole self-expandable metal stent compared to fully covered and uncovered self-expandable metal stents in patients with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction: a propensity analysis.

Background And Aims: Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion is the standard palliative treatment for unresectable malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction (MBO). Drawbacks of conventional fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) and uncovered SEMS (USEMS) include stent migration and tumor ingrowth, respectively. This study aimed to compare stent patency in MBO with the newly design multi-hole SEMS (MHSEMS), which has multiple small side holes in the stent membrane, with conventional FCSEMS and UCSEMS.

Intermediate- to long-term outcomes of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting in patients with gallstone-related disease: a 10-year single-center experience.

Background: Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGS) can be a bridging therapy to elective cholecystectomy or a permanent gallbladder drainage method in patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease who are awaiting cholecystectomy or are unfit for surgery, respectively. We evaluated the intermediate- to long-term outcomes of ETGS in these groups.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 234 patients (acute cholecystitis = 147), who were unfit for surgery (n = 50) or had deferred cholecystectomy (n = 184) and who underwent ETGS between 2012 and 2021.

Bacterial contamination and organic residue after reprocessing in duodenoscopes with disposable distal caps compared with duodenoscopes with fixed distal caps: a randomized trial.

Background And Aims: Newly designed duodenoscopes with disposable distal caps have been developed for better cleaning and preprocessing to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination (BC). We compared BC and organic residue of duodenoscopes with disposable distal caps and duodenoscopes with fixed distal caps after manual cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD).

Methods: Four hundred duodenoscopes were randomized into group A (fixed distal caps, n = 200) and group B (disposable distal caps, n = 200).

A New Paradigm Shift in Gastroparesis Management.

Gastroparesis, once regarded as a rare disease, is difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat; there were many breakthrough advances in the 2010s, shifting the paradigm of the understanding of this complex entity and its management. Similar to diabetes, its increasing prevalence reflects increased accessibility to diagnostic modalities and suggests that gastroparesis was underacknowledged in the past. Major developments in the three main aspects of the disease include the discovery of smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, PDGFRα+ cells syncytium, rather than interstitial cells of Cajal alone, as the main gastric pacemaker unit; the development of validated point-of-care diagnostic modalities such as a wireless motility capsule, the carbon 13-labeled breath test, and impedance planimetry; and the introduction of novel minimally invasive therapeutic options such as newer pharmacologic agents and gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy.

Application of artificial intelligence for diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by EUS: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

EUS-guided tissue acquisition carries certain risks from unnecessary needle puncture in the low-likelihood lesions. Artificial intelligence (AI) system may enable us to resolve these limitations. We aimed to assess the performance of AI-assisted diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by off-line evaluating the EUS images from different modes.

Perception of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Personnel on Society Recommendations on Personal Protective Equipment, Case Selection, and Scope Cleaning During Covid-19 Pandemic: An International Survey Study.

Background/aims: The Thai Association for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy published recommendations on safe endoscopy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to assess the practicality and applicability of the recommendations and the perceptions of endoscopy personnel on them.

Methods: A validated questionnaire was sent to 1290 endoscopy personnel globally.

Long-term Outcome of Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy Performed in the Endoscopy Unit With Trainees.

Introduction: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been widely adopted for the treatment of achalasia as it provides a precise, tailored myotomy in a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. Several short-term studies and a few long-term studies have confirmed that POEM is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia. However, the long-term outcome of POEM performed by trainees is unknown.

Gas Leak and Mucosal Injury During Endoscopic Esophageal Myotomy After Previous Myotomy: A Single-Center Experience.

Purpose: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) after prior myotomy (PM-POEM) can be technically challenging with possible increased adverse events. We aimed to assess gas leak and mucosal injury incidence during PM-POEM, compared to an index POEM (iPOEM), and post-procedure extubation time.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study comparing PM-POEM to iPOEM from March 2016 to August 2018.

Development and validation of artificial intelligence to detect and diagnose liver lesions from ultrasound images.

Artificial intelligence (AI) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) has demonstrated promising performance in radiological analysis. We aimed to develop and validate a CNN for the detection and diagnosis of focal liver lesions (FLLs) from ultrasonography (USG) still images. The CNN was developed with a supervised training method using 40,397 retrospectively collected images from 3,487 patients, including 20,432 FLLs (hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), cysts, hemangiomas, focal fatty sparing, and focal fatty infiltration).

Electrocautery-enhanced Lumen-apposing Metal Stents in the Management of Symptomatic Pancreatic Fluid Collections: Results From the Multicenter Prospective Pivotal Trial.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic decompression is considered a first-line treatment for symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). A lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with an electrocautery-enhanced delivery system [electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (ELAMS)] may facilitate this procedure. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ELAMS in the management of symptomatic PFCs.

Outcomes of a single-step endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic-fluid collections using an electrocautery-enhanced coaxial lumen-apposing, self-expanding metal stent with and without fluoroscopy.

Background: Fluoroscopy is often used during the endoscopic drainage of pancreatic-fluid collections (PFCs). An electrocautery-enhanced coaxial lumen-apposing, self-expanding metal stent (ELAMS) facilitates a single-step procedure and may avoid the need for fluoroscopy. This study compares the treatment outcomes using ELAMS with and without fluoroscopy.

Nurse Administered Propofol Sedation (NAPS) versus On-call Anesthesiologist Administered Propofol Sedation (OAPS) in Elective Colonoscopy.

Background And Aims: As on-call anesthesiologist administered propofol sedation (OAPS) is costly and not readily available in all endoscopy units, endoscopy nurse administered propofol sedation (NAPS) can be an effective alternative. This study aimed to compare the dosage of propofol used by NAPS versus OAPS, cardiopulmonary adverse events and recovery time in low risk patients undergoing outpatient elective colonoscopy.

Methods: A retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study was conducted.

Long-term Outcome of Gastric Per-Oral Endoscopic Pyloromyotomy in Treatment of Gastroparesis.

Background & Aims: Gastric per oral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (GPOEM) is a promising treatment for gastroparesis. There are few data on the long-term outcomes of this procedure. We investigated long-term outcomes of GPOEM treatment of patients with refractory gastroparesis.

A newly designed duodenoscope with detachable distal cap significantly reduces organic residue contamination after reprocessing.

Background: A newly designed duodenoscope with detachable distal cap may reduce bacterial contamination by allowing better access to the elevator. We compared bacterial contamination and organic residue evaluated by rapid adenosine triphosphate (ATP) test and culture from duodenoscopes with detachable vs. fixed distal caps after high-level disinfection (HLD).

Mucosectomy device-assisted endoscopic resection of gastric subepithelial lesions.

Objective: Some gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors (SETs) have malignant potential and complete resection may be required. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be a tedious procedure and requires a long and extensive training to master. Devices for endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) are limited and are not widely available.

Gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy versus gastric electrical stimulation in the treatment of refractory gastroparesis: a propensity score-matched analysis of long term outcomes.

BACKGROUND : Gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) and gastric electrical stimulation (GES) have been reported as treatment options for refractory gastroparesis. In this study, we compared the long term clinical outcomes of G-POEM versus GES in the treatment of such patients. METHODS : We retrospectively evaluated 111 consecutive patients with refractory gastroparesis between January 2009 and August 2018.