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Introduction Endoscopic management of frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks has become the gold standard of treatment, with high success rates and low morbidity. The aim of this study is to review our experience in managing this challenging condition. Objective To review our experience in treating frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks through an endonasal endoscopic approach. Methods A retrospective evaluation of patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks was performed. Demographics, defect location and etiology, surgical and reconstructive technique, complications, and postoperative followup were examined. Results Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 40.4 years were treated surgically by the senior author between 2015 and 2019. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was either traumatic (17) or spontaneous (5). Successful first-attempt endoscopic repair was accomplished in all cases. A combined endoscopic-trephination approach was necessary in 5 patients (22.8%). No serious complications were reported, and frontal sinus drainage pathway was patent in all our cases. Revision surgery was necessary in only 2 patients for synechia formation. The mean patient followup was 22.7 months (range: 7 − 41 months). Conclusion Progress in the field of endoscopic surgery has shifted the paradigm, establishing endoscopic repair of frontal sinus leaks as the standard of care. A few remaining limits of this approach could be addressed by combining endoscopy with frontal trephination.

Colonoscopy with endoscopic resection of detected colonic adenomas interrupts the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer and cancer-related mortality. In the past decade, there have been significant developments in instruments and techniques for endoscopic polypectomy. Guidelines have been formulated by various professional bodies in Europe, Japan and the United States, but some of the recommendations differ between the various bodies. An expert professional workgroup under the auspices of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, was set up to provide guidance on the endoscopic management of colonic polyps in Singapore. A total of 23 recommendations addressed the following issues: accurate description and diagnostic evaluation of detected polyps; techniques to reduce the risk of post-polypectomy bleeding and delayed perforation; the role of specific endoscopic resection techniques; the histopathological criteria for defining endoscopic cure; and the role of surveillance colonoscopy following curative resection.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is the development of many adenomatous colorectal polyps. Colonoscopy is recommended to start at age 10 to 12 years at intervals of 1 to 2 years. Colectomy is clearly indicated for malignancy or significant colorectal symptoms. After colectomy, endoscopic surveillance is still critical. Duodenal and gastric polyposis is also found in almost all patients with FAP. Screening with upper endoscopy and ampullary visualization is recommended, generally determined by age and staging of duodenal polyposis, but guidelines are increasingly factoring in ampullary and gastric manifestations. Surgical management of malignancy or advanced upper tract manifestations is needed.

AIM Conventional surgical management of colovesical and colovaginal fistulas can be morbid and is contraindicated in many patients. Our aim in this work is to evaluate our experience in the management of colovesical and colovaginal fistulas with endoscopic over-the-scope (OTS) clips. METHOD A retrospective review of all patients who underwent attempted endoscopic OTS clip management of colovesical and colovaginal fistulas between 2013 and 2020 was performed. Preoperative risk factors, operative details and postoperative outcomes are reported. RESULTS Ten patients were identified. Fistula types were: colovesical (five), rectovesical (two), colovaginal (two) and rectovaginal (one). The aetiology of the fistula was diverticular disease in seven (70%) cases and surgical complication of pelvic surgery in three (30%). The mean defect age was 157 ± 98 days, the mean defect diameter was 4.5 mm (range 2-10 mm) and the mean fistula length was 15 mm (range 2-25 mm). In nine (90%) cases, fistula identification and cannulation were performed through the nonenteric lumen of the fistula. Initial management with an OTS clip was technically successful in eight (80%) patients. Of the eight patients who underwent OTS clip placement, long-term success (mean follow-up 218 days, range 25-673 days) was achieved after initial intervention in four (50%) patients. One patient underwent serial OTS clip procedures and achieved long-term success after four interventions; three patients have not undergone a repeat procedure after initial failure. CONCLUSION Endoscopic management of colovesical and colovaginal fistulas with OTS clips offers a promising therapeutic option for patients with contraindications to conventional surgical management. Immediate technical success and long-term success rates are similar to other gastrointestinal tract applications of OTS clips.

To demonstrate our experience in treating pyriform fossa sinus tracts (PFST) using a novel technique of endoscopic cauterisation of the pyriform fossa sinus opening combined with injection of sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel (VoiceGel) lateral to the tract to encourage tight closure.Over a 48-month period, we used this technique on 11 patients who were diagnosed with PFST at BC Children's Hospital, a tertiary paediatric centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada.The 11 patients included 8 males and 3 females, and mean age at presentation was 69 months (range 22-108 months). Mean time from beginning of symptoms till diagnosis was 15 months (range 12-22 months). Ten PFST were on the left side of the neck and one on the right. Nine patients presented with recurrent neck infections and two had suppurative thyroiditis. All patients had endoscopic cauterisation of their PFST opening combined with injection of carboxymethylcellulose lateral to the sinus tract to cause tract collapse. Mean follow up was 15.8 months (range 8-24). All patients are asymptomatic without recurrence at the last follow-up visit. No post-operative complications were reported.Endoscopic management of paediatric PFST combined with the injection of sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel lateral to the sinus tract appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for PFST.Trattamento delle fistole congenite del seno piriforme mediante cauterizzazione endoscopica e iniezione di Voicegel.Descrivere la nostra esperienza nel trattamento delle fistole congenite del seno piriforme (PFST) utilizzando una nuova tecnica di cauterizzazione endoscopica del seno piriforme ed iniezione di gel di sodio carbossimetilcellulosa (VoiceGel) per favorire la chiusura del tramite.Per un periodo di 48 mesi, abbiamo utilizzato questa tecnica su undici bambini a cui è stata diagnosticata la PFST al BC Children’s Hospital, un centro pediatrico terziario di Vancouver, BC, Canada.Il gruppo di bambini includeva 8 maschi e 3 femmine, l’età media era di 69 mesi (range 22-108 mesi). Il tempo medio dall’inizio dei sintomi fino alla diagnosi è stato di 15 mesi (range 12-22 mesi). Dieci PFST erano sul lato sinistro del collo e uno a destra. 9 pazienti soffrivano di infezioni ricorrenti del collo e due avevano tiroidite suppurativa. Tutti i pazienti sono stati trattati mediante cauterizzazione endoscopica ed iniezione di carbossimetilcellulosa per cicatrizzare il tratto fistoloso. Il follow-up medio è stato di 15,8 mesi (range 8-24). Tutti i pazienti sono asintomatici, senza recidive al follow-up. Non sono state riportate complicanze postoperatorie.Il trattamento endoscopico della PFST pediatrica combinata con l’iniezione di gel di carbossimetilcellulosa di sodio sembra essere un’opzione terapeutica sicura ed efficace per le PFST.

