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Background: Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUSGBD) are alternatives to percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PCGBD) for patients with acute cholecystitis who are unfit for surgery. Data comparing these modalities are limited and have reported conflicting results.Methods: We searched multiple databases from inception to May 2019 to identify studies that reported on ETGBD, EUSGBD, and PCGBD in the management of acute cholecystitis in patients with a high surgical risk. Aims were to compare the pooled rates of technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and disease recurrence.Results: 1223 patients (22 studies), 557 patients (14 studies), and 13 351 patients (46 studies) were treated by ETGBD, EUSGBD, and PCGBD, respectively. The pooled technical and clinical successes were: ETGBD 83 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 80.1 - 85.5, I2 = 29) and 88.1 % (95 %CI 83.6 - 91.4, I2 = 50), respectively; EUSGBD 95.3 % (95 %CI 92.8 - 96.9, I2 = 0) and 96.7 % (95 %CI 94.0 - 98.2, I2 = 0), respectively; and PCGBD 98.7 % (95 %CI 98.0 - 99.1, I2 = 0) and 89.3 % (95 %CI 86.6 - 91.5, I2 = 84), respectively. Clinical success with EUSGBD was significantly superior to the other approaches. All complications were comparable between the groups. Pancreatitis occurred with ETGBD in 5.1 % (95 %CI 3.5 - 7.3), whereas bleeding and perforation occurred with EUSGBD in 4.3 % (95 %CI 2.7 - 6.8) and 3.7 % (95 %CI 2.3 - 6.0), respectively. Stent migration occurred with PCGBD in 7.4 % (95 %CI 5.5 - 10.0).Conclusion: EUSGBD demonstrated better clinical success than ETGBD and PCGBD in the management of acute cholecystitis patients at high surgical risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Endoscopic treatment of anorectal bleeding can be challenging. We report use of the endoscopic over-the-scope clip (OTSC) to treat massive bleeding from the transitional zone of the anorectum. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical outcome and efficacy of the OTSC and to describe the technique of its use in acute severe bleeding occurring at the transitional zone of the anorectum. Methods We treated 5 consecutive patients (age range, 36-79 years, 5 men) with severe bleeding from the transitional zone of the anorectum caused by hemorrhoid therapy, digital trauma, and a Dieulafoy lesion. We analyzed the efficacy, safety, and outcome of endoscopic treatment using the OTSC. Results Primary hemostasis was successfully achieved in all the patients using a single OTSC. The OTSC deployment technique was adapted from the endoscopic band ligation of hemorrhoids. There was no immediate or late rebleeding. We observed that there were no adverse events from OTSC placement in the anorectum. Conclusions This case series provides evidence that OTSCs may be effective in controlling bleeding from the transitional zone of the anorectum. Although use of OTSCs for bleeding elsewhere in the GI tract has been described, this case series is the first to show its application in the transitional zone of the anorectum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First, the authors' description of their technique as cap-assisted EMR (EMR-C) can be misleading as it is not identical with the method originally described by Inoue et al. [6]. In this issue of Endoscopy, Van der Voort et al. reported the utility and safety of distal cap-assisted EMR (EMR-DC) to treat fibrotic colorectal polyps [5]. [Extracted from the article]

The Primary Obesity Surgery Endoluminal (POSE) 2.0 procedure involves a novel pattern of full-thickness gastric body plications to shorten and narrow the stomach using durable suture anchor pairs. Our prospective, multicenter trial examined the safety, efficacy, durability, and physiologic effects of POSE 2.0 in adults with obesity. Adults with obesity underwent POSE 2.0 at 3 centers. Primary outcomes were percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) and proportion of patients achieving >5% TBWL at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included change in obesity comorbidities, satiety, quality of life at 6 months, and durability of plications at 12 and 24 months. Subjects were followed for adverse events throughout the study duration. 44 patients (61% female; mean age, 45 ± 9.7 years; mean body mass index, 37 ± 2.1 kg/m2) were enrolled. This procedure used an average of 19 suture anchor pairs, with a mean duration of 37 ± 11 minutes, and was technically successful in all subjects. Mean %TBWL at 12 months was 15.7% ± 6.8%. At 12 months, %TBWL >5%, >10%, and >15% was achieved in 98%, 86%, and 58% of patients, respectively. Improvements in lipid profile, liver biochemistries, and hepatic steatosis were seen at 6 months. Improvements in hepatic steatosis persisted for 24 months in a subgroup of patients (P <.01). POSE 2.0 reduced maximum tolerated meal volume (P =.03) and was associated with increased fullness (P <.01) and improved eating behavior (P <.01) at 6 months. Impact of weight on quality-of-life questionnaire improved at 6 months (2.23 vs 1.23; P <.01). Repeat assessment at 24 months (n = 26) showed fully intact plications. No serious adverse events occurred. POSE 2.0 is an effective and durable endoscopic bariatric therapy which may influence physiologic pathways impacting satiety. Larger comparative studies are needed to further elucidate these initial findings. