Search

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HPG) has a risk of serious procedural adverse events (AEs), but few dedicated devices for EUS-HPG are available. We evaluated the feasibility of a new partially covered self-expandable metal stent (PCSEMS) with an anchoring flange for EUS-HPG. The feasibility of a stent featuring a proximal radiopaque uncovered portion 1.5 cm in length and a distal anchoring flange 20 mm in diameter was evaluated in consecutive patients undergoing EUS-HPG for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. Primary outcomes were the technical and clinical success of EUS-HPG, and secondary outcomes were AEs, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), reintervention for RBO, and the technical feasibility of peroral cholangioscopy (POC) through the stent in situ. EUS-HPG was performed in 24 patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The technical and clinical success rates of EUS-HPG were 100% (24/24) and 91.7% (22/24), respectively. AEs developed after EUS-HPG in 8.3% of patients (2/24, cholangitis). RBO developed in 29.2% of patients (7/24), with a median cumulative time to RBO of 6.7 months. The causes of RBO were sludge formation (n = 4), hyperplasia at an uncovered portion (n = 2), and nonocclusive cholangitis (n = 1). Reintervention for RBO had a 100% success rate (7/7), and POC through the stent in situ was technically feasible in 7 of 8 patients with a stent diameter of 10 mm. EUS-HPG with a new PCSEMS can alleviate malignant biliary obstruction after failed ERCP. The novel stent evaluated in this study may prevent stent-related AEs, including stent migration, and allow advanced endoscopic interventions through the HPG route. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is a recognized second-line strategy for biliary drainage when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails or is impossible. Substantial technical and procedural progress in performing EUS-HGS has been achieved. The present study wanted to analyze whether growing experience in current practice has changed patient outcomes over time. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with malignant biliary obstruction treated by EUS-HGS between 2002 and 2018 at a tertiary referral center. A total of 205 patients were included (104 male; mean age 68 years). Clinical success was achieved in 93% of patients with available 30-days follow-up (153), and the rate of procedure-related morbidity and mortality after one month was 18% and 5%, respectively. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) learning curve suggests a slight improvement in the rate of early complications during the second learning phase (23% vs 32%; P = 0.14; including death for any cause and intensive care). However, a significant threshold of early complications could not be determined. Recurrent biliary stent occlusion is the main cause for endoscopic reintervention (47/130; 37%). The rate of procedure-related complications after EUS-HGS has improved over time. However, the overall morbidity rate remains high, emphasizing the importance of dedicated expertise, appropriate patient selection and multidisciplinary discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulinoma is the most frequent functional neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, and preserving surgery is the treatment of choice. EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is a novel and promising technique that induces tissue necrosis of localized lesions. This article presents a preliminary clinical experience in treating pancreatic insulinomas <2 cm by EUS-RFA, focusing on safety and efficacy. The clinical course of patients with pancreatic insulinoma treated by EUS-RFA at 2 tertiary referral centers was analyzed. Between November 2017 and December 2020, 7 patients were included (6 women; mean age, 66 years). EUS-RFA was feasible in all patients with immediate hypoglycemia relief after only 1 single treatment session; 6 of 7 achieved complete response by cross-sectional imaging and remained asymptomatic (median follow-up, 21 months; range, 3-38). Three patients had minor adverse events. One elderly patient developed a large retrogastric collection 15 days after treatment and died 1 month after EUS-RFA. Management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors <2 cm by EUS-RFA seems to be effective with an acceptable safety profile. However, further evidence focusing on long-term survival and recurrence is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ampullary lesions (ALs) of the minor duodenal papilla are extremely rare. Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is a routinely used treatment for AL of the major duodenal papilla, but the role of EP for minor AL has not been accurately studied. We identified 20 patients with ALs of minor duodenal papilla in the multicentric database from the Endoscopic Papillectomy vs Surgical Ampullectomy vs Pancreatitcoduodenectomy for Ampullary Neoplasm study, which included 1422 EPs. We used propensity score matching (nearest-neighbor method) to match these cases with ALs of the major duodenal papilla based on age, sex, histologic subtype, and size of the lesion in a 1:2 ratio. Cohorts were compared by means of chi-square or Fisher exact test as well as Mann-Whitney U test. Propensity score–based matching identified a cohort of 60 (minor papilla 20, major papilla 40) patients with similar baseline characteristics. The most common histologic subtype of lesions of minor papilla was an ampullary adenoma in 12 patients (3 low-grade dysplasia and 9 high-grade dysplasia). Five patients revealed nonneoplastic lesions. Invasive cancer (T1a), adenomyoma, and neuroendocrine neoplasia were each found in 1 case. The rate of complete resection, en-bloc resection, and recurrences were similar between the groups. There were no severe adverse events after EP of lesions of minor papilla. One patient had delayed bleeding that could be treated by endoscopic hemostasis, and 2 patients showed a recurrence in surveillance endoscopy after a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-50 months). EP is safe and effective in ALs of the minor duodenal papilla. Such lesions could be managed according to guidelines for EP of major duodenal papilla. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the impact of FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant therapy on patients with non-metastatic borderline/locally advanced (BL/LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in current practice. From 2010 to 2017, 258 patients with BL/LA PDAC from a single high-volume institution received FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant treatment. The 258 patients received a median number of 6 cycles of FOLFIRINOX (range, 3–16); 98 (38%) patients underwent curative surgery, and 160 (62%) continued medical treatment. A venous resection was performed in 57 patients (58%), and an arterial resection in 12 (12%). The postoperative 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 6.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 57 patients (59%). The median overall survival (OS) in patients who did (n = 98) or did not (n = 160) undergo surgical resection were 39 months and 19 months, respectively (P < 0.001). In resected patients, the ASA 3 score (P < 0.01), venous resection (P < 0.01), hemorrhage (P < 0.01), and R1 margin status (P = 0.03) were found to negatively influence the OS. The median OS was significantly higher in patients who did not require a venous resection (not reached vs. 26.5 months, P < 0.001). Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX provided a survival benefit in BL/LA PDAC patients, particularly in those who did not ultimately require venous resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic stenting for malignant gastroduodenal outlet obstruction (MGOO) is described as ineffective and not long-lasting despite a few favorable studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a large series of patients in a tertiary center. A single-center retrospective study was performed using data collected from all patients who received palliative duodenal self-expandable metal stents between January 2011 and December 2016. The primary endpoints were patient diet after the first duodenal procedure (Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System, GOOSS) and clinical success. The secondary endpoints were the median patency duration (calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method) and the cumulative incidence of reintervention. Two-hundred twenty patients were included. The increase in the GOOSS score was significant (p < 0.001), and the clinical success rate was 86.3%. The median estimated patency duration was 9.0 months [6.5–29.1]. Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma had significantly longer patency durations (p = 0.02). The estimated cumulative probability of a second duodenal procedure after 4 months was 13%. In this large series of patients who underwent duodenal stenting for MGOO, we observed significant changes in GOOSS scores, a relatively long patency duration compared to findings in previous series, and a low probability of subsequent duodenal procedures, primarily due to a low median overall survival time (4 months). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new neoadjuvant regimen, together with more aggressive surgeries, appears to have increased the resectability rate in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent venous resection (VR) during pancreatectomies for PDAC. Between 2005 and 2017, 130 patients underwent pancreatectomies with type 3 or 4 (i.e., segmental resection without or with graft interposition, respectively) VR for PDAC. Patients' characteristics, surgical techniques, perioperative management, pathological findings, and outcomes were recorded and compared during 2 inclusion periods: the landmark year for the introduction of the FOLFIRINOX regimen and the hyperspecialization of our pancreatic-surgery team was 2010. Performance of pancreatectomies with VR steadily increased through the 2 inclusion periods. In the overall series (n = 130), the median overall survival time and the 5-year survival proportion were 26.3 months and 21%, respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, ASA score 3 (P = 0.01) and R1 resection margins (P < 0.01) were found to be negative independent factors influencing survival. Patients who underwent upfront VR (n = 47) had survival rates similar to those of patients who received neoadjuvant treatment (n = 83). After 2010, more complex VR were performed; however, no difference was found between the 2 periods with respect to postoperative courses, pathologic findings, or survival after a matching process based on patients' characteristics and tumor stages. Over the last 2 decades, VR during pancreatectomy has been confirmed as a safe procedure despite the increase in technical complexity. Disappointingly, we did not observe any dramatic survival improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Biliary obstruction secondary to colorectal cancer liver metastases is associated with a poor prognosis especially when chemotherapy cannot be re-started. The aim of this study was to determine the survival after biliary drainage and the associated prognostic factors. Methods Patients from two French centers were included retrospectively after first biliary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage for biliary obstruction secondary to liver metastases of colorectal cancer, occurring during