To review the clinical diagnosis, recommended endoscopic surveillance, and endoscopic management of the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes (HPS) including (1) Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), (2) juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), and 3) PTEN hamartomatous syndromes (PHTS). Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) with polypectomy is now first-line treatment for small bowel polyps identified on surveillance with VCE or CT/MRI enterography. The efficacy and safety of DAE has been described in multiple studies of patients with PJS. Endoscopic management of HPS relies on endoscopic surveillance for gastric and colorectal polyps in JPS and PHTS with the addition small bowel polyps in PJS. Recommended surveillance varies by syndrome and guideline. Gastric and colonic polyps are managed with endoscopic polypectomy, and surgery is necessary if endoscopy is not sufficient.

Background and Aims: Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence, management, risk factors and outcomes of acute non-variceal UGIB in a population-based study from Hungary. Methods: The present prospective one–year study involved six major community hospitals in Western Hungary covering a population of 1,263,365 persons between January 1 and December 31, 2016. Data collection included demographics, comorbidities endoscopic management, Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), Rockall score (RS) transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay and mortality. Results: 688 cases of acute non-variceal UGIB were included with an incidence rate of 54.4 (95%CI: 50.5-58.6) per 100,000 per year. Endoscopy was performed within 12 hours in 71.8%. 5.3% of the patients required surgical treatment and the overall mortality was 13.5%. Weekend presentation was associated with increased transfusion requirements (p=0.047), surgery (p=0.016) and mortality (p=0.021). Presentation with hemodynamic instability or presence of comorbidities was associated with transfusion (p7points), while mortality was best predicted by the post-endoscopic RS (AUC:0.75; cut-off: RS >5points). Conclusions: Incidence rates of acute non-variceal UGIB in Western Hungary are in line with international trends. Longer pre-hospital time, comorbidities, hemodynamic instability, weekend presentation, treatment with anticoagulants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with worse outcomes.

Objetivos: mostrar la eficacia y seguridad de los stents metálicos autoexpandibles para el manejo endoscópico de las fístulas esofágicas. Materiales y métodos: se evalúo una serie de casos de manera retrospectiva entre el 2007 y el 2017, en los que se manejaron a 11 pacientes con un stent metálico autoexpandible para el manejo de fístula esofágica, en quienes se realizó el diagnóstico por clínica, endoscopia digestiva alta o estudios radiológicos en la unidad de gastroenterología del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI) de Bogotá D. C., Colombia. Resultados: el principal síntoma inicial fue la disnea en 27,3 % de los casos, seguido por tos en un 18,2 %. El hallazgo más frecuentemente encontrado durante el seguimiento fue el derrame pleural en el 36,4 %, se realizó el diagnóstico de fístula en el 45,5 % con esofagograma y el tipo de lesión más reportada fue la fuga en la anastomosis esofagoentérica, con un 45,5 %, seguida de la esofagopleural, con un 36,4 %; y estos pacientes fueron manejados con un stent metálico autoexpandible. En el 100 % hubo éxito técnico y la resolución del defecto se evidenció en el 72,7 % de los casos. La única complicación reportada fue el desplazamiento del stent en el 27,3 %, y en un paciente se requirió el cambio del stent en 3 oportunidades. El promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 41,5 días. Conclusiones: el manejo endoscópico de las fístulas esofagogástricas con stents metálicos autoexpandibles es efectivo y seguro, con una baja tasa de complicaciones.

Introduction An isolated calyx is a rare complication in which the renal calyx and pelvis are disconnected. The treatment is often complicated. Case presentation An 81‐year‐old man underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (cT1bN0M0). Postoperatively, urine leakage was observed and did not improve with conservative measures. Retrograde pyelography and computed tomography revealed that urine leakage originated from the isolated calyx caused by infundibular stenosis. Endoscopic treatment via the transurethral approach was selected to preserve renal function. Ureteroscopy showed that the upper calyx was completely obstructed by the sutures. Therefore, we cut the suture thread using laser, and a ureteral stent was placed in the upper renal calyx. Fluid drainage immediately disappeared after the procedure, and the patient did not lose renal function. Conclusion Endoscopic management might be an option for isolated calyx after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.