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03721731 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current adenoma detection rate (ADR) benchmarks for colonoscopy in individuals positive for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are ≥45% in men and ≥35% in women. These are based on weak, low-quality evidence. We performed a meta-analysis to ascertain the pooled ADR in FIT-positive colonoscopy. Major databases like PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched in October 2021 for studies reporting on ADR of colonoscopy in a FIT-positive population. Meta-analysis was performed by standard methodology using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I 2 and 95% prediction interval statistics. Thirty-four high-quality studies that included more than 6 million asymptomatic average-risk individuals were analyzed; 2,655,345 individuals completed a screening FIT test. The pooled FIT screening rate was 69.8% (95% CI, 62.8-76.1), the pooled FIT positivity rate was 5.4% (95% CI, 4.3-6.9), and the colonoscopy completion rate was 85% (95% CI, 82.8-86.9). The pooled ADR was 47.8% (95% CI, 44.1-51.6), pooled advanced ADR was 25.3% (95% CI, 22-29), and the pooled colorectal cancer detection rate was 5.1% (95% CI, 4.4-5.9). The pooled ADR in men was 58.3% (95% CI, 52.8-63.6) and in women was 41.9% (95% CI, 36.4-47.6). The pooled ADR with qualitative FIT assessment was 67.7% (95% CI, 50.7-81), with 1-stool sample FIT was 52.8% (95% CI, 48.8-56.8), and at a cutoff threshold of 100 ng hemoglobin/mL was 52.1% (95% CI, 47-57.1). Based on time-period cumulative analysis, the ADR improved over time from 30.5% (95% CI, 24.6-37.2) to 47.8% (95% CI, 44.1-51.6). This meta-analysis supports the current ADR benchmarks for colonoscopy in FIT-positive individuals. Excellent pooled ADR parameters were demonstrated with qualitative assessment of 1 stool sample at a test cutoff value of 100 ng hemoglobin/mL, and ADR per endoscopist improved over time. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr. Gonrand Lopez-Nava is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA; USGI Medical, USA; and Nitinotes, Israel. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are an established, minimally invasive treatment option for obesity. A 42-year-old woman underwent endoscopic placement of an IGB for the treatment of obesity (weight 76 kg, body mass index 31 kg/m SP 2 sp ). [Extracted from the article]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a well-known risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Current guidelines propose complete endoscopic resection of dysplasia in IBD patients with close endoscopic follow-up. Current data on the risk of neoplasia after endoscopic resection of dysplasia in IBD patients are limited. Multiple databases were searched from inception through August 2019 to identify studies that reported on incidence and/or recurrence of neoplasia after resection of dysplasia in patients with IBD. Outcomes from the included studies were pooled to estimate the risk of neoplasia after dysplasia resection in IBD patients. From 18 studies, 1037 IBD patients underwent endoscopic resection for a total of 1428 colonic lesions. After lesion resection, the pooled risk (rate per 1000 person-years of follow-up) of CRC was 2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0-3), the pooled risk of high-grade dysplasia was 2 (95% CI, 1-3), and the pooled risk of any lesion was 43 (95% CI, 30-57). Meta-regression analysis based on lesion location (right, left), lesion size (mean and/or median size in mm), lesion type (Paris type I, Paris type II), endoscopic resection technique (EMR, endoscopic submucosal dissection, or polypectomy), and lesion histology (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia) did not influence the reported outcomes. Risk of CRC after dysplasia resection in IBD patients appears to be low, supporting the current strategy of resection and surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intolerance frequently limits the use of intragastric balloons (IGBs) in the treatment of obesity. This includes refractory nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Our study aims to identify predictors of balloon intolerance and early removal, which will help to guide patient selection for this intervention and peri-procedure care. Method: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 54 consecutive patients who underwent IGB insertion from July 2017 to July 2022 in a single tertiary institution in Singapore. Forty-seven (87.0%) patients completed therapy, while 7 patients (13.0%) had early removal of the balloon due to intolerance. Characteristics of both groups were compared. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between early balloon removal and both depression (P=0.012) and anxiety (P=0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, height, nulliparity, balloon type and volume. Univariate analysis revealed that anxiety was the main risk factor (P=0.004, odds ratio 9.111, 95% confidence interval 1.624-51.124), while depression was no longer a significant predictor. Conclusion: Identifying predictors of balloon intolerance and early removal can enhance patient selection and improve peri-procedural care. In patients with a history of depression or anxiety, it is important to ensure adequate counselling and preparation prior to balloon insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and excessive belching, most belches are supragastric, and can induce reflux episodes and worsen GERD. Supragastric belching (SGB) might be reduced with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. We investigated whether diaphragmatic breathing therapy is effective in reducing belching and proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Methods We performed a prospective study of 36 consecutive patients with GERD refractory to PPI therapy and a belching visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 6 or more, seen at a gastroenterology clinic at a tertiary hospital in Singapore from April 2015 through October 2016. Patients underwent high-resolution manometry and 24-hour pH-impedance studies while they were off PPIs. Fifteen patients were placed on a standardized