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Background and Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided celiac plexus block (CPB) for pain relief in chronic pancreatitis (CP) has wide variation in results as reported in the literature. The objective was to find out the efficacy of EUS-CPB in painful CP from our region where phenotype of CP is different from West and to find out factors favoring response to EUS-CPB.

Background/Aims Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) are a relatively novel option for treating painful main pancreatic duct refractory strictures in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Herein, we aimed to assess the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of FCSEMSs in this patient group. Methods This prospective single-center study included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography with FCSEMS placement. The primary endpoints were the technical and clinical success rates. A reduction in visual analog scale pain score of >50% compared with that before stent placement was defined as clinical success. Secondary endpoints were resolution of pancreatic strictures on fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and the development of stent-related adverse events. Results Thirty-six patients were included in the analysis. The technical success rate was 100% (n=36) and the clinical success rate was 86.1% (n=31). There was a significant increase in stricture diameter from 1.7 mm to 3.5 mm (p

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms are rare causes of massive hemoptysis, even less common in setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. We describe and discuss an index case of cavitating COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm without concomitant pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient presented with severe hemoptysis and was managed by endovascular coil embolization. Good technical and clinical success was achieved with complete resolution of hemoptysis.

Abstract Myositis is one of the uncommon adverse events following COVID‐19 vaccination, and its mechanism is still unclear. A strong clinical suspicion and further evaluation are important not only for early diagnosis and management but also for better understanding of the unprecedented effects of this novel vaccine. We present a case of myositis following the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 Corona Virus Vaccine, evidenced by serology and MRI.

The term “obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding” is often replaced by “small bowel bleeding” by some authors. It accounts to 5%–10% of overall GI bleeding. We need to suspect obscure or small bowel bleeding when no source of bleeding is identified during routine standard endoscopy and colonoscopy. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE), balloon enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy, etc., are some of the advances in small bowel evaluation that have improved the ability to detect the source of bleeding. The common causes in patients with 40 or more years of age are Angioectasia, Dieulafoy's lesions, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers, and neoplasm. Black tarry stools with characteristic smell (melena) and/or passing of red blood from rectum (hematochezia) is the most common presentation. Routine performance of second look endoscopy is not always a cost-effective approach. The current available evidence is sufficient to suggest VCE as the first endoscopic investigation in diagnosis of obscure GI bleeding. In routine clinical practice the double balloon enteroscopy, single balloon enteroscopy, and spiral enteroscopy are the three different armamentariums available for evaluating small bowel. Motorized spiral enteroscopy (power spiral) is the new addition to it. Patients in whom the source of bleeding is not identified after appropriate small bowel evaluation should be initially managed conservatively with oral or intravenous iron therapy (strong recommendation). Medical management with iron supplements, somatostatin analogs, or antiangiogenic treatment should be administered to the patients with persistent and recurrent bleeding. The evaluation of small bowel in patients with obscure GI bleeding is a challenging task. There is a huge data on each of the modality involved in investigating small bowel. Systematic review of the topic is need of the hour to help understand the concept of diagnosis and management of obscure GI bleeding.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is ongoing pandemic of the 21st century. The noninvasive assessment includes serum biomarkers, predictive models, and imaging modalities. The “Steato test,” “NAFLD liver fat score,” and “Fatty liver index” are models developed for noninvasive assessment of hepatic steatosis. Out of the imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction is the most sensitive test to detect hepatic steatosis. Out of the various serum biomarkers to detect nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cytokeratin-18 has been the most widely investigated. Recent approach for the diagnosis of NASH has targeted research toward genetic biomarkers such as PNPLA3 and microRNAs. However, none of the presently available biomarkers or imaging modalities are able to differentiate simple hepatic steatosis from NASH with a high sensitivity and specificity. Different models have been developed to predict fibrosis which are aspartate transaminase (AST)/platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis (NFS) score and body mass index, AST: Alanine transaminase Ratio, diabetes (BARD) score. The accuracy of BARD, APRI, FIB-4, and NFS to detect advanced liver fibrosis was found to be of 0.76, 0.77, 0.84, and 0.84, respectively, in a large meta-analysis. Transient elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse, and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) are imaging techniques available to detect liver fibrosis. MRE has shown to have a pooled accuracy 0.96 to detect advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Noninvasive tests may not completely replace liver biopsy, but it may help to avoid it where probability of fibrosis is low.

Background/Aims: The Padlock clip is a recently introduced over-the-scope clip (OTSC) that requires the use of an alternate technique and has a different design from previous OTSCs. However, data regarding its clinical use are limited. The aim of this study is to present our clinical experience using this novel Padlock clip system. Methods: Between September 2018 and June 2019, 7 consecutive patients underwent Padlock clip application at our center by an experienced endoscopist. A Padlock clip was used for achieving hemostasis in 4 patients presenting with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, as well as for endoscopic full-thickness resection in the remaining 3 patients. Results: All 7 patients achieved technical as well as clinical success, with absence of complications or rebleeding, during a follow-up of a minimum of 3 weeks. All patients were hospitalized post procedure for a minimum of 48 hours, and an absence of adverse events was noted in our patient population throughout the procedure and post-procedure period. Antiplatelet therapy was reinstated shortly after the application of the Padlock clip, with no GI bleeding observed. Conclusions: The Padlock clip is a novel OTSC, with benefits that include safe, simple, and rapid deployment. Antiplatelet therapy may be reinstated for patients, when necessary, shortly after applying the Padlock clip due to full-thickness closure of the tissue.