Aim: The treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in infants is controversial. Subureteric injection is considered by some to be a popular alternative to long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. In this study, we reviewed our experience in endoscopic subureteric injection to correct high-grade reflux in infants with documented indications for antireflux surgery. Materials and Methods: The hospital records of patients with grade 4-S VUR and breakthrough urinary tract infections who had undergone endoscopic subureteric injection in the first year of life between 2009 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Radiologic success was defined as complete resolution of reflux determined via voiding cystourethrogram obtained at least three months after the injection, and clinical success was defined as the downgrading of reflux grade to below three and the absence of urinary infection. Results: A total of 23 patients (5 girls, 18 boys) with 34 high-grade refluxing units were included in this study. The mean age at first injection was 6.3 +/- 1.8 months (1-11 months). The radiologic success rate with initial injection was 61.7%, and it was 85.2% after repeated injections. The overall clinical success rate after first injection was 70.6% and 97.1% after repeated injections. The mean injected material volume was 0.34 +/- 0.27 (0.1-1) mL per ureter. Conclusion: The management of high-grade infantile reflux is still controversial with insufficient data. Published studies comparing endoscopic treatment and antibiotic prophylaxis have inconclusive results due to their wide range of success rates. Although it needs to be supported by prospective studies, endoscopic treatment is a successful alternative in high-grade VUR infants with breakthrough infection.

Purpose of review Third space endoscopy (TSE) or submucosal endoscopy provides with the opportunity for minimally invasive management of various gastrointestinal disorders. TSE is a relatively new field and the knowledge on its utility continues to advance. The purpose of this review is to provide with updated evidence on the efficacy and utility of TSE in gastrointestinal motility disorders including achalasia and refractory gastroparesis. Recent findings Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a safe procedure with emerging evidence on its durability as well. Major technical variations do not appear to impact the outcomes of POEM. Recent randomized trials suggest superiority of POEM over pneumatic dilatation and noninferiority over Heller's myotomy in idiopathic achalasia. With regard to gastric POEM (G-POEM), recent evidence confirms its efficacy in refractory gastroparesis. Although effective, the long-term outcomes of G-POEM are not well known. In addition, the criteria for patient selection remain elusive. Summary TSE has emerged as a new frontier in the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal motility disorders. While short-term outcomes are encouraging, the durability of TSE remains to be seen in achalasia as well as refractory gastroparesis. Insights regarding patient selection and predictors of outcomes may help optimizing the results of gastric POEM in refractory gastroparesis.

Pancreatic strictures represent a complex clinical problem which often requires multidisciplinary management with a team of gastroenterologists, surgeons and radiologists. Dominant strictures are largely due to inflammatory processes of the pancreas like chronic pancreatitis. However, differentiating benign from malignant processes of the pancreas, leading to strictures is imperative and remains a challenge. With advances in endoscopic management, options for therapy include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) in situations where ERCP is not feasible or fails. However, endoscopic therapy is suited for a select group of patients and surgery remains key to management in many patients. In this narrative review, we look at the gastroenterologist's perspective and approach to pancreatic ductal strictures, including endoscopic and surgical management.

Background/Aims: STRETTA improves the quality of life and reduces the need for anti-reflux medication in select patients, especially those with uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to review the outcomes of STRETTA in patients with medically refractory GERD, who had undergone previous gastric surgery.Methods: This was a review of a prospective database in a British center. Since 2016, all GERD patients who underwent STRETTA and had a history of previous gastric surgery were studied (n=11). Anti-reflux medication pre- and post-STRETTA was evaluated. The outcomes were assessed objectively by the change in anti-reflux medication and subjectively through a pre- and post-procedure GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire.Results: The median length of follow-up was 23 months. Nine patients demonstrated improved GERD-HRQL scores following STRETTA (82%). Of the 7 patients who underwent fundoplication, all reported improved symptoms, with 3 patients discontinuing the medication and 3 patients on a reduced dose of proton pump inhibitor. Four patients underwent surgery other than fundoplication, of which 2 reported improvement and discontinued the proton pump inhibitor. Two patients reported no improvement.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that STRETTA is successful in reducing refractory GERD in patients with previous gastric surgery. The outcomes were comparable to published outcomes in patients with uncomplicated GERD with no previous history of gastric surgery.

Recent advancement in endoscopic closure techniques have revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas. Traditionally, these have been managed surgically. The treatment strategy depends on the size and location of the defect, degree of contamination, presence of healthy surrounding tissues, patients' condition and the availability of expertise. One of the basic principles of management includes providing a barricade to the flow of luminal contents across the defect. This can be achieved with a wide range of endoscopic techniques. These include endoclips, stenting, suturing, tissue adhesives and glue, and endoscopic vacuum therapy. Each method has their distinct indications and shortcomings. Often, a combination of these techniques is required. Apart from endoscopic closure, drainage procedures by the interventional radiologist and surgical management also play an important role. In this review article, the outcomes of each of these endoscopic closure techniques in the literature is provided in tables, and practical management algorithms are being proposed.

Case report: a 54 yo smoking patient, consulted to our department due to a progressive visual impairment over the last two years in her right eye. She presented proptosis in her clinical examination. Imaging studies based on MRI and PET-CT described a right intraconal lesion with an undefined morphology surrounding the optic nerve. Orbital tumors differential diagnosis is delicate. Nevertheless, Non-Hodgkin lymphomas followed by metastasis are the two most common found in this location. The immunohistochemistry and molecuar studies, confirmed the suspected diagnosis of extranodal low-grade lymphoproliferative syndrome. Objective: review differential diagnosis and literature regarding orbital tumors. Discusion: endoscopic management of these lesions may result in a lower comorbidity compared to traditional external approaches. Role of surgery lays in obtainment of a quality sample which allows a proper diagnosis. Conclusions: multidisciplinary approach with ophthalmologists, hemathologists and radiotherapy experts enhances good surgical and clinical results in the vast majority of cases.