diaphragmatic breathing exercise protocol (treatment group) and completed questionnaires at baseline, after diaphragmatic breathing therapy, and 4 months after the therapy ended. Twenty-one patients were placed on a waitlist (control subjects), completed the same questionnaires with an additional questionnaire after their waitlist period, and eventually received diaphragmatic breathing therapy. The primary outcome was reduction in belching VAS by 50% or more after treatment. Secondary outcomes included GERD symptoms (evaluated using the reflux disease questionnaire) and quality of life (QoL) scores, determined from the Reflux-Qual Short Form and EuroQoL-VAS. Results Nine of the 15 patients in the treatment group (60%) and none of the 21 control subjects achieved the primary outcome ( P < .001). In the treatment group, the mean belching VAS score decreased from 7.1 ± 1.5 at baseline to 3.5 ± 2.0 after diaphragmatic breathing therapy; in the control group, the mean VAS score was 7.6 ± 1.1 at baseline and 7.4 ± 1.3 after the waitlist period. Eighty percent of patients in the treatment group significantly reduced belching frequency compared with 19% in control subjects ( P = .001). Treatment significantly reduced symptoms of GERD (the mean reflux disease questionnaire score decreased by 12.2 in the treatment group and 3.1 in the control group; P = .01). The treatment significantly increased QoL scores (the mean Reflux-Qual Short Form score increased by 15.4 in the treatment group and 5.2 in the control group; P = .04) and mean EuroQoL-VAS scores (15.7 increase in treatment group and 2.4 decrease in the control group). These changes were sustained at 4 months after treatment. In the end, 20 of the 36 patients who received diaphragmatic breathing therapy (55.6%), all with excessive SGB, achieved the primary outcome. Conclusions In a prospective study, we found a standardized protocol for diaphragmatic breathing to reduce belching and PPI-refractory gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and increase QoL in patients with PPI-refractory GERD with belching—especially those with excessive SGB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is strongly recommended as the optimal technique for the complete removal of small polyps. Though significant variability in polypectomy technique and quality has been established, the learning curve and impact of targeted training on CSP are unknown. Video feedback has shown promise as an effective pedagogy to improve performance among surgical trainees. We aimed to compare CSP performance between trainees who received video-based feedback and those who received conventional apprentice-based concurrent feedback. We hypothesized that video-based feedback would accelerate competence. METHODS: We conducted a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial on competence for CSP of polyps <1 cm, comparing video-based feedback with conventional feedback. We randomly assigned deidentified consecutively recorded CSP videos to blinded raters to assess using the CSP Assessment Tool. We shared cumulative sumlearning curves every25CSPwitheachtrainee. The video feedback trainees also received biweekly individualized terminal feedback. Control trainees received conventional feedback during colonoscopy. The primary outcome was CSP competence. We also assessed competence across domains and change over polypectomy volume. RESULTS: Weenrolled and randomized 22 trainees, 12 to video-based feedback and10to conventional feedback, and evaluated 2,339 CSP. The learning curve was long; 2 trainees (16.7%) in the video feedback achieved competence, after a mean of 135 polyps, and no one in the control (P 5 0.481) achieved competence. Overall and in all steps of CSP, a higher percentage of the video feedback groupmetcompetence, increasing 3% every 20 CSP (P 5 0.0004). DISCUSSION: Video feedback aided trainees to competence in CSP. However, the learning curve was long. Our findings strongly suggest that current training methods are not sufficient to support trainees to competency by the completion of their fellowship programs. The impact of new training methods, such as simulation-based mastery learning, should be assessed to determine whether such methods can result in achievement of competence at a faster rate; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03115008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case study of a 60-year-old woman who presented with severe necrotizing acute pancreatitis and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. Due to her altered anatomy from a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, traditional methods of treatment were not suitable. The article explores the use of endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) as a promising solution with high success rates. The procedure involved creating a gastro-gastric anastomosis using a lumen-apposing stent system and deploying a pancreatic stent to bridge the disconnected duct. The patient showed healing of the disconnected duct and resolution of the collection after multiple interventions. The article highlights the benefits of EDGE in complex clinical cases that require multiple interventions. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: ESG is an effective treatment for classes I and II obesity. However, the benefit of ESG in patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) who decline surgery is not known. The study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of ESG in all three obesity classes at 1 year. Methods: We reviewed 484 patient records and identified 435 patients (class I: 105, class II: 169, class III: 161) who underwent ESG at our unit between May 2013 and March 2020. We compared their total body weight loss (%TBWL) and safety over 1 year. We used a linear mixed model (LMM) to analyse repeated measures of weight loss outcomes at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for comparison between the three BMI groups. Results: Among the 435 patients, 396 patients (class I: 99, class II: 151, class III: 146) completed 6 months, and 211 patients reached 1 year (class I: 50, class II: 77, class III: 84). There was no difference in age between the groups. In LMM analysis, adjusting for age and sex, we found ESG had a significantly higher TBWL, %TBWL, and BMI decline in class III compared to classes I and -II obesity at all time points (p < 0.001). The adjusted mean %TBWL at 1 year with classes I, -II, and -III obesity was 16.5%, 18.2%, and 20.5%, respectively. The overall complication rate and the hospital stay was identical in the three groups. Conclusion: ESG induced significant weight loss in all classes of obesity. In class III obesity, the weight loss achieved was significantly higher at 1 year. In patients declining or unsuitable for surgery, ESG could be considered as an alternative treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a novel minimally invasive technique in endosurgery. Data is limited as to its efficacy, safety, and predictive factors. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical outcomes of G-POEM and used the outcomes of surgical pyloroplasty as a comparator group in the treatment of refractory gastroparesis.Methods: We searched multiple databases from inception through March 2019 to identify studies that reported on G-POEM and pyloroplasty in gastroparesis. Our primary outcome was to analyze and compare the pooled rates of clinical success, in terms of Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score and 4-h gastric emptying study (GES) results, with G-POEM and pyloroplasty.Results: Three hundred and thirty-two and 375 patients underwent G-POEM (11 studies) and surgical pyloroplasty (seven studies), respectively. The pooled rate of clinical success, based on the GCSI score, with G-POEM was 75.8% (95% CI 68.1-82.1, I2 = 50) and with surgical pyloroplasty was 77.3% (95% CI 66.4-85.4, I2 = 0), with no significance, p = 0.81. The pooled rate of clinical success, based on the 4-hour GES results, with G-POEM was 85.1% (95% CI 68.9-93.7, I2 = 74) and with surgical pyloroplasty was 84% (95% CI 64.4-93.8, I2 = 81), with no significance, p = 0.91. The overall adverse events were comparable. Based on meta-regression analysis, idiopathic gastroparesis, prior treatment with botulinum toxin and gastric stimulator seemed to predict clinical success with G-POEM.Conclusion: G-POEM demonstrates clinical success in treating refractory gastroparesis. Idiopathic gastroparesis, prior treatment with botulinum injections and gastric stimulator appear to have positive predictive effects on the 4-h GES results after G-POEM. Outcomes seem comparable to surgical pyloroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the contrary, 53.5% of the non-DM and 55.8% of the DM patients included in the study had previous obesity surgery. Reporting Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Outcomes Using Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. The exclusion criteria denote "immediate" revision or conversion procedures but do not exclude patients with past obesity surgeries, as ESG remains a viable option for many of these patients [[7]]. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Many trainees lack competence in performing cold snare polypectomy (CSP), and longer observation periods using assessment tools, such as the Cold Snare Polypectomy Assessment Tool (CSPAT), may be required. However, these tools are not commonly used in busy academic endoscopy practices. This study evaluates the concordance between trainee self-assessment of CSP with expert assessment and assesses factors associated with concordance., Method: Consecutive CSPs performed by gastroenterology trainees from 2 institutions were video recorded and rated by 8 blinded experts from 4 different academic institutions in the United States and Singapore using the CSPAT from August 2017 to February 2020. Trainees self-assessed competence for each CSP immediately after the procedure. Concordance between trainee and trainer was reported as percentage of agreement in competence (score of 3 or 4) or not yet competent (score of 1 or 2)., Results: Twenty-two trainees performed 765 colonoscopies with 2,267 CSPs. Concordance was found between expert and trainee assessment of competence for 1,380 CSPs (60.9%; 95% CI, 58.8%-62.9%; weighted κ = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.08-0.16). Trainees underassessed competence for 541 CSPs (23.9%; 95% CI, 22.1%-25.7%) and overassessed competence for 326 CSPs (15.3%; 95% CI, 13.8%-16.8%). Career plan of private practice general gastroenterology (adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.92) and lower colonoscopy volume before study (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.22-0.62) were independently associated with lower likelihood of concordance between expert and trainee assessment of competence. Structured feedback was not associated with concordance, and there was no change as trainees gained experience; however, feedback decreased the proportion of overassessments., Conclusions: There is poor concordance between trainee self-assessment and trainer assessment of CSP. Self-assessment can be used as an initial part of competency assessment, which should then be reconciled with external assessments to improve concordance in assessments., (Copyright © 2025 Written work prepared by employees of the Federal Government as part of their official duties is, under the U.S. Copyright Act, a “work of the United States Government” for which copyright protection under Title 17 of the United States Code is not available. As such, copyright does not extend to the contributions of employees of the Federal Government.)

