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Objectives: The endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is a novel diagnostic tool used to evaluate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function. EPSIS allows the measurement of intragastric pressure (IGP) during gastric insufflation through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and records its pressure waveform. This study aimed to assess the usefulness and applicability of EPSIS as an adjunct diagnostic modality for achalasia. Methods: This case–control study was conducted using a database of patients who underwent EGD, barium swallow (BS), high‐resolution manometry (HRM), and EPSIS between January 2022 and December 2022. The achalasia (experimental) group (n = 35) consisted of patients with a definitive diagnosis of achalasia. The control group (n = 34) consisted of patients with no abnormalities in EGD, BS, or HRM and no abnormal acid reflux confirmed with 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring. EPSIS findings were compared between the two groups and characterized by the waveform pattern (uphill or flat), maximum IGP (IGP‐Max), pressure difference, and the gradient of the waveform. Results: All patients in the achalasia group showed an uphill pattern, in contrast to 21 patients (61.8%) in the control group. IGP‐Max demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy for achalasia, with a cut‐off value of 15.8 mmHg (100% sensitivity, 58.8% specificity, and area under the curve [AUC] 0.78). The pressure gradient also demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, with a cut‐off value of 0.40 mmHg/s (80% sensitivity, 61.8% specificity, and AUC 0.76). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that EPSIS can be applied as a diagnostic modality in patients with achalasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional endoscopy signifies a significant advancement in gastrointestinal examination, integrating motor function assessments alongside routine endoscopy findings. Traditional gastrointestinal endoscopy primarily focuses on the detection of early-stage cancer by identifying morphological changes within the gastrointestinal tract. These alterations include modifications in lumen structure, color tone, and surface patterns, which can be diagnosed using endoscopic images that assess these morphological changes. In contrast, functional endoscopy aims to dynamically evaluate the peristaltic movements of the digestive tract and the presence or movement of reflux of digestive fluids during the endoscopic procedure. It also seeks to identify morphological changes such as hiatal hernias, as observed in conventional endoscopy. Consequently, relying solely on endoscopic images proves inadequate for diagnosis, necessitating continuous observation of these dynamic movements. Summary: The endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) serves as an exemplar of functional endoscopy. It incorporates a stress test to assess the functionality of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) through intragastric insufflation. A crucial element of EPSIS evaluation is the identification of the scope holding sign (SHS), which signifies LES contraction. EPSIS also encompasses the observation of esophageal peristaltic waves and the auditory detection of burping, providing a comprehensive diagnostic approach while observing the sphincter from a retroflex view on the stomach side. By integrating these dynamic findings, functional endoscopy offers an efficient method for diagnosing functional gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Key Messages: Functional endoscopy combines motor function assessments with traditional endoscopy, enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of gastrointestinal examinations. Traditional endoscopy focuses on identifying morphological changes, while functional endoscopy evaluates dynamic movements, reflux, and sphincter functionality. EPSIS exemplifies functional endoscopy, featuring a stress test and the SHS for LES contraction assessment. EPSIS provides a comprehensive approach to diagnose GERD by integrating dynamic observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic balloon dilatation is an established treatment for benign gastrointestinal strictures. In order to dilatate safely, it is necessary to dilatate gradually and preferably under direct endoscopic visualization. However, it is currently difficult to achieve dilatation widths of 20–30 mm with commercial products and of over 30‐mm with endoscopic visualization. Therefore, a safe and innovative application technique is needed for patients who need these 20‐mm or greater dilatation widths. We have developed two methods that enable more than 20‐mm dilatation under direct visualization. (i) Single‐barrel method: an endoscopic balloon dilatation catheter was fixed with grasping forceps at the tip of the endoscope and carried into the stomach. The balloon catheter was released from the endoscope to create a retroflexed view. The endoscope and balloon were positioned adjacent to each other at the gastric cardia. The balloon was inflated gradually and the esophagogastric junction was dilatated under direct visualization. (ii) Double‐barrel method: the same procedure was repeated with two balloons. Theoretically, we achieved a dilatation of >30‐mm in diameter. These modified methods may be helpful for esophagogastric junction strictures, such