Introduction: One of the common emergency paediatricians face in their daily practice is ingestion of foreign bodies. The clinical presentation, investigation and appropriate management vary for different foreign bodies. Advances in endoscopic techniques and accessories have enabled non-surgical removal in children with excellent outcome. Data are relatively few from this region of the world. Method: We present our experience over four years in upper gastrointestinal endoscopic management of ingested foreign bodies from January 2017 to December 2020. In this retrospective study the type of foreign bodies, nature, and number of foreign bodies ingested and the success of endoscopic intervention in these children were collected and analyzed using SPSS 15.0 statistical software. Result: A total of 137 children were subjected for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during the study period. The majority of the foreign body ingested were coins followed by button battery. Most of the foreign body was located in the stomach. Endoscopic interventions were done using appropriate accessories and the procedures were successful with good outcome. Conclusion: The spectrum of foreign body ingestion varies in different parts of the region due to the varied cultural and social factors. Endoscopic intervention is a timely and safe procedure in majority of foreign body ingestion with excellent outcome in a specialised gastroenterology unit.

Background and Aims Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) has traditionally been treated with open surgery or rigid endoscopy. With the advances in endoscopy, alternative flexible endoscopic treatments have been developed. Methods This document reviews current endoscopic techniques and devices used to treat ZD. Results The endoscopic techniques may be categorized as the traditional flexible endoscopic septal division and the more recent submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division, also known as peroral endoscopic myotomy for ZD. This document also addresses clinical outcomes, safety, and financial considerations. Conclusions Flexible endoscopic approaches treat symptomatic ZD with results that are favorable compared with traditional open surgical or rigid endoscopic alternatives.

Background: Endoscopic management of lumbar disc herniation as a minimally invasive procedure become more popular around the world. Although accepted surgical outcomes of the endoscopic approach to manage lumbar disc herniation [LDH], this procedure still to be relatively challenging and needs a high learning curve, so operative failures and complications may occur. The Aim of The Work: To assess using the endoscope in the management of lumbar disc prolapse by interlaminar approach using Easy Go and Destandau systems. Patients and Methods: This is study included twenty patients, who had lumbar disc herniation, and operated by using Easy Go and Destandau's endoscopic systems after the failure of conservative treatment. They were included between March 2016 and April 2020. They followed up for at least three months postoperatively. All were selected from the Neurosurgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Egypt. Results: Low back pain was the main complaint reported by all patients. The radicular side was mainly the left side [70.0%] and L4/L5 was the most common affected level [65.0%]; the disc protrusion was mainly paracentral [80.0%]. There was a significant pain reduction after surgery when compared to before surgery. The outcome was excellent for 55.0%, good for 25%, fair for 15% and poor for 5%. Complications were in the form of unintended durotomy among 10.0%, nerve injury among 10.0% and infection among 5.0%. Conclusion: Endoscopic lumbar discectomy through interlaminar approach by Destandau's and Easy Go systems become a golden procedure to manage lumbar disc prolapse at any level especially L5-S1 as a minimally invasive technique with some accepted complications that can easily be managed compared to classic traditional open techniques.

Introduction Endoscopic management of Zenker diverticuli (ZD) has traditionally been via septotomy technique. The recent development of tunneling technique has shown to be both efficacious and safe. The aim of this study is to evaluate the tunneling technique using per oral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM) versus septotomy. Methods Patients who underwent endoscopic management of ZD either by Z-POEM or septotomy from March 2017 until November 2020 from 9 international academic centers were included. Demographics, clinical data preprocedure and postprocedure, procedure time, adverse events, and hospital length of stay were analyzed. Results A total of 101 patients (mean age 74.9 y old, 55.4% male) were included: septotomy (n=49), Z-POEM (n=52). Preprocedure Functional Oral Intake Scale score and Eckardt score was 5.3 and 5.4 for the septotomy group and 5.9 and 5.15 for the Z-POEM group. Technical success was achieved in 98% of the Z-POEM group and 100% of the septotomy group. Clinical success was achieved in 84% and 92% in the septotomy versus Z-POEM groups. Adverse events occurred in 30.6% (n=15) in septotomy group versus 9.6% (n=5) in the Z-POEM group (P=0.017). Reintervention for ongoing symptoms occurred in 7 patients in the septotomy group and 3 patients in the Z-POEM group. Mean hospital length of stay was shorter for the Z-POEM group, at 1.5 versus 1.9 days. Conclusions A tunneling technique via the Z-POEM procedure is an efficacious and safe endoscopic treatment for ZD. Z-POEM is a safer procedure with a statistically significant reduction in adverse events compared with traditional septotomy technique.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs in up to 20% of the population. Effective management of the condition is essential to reduce both symptoms and the risk for dysplastic changes of esophageal mucosa. Although lifestyle and diet modification and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the standard of therapy, approximately 30% of patients experience persistent or recurrent symptoms with this therapy, which has been labeled PPI-refractory GERD. Surgical antireflux procedures have long been the standard therapy for PPI-refractory GERD, but drawbacks include cost and surgical morbidity. Endoscopic techniques for GERD management have been developed over the past 20 years including transoral incisionless fundoplication, the Stretta procedure, and antireflux mucosectomy. This article will review the current literature on each of these endoscopic procedures as well as highlight areas where further research is needed to fully understand the best practices for use of these endoscopic techniques for the management of PPI-refractory GERD.