chemotherapy. Results The final analysis included 69 patients. Overall median survival was 115 days. In univariate analysis, a previous liver surgery, technical and functional success of drainage and restarted chemotherapy were significantly associated with an improved survival. Chemotherapy was restarted after a median of 27 days. When drainage was efficient, survival improved from 33 to 262 days (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, significant protective factors for survival included previous a hepatectomy (HR 0.41) and functional success of the drainage (HR 0.29). Predictive factors for death included increased lines of chemotherapy (HR 1.68) and fever before drainage (HR 2.97). Conclusions This is the first study concerning the benefits of biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction during the course of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. A successful biliary drainage leads to improved survival and allows achievement of chemotherapy for 70% of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is considered first-line therapy for management of symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction. Technical failure with ERP occurs when the main pancreatic duct cannot be cannulated. EUS-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for failed conventional ERP. We present an international, multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) for patients who fail conventional endoscopic therapy. Methods Between January 2006 and December 2015, 80 patients underwent EUS-PD at 4 academic centers in 3 countries. Patient demographics, medical history, procedure data, and follow-up clinical data were collected. Technical success was defined as successful pancreatic duct drainage with stent placement. Clinical success was defined as resolution or improvement of symptoms or improvement on postprocedure imaging. Results Eighty patients (62.5% men; mean age, 58.2 ± 15.5 years) were included. All patients had attempted ERP and/or extracorporeal lithotripsy if needed before EUS-PD. Technical success was achieved in 89% of patients (n = 71). Clinical success was achieved in 81% of patients overall (65/80) and in 92% of patients who achieved technical success (65/71). Immediate adverse events occurred in 20% of patients (n = 16) and delayed adverse events occurred in 11% of patients (n = 9). Conclusions With appropriate endoscopic expertise, EUS-PD offers a minimally invasive, more effective, and safer alternative to some surgical PD procedures. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01522573 .) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cholecystectomy remains the gold standard treatment of cholecystitis. Endoscopic treatment of cholecystitis includes transpapillary gallbladder drainage. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage of the gallbladder (EUS-GBD) has been reported. This study reports the cumulative experience of an international group performing EUS-GBD. Methods Cases of EUS-GBD from January 2012 to November 2013 from 3 tertiary-care institutions were captured in a registry. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, procedural and clinical outcomes were recorded. Results 35 patients (15 malignant, 20 benign) were included. Median age was 81 years (SD = 13.76 years), sixteen (46%) were males. Median follow-up was 91.5 days (SD = 157 days). Transmural access was obtained from the stomach ( n = 17) or duodenum ( n = 18). Stents placed included plastic ( n = 6), metal ( n = 20), or combination ( n = 7). Technical success was achieved in 91.4% ( n = 32). Immediate adverse events (14%) included: bleeding, stent migration, cholecystitis and hemoperitoneum. Delayed adverse events (11%) included abscess formation and recurrence of cholecystitis. Long-term clinical success rate was 89%. Stent type and puncture site were not associated with immediate ( p = 0.88, p = 0.62), or long-term ( p = 0.47, p = 0.27) success. Conclusions EUS-GBD appears to be feasible, safe, and effective. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify the best technique to use. Clinical trial registration NCT01522573 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Characterization of indeterminate biliary strictures remains problematic. Tissue sampling is the criterion standard for confirming malignancy but has low sensitivity. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) showed excellent sensitivity in a registry; however, it has not been validated in a prospective study. Objective To prospectively validate pCLE in real time during ERCP for indeterminate biliary strictures. Design Prospective, international, multicenter study. Setting Six academic centers. Patients A total of 136 patients with indeterminate biliary strictures. Interventions Investigators provided a presumptive diagnosis based on the patient history, ERCP impression, and pCLE during the procedure before and after tissue sampling results were available. A presumptive diagnosis also was made separately by a blinded investigator during ERCP and after tissue sampling to estimate care without pCLE. Follow-up was at least 6 months. Main Outcome Measurements Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity during ERCP alone, ERCP with pCLE, and ERCP with pCLE and tissue sampling. Results A total of 112 patients were evaluated (71 with malignant lesions). Tissue sampling alone was 56% sensitive, 100% specific, and 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63%-80%) accurate. pCLE with ERCP was 89% sensitive, 71% specific, and 82% (95% CI, 74%-89%) accurate. After tissue sampling returned, strictures could be characterized with 88% (95% CI, 81%-94%) accuracy. Limitations No randomization of care maps. pCLE not blinded. Conclusion pCLE provided a more accurate and sensitive diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma compared with tissue sampling alone. Incorporation of pCLE into the diagnostic armamentarium of patients with indeterminate biliary strictures may allow for a more accurate assessment, potentially reducing delays in diagnosis and costly repeat testing. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01392274 .) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We performed a randomized, non-comparative phase II study evaluating docetaxel in combination with either daily continuous (protracted IV) 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin administered weekly, concurrent to radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. Results of the docetaxel plus cisplatin regimen are reported. Methods Forty chemotherapy-naive patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma were randomly assigned to receive 5-fluorouracil and docetaxel or docetaxel 20 mg/m 2 and cisplatin 20 mg/m 2 /week, plus concurrent radiotherapy for 6 weeks. The radiation dose to the primary tumour was 54 Gy in 30 fractions. The trial's primary endpoint was the 6-month crude non-progression rate. Results 51 patients from 7 centres were included in the docetaxel–cisplatin treatment group. Six-month non-progression rate was 39% (95% confidence interval: 26–53). Median overall survival was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval: 2.4–60.7); 6 complete and 8 partial responses were obtained. Six patients survived more than 2 years after their inclusion in the trial. Grade ≥3 toxicity was reported in 63% of patients; no treatment-related death occurred. Severe toxicities were mainly anorexia (22%), vomiting (20%) and fatigue (24%). Conclusions Despite inadequate efficacy according to the main end point, this regimen gave a satisfactory rate of objective response (27%) with tolerable toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the fi rst reported case of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepatic-gastrostomy, performed on a patient with a history of bariatric surgery (gastric banding). We review the patient's clinical history and the technology and accessories used. This case report is supplemented with a detailed and updated review of the medical literature regarding endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary-pancreatic diversions. These procedures are rapidly developing in a way that is increasing the therapeutic armory for patients who require biliary or pancreatic derivations but who do not meet the requirements for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and who are not candidates for, or who reject, the option of percutaneous biliary bypass. These procedures include the hepatic gastrostomy guided by endoscopic ultrasound, biliary-pancreatic rendezvous guided by endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cholecystogastrostomy and endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic gastrostomy. This article provides a technical description of each of these procedures and the accessories required. Finally, we present patient management following the guide of the most experienced pioneers of these techniques in the world. These procedures already have a well-recognized place in the therapeutic armory for patients who require this kind of diversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Acute perforations of the gastrointestinal tract are rare, severe complications of endoscopy that usually require surgical repair. Endoscopic repair of perforations would reduce the need for surgeries; we evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic closure of acute perforations of the gastrointestinal tract by using a new clip device. Methods: We conducted a prospective, international, multicenter study of 36 consecutive patients (15 male) with acute iatrogenic perforations (5 esophageal, 6 gastric, 12 duodenal, and 13 colonic perforation). Endoscopic repair was performed by using the Over-the-Scope-Clip according to a standardized operating procedure. Primary end point was successful closure, which was determined as endoscopic successful closure without leakage (detected by water-soluble contrast x-ray analysis), and absence of adverse events within 30 days after the procedure. Results: Immediate closure was endoscopically successful in 33 patients (92%). One patient developed an esophageal perforation while the cap was introduced, and in 2 patients the perforations did not close; these 3 patients were successfully treated with surgery. None of the patients had leakage of soluble contrast on the basis of contrast x-ray. One patient with a closed colonic perforation deteriorated clinically within 6 hours after the procedure. Despite surgery, the patient died within 36 hours. The remaining 32 patients had successful endoluminal closures; the overall success rate was 89% (95% confidence interval, 75%–96%). The mean endoscopic closure time was 5 minutes 44 seconds ± 4 minutes 15 seconds. Conclusions: The Over-the-Scope-Clip is effective for endoluminal closure of acute iatrogenic perforations. It allows patients to avoid surgery, and 89% of patients had successful closures without adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A number of guidelines on the management of gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) have been published, mostly based on expert consensus. However, these guidelines have generally failed to address the specific problem of GISTs of limited size (i.e. those measuring a few centimetres in diameter) with which gastroenterologists are increasingly confronted. The aim of the present work was to draw up proposals for the diagnosis and treatment of GISTs measuring less than 5cm in diameter. For this purpose, a number of practical questions were put to a