as esophageal achalasia (serving as an initial endoscopic balloon dilatation prior to using a 30‐mm achalasia balloon), or for functional strictures after Nissen fundoplication. In conclusion, our simple, modified method enables safe and gradual dilatation under direct endoscopic visualization. Additionally, combination of the sizes of one or two balloons can achieve various widths of dilatation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is a novel diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EPSIS has been developed to evaluate lower esophageal sphincter function by monitoring the intragastric pressure (IGP) while insufflating the stomach during gastroscopy. Based on previous data, EPSIS could diagnose GERD with good accuracy by assessing IGP waveform pattern. This study aimed to further characterize the waveform to improve the diagnostic yield of EPSIS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with typical GERD symptoms who underwent both EPSIS and 24‐h impedance‐pH monitoring (MII‐pH) at a single tertiary referral center from October 2018 to May 2020. EPSIS was performed by using a through‐the‐scope catheter connected to the pressure measuring system (TR‐W550, TR‐TeH08, AP‐C35; Keyence, Osaka, Japan) to monitor IGP. Abnormal acid reflux was defined as acid exposure time (AET) over 6.0%. Pressure waveform was characterized as follows: (i) Basal IGP, (ii) Maximum IGP, (iii) Pressure difference, (iv) Gradient of the waveform. Results: A total of 57 patients with GERD symptoms were analyzed. Twenty‐one patients presented abnormal AET on MII‐pH. Among EPSIS parameters, pressure difference during insufflation correlated with AET (ρ = −0.66, P < 0.01) and showed the best diagnostic accuracy for AET with the cutoff value of 4.7 mmHg (area under the curve [AUC], 0.87). The gradient of EPSIS waveform also revealed good diagnostic accuracy for abnormal AET with the cutoff value of 0.07 mmHg/s (AUC, 0.81). Conclusions: Endoscopic pressure study integrated system waveform parameters, especially pressure difference, presented high diagnostic accuracy for the presence of abnormal acid reflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Achalasia cardia (AC) is a frequently encountered motility disorder of the esophagus resulting from an irreversible degeneration of neurons. Treatment modalities are palliative in nature, and there is no curative treatment available for AC as of now. Significant advancements have been made in the management of AC over last decade. The introduction of high resolution manometry and per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has strengthened the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium of AC. High resolution manometry allows for the characterization of the type of achalasia, which in turn has important therapeutic implications. The endoscopic management of AC has been reinforced with the introduction of POEM that has been found to be highly effective and safe in palliating the symptoms in short‐term to mid‐term follow‐up studies. POEM is less invasive than Heller's myotomy and provides the endoscopist with the opportunity of adjusting the length and orientation of esophageal myotomy according to the type of AC. The management of achalasia needs to be tailored for each patient, and the role of pneumatic balloon dilatation, POEM, or Heller's myotomy needs to be revisited. In this review, we discuss the important aspects of diagnosis as well as management of AC. The statements presented in the manuscript reflect the cumulative efforts of an expert consensus group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: Detecting esophageal achalasia remains a challenge. We describe the diagnostic utility of corona appearance, a novel endoscopic finding specific to esophageal achalasia. Patients and methods: Corona appearance and seven conventional endoscopic findings were compared for sensitivity and consistency (κ-value) among 53 untreated esophageal achalasia patients who underwent endoscopy at our hospital. The following criteria had to be met during lower esophageal sphincter examination using the attached ST Hood short-type for positive corona appearance: A) congestion inside the hood, B) ischemic change around the hood, and C) palisade vessels outside the hood. Results: Corona appearance had the highest sensitivity (91%; κ-value, 0.71). Other findings in descending order of sensitivity included 1) functional stenosis of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ; 86%; κ-value, 0.58), 2) mucosal thickening and whitish change (71%; κ-value, 0.27), 3) abnormal contraction of the esophageal body (59%; κ-value, 0.32), 4) dilation of the esophageal lumen (58%; κ-value, 0.53), 5) liquid remnant (57%; κ-value, 0.51), 6) Wrapping around EGJ (49%; κ-value, 0.14), and 7) food remnant (30%; κ-value, 0.88). Even in 22 patients with poor (grade 1) intraluminal expansion, corona appearance had highest sensitivity (88%) compared to other endoscopic findings (κ-value, 0.63). Conclusions: Among endoscopic findings using a ST Hood short-type to diagnose esophageal achalasia, corona appearance had the highest sensitivity and its consistency (κ-value) among endoscopists was substantial compared to other endoscopic findings. Similar results were obtained for esophageal achalasia cases with poor expansion. Endoscopic diagnosis of esophageal achalasia with hood attached is useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]