Gastroparesis is a complex pathology that continues to evolve in its diagnosis and treatment. Throughout the years, we have gained a more thorough understanding of normal and pathologic physiology of the stomach, which has allowed us to garner different approaches to the treatment of gastroparesis. We aim to evaluate the current literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis with a specific focus on the endoscopic management of this pathology.

Contains fulltext : 238411.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Adenomatous polyposis (AP) diseases, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated FAP (AFAP), and MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), are the second most common hereditary causes of colorectal cancer. A frequent extra-colonic manifestation of AP disease is duodenal polyposis, which may lead to duodenal cancer in up to 18% of AP patients. Endoscopic surveillance is recommended at 0.5- to 5-year intervals depending on the extent of polyp growth and histological progression. Although the Spigelman classification is traditionally used to determine surveillance intervals, it lacks information on the (peri-)ampullary site, where 50% of duodenal carcinomas are located. Hence, information on the papilla has recently been added as a prognostic marker. Patients with duodenal adenoma(s) ≥10 mm and ampullary adenomas of any size are suggested to be referred to an expert center for endoscopic therapy, particularly endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic ampullectomy. Nonetheless, despite the logic of this approach, the long-term efficacy of endoscopic therapy is still to be demonstrated.

With worsening of the obesity pandemic, gastroenterologists will see more patients with this chronic disease. Given the association between obesity and several gastrointestinal conditions and the interplay between obesity pathophysiology and gut hormones, gastroenterologists can play an important role in the management of this disease. Furthermore, because more patients undergo bariatric surgery, an understanding of postsurgical anatomy and medical and endoscopic management of bariatric surgical complications is essential. This article provides clinical tools for the assessment and management of obesity for the general gastroenterologist. Tables containing high-yield practical information are also provided for quick reference.

Kidney transplantation represents the gold standard treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease. Improvements in surgical technique and pharmacologic treatment have continuously prolonged allograft survival in recent years. However, urological complications are frequently observed, leading to both postoperative morbidity and putative deterioration of allograft function. While open redo surgery in these patients is often accompanied by elevated surgical risk, endoscopic management of urological complications is an alternative, minimal-invasive option. In the present article, we reviewed the literature on relevant urological postoperative complications after kidney transplantation and describe preventive approaches during the pre-transplantation assessment and their management using minimal-invasive approaches.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is one of the most commonly performed endoscopic procedures and a first-line treatment for the establishment of enteral access in those with intolerance or contraindication to oral feedings. A small amount of pneumoperitoneum in the immediate postprocedure period is well reported after PEG tube placement. However, pneumoperitoneum resulting from displaced gastric bumper within 24 hours postprocedure is uncommon and rarely reported in the literature. Timely diagnosis and early endoscopic management can help tackle such an unusual complication.

Aims To describe the use of laser, endoscopic balloon dilatation with jet ventilation anaesthesia in the treatment of pregnant women with idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Materials and methods This is a case review of pregnant women with idiopathic subglottic stenosis, presenting to a tertiary referral centre with worsening breathlessness. Data were extracted from patient case notes. Results Four women underwent surgical management of subglottic stenosis in pregnancy. One patient required two procedures during the course of their pregnancy due to restenosis. All women had improvement in symptoms post-operatively and went on to deliver healthy babies at term. Conclusion Endoscopic balloon dilatation of idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a safe and viable treatment option in pregnancy and should be offered as first-line treatment in symptomatic women.

Congenital cholesteatoma is a rare, primarily pediatric disease that presents in otherwise healthy ears. Typically, this disease is found in a well-defined sac in the middle ear, making it particularly suited for removal through transcanal endoscopic ear surgery. This article reviews the ways in which endoscopy can be applied to the surgical management of congenital cholesteatoma and provides a guide based on congenital cholesteatoma stage and extent. Outcomes have shown similar rates of residual disease in total endoscopic ear surgery compared with operative microscopy.

Endoscopic ear surgery is increasingly accepted as a primary modality for cholesteatoma surgery. A major advantage is the enhanced visualization of the middle ear in traditionally poorly accessible locations by the microscope. We discuss novel techniques for selective mastoid obliteration when a canal wall down mastoidectomy is necessary. Postoperatively, indications for non-echo planar diffusion-weighted imaging MRI versus second-look surgery are discussed. Finally, outcome data for endoscopic versus microscopic ear surgery are reviewed, which show equivalent outcomes regarding residual and recurrent disease, similar rates of complications, decreased pain, and shorter healing time.

