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Introduction: Acute malignant large bowel obstruction (MBO) occurs in 8%-15% of colorectal cancer patients. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have progressed from a palliative modality to use as bridge to surgery (BTS). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of SEMS for MBO in our institution. Methods: The data of patients undergoing SEMS insertion for MBO were reviewed. Technical success was defined as successful SEMS deployment across tumour without complications. Clinical success was defined as colonic decompression without requiring further surgical intervention. Rates of complications, median time to surgery, types of surgery and rates of recurrence were studied. Results: Seventy-nine patients underwent emergent SEMS placement from September 2013 to February 2020. Their mean age was 68.8 ± 13.8 years and 43 (54%) patients were male. Mean tumour length was 4.2 cm ± 2.2 cm; 89.9% of malignant strictures were located distal to the splenic flexure. Technical and clinical success was 94.9% and 98.7%, respectively. Perforation occurred in 5.1% of patients, with none having stent migration or bleeding. Fifty (63.3%) patients underwent SEMS insertion as BTS. Median time to surgery was 20 (range 6-57) days. Most (82%) patients underwent minimally invasive surgery. Primary anastomosis rate was 98%. Thirty-nine patients had follow-up beyond 1-year posttreatment (median 34 months). Local recurrence and distant metastasis were observed in 4 (10.3%) and 5 (12.8%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: Insertion of SEMS for acute MBO has high success rates and a good safety profile. Most patients in this audit underwent minimally invasive surgery and primary anastomosis after successful BTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CHILD syndrome is an X‐linked dominant disorder associated with pathogenic mutations in the NSDHL gene. The condition is predominantly found in females as it is lethal in males. Most cases present at birth with extensive unilateral ichthyosiform erythroderma involving the trunk and limbs. Milder and less extensive presentations have been reported, leading to misdiagnosis especially during early childhood. Methods and Results: We report an adult female of Malay ancestry who presented with minimal skin and limb involvement. She was only diagnosed in adulthood when she presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and worsening of skin manifestations. The clinical diagnosis was suspected after a combination of clinical, pathological and immunohistochemistry correlation, and molecularly confirmed with the discovery of a frameshift variant in NSDHL. The novel variant was inherited from her mother who had some linear hypopigmented patches over the medial aspects of both her arms and right forearm. Conclusion: We uncovered a novel frameshift variant associated with presentations that cast a new light on the clinical features of CHILD syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined the efficacy and safety of cholangiopancreatoscopy via the SpyGlass™ system in routine clinical practice.Methods: The clinical data of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in a regional hospital from January 2013 to November 2016 was retrieved from an electronic database and reviewed. All patients who had undergone SpyGlass cholangiopancreatoscopy were enrolled. Patient demographics, procedure indication, technical success rates, clinical success rates and complication rates were analysed. A subanalysis of clinical outcomes was performed comparing the SpyGlass legacy (fibreoptic) and digital systems.Results: Out of 2,050 ERCP procedures performed, 47 patients underwent 50 cholangiopancreatoscopy procedures. Clinical indications were difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones (59.6%, n = 28), indeterminate CBD stricture (36.2%, n = 17), indeterminate pancreatic duct stricture (2.1%, n = 1) and proximally migrated CBD stent (2.1%, n = 1). Complete stone extraction was achieved in 26 (92.9%) out of 28 patients. Among patients with strictures, a correct diagnosis of malignancy based on image visualisation was achieved in all 11 cases. The sensitivity and specificity for SpyBite™ biopsies were 81.