Competing Interests: Dr Asokkumar is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA; Dr Lopez-Nava is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA. All other authors disclosed no financial relationships.

Device assisted enteroscopy (DAE) like the double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) are postulated to ease small bowel examination and performance of therapy. However, studies comparing the effectiveness of these 2 modalities have yielded varying results. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of SBE and DBE. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent DBE (n = 82) or SBE (n = 45) for small bowel exam in our unit from January 2014 to January 2022. Our primary outcomes were to compare the technical success and diagnostic success rates between DBE and SBE. Our secondary outcomes were to compare the therapeutic success, and complication rates. The main indications were suspected GI bleeding (DBE 41.5% vs SBE 48.9%), iron deficiency anemia (DBE 9.8% vs SBE 4.4%) and small bowel lesions (DBE 28.0% vs SBE 44.4%) detected either from prior capsule endoscopy or radiological imaging. Majority of the enteroscopy exam was by antegrade approach (DBE 67.1% vs SBE 77.8%). We found no significant difference in the technical success (DBE 95.1% vs SBE 97.8%, P = .46), diagnostic success (DBE 69.5% vs SBE 77.8%, P = .36) and the therapeutic success rate (DBE 63.2% vs SBE 54.3%, P = .09) between the groups. Complications occurred in 1 case from each group (mucosal tear). None of the complications were major. In patients who underwent enteroscopy, the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of SBE is similar to DBE. Both procedures were safe with low complication rates., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Video 1Deconstructed steps of the introducer-type PEG insertion technique., Competing Interests: Dr Asokkumar is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA. Dr Soetikno is a consultant for Olympus, USA, and Fujifilm, Japan. All other authors disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this publication. The copyright for all the figures presented is owned by the Academy of Endoscopy, USA (AOE). Drs Asokkumar, Francisco, and Soetikno are members of the AOE, and no additional permissions were required., (© 2024 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Video 1Deconstructed steps of the pull-type PEG insertion technique., Competing Interests: Dr Asokkumar is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA. Dr Soetikno is a consultant for Olympus, USA, and Fujifilm, Japan. All other authors disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this publication., (© 2024 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Our simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum, delivered in person, has been shown to successfully train novices in structured esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). SBML with virtual coaching (VC) has the potential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of endoscopy training and expand access to trainees from around the world. We share our observations conducting an EGD training course using SBML with VC., Methods: We conducted a 1-week virtual SBML course for novice trainees across seven academic centers in the USA and Asia. The cognitive component was delivered using an online learning platform. For technical skills, a virtual coach supervised hands-on training and local coaches provided assistance when needed. At the end of training, an independent rater assessed simulation-based performance using a validated assessment tool. We assessed the clinical performance of 30 EGDs using the ASGE Assessment of Competency in Endoscopy tool. We compared the trainees' scores to our cohort trained using in-person SBML training using non-inferiority t-tests., Results: We enrolled 21 novice trainees (mean age: 30.8 ± 3.6 years; female: 52%). For tip deflection, the trainees reached the minimum passing standard after 31 ± 29 runs and mastery after 52 ± 37 runs. For structured EGD, the average score for the overall exam was 4.6 ± 0.6, similar to the in-person cohort (4.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.49). The knowledge-based assessment was also comparable (virtual coaching: 81.9 ± 0.1; direct coaching: 78.3 ± 0.1; p = 0.385). Over time, our novice trainees reached clinical competence at a similar rate to our historical in-person control., Conclusions: VC appears feasible and effective for training novice gastroenterology trainees. VC allowed us to scale our SBML course, expand access to experts, and administer SBML simultaneously across different sites at the highest standards., Competing Interests: Tonya R. Kaltenbach: Consultant for Verily Life Sciences and Research Support from Olympus. Roy M. Soetikno: Consultant for Olympus and Fujifilm. Amandeep Shergill: Consultant for Boston Scientific. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors. DEN Open published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Competing Interests: R. Asokkumar is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA. J. Ng, C. Francisco, T. Yi Yuan, C. Khor, and M. Cheah declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Background and Aims: Reintervention after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) can be indicated because of postprocedural adverse events from various preinterventional or postprocedural comorbidities. We developed and internally validated an ESG reintervention score (ESG-RS) that determines the individualized risk of reintervention within the first 30 days after ESG., Methods: We used data from a sample of 3583 patients who underwent ESG in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program database (2016-2021). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-penalized regression was used to select the most promising predictors of reintervention after ESG within 30 days. The predictive variables extracted by LASSO regression were entered into multivariate analysis to generate an ESG-RS by using the coefficients of the statistically significant variables. The model performance was assessed using receiver-operator curves by 10-fold cross-validation., Results: Eleven variables were selected by LASSO regression and used in the final multivariate analysis. The ESG-RS was inferred using 5 factors (history of previous foregut surgery, preoperative anticoagulation use, female gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥II, and hypertension) weighted by their regression coefficients in the multivariable logistic regression model. The area under the curve of the ESG-RS was .74 (95% confidence interval, .70-.78). For the ESG-RS, the optimal cutpoint was 67.9 (high risk vs low risk), with a sensitivity of .76 and specificity of .71., Conclusions: The ESG-RS aids clinicians in preoperative risk stratification of patients undergoing ESG while clarifying factors contributing to a higher risk of reintervention., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The rising prevalence of obesity in Singapore is a harbinger for a corresponding increase in obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease. Obesity is a complex disease driven by multiple factors, and hence, treatment cannot follow a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Lifestyle modifications involving dietary interventions, physical activity and behavioural changes remain the cornerstone of obesity management. However, similar to other chronic diseases such as T2DM and hypertension, lifestyle modifications are often insufficient on their own, hence the importance of other treatment modalities including pharmacotherapy, endoscopic bariatric therapy and metabolic-bariatric surgery. Weight loss medications currently approved in Singapore include phentermine, orlistat, liraglutide and naltrexone-bupropion. In recent years, endoscopic bariatric therapies have evolved as an effective, minimally invasive and durable therapeutic option for obesity. Metabolic-bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for patients with severe obesity, with an average weight loss of 25%-30% after one year., Competing Interests: None

Background and Aim: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an effective treatment for obesity. Recently, a novel single-channel endoscopic suturing device has been made available to overcome the need for a double-channel endoscope. However, there is limited evidence evaluating its utility for ESG. In this multicenter study, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of the single-channel suturing device for ESG., Methods: We reviewed the records of 18 patients who underwent ESG using the novel device at the Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, and Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, between 2020-2021. We adopted a "U" suture pattern. Our primary outcome was to assess technical feasibility and safety. The secondary outcome was to determine the percentage of total body weight loss at 1 year., Results: The mean ± SD age and body mass index were 42 ± 8.5 years and 34.9 ± 4.4 kg/m 2 , respectively. The majority were female (61%). ESG was technically successful in 94% ( n  = 17) of patients. Device dislodgement occurred in one patient. We used an average of five sutures (range, 4-8), and the mean ± SD procedure time was 96.5 ± 43.8 min. No complications occurred. The mean ± SD length of stay was 2.3 ± 1.5 days. The mean ± SD percentage of total body weight loss at 6 and 12 months were 16 ± 5.2% and 13.1 ± 5.8%, respectively. We found that >5%, >10%, and >15% total body weight loss was observed in 83.3%, 72.2%, and 56%, respectively., Conclusion: ESG using the single-channel endoscopic suturing system is safe and effective for inducing weight loss at 1 year in patients with obesity., Competing Interests: Dr. Ravishankar Asokkumar is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA. The rest of the authors have no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Authors. DEN Open published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background and Aims: Motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) has been postulated to ease the complexities of the standard-of-care double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). However, there are no comparative studies between MSE and DBE. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes and safety between MSE and DBE., Methods: In this case-matched study, patients were matched 1:2 (MSE/DBE) by age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiology scores. Thirty-one patients who underwent MSE were compared with 62 patients who underwent DBE from 2014 to 2022. Our primary outcomes were to compare the technical and diagnostic success rates between DBE and MSE. Our secondary outcomes were to compare the therapeutic success and adverse event rates., Results: The main indications for enteroscopy were suspected GI bleeding and positive radiologic findings. Prior abdominal surgery was reported in 35.5% and 22.6% of DBE and MSE patients, respectively. Most were antegrade enteroscopy (71%). We found no significant difference in the technical success (DBE 98.4% vs MSE 96.8%, P = .62), diagnostic success (DBE 66.1% vs MSE 54.8%, P = .25), and therapeutic success rates (DBE 62.8% vs MSE 52.9%, P = .62) between the groups. Adverse events occurred in 1 DBE and 11 MSE patients. Most were minor (n = 10, 25.6%). Two patients (5.1%) in the MSE group sustained deep lacerations in the proximal esophagus requiring hospitalization. One developed ileal perforation after MSE needing surgical repair., Conclusions: In patients requiring enteroscopy, the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of MSE is similar to DBE. An increased frequency of adverse events was observed with MSE. There are some restrictions in the indication because of the design of MSE., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The prevalence of obesity has risen exponentially, and patients living with obesity suffer from its debilitating consequences. The treatment options for obesity have expanded significantly and include lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs), and bariatric surgery. Endoscopic bariatric therapies comprise volume-reducing procedures such as endoscopic gastroplasty and gastric space-occupying devices such as intragastric balloons. Because of its minimally invasive nature and ease of delivery, EBTs are increasingly being adopted as a treatment option for obesity in several centers. These procedures mainly achieve weight loss by inducing early satiety and reducing meal volume. While the technical aspects of EBTs have been well explained, the nutritional management surrounding EBTs and the effectiveness of multidisciplinary team for maximizing weight loss is less described. There is considerable variation in post-EBT care between studies and centers. In this paper, we review the existing literature and share our experience on nutrition and the role of multidisciplinary management of obesity following EBT., Competing Interests: Gontrand Lopez Nava is a paid consultant for Apollo Endosurgery and USGI Medical, USA. Ravishankar Asokkumar is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, USA. All other authors have no conflict of interest.

A 77-year-old woman presented with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding requiring multiple hospitalisations and blood transfusions. The patient underwent repeated investigations over four hospital admissions across a span of two months. These included upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, video capsule endoscopy as well as CT enterography, without definitive localisation or treatment of the source of bleeding. Finally, a technetium-99m-labelled red blood cell scan demonstrated a 'blush' at the proximal transverse colon on delayed imaging. Targeted colonoscopic evaluation showed a subcentimetre angiodysplastic lesion in the corresponding spot at the proximal transverse colon with slow persistent oozing. Endoscopic clips were applied with successful haemostasis. The patient recovered well without further symptom recurrence 5 months postdischarge. We review the literature on colonic angiodysplasias and discuss the diagnostic challenges in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background and Aim: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an alternative nonsurgical treatment option for obesity. However, most studies on the utility and efficacy of ESG are derived from the Western population. It is unknown if ESG elicits similar results in Asians with different fat distribution, sociocultural customs, and dietary practices. Our study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of ESG among a multi-ethnic Asian population., Methods: We reviewed 35 patient records who underwent primary ESG for obesity at our unit. We followed a U-shaped suture pattern. Our primary outcome was to assess technical feasibility and safety. The secondary outcome was to determine the percentage total body weight loss (TBWL) at the last follow-up., Results: The mean ± SD age and body mass index were 43.6 ± 11.3 years and 34 ± 4.9 kg/m 2 , respectively. The majority were female (57%) and of Chinese ethnicity (51%). The procedure was technically successful in all patients. We used an average of five sutures (range, 4-7), and the mean ± SD procedure time was 65 ± 10 min. No major complications occurred, and the average length of stay was 1 day. Twenty-one patients completed 3 months of follow-up, and 10 patients 6 months. The mean ± SD TBWL at 3 and 6 months were 14.5 ± 4.8% and 16.2 ± 4.9%, respectively. We observed improvement in diabetes mellitus (87%), fatty liver (86%), and hypertension (58%) during the follow-up., Conclusion: ESG is a safe and effective option for promoting weight loss in a multi-ethnic Asian population. ESG-induced weight loss may improve obesity-related comorbidities., (© 2021 The Authors. JGH Open published by Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Introduction: Although primary endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (P-ESG) is effective, some patients may require revision procedures to augment weight loss. We hypothesized that a non-surgical approach using redo ESG (R-ESG) might be a viable option in such patients. