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Objectives: Minimally invasive treatments have been applied for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but the long‐term results are controversial. Antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) is a simple endoscopic procedure that does not require the insertion of a foreign body. We provide the first report on the long‐term results of ARMS. Methods: This was a single‐center, single‐arm trial, prospective study of 88 patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐refractory GERD who underwent ARMS between June 2012 and June 2017. Primary outcomes were the rates of long‐term effectiveness and PPI discontinuation. Secondary outcomes were to compare patients' preoperative background characteristics, questionnaire, and multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring data to examine the predictive factors of ARMS. The clinical course was reviewed, including the need for additional treatment after ARMS. Results: Antireflux mucosectomy produced a long‐term effect in 68.3% of the patients, and PPI could be discontinued in 42% of patients. There were significant differences in age, intensity of preoperative symptoms, and acid‐related indicators. Forty‐five percent (27/60) had reflux hypersensitivity and ARMS provided long‐term effectiveness in 81% of these patients. There was no significant difference in subjective symptom assessment between those with short‐term and long‐term efficacy. Additional treatment was administered in 23% (14/60) and scheduled at 1–2 years' follow‐up. Conclusions: Antireflux mucosectomy showed long‐term efficacy, and many of the cases with short‐term effects were able to maintain them. In addition, ARMS is also effective in patients with reflux hypersensitivity, and provides a treatment option that bridges the gap between surgical and medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving techniques in image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for the characterization of colorectal polyps, and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy. We discuss the historical use of dye-spray and virtual chromoendoscopy for the characterization of colorectal polyps, which are now being replaced with more advanced technologies. Specifically, we focus on the application of AI to create a "virtual biopsy" for the detection and characterization of colorectal polyps, with potential for replacing histopathological diagnosis. The incorporation of AI has the potential to provide an evolutionary learning system that aids in the diagnosis and management of patients with the best possible outcomes. A detailed analysis of the literature supporting AI-assisted diagnostic techniques for the detection and characterization of colorectal polyps, with a particular emphasis on AI's characterization mechanism, is provided. The benefits of AI over traditional IEE techniques, including the reduction in human error in diagnosis, and its potential to provide an accurate diagnosis with similar accuracy to the gold standard are presented. However, the need for large-scale testing of AI in clinical practice and the importance of integrating patient data into the diagnostic process are acknowledged. In conclusion, the constant evolution of IEE technology and the potential for AI to revolutionize the field of endoscopy in the future are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Reports on learning curve for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in therapeutic endoscopy nonexperts are limited. We aimed to assess the number of cases required to achieve POEM proficiency for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) experts and nonexperts. Methods: This is a retrospective study at the largest POEM referral center in Japan. POEM between April 2014 and December 2020 were included. Nonexperts and ESD experts were divided by training phases: A, 1–20; B, 21–40; C, 41–60; D, 61–80; and E, 81–100 cases. Primary outcome was operation time, and the phase to reach target time (83 min) was investigated. Secondary outcomes were clinical success rate, adverse events, and post‐POEM gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Results: Five hundred and sixty‐six cases were performed by 14 nonexperts, and 555 cases by 15 ESD experts. As the primary outcome, operation time in nonexperts was: A, 95 (79–115.8); B, 86.5 (71–105); C, 80 (70–100); D, 73 (64.5–100.5); and E, 73.5 (57.8–88.8) min, while in ESD experts: A, 90 (74–128); B, 77 (70–92); and C, 77 (70–93.5) min (median [interquartile range]). Operation time decreased significantly as experience increased in both groups (P < 0.001), and nonexperts required 41–60 cases to achieve proficiency, while experts required 21–40 cases. As secondary outcomes, in nonexperts, clinical success was 96.9–100%, adverse events were 5.0–9.2%, symptomatic GERD was 11.8–26.5%, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) intake was 11.5–18.7% in each phase. While in experts, clinical success was 96.2–100%, adverse events were 3.0–5.8%, symptomatic GERD was 14.6–22.0%, and PPI intake was 12.6–17.9%. There were no significant differences among training phases. Conclusions: Non‐ESD experts require more cases to achieve proficiency in POEM. These results are useful for establishing POEM training programs and institutional implementation of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Third‐space endoscopy, also known as submucosal endoscopy, allows for a wide range of therapeutic interventions within the submucosal layer and even into the muscular or subserosal layers of the gastrointestinal lumen. The technical development of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia has revolutionized the field of therapeutic endoscopy and the method has been continuously refined and modified. Although POEM has been applied to treat primary achalasia, it shows a favorable clinical response in other esophageal motility disorders and as a salvage treatment after previously failed intervention. Gastroesophageal reflux after POEM has drawn considerable attention and there have been major advancements in its prevention and management. POEM has led to advantageous derivatives such as peroral endoscopic tumor resection or submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for resection of subepithelial lesions, Zenker POEM for hypopharyngeal diverticula, diverticular POEM for epiphrenic esophageal diverticula, and gastric POEM for refractory gastroparesis. These