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.2%-97.7%) and 100.0% (95% CI 15.8%-100.0%), respectively. The proximally migrated CBD stent was successfully extracted. Complications included pancreatitis (2.1%, n = 1), suspected sealed perforation after laser lithotripsy treated conservatively (2.1%, n = 1) and cholangitis (10.6%, n = 5). There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the SpyGlass legacy (n = 20) and digital (n = 30) systems.Conclusion: SpyGlass cholangiopancreatoscopy is a safe and effective tool in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) provides a higher en bloc and R0 resection rate than endoscopic mucosal resection. Colorectal ESD is not widely used because of its technical difficulty and risk of complications, especially for right-sided colonic lesions. We audited the clinical outcomes of our initial experience with colorectal ESD.Methods: We reviewed data collected from a prospective registry of patients who underwent colorectal ESD from December 2014 to March 2018. Therapeutic outcomes and procedure-related complications were analysed.Results: A total of 41 patients (mean age 67.4 years, 21 male) underwent colorectal ESD. The distribution of the lesions was as follows: rectum (n = 9), sigmoid colon (n = 8), descending colon (n = 6), splenic flexure (n = 1), transverse colon (n = 5), ascending colon (n = 8) and caecum (n = 4). The mean size was 23 (range 12-50) mm. En bloc resection was achieved in 35 (85.4%) out of 41 patients, and R0 resection or clear resection margins was achieved in 33 (94.3%) of the en bloc resection patients. The lesion was upstaged in 14 (34.1%) patients after ESD. Colonic perforation occurred in 3 (7.3%) patients during ESD and was successfully treated with endoscopic clips. There was no procedure-related bleeding. No patient required surgery for management of complications. The median duration of hospitalisation was 1 (range 0-7) day. Four patients with lesions that were upstaged after ESD, from high-grade dysplasia to intramucosal carcinoma with deep submucosal invasion, were referred for colectomy.Conclusion: Our early outcome data was comparable to that from large published series. ESD is an effective and feasible treatment for colorectal lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Antibiotic resistance is an important cause of H. pylori treatment failure. This study aimed to examine the change in H. pylori antibiotic resistance profile in Singapore over the course of 15 years. Materials and methods The study period was from 2000 to 2014. Gastric mucosal biopsies obtained from H. pylori-positive patients were cultured. Antibiotic susceptibility to metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin was tested. The change in resistance rates over time was analyzed. Results A total of 708 H. pylori isolates were cultured. There was a significant increase in resistance rates for metronidazole (2000-2002: 24.8%; 2012-2014: 48.2%; p < .001), clarithromycin (2000-2002: 7.9%; 2012-2014: 17.1%; p = .022), and levofloxacin (2000-2002: 5%; 2012-2014: 14.7%; p = .007). The resistance rates for tetracycline (2000-2002: 5%; 2012-2014: 7.6%) and amoxicillin (2000-2002: 3%; 2012-2014: 4.4%) remained stable. Increase in dual (2000-2002: 6.9%; 2012-2014: 9.4%; p = .479) and triple antibiotic resistance rates (2000-2002: 0; 2012-2014: 7.6%; p < .001) were observed. Overall, the most common dual and triple resistance patterns were metronidazole/clarithromycin (4.4%) and metronidazole/clarithromycin/levofloxacin (1.8%), respectively. Conclusions Over 15 years, H. pylori resistance rates to metronidazole, clarithromycin and levofloxacin had increased. There was increased resistance to multiple antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic transenteric stenting is the standard treatment for pseudocysts, but it may be inadequate for treating infected collections with solid debris. Surgical necrosectomy results in significant morbidity. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN), a minimally invasive treatment, may be a viable option. This study examined the efficacy and safety of DEN for the treatment of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and infected pseudocysts with solid debris.Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of data collected from a prospective database of patients who underwent DEN in the presence of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis or infected pseudocysts with solid debris from April 2007 to October 2011. DEN was performed as a staged procedure. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transgastric stenting was performed during the first session for initial drainage and to establish endoscopic access to the infected collection. In the second session, the drainage tract was dilated endoscopically to allow transgastric passage of an endoscope for endoscopic necrosectomy. Outcome data included technical success, clinical success and complication rates.Results: Eight patients with infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis or infected pseudocysts with solid debris (mean size 12.5 cm; range 7.8-17.2 cm) underwent DEN. Underlying aetiologies included severe acute pancreatitis (n = 6) and post-pancreatic surgery (n = 2). DEN was technically successful in all patients. Clinical resolution was achieved in seven patients. One patient with recurrent collection opted for surgery instead of repeat endotherapy. No procedural complications were encountered.Conclusion: DEN is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and infected pseudocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) provides a higher en bloc and R0 resection rate than endoscopic mucosal resection. Colorectal ESD is not widely used because of its technical difficulty and risk of complications, especially for right-sided colonic lesions. We audited the clinical outcomes of our initial experience with colorectal ESD., Methods: We reviewed data collected from a prospective registry of patients who underwent colorectal ESD from December 2014 to March 2018. Therapeutic outcomes and procedure-related complications were analysed., Results: A total of 41 patients (mean age 67.4 years, 21 male) underwent colorectal ESD. The distribution of the lesions was as follows: rectum (n = 9), sigmoid colon (n = 8), descending colon (n = 6), splenic flexure (n = 1), transverse colon (n = 5), ascending colon (n = 8) and caecum (n = 4). The mean size was 23 (range 12-50) mm. En bloc resection was achieved in 35 (85.4%) out of 41 patients, and R0 resection or clear resection margins was achieved in 33 (94.3%) of the en bloc resection patients. The lesion was upstaged in 14 (34.1%) patients after ESD. Colonic perforation occurred in 3 (7.3%) patients during ESD and was successfully treated with endoscopic clips. There was no procedure-related bleeding. No patient required surgery for management of complications. The median duration of hospitalisation was 1 (range 0-7) day. Four patients with lesions that were upstaged after ESD, from high-grade dysplasia to intramucosal carcinoma with deep submucosal invasion, were referred for colectomy., Conclusion: Our early outcome data was comparable to that from large published series. ESD is an effective and feasible treatment for colorectal lesions., (Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.)

Introduction: This study examined the efficacy and safety of cholangiopancreatoscopy via the SpyGlass™ system in routine clinical practice., Methods: The clinical data of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in a regional hospital from January 2013 to November 2016 was retrieved from an electronic database and reviewed. All patients who had undergone SpyGlass cholangiopancreatoscopy were enrolled. Patient demographics, procedure indication, technical success rates, clinical success rates and complication rates were analysed. A subanalysis of clinical outcomes was performed comparing the SpyGlass legacy (fibreoptic) and digital systems., Results: Out of 2,050 ERCP procedures performed, 47 patients underwent 50 cholangiopancreatoscopy procedures. Clinical indications were difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones (59.6%, n = 28), indeterminate CBD stricture (36.2%, n = 17), indeterminate pancreatic duct stricture (2.1%, n = 1) and proximally migrated CBD stent (2.1%, n = 1). Complete stone extraction was achieved in 26 (92.9%) out of 28 patients. Among patients with strictures, a correct diagnosis of malignancy based on image visualisation was achieved in all 11 cases. The sensitivity and specificity for SpyBite™ biopsies were 81.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.2%-97.7%) and 100.0% (95% CI 15.8%-100.0%), respectively. The proximally migrated CBD stent was successfully extracted. Complications included pancreatitis (2.1%, n = 1), suspected sealed perforation after laser lithotripsy treated conservatively (2.1%, n = 1) and cholangitis (10.6%, n = 5). There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the SpyGlass legacy (n = 20) and digital (n = 30) systems., Conclusion: SpyGlass cholangiopancreatoscopy is a safe and effective tool in routine clinical practice., (Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.)