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of R-ESG following P-ESG to treat obesity., Methods: We reviewed the outcome of patients who underwent R-ESG at our unit. We classified them as weight loss failure (WF)-< 10% total body weight (TBWL) at 6-months; weight regain (WR)-lost ≥ 10% TBWL and regained 50% of the maximum weight loss at or after 1-year; weight plateau (WP)-lost ≥ 10% TBWL but could not lose further over 3-months. We analyzed the feasibility, safety, and evaluated the efficacy of R-ESG in each group., Results: Of the 482 patients who underwent P-ESG, 35 (7%) required R- ESG (WF-12, WR-12, WP-11). The mean age, weight, BMI (38.2 kg/m 2 ), and the number of sutures used during P-ESG were similar between the groups. The nadir %TBWL was lowest in WF group compared to WR and WP (6.5% vs. 20% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.001). The mean BMI at R-ESG was 33.6 kg/m 2 . The time to R-ESG was longer in the WR group compared to WF and WP (22.3 vs. 13.4 vs. 13.7 months, p = 0.03). We placed a median of 3 (range 2-6) sutures. R-ESG was technically successful, and no serious complications occurred. All except two patients were discharged on the same day. The overall %TBWL achieved by R-ESG was significantly higher in WP (26%) as compared to WF (11.2%) and WR (12%), respectively (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: The need for R-ESG after P-ESG is low. R-ESG is safe and induced weight loss in all patients. The maximum benefit was observed in WP.

A 61-year-old man was referred to the bariatric endoscopy unit for the management of morbid obesity (BMI 47 kg/m 2 ). He had multiple obesity-related medical comorbidities. His weight gain started 8 years after suffering smoke inhalation syndrome following an industrial accident. He sustained permanent lung parenchymal injury resulting in impaired pulmonary function. His mobility was restricted to a wheelchair and was dependent on long term oxygen therapy. He tried diet and lifestyle intervention but could not achieve significant weight loss. He was referred for bariatric surgery but was declined because of substantial comorbidities, poor pulmonary function, anesthetic risk (ASA Class 4), and risk of complications. After depleting all of his options, he sought us for endoscopic therapy. Following a successful collaboration with the anesthetist, endocrinologist, and nutritionist, we performed an endoscopic gastroplasty using the modified primary obesity surgery endoluminal procedure (POSE-2) and reduced the gastric volume. He recovered immediately without complications and achieved significant weight loss at 10 months (41 kg). He is now able to walk, the oxygen requirements have decreased, and the comorbidities have significantly improved.

Intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy has shown efficacy in weight loss but its role in NAFLD remains unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of IGB in NAFLD. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled proportion of patients with improvement in steatosis as determined by imaging and histology following IGB placement. Nine studies were included in our analysis. Four hundred forty-two IGBs were placed. Improvement in steatosis was seen in 79.2% of patients and NAS in 83.5% of patients, and HOMA-IR score improved in 64.5% of patients. A reduction in liver volume by CT scan was noticed in 93.9% of patients undergoing IGB placement. IGB is an effective and safe short-term therapeutic modality for patients with NAFLD.

Introduction: ESG reduces gastric lumen similar to LSG and induces significant weight loss. However, the metabolic and physiological alteration after ESG is not fully understood. We aim to study the gastrointestinal hormone changes after ESG and compared it with LSG., Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot study comparing ESG and LSG at two centers in Spain. We administered a standard test meal after an overnight fast, and collected blood samples before and after meal. We measured the levels of ghrelin, GLP-1, peptide-YY, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. We evaluated the hormone profile and weight changes (%TBWL) at baseline and at 6 months after the procedure., Results: Twenty-four patients were recruited (ESG-12, LSG-12). The baseline age, sex, BMI, and fasting hormone levels were similar between the groups. At 6-month post-ESG, there was a significant decline in the leptin levels. We found a trend towards a decrease in insulin levels and improvement in insulin secretory pattern. We did not observe any change in fasting ghrelin levels, GLP-1, and PYY. At 6 months, LSG induced a significant reduction in the ghrelin, and leptin levels, and increase in peptide-YY, and adiponectin levels, respectively. A trend towards an increase in GLP-1 level was noted. However, no change in insulin was observed. LSG achieved greater %TBWL (24.4 vs. 13.3, p < 0.001) and significantly change in ghrelin, PYY, and adiponectin levels at 6 months compared to ESG., Conclusion: ESG induced gut hormone changes differently as compared to LSG. ESG prevented a compensatory rise in ghrelin and promoted beneficial changes in the insulin secretory pattern with weight loss.