Structured endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) training program improved knowledge and skills of trainees: Results from the Asian EUS Group.

Background And Aim: A major reason impeding the growth of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in Asia is the lack of training availability. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term structured EUS training program in improving the knowledge and skill of EUS among trainees.

Methods: The study was conducted in six workshops in six countries including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Philippines, within a year.

EUS-guided biliary rendezvous using a short hydrophilic guidewire.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: EUS-guided rendezvous technique for biliary access requires expert manipulation of the guidewire across the downstream stricture or papilla. Published literature reports usage of the long-wire system to prevent loss of wire during scope exchange. We studied the efficacy of using a short hydrophilic guidewire in EUS-guided rendezvous.

Comparison of EUS-guided rendezvous and precut papillotomy techniques for biliary access (with videos).

Background: Precut papillotomy after failed bile duct cannulation is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. EUS-guided rendezvous drainage is a novel alternative technique, but there are no data comparing this approach with precut papillotomy.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided rendezvous drainage of the bile duct and compare its outcome with that of precut papillotomy.

Single-operator cholangioscopy-guided laser lithotripsy in patients with difficult biliary and pancreatic ductal stones (with videos).

Background: Scant data exist on the utility of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for the treatment of biliary or pancreatic duct stones.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fiberoptic probe and catheter system-guided holmium laser lithotripsy of difficult biliary and pancreatic duct stones.

Design: Prospective study.

Endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of intra-abdominal lymph nodes with unknown primary in a tuberculosis endemic region.

Background And Aim: Intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy poses a diagnostic and management challenge in highly endemic regions for tuberculosis. Opting for empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment raises the risk of wrong or delayed treatment. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the procedure of choice for tissue acquisition from peri-luminal lymph nodes.

Lactitol or lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation: result of a systematic.

Constipation is a common problem for adults and paediatric patients and can generate considerable suffering for patients due to both the unpleasant physical symptoms and psychological preoccupations that can arise. Since disaccharide sugar is widely prescribed osmotic laxative in India, we decided to do systematic review to compare the efficacy and safety of lactitol versus lactulose in the management of constipation. All randomised, non-randomised and open trials, with head to head comparison of lactitol versus lactulose were included.

Endoscopic balloon sphincteroplasty for extraction of large radiolucent pancreatic duct stones (with videos).

Background: Although radiopaque pancreatic duct stones can be targeted by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and extracted by ERCP, large and radiolucent stones remain a therapeutic challenge.

Objective: To evaluate the technical success and safety of endoscopic balloon sphincter dilation technique (sphincteroplasty) for extraction of large radiolucent pancreatic duct stones.

Design: Case series.

Balloon sphincteroplasty for removing difficult bile duct stones.

Background And Study Aims: Extraction of common bile duct stones at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be technically challenging when the size of the stone exceeds that of an endoscopic sphincterotomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of papillary balloon dilation after sphincterotomy for extraction of these difficult-to-remove bile duct stones.

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective study of all patients with large common bile duct stones that could not be extracted using a stone retrieval balloon and basket after endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Endotherapy for chronic pancreatitis with intracanalar stones.

Endotherapy for pancreatic stone is an emerging specialty. The judicious application of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in selected groups of patients has increased the success rates of endotherapy, with excellent long-term results. In this review the authors share their vast experience of treating patients with pancreatic stones.