One-step versus two-step procedure for management procedures for management of concurrent gallbladder and common bile duct stones. Outcomes and cost analysis.

Background: The management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis combined is controversial. The more frequent approach is a two-stage procedure, with endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone removal from the bile duct followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aims to demonstrate how, on the basis of the personal experience, the Rendez-vous technique, that combines the two techniques in a single-stage operation is better than the sequential treatment.

How to measure quality in endoscopic ultrasound.

Quality is a key focus for gastrointestinal endoscopy and main international gastroenterology societies instituted specific task forces focused on this issue. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) represents one of the most fascinating fields to explore in gastrointestinal endoscopy due to its relatively limited availability out of high-volume centers. This leads to a particular need to define widely accepted quality indicators (QIs) and the ways to measure them.

Diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration of solid pancreatic lesions guided by endoscopic ultrasound elastography.

Background: Real-time elastography (RTE) may increase the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration guided by endoscopic ultrasound. The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of this combined methodological approach in a cohort of patients with solid pancreatic masses.

Methods: We reviewed data from 54 patients with solid pancreatic lesions referred to our institution between January 2014 and June 2015.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: Change in liver stiffness during anti-viral therapy in patients with hepatitis B.

Background: Time-varying impact of anti-viral therapy on liver stiffness in patients with hepatitis B is unclear.

Aims: To estimate the magnitude and kinetics of change in liver stiffness in hepatitis B patients treated with nucleot(s)ide analogs.

Methods: Through a systematic review of multiple databases, we identified 24 studies in adults with hepatitis B who underwent transient elastography before and at least 6 months after starting nucleot(s)ide analogs therapy.

Comparative Efficacy of Colonoscope Distal Attachment Devices in Increasing Rates of Adenoma Detection: A Network Meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Several add-on devices have been developed to increase rates of colon adenoma detection (ADR). We assessed their overall and comparative efficacy, and estimated absolute magnitude of benefit through a network meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase database through March 2017 and identified 25 randomized controlled trials (comprising 16,103 patients) that compared the efficacy of add-on devices (cap; Endocuff; Arc Medical Design Ltd, Leeds, UK, and Endorings; Us Endoscopy, Mentor, OH) with each other or with standard colonoscopy.

Long-term liver stiffness assessment in hepatitis C virus patients undergoing antiviral therapy: Results from a 5-year cohort study.

Background And Aim: Observational studies showed significant liver stiffness regression after sustained virological response, but long-term effects of antiviral therapy are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of change in stiffness up to 5 years after therapy in hepatitis C patients undergoing antiviral treatment.

Methods: Data of 153 patients were retrieved.