Pediatric airway evaluation and surgery have evolved over time to involve less invasive techniques in order to facilitate quicker recovery and potentially less discomfort. Over the past decade, new indications, techniques, and data have emerged to support the use of these techniques routinely. In this article, we present techniques for evaluation and outcomes for endoscopic management of the pediatric larynx and review relevant recent publications relevant to pediatric endoscopic airway surgery. Laryngeal ultrasound has been shown to be an effective modality for evaluating vocal fold motion and potentially for evaluating laryngeal lesions. Innovations in surgical techniques include epiglottopexy for supraglottic obstruction, new airway balloons for dilating subglottic stenosis, and endoscopic cricoid split with or without a cartilage graft and vocal fold suture lateralization for bilateral vocal fold immobility. Less invasive techniques of diagnosis and management are viable options for pediatric airway patients and may replace or serve as adjuncts to traditional modalities.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic management compared to ureterovesical reimplantation in pediatric patients with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in terms of urinary tract infection. We performed a network meta-analysis. We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL. We included clinical experiments, quasi-experiments, and cohorts studies. The population was men and women between 1 month and 15 years old. Patients had primary high-grade VUR diagnosed by voiding cystourethrography. The interventions were subureteric bulking agent endoscopic injection (polytetrafluoroethylene, hyaluronic acid, collagen, Dx/Ha, and PPC) vs vesicoureteral reimplantation (Cohen, Politano-Leadbetter, Glenn-Anderson, and Lich-Gregoir), and the primary outcome was urinary infections. Nine studies accomplished the inclusion criteria (seven observational and two clinical experiments). A total of 1448 renal units underwent surgical treatments for the correction of high-grade VUR. Regarding the primary outcome, we compared Dx/Ha with Cohen, Lich-Gregoir, and PPC, finding an RD of −0.02 (95%CI −0.09 to 0.06), RD of −0.02 (95%CI −0.10 to 0.07), and an RD of −0.03 (− 0.13 to 0.07), respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that there were no differences in UTI episodes after VUR correction in patients undergoing endoscopic management compared with vesicoureteral reimplantation.

Although duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (dNETs) are rare, the incidence, particularly for lesions ≤ 10 mm, continues to rise with the advent of widely available, high-quality endoscopy. Given their rarity and controversy regarding prognostication factors, limited guidelines exist for resection of well-differentiated, ≤ 20-mm dNETs. Importantly, lesions ≤ 10 mm in a duodenal location are ideal for consideration of endoscopic management given both morbidity and technical challenges associated with surgery and their accessibility to a wide range of endoscopic techniques. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic resection of dNETs

Introduction: Paranasal sinuses mucoceles are benign, epithelial lined, mucus filled lesions, causing destruction of the adjacent sinus walls, and with further gradual extension to adjacent structures, serious morbidities and mortalities may occur. Objective: To emphasize on the efficacy of endonasal endoscopic marsupialization in the treatment of paranasal sinus mucoceles. Method: Retrospective descriptive study on paranasal sinus mucocele cases operated on endoscopically by the author (AAM), in the 10-year-period from to 2009-2019. Result: Total of 23 cases were included, 16 were males and 7 females, age ranging between 14 - 76 years, with a mean age of 45 years Location of mucoceles varied between: Frontal 7 cases (30%), Fronto-ethmoidal 6 cases (26%), Isolated Ethmoidal accounted for 3 cases (13%), sphenoidal 4 cases (17%), maxillary were 3 cases (13%) all of the 23 cases underwent endonasal endoscopic complete marsupialization, none of them required combination with external approach in-spite of different locations and complications, with no recurrence in a mean follow up period of 2.4 years. Conclusion: Endonasal endoscopic approach is a safe, efficient approach in the treatment of most paranasal sinus mucocele case in their different presentations and locations.

Introduction: Gastric varices are frequently seen in patients with portal hypertension. The mainstay of treatment is variceal injection with a mixture of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate and lipiodol. The use of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without lipiodol is not extensively studied and it can be a cost-effective approach. The objective of our study was to evaluate whether the use of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without lipiodol is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment for gastric varices. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between June 2016 and May 2017 at the Department of Gastroenterology, Gujranwala Medical College/ DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala. A total of 100 patients with gastric varices diagnosed on upper GI endoscopy were enrolled in the study. N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without lipiodol was injected into the gastric varices of all the patients. All procedures were performed by experienced gastroenterologists. The patients underwent monthly follow-up endoscopies to determine the outcome and adverse events. Results: Out of 100 patients, 40 patients (40 %) were men and 60 (60%) were women. The mean age was 53 years. The mean volume of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate used per session was 1.5ml ± 0.5 ml (range 1-2ml). Obliteration of Gastric varices was achieved in 92 patients (92%) while in 04 patients (4%) varices did not obliterate over a mean follow-up of 12 months. No treatment-related immediate or late complications were observed in all patients. Four patients (4%) died of delayed rebleeding (after two weeks of intervention). Conclusion: Injection therapy of gastric varices with N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate alone without lipiodol is a safe and cost-effective method for gastric varices.

Background Gastric variceal (GV) bleeding is among the most morbid sequelae of portal hypertension, with mortality ranging from 30% to 50%. Pediatric data focused on endoscopic approaches to management are needed. The present study represents the first pediatric case series of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coil placement within feeding vessels as monotherapy for management of GV bleeding. Methods Using our prospectively maintained endoscopy database, we identified patients 18 years and younger who underwent EUS-guided coil placement for management of GV bleeding from 2008 to 2018. Demographics, indication, procedural interventions/findings, and available clinical outcomes data were analyzed. Results Twelve patients (median age 15, range 11-18 years) underwent EUS-guided coil placement for GV bleeding. All had portal hypertension, with EV in 58.3% and prior GV bleeding with attempted endoscopic management in 75%. Coil placement was accomplished using a linear echoendoscope and a 19-gauge needle. A mean of 2.75 (± 0.43) coils were placed in each patient (4, 6, 8, and 10 mm Nester Embolization Coils, Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, USA). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all patients, and 25% of patients developed recurrent gastric varices at a median of 5.5 months following the initial EUS-guided coil placement (range 4-6 months) over the median 12 month follow-up period. Conclusions The present study establishes the feasibility and efficacy of EUS-guided coil placement as monotherapy for GV bleeding in children and adolescents. The technique was technically successful, with primary hemostasis achieved in all patients. EUS-guided embolization with coils may represent an alternative to current approaches for management of highly morbid GV bleeding.