Background and Objective: EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) with acquisition of tissue core is possible with the use of 19G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and dedicated biopsy needles. Published data of direct comparisons between biopsy needles are more limited compared to the abundant data comparing EUS-FNA with EUS-FNB. We performed a retrospective study to determine the difference in histologic yield between 19G FNA needle and EUS-FNB needles in patients with solid masses., Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNB of solid masses from January 2014 to July 2018 were identified from a database. The difference in histologic yield between needles was analyzed., Results: A total of 159 patients underwent 179 EUS-FNB procedures (median of 2 needle passes [range: 1-4]). The use of 19G FNA, 19G, 20G, and 22G FNB needles allowed acquisition of a histologic core in 67.4% (29/43), 72.5% (29/40), 82.1% (46/56), and 75.9% (22/29), respectively (P = 0.368). A significant difference in the yield of histologic core was detected when 19G FNA needle was compared with 22G Acquire™ FNB needle (67.4% [29/43] vs. 94.1% [16/17], P = 0.032). The presence of histologic core was significantly associated with a positive diagnosis (95.6% vs. 30.2%, P < 0.0001)., Conclusion: EUS-FNB with acquisition of histologic core improved the diagnostic yield. Dedicated FNB needles appeared to achieve a higher yield of histologic core compared to 19G FNA needles., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of walled-off pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) (pseudocyst [PC]; walled-off necrosis [WON]) utilizes double pigtail plastic stents (PS) and the newer large diameter fully covered self-expandable stents (FCSEMS) customized for PFC drainage. This study examined the impact of type of stent on clinical outcomes and costs., Patients and Methods: Retrospective two-center study. Outcome variables were technical and clinical success, need for repeat procedures, need for direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN), and procedure-related costs., Results: A total of 49 (PC: 31, WON: 18) patients were analyzed. Initially, PS was used in 37 and FCSEMS in 12. Repeat transmural drainage was required in 14 (PS: 13 [9 treated with PS, 4 treated with FCSEMS]; FCSEMS: 1 [treated with PS]) due to stent migration (PS: 3; FCSEMS: 1) or inadequate drainage (PS: 10). Technical success was 100%. Initial clinical success was 64.9% (25/38) for PS versus 91.7% (11/12) for FCSEMS ( P = 0.074). With repeat transmural stenting, final clinical success was achieved in 94.6% and 100%, respectively ( P = 0.411). Compared to FCSEMS, PS was associated with greater need for repeat drainage (34.2% vs . 6.3%, P = 0.032). The need for and frequency of DEN was similar between both groups, but PS required more frequent balloon dilatation. PS was significantly cheaper for noninfected PC. Costs were similar for infected PC and WON., Conclusion: PS was associated with a higher need for a second drainage procedure to achieve clinical success. The use of FCSEMS did not increase procedural costs for infected PC and WON.

Background and Study Aims: Two 22G needles with similar designs, apart from the absence (A) or presence of a side port (B), are available for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The side port was designed to increase diagnostic yield but this advantage was unproven. This study evaluated the difference in diagnostic yield between both needles in pancreatic masses., Patients and Methods: This was a prospective multicenter randomized cross-over study. Patients with pancreatic masses were randomized to one needle for the first two passes, followed by the other for the next two passes. A pathologist blinded to the needle assessed each puncture for cellularity and morphology. The diagnostic yield between both needles was compared., Results: In total, 30 patients were recruited (mean lesion size: 3.5 cm, range: 1.2 - 6.3). Comparison of cellularity adequacy: first pass: A vs. B: 26/30 vs. 24/30 (P = 0.488): 2nd pass: A vs. B: 25/30 vs. 26/30 (P = 0.718). Comparison of diagnostic accuracy: first pass: A vs. B: 22/30 vs. 23/30 (P = 0.766); after two passes: A vs. B: 26/30 vs. 26/30 (P = 1.0). When all four passes were assessed, adequate cellularity was obtained in 29/30 and the correct diagnosis was obtained in 28/30 patients. There were no procedural complications., Conclusions: There was no significant difference in diagnostic yield between EUSFNA needles with or without a side port for pancreatic masses., Study Registration: NCT02092519.

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with varied morphological complications, including intraductal stones, main pancreatic ductal strictures, distal biliary strictures and pseudocysts. Endoscopic therapy provides a less invasive alternative to surgery. In addition, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy improves the success rate of endoscopic clearance of intraductal stones. However, recent data from randomised trials have shown better long-term outcomes with surgical drainage for obstructive pancreatic ductal disease. In patients with distal biliary strictures, stent insertion leads to good immediate drainage, but after stent removal, recurrent narrowing is common. Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts has excellent outcome and should be accompanied by pancreatic ductal stenting when a ductal communication is evident. In those who remain symptomatic, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coeliac plexus block may provide effective but short-term pain relief. In this review, we present the current evidence for the role of endotherapy in the management of patients with chronic pancreatitis.