panel of French experts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: EUS-guided FNA is an efficacious technique for sampling intraintestinal and extraintestinal mass lesions. However, cytology has limitations to its final yield and accuracy, which may be overcome if histological specimens are provided to the pathologist. Objective: To evaluate feasibility, yield, and diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed 19-gauge, fine-needle biopsy (FNB) device. Design: Multicenter, pooled, cohort study. Setting: Five medical centers. Patients: This study involved 109 consecutive patients with 114 intraintestinal or extraintestinal mass lesions and/or peri-intestinal lymph nodes. Intervention: EUS-guided FNB (EUS-FNB) with a newly developed, 19-gauge, FNB device. Main Outcome Measurements: Percentage of cases in which pathologists classified the sample quality as optimal for histological evaluation and the overall diagnostic accuracy compared with a composite criterion-standard diagnosis. Results: We evaluated 114 lesions (mean [± standard deviation] size 35.1 ± 18.7 mm; 84 malignant [73.7%] and 30 [26.3%] benign). EUS-FNB was technically feasible in 112 lesions (98.24%). Sample quality was adequate for full histological assessment in 102 lesions (89.47%). In 98 cases (85.96%), diagnosis proved to be correct according to criterion-standard diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy for diagnosis of malignancy were 90.2%, 100%, 100%, 78.9%, and 92.9%, respectively. Limitations: Use of a surrogate criterion-standard diagnosis, including clinical follow-up when no surgical specimens were available, mainly in benign diagnoses. Conclusion: Performing an EUS-FNB with a new 19-gauge histology needle is feasible for histopathology diagnosis of intraintestinal and extraintestinal mass lesions, offering the possibility of obtaining a core sample for histological evaluation in the majority of cases, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of over 85%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) differ in clinical behavior and prognosis. Determination of malignant potential through specimens obtained by EUS-FNA can help in the management of these patients. Objective: To determine the value of EUS-FNA for diagnosing PETs and for classifying their underlying malignant potential based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Design: Single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Setting: Tertiary referral hospital. Patients: This study involved 86 consecutive patients (44 men, mean age 58 ± 14 years) who had been diagnosed with PETs and submitted to EUS-FNA from January 1999 to August 2008. Intervention: EUS-FNA of a pancreatic mass and/or a metastasis site. Immunohistochemistry on microbiopsies or on monolayer cytology was routinely used. The lesions were classified as recommended by the WHO. Main Outcome Measurements: EUS-FNA sensitivity and 5-year survival rate. Results: Overall, in 90% (77 of 86) of patients in this study, PET was diagnosed with EUS-FNA. The sensitivity did not vary with tumor size, type, location, or the presence of hormonal secretion. Of 86 patients, 30 (35%) were submitted to surgical resection. The kappa correlation index between the WHO classification obtained by EUS-FNA and by surgery was 0.38 (P = .003). Major discrepancies were found in the group of patients diagnosed with endocrine tumor of uncertain behavior by EUS-FNA, because 72% turned out to have well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma. Sixteen patients (27%) died during a mean follow-up period of 34 ± 27 months. The 5-year survival rates were 100% for endocrine tumors, 68% for well-differentiated endocrine carcinomas, and 30% for poorly differentiated endocrine carcinomas (P = .008, log-rank test). Limitations: Retrospective design, selection bias, and small sample size. Conclusions: This largest single-center experience to date demonstrated the accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing and determining the malignant behavior of PETs. EUS-FNA findings predict 5-year survival in patients with PETs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Until recently, there was no contrast harmonic imaging technique available for EUS examination. Second-generation US contrast agents produce harmonic signals at lower acoustic powers and, therefore, are suitable for EUS imaging at low acoustic powers. CE-EUS could provide a contribution to the differential diagnosis between a primary pancreatic carcinoma, chronic pancreatitis and a pancreatic metastasis, and therefore can have a decisive influence on the selection of appropriate therapeutic strategies (follow-up, chemotherapy or surgery, for example). However, histology remains the standard in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumours. Regarding lymph nodes, CE-EUS cannot replace EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration. Elastography examines the elastic properties of tissues by applying a slight compression to the tissue and comparing an image obtained before and after this compression. EUS elastography is a new application in the field of endosonography and seems to be able to differentiate fibrous and benign tissue from malignant lesions. While our results are very encouraging, further research will be needed to further define the place of this new technique and should be aimed at further defining criteria for accurate elastography as well as subsequently assessing the technique using multiple operators in a blinded setting. EUS-guided sonoelastography has the potential for further guiding the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal-related tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many patients who develop obstructive colonic symptoms secondary to inoperable