Pancreatic fluids collections are local complications related to acute or chronic pancreatitis and may require intervention when symptomatic and/or complicated. Within the last decade, endoscopic management of these collections via endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage has become the gold standard treatment for encapsulated pancreatic collections with high clinical success and lower morbidity compared to traditional surgery and percutaneous drainage. Proper understanding of anatomic landmarks, including assessment of the main pancreatic duct and any associated lesions – such as disruptions and strictures – are key to achieving clinical success, reducing the need for reintervention or recurrence, especially in cases with suspected disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. Additionally, proper review of imaging and anatomic landmarks, including collection location, are pivotal to determine type and size of pancreatic stenting as well as approach using long-term transmural indwelling plastic stents. Pancreatography to adequately assess the main pancreatic duct may be performed by two methods: Either non-invasively using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopically via retrograde cholangiopan-creatography. Despite the critical need to understand anatomy via pancrea-tography and assess the main pancreatic duct, a standardized approach or uniform assessment strategy has not been described in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this review was to clarify the role of pancreatography in the endoscopic management of encapsulated pancreatic collections and to propose a new classification system to aid in proper assessment and endoscopic treatment.

Pharyngoesophageal injury has high morbidity and mortality despite advances in diagnostics and surgical therapy. It is essential to rapidly identify patients injury to avoid severe sequelae. In this review, the common etiologies of penetrating esophageal injury will be reviewed as well as the initial evaluation and diagnostic techniques. Management of pharyngoesophageal injuries will be discussed including indications for observation, endoscopic management, or open surgical repair.

Objective To determine the degree of contemporary practice variation for the treatment of urethral stricture disease (USD) given repeated endoscopic management yields poor long-term success. Materials and Methods The AUA Quality (AQUA) Registry collects data from participating urologists across practice settings by direct interface with local electronic health record systems. We identified procedures used for USD using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-9/-10) codes. We assessed the association between patient and provider factors and repeated endoscopic treatment using generalized linear models. Provider details were derived from AUA Census. Results We identified 20,640 male patients with USD treated surgically in AQUA from 2014-2018. The patients were cared for by 1343 providers at 171 practices, 95% of these community-based. Among patients with USD who had treatment, 20,101(97.9%) underwent endoscopic management. 6218(31%) underwent repeated endoscopic treatment during the study period. Urethroplasty was performed in 539(2.6%) patients. Median patient age at first procedure for endoscopic surgery vs. urethroplasty was 73 vs. 39 years old, respectively (p Conclusions Repeated endoscopic management for USD is overused. The utilization of endoscopic management is variable across practices and frequently guideline-discordant, presenting an opportunity for quality improvement.

Abstract Introduction Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is technically challenging and associated with a significant number of failures. We examined the feasibility and efficacy of a novel technique for the management of bile duct stones (BDSs), called underwater cap-assisted ERCP (u-ERCP). Methods Between June 2019 and February 2020 all patients with SAA with jaundice or cholangitis secondary to BDSs who underwent u-ERCP were enrolled. The u-ERCP technique combines the underwater advancement of a pediatric colonoscope with a transparent cap fitted on the tip of the endoscope. We evaluated the technical success, clinical success, and adverse events associated with u-ERCP. Results We describe the technique itself and our initial experience in six patients. A complete and successful procedure was carried out in all patients, with the occurrence of no adverse events. None of the patients needed additional treatments for recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period. Conclusions u-ERCP can be considered as a promising alternative for successful endoscopic management of biliary disease in patients with SAA.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the endourologic management of post-cesarean section ureterovaginal fistula. Between February 2016 and March 2019, eight patients presented because of vaginal leakage after cesarean section. All presented within 15 days from their original operations. Three of the patients had a vague lower abdominal pain, and five had ipsilateral flank pain; all had vaginal leakage. Physical examination, ultrasonography, and IVP were done to confirm the diagnosis. Ureteroscopy was the first treatment attempt, using two or three guide wires to find the proximal part of the ureter and insert a JJ stent. In six patients, we could insert guide wires, find the proximal part of the ureter, and finally insert a JJ stent. In two patients, we could not even pass a guide wire, so we changed the position, and ureteral reimplantation was done. The stents were removed after 6 weeks, and after 3 months an IVP was planned again that showed all fistulae had resolved with no evidence of ureteral stricture. In cases of ureterovaginal fistula after cesarean section, ultrasonography and IVP with lateral view x-ray films may confirm the diagnosis. The traditional treatment for ureterovaginal fistula is ureteral reimplantation, but endoscopic management may be a viable technique with less invasiveness and faster results and recovery. Thus, retrograde stenting can be accomplished in selected patients with ureterovaginal fistula after cesarean section and may eliminate the need for reimplantation of the ureter.