techniques have a similar concept, which constitutes submucosal tunneling with a mucosal flap valve and secure mucosal incision closure. The submucosal tunneling technique is widely accepted and continues to evolve. This study aimed to review in detail the indications, outcomes, and technical variations in POEM and explore several emerging submucosal tunneling procedures. This review will benefit future studies by providing a summary of recent developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geriatric patients with existing studies on the safety and efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia involve small sample sizes and single institutions. However, multi-center, large-scale data analyses are lacking. The study aimed to clarify the characteristics of geriatric patients with esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) and determine the procedure-related outcomes and clinical course following POEM. This cohort study included 2,735 patients with EMDs who were treated at seven Japanese facilities between 2010 and 2019. The patients' characteristics and post-POEM clinical courses were compared between the geriatric (age ≥ 75 years; n  = 321) and non-geriatric (age < 75 years; n  = 2,414) groups. Compared with the non-geriatric group, the geriatric group had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scores; more recurrent cases; lower incidence of chest pain; and higher incidence of type III achalasia, distal esophageal spasm, and Jackhammer esophagus. Furthermore, the incidence of sigmoid esophagus was higher, although esophageal dilation was not severe in this group. POEM was safe and effective for geriatric patients with treatment-naïve and recurrent EMDs. Furthermore, compared with the non-geriatric group, the geriatric group had lower post-POEM Eckardt scores, fewer complaints of refractory chest pain, and a lower incidence rate of post-POEM reflux esophagitis. Geriatric patients are characterized by worse clinical conditions, more spastic disorders, and greater disease progression of EMDs, which are also the indications for minimally invasive POEM. POEM is more beneficial in geriatric patients as it has lowering symptom scores and incidence rates of reflux esophagitis. [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]

Background Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is standard treatment for achalasia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after POEM has been a limiting factor with this procedure. Preservation of the sling fiber during POEM was reported to reduce post-POEM GERD in Japan, but there are no reports of this technique in a western population. As such, we investigated the association of sling-fiber preservation during POEM and post-POEM GERD symptoms at our institution, which is a large therapeutic endoscopy referral center in Canada. Methods This is a retrospective, single-center study of patients who underwent POEM from October 2017 to January 2023 at our center. The initial cohort of patients were treated by conventional POEM until June 2021, after which a second cohort underwent POEM with sling-fiber preservation, as the techniques advanced. The primary outcome was the rate of positive GERD symptoms after POEM. The secondary outcomes were procedure time, gastric myotomy length, clinical success rate (Eckard score of less than 3), adverse events rate and use of PPI at follow-up. Results 148 POEM cases (52.5 ± 15.6 y/o, female: 61(43%)) were included in this study. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between the groups. The mean procedure time (108.6 ± 34.5 vs 109.1 ± 45.7 min, P = 0.93) and rate of adverse events (21% vs 14%, P = 0.36) were similar between the traditional and modified groups. In the sling fiber preservation group, gastric myotomy length was significantly longer (2.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.6 ± 0.8 cm, P < 0.05) yet the GERD symptom rate at follow-up was significantly lower (22% vs 41%, P < 0.05), although PPI use was similar (57% vs 50%, P = 0.47). Finally, the clinical success rate was similar between groups (88% vs 84%, P = 0.6). Conclusions Sling fiber preservation during POEM is safe and reduces post-POEM GERD symptoms, despite the longer gastric myotomy length. As such, sling fiber preservation may be a useful solution to reduce post-POEM GERD in western populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Throughout the years, endoscopic technologies have advanced to facilitate better assessment of gastric lesions and early detection of gastric cancer. With improvements in conventional white light endoscopy, we have also witnessed the development of newer endoscopic diagnostic modalities, giving rise to several classifications for early gastric cancer. Different endoscopic classifications of early gastric based on several endoscopic diagnostic modalities were included in this review. In addition to this, newer and novel endoscopic classifications that were specifically developed for the stomach for assessing and diagnosing gastric lesions have also been included. Illustrative representations of each classification have also been provided to aid readers in better understanding of these endoscopic classifications of early gastric cancer. Endoscopic technologies have been continuously advancing throughout the years to facilitate improvement in the detection and diagnosis of gastric lesions. With the development of different endoscopic diagnostic modalities for EGC, several classifications have been advocated for the evaluation of gastric lesions, aiming for an early detection and diagnosis. Sufficient knowledge on the appearance of EGC on white light endoscopy is fundamental for early detection and management. On the other hand, those superficial EGC with subtle morphological changes that are challenging to be detected with white light endoscopy may now be clearly defined by means of image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE). By combining magnifying endoscopy and IEE, irregularities in the surface structures can be evaluated and highlighted, leading to improvements in EGC diagnostic accuracy. The main scope of this review article is to offer a closer look at the different classifications of EGC based on several endoscopic diagnostic modalities, as well as to introduce readers to newer and novel classifications, specifically developed for the stomach, for the assessment and diagnosis of gastric lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]