colorectal cancer will require palliative treatment. A minimally invasive and potentially long-lasting approach is placement of nitinol self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of a nitinol SEMS designed for colorectal use in the palliative treatment of malignant colonic obstruction. Design: Prospective multicenter clinical study. Setting: Nine European study centers. Patients: Forty-four patients with malignant colonic obstruction. Interventions: Placement of nitinol SEMS designed for colorectal use. Main Outcome Measures: Technical success, defined as accurate SEMS deployment with adequate stricture coverage, and clinical success, defined as decompression and relief of obstructive colonic symptoms maintained without intervention or serious device-related complications. Results: Technical success was attained in 95% of patients, with 95% CI 85%-99%. After 6 months, the rate of clinical success was 81%, 95% CI 69%-96%. Survival at 6 months was 67%, 95% CI 54%-84%. Clinical success was maintained until death in 86% of the nonsurvivors. No perforations or SEMS-related deaths occurred. Limitation: This investigation was nonrandomized and did not include a control group. Conclusions: In a large prospective investigation, palliative placement of a nitinol SEMS designed for colorectal use was accomplished with a high rate of technical success. Durable clinical success was achieved in a high proportion of patients with low morbidity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: EUS-guided pancreatogastrostomy (EPG) is described as an alternative to surgery for ductal decompression in symptomatic patients when endoscopic transpapillary access of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is impossible. Objective: To present the midterm clinical response and follow-up of a larger group of patients treated with EPG and a new transbulbar approach, EUS-guided pancreatobulbostomy (EPB). Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Two tertiary referral centers in Brussels and Marseille. Patients: From 2000 to 2004, 36 patients (51 years old; range, 14-71 years) were seen. Intervention: EPG or EPB. Main Outcome Measurements: Pain relief, technical aspects, complications, and clinical follow-up. Results: Indications were chronic pancreatitis, with complete obstruction (secondary to a tight stenosis, a stone, or MPD rupture); inaccessible papilla or impossible cannulation (n = 20); anastomotic stenosis after a Whipple procedure (n = 12); complete MPD rupture after acute pancreatitis (AP); or trauma (n = 4). EPG or EPB was unsuccessful in 3 patients; 1 was lost to follow-up. Major complications occurred in 2 patients and included 1 hematoma and 1 severe AP. The median follow-up was 14.5 months (range, 4-55 months). Pain relief was complete or partial in 25 patients (69%, intention to treat). Eight patients treated had no improvement of their symptoms (4 were subsequently diagnosed with cancer). Stent dysfunction occurred in 20 patients (55%) and required a total of 29 repeat endoscopies. Limitations: Technically demanding and requires careful pretherapeutic evaluation. Conclusions: EPG or EPB appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment for the management of pain secondary to pancreatic ductal hypertension in patients with an MPD not accessible by a transpapillary route. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The laparoscopic approach to rectal cancer is still a controversial procedure. A comparative cohort study was conducted to assess short-term results of laparoscopic restorative mesorectal excision. From January 1998 to December 2000, laparotomy was performed on all primary rectal cancer undergoing radical excision. From January 2002 to September 2004, all cases about to undergo radical excision were considered for laparoscopy. Patients with fixed tumor or T4, indications for synchronous hepatectomy, emergencies, and medical contraindications were not included. The study was based on the intention-to-treat principle. Short-term outcome was compared between the laparoscopy group (n=104) and the laparotomy group (n=68). Demographic, general and tumor data, and rates of preoperative irradiation were comparable, as were surgical procedures and perioperative management. Hospital mortality (1 and 2.9 percent, P=0.33) and three-month overall morbidity (43.3 and 48.5 percent, P=0.49) were comparable between laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. Surgical complication rates were comparable (39.3 and 35.5 percent, P=0.58), but a significantly lower medical complication rate was observed in laparoscopy patients (8.7 and 20.6 percent, P=0.025), mainly because this group had fewer respiratory complications. Hospital stay was shorter in laparoscopy patients (10 and 14 days, P<0.001). Oncologic quality criteria were comparable, in terms of number of lymph nodes, lateral and distal margins, and delivery of postoperative chemotherapy. The laparoscopic approach to restorative mesorectal excision for cancer does not increase postoperative morbidity or reduce oncologic quality. Our results suggest that the short-term outcome is probably improved with this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of curved linear array echoendoscopes and development of dedicated drainage accessories have resulted in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts as a credible alternative to drainages via the surgical or percutaneous route. However, outcome studies comparing the different alternative modalities and the different endoscopic techniques available to drain pancreatic pseudocysts are needed. This review details the different options that are currently available to drain pancreatic pseudocysts under EUS-guidance and their outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]