ObjectiveLarge (≥20 mm) sessile serrated lesions (L-SSL) are premalignant lesions that require endoscopic removal. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the existing standard of care but carries some risk of adverse events including clinically significant post-EMR bleeding and deep mural injury (DMI). The respective risk-effectiveness ratio of piecemeal cold snare polypectomy (p-CSP) in L-SSL management is not fully known.DesignConsecutive patients referred for L-SSL management were treated by p-CSP from April 2016 to January 2020 or by conventional EMR in the preceding period between July 2008 and March 2016 at four Australian tertiary centres. Surveillance colonoscopies were conducted at 6 months (SC1) and 18 months (SC2). Outcomes on technical success, adverse events and recurrence were documented prospectively and then compared retrospectively between the subsequent time periods.ResultsA total of 562 L-SSL in 474 patients were evaluated of which 156 L-SSL in 121 patients were treated by p-CSP and 406 L-SSL in 353 patients by EMR. Technical success was equal in both periods (100.0% (n=156) vs 99.0% (n=402)). No adverse events occurred in p-CSP, whereas delayed bleeding and DMI were encountered in 5.1% (n=18) and 3.4% (n=12) of L-SSL treated by EMR, respectively. Recurrence rates following p-CSP were similar to EMR at 4.3% (n=4) versus 4.6% (n=14) and 2.0% (n=1) versus 1.2% (n=3) for surveillance colonoscopy (SC)1 and SC2, respectively.ConclusionsIn a historical comparison on the endoscopic management of L-SSL, p-CSP is technically equally efficacious to EMR but virtually eliminates the risk of delayed bleeding and perforation. p-CSP should therefore be considered as the new standard of care for L-SSL treatment.

While traditionally employed to manage malignant gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, a variety of luminal stents have been employed in the management of refractory benign GI strictures with varying safety and efficacy profiles. These include: self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS), biodegradable stents and lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). LAMS have become instrumental as an alternate strategy to treat benign gastric outlet obstruction in the setting of native and postsurgical anatomy. This includes transpyloric placement as well as EUS-guided gastrojejunostomy creation as an alternative to laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy and endoluminal stenting. The novel application of LAMS for complete endoscopic management with anastomotic decompression of afferent loop syndrome has also been met with success in case reports and series. This approach with LAMS obviates the need for external drains and complex repeat surgeries. Finally, SEMS have been used to address benign and malignant strictures of the small bowel. However, SEMS use for this indication has been hindered by limitations in endoscopic accessibility of target sites and the current state of stent delivery systems. Whereas the role of colonic stenting for malignant colonic obstruction is well-established, the use of stents to treat benign colonic strictures continues to evolve. While the existing armamentarium of GI luminal stents has revolutionized the management of a variety of clinical conditions, additional advances could further broaden the potential applications of these devices.

Background/Purpose Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that causes relapsing inflammation and severe mucosal damage in the intestine. Crohn’s disease (CD)-related stricturing complications are a major cause of surgery, disability, and reduced quality of life. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) has been shown to reliably delay or prevent surgery in patients with stricturing CD. However, cases of EBD performed for stricture in CD in Taiwan are rare. In this study, we want to evaluate the experiences regarding EBD for stricturing CD in Taiwan. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 9 medical centers in Taiwan. Patients with CD-related strictures who were treated with EBD were included and analyzed. Results In nine medical centers, a total of 26 CD patients (19 male, 7 female, mean disease duration 75.4 ± 65.2 months) underwent 42 EBD procedures during the study period. Among the subjects, an 83.3% (35/42) EBD success rate was seen, but 26.9% (7/26) patients underwent surgery after ineffective EBD. In the surgery group, the the small bowel strictures was high compared with the non-surgery group (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in disease phenotype, disease duration or history of fistulizing disease. In the surgery group, immunosuppressant use was high, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) use was low compared with the non-surgery group. After EBD, the physicians tended to change the drugs, especially increasing the use of biologic agents. Conclusion EBD is a safe and effective procedure for CD-related stricture, with a 83.3% success rate in Taiwan.

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a clinical entity characterized by postprandial vomiting, epigastric abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort, early satiety, and eventually weight loss. GOO may not be clinically evident until high-grade obstruction occurs due to the unique ability of the stomach to distend significantly to accommodate large volumes. GOO is caused by mechanical gastroduodenal obstruction or motility disorders and can be divided into 3 major categories: benign mechanical, malignant mechanical, and motility disorders. Treatment options include surgical interventions such as resection or bypass surgery, and endoscopic procedures such as enteral stenting and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy.

Both endoscopic techniques and transanal surgery are viable options that allow organ preservation for early rectal neoplasms. Whilst endoscopic approaches are less invasive and carry less morbidity, it is unclear whether they are as oncologically effective. To compare endoscopic techniques with transanal surgery in the management of early rectal neoplasms. A systematic literature search was performed for randomised and observational studies comparing these techniques. The pre-specified main outcomes measured were en bloc and R0 resection rates and recurrence. Pair-wise meta-analysis was performed. This review included 1044 patients. Transanal surgery had increased R0 resection rates (odds ratio (OR) 2.66; 95% CI 1.64; 4.31; p < 0.001) versus endoscopic management. The latter was associated with higher rates of incomplete resection (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.14, 4.46; p = 0.02) and further intervention (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.09, 2.88; p = 0.02). There was no difference in the rates of late recurrence (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.53, 1.91; p = 0.99) or further major surgery (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.39, 1.94; p = 0.73) between the groups. Endoscopic treatment was associated with a shorter operating time (weighted mean difference (WMD) − 12.08; 95% CI − 18.97, − 5.19; p < 0.001) and LOS (WMD − 1.94; 95% CI − 2.43, − 1.44; p < 0.001), as well as lower rates of urinary retention post-operatively (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02, 0.63; p = 0.01). Endoscopic techniques should be favoured in the setting of benign early rectal neoplasms given their decreased morbidity and increased cost-effectiveness. However, where malignancy is suspected transanal surgery should be the preferred option given the superior R0 resection rate.