Periampullary diverticula (PAD) have been encountered in 5.9 to 18.5% of patients during all the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Cannulation in the presence of PAD can sometimes be difficult, time consuming, and often requires a higher level of endoscopic skills. Several techniques have been reported to facilitate and increase the chances of successful bile duct cannulation in the presence of PAD. The two-devices in one-channel method has been sparingly used. It involves the simultaneous use of a biopsy forceps and another instrument, either a cannula or sphincterotome through the same working channel. We successfully performed ERCP in three cases, where bile duct cannulation was performed in the setting of intradiverticular papilla using two-devices in one-channel method. We feel that the two-devices in one-channel method can be very useful and positioned higher up in the algorithm for successful cannulation in patients with PAD.

Background Colonoscopy is a principal diagnostic tool for most colonic disorders. Adequate bowel preparation is essential for proper visualization of the mucosa. The aim of this study was to compare the tolerability, efficacy, and safety profile of 1 L of oral sulfate solution (OSS) in comparison to 2 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. Methods In this single-center prospective study conducted at our institute, patients were randomly assigned to receive either OSS or PEG solutions for colonoscopy preparation. Patients enrolled in either group completed a questionnaire assessing the taste of the solution used, adverse effects, and number of stools passed. Grading of the bowel cleansing quality was done as per Boston Bowel Preparation (BBP) score. Results Total of 400 patients, with 222 patients in the PEG group and 178 patients in the OSS group, were assessed. In the PEG group, 148 (66.75%) patients were males and in the OSS group 112 (62.9%) patients were males. There was no statistical significance on comparison of the taste as “good” or “bad” in both groups. All the adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity and their frequencies were comparable for both the groups. The OSS group had better bowel preparation as per the BBP score (p = 0.021) and lesser cecal intubation time (p = 0.028). Conclusion The present study demonstrated that 1 L of OSS is better than the well-established 2 L PEG solution, in terms of bowel preparation and shorter time to cecal intubation.

Background/Aims To evaluate patients with portal hypertension (PH) of varied etiologies for portal hypertensive enteropathy (PHE) using the PillCam SB3 capsule endoscopy (CE) system. Methods Consecutive patients with PH presenting with unexplained anemia and/or occult gastrointestinal bleeding were evaluated using the PillCam SB3 CE system. Abnormal findings were categorized as vascular or non-vascular. The patients with ongoing bleeding caused by PHE were treated. The correlation of the CE scores of PHE with the clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic features was determined. Results Of the 43 patients included in the study, 41 (95.3%) showed PHE findings. These included varices (67.4%), red spots (60.5%), erythema (44.2%), villous edema (46.5%), telangiectasia (16.3%), and polyps (16.3%). The CE scores varied from 0 to 8 (mean±standard deviation, 4.09±1.8). Five patients (11.6%) showed evidence of ongoing or recent bleeding due to PHE. Three of these five patients underwent endotherapy, and one patient underwent radiological coil placement. Conclusions The PillCam SB3 CE system revealed a high prevalence of PHE in the patients with PH. Using this system, evidence of bleeding due to PHE was found in a small but definite proportion of the patients.

Routine screening prior to endoscopic procedures includes ordering a panel of tests on all patients undergoing endoscopic procedures without seeking any history and physical examination of the patients. These laboratory testing increases the cost burden on the patient but can have a strong impact on complications after endoscopic procedures. Selective preoperative tests (i.e., tests ordered after consideration of careful history taking and physical examination) may assist in making decisions about the process of perioperative assessment and management. We believe that the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India should take initiative to draw its own position paper / guideline in view of the strong impact on cost and medico-legal issue in an Indian setting.

Background/Aims Direct endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy is increasingly being utilized to treat infected or symptomatic walled-off necrosis (WON) located close to the stomach or duodenum. Laterally-placed WON has traditionally been treated surgically. We evaluated a less utilized technique of sinus tract endoscopy (STE) for symptomatic laterally-placed WON. Methods Two hundred seventy-six patients with acute pancreatitis admitted in our hospital, 32 had symptomatic or infected WON requiring intervention. Of the 12 patients with laterally placed WON, 10 were treated by STE. STE was performed with a standard adult gastroscope passed through a percutaneous tract created by the placement of a 32-Fr drain. Results Ten patients (7 males; mean age, 43.8 years) underwent STE. Mean number of sessions was 2.3 (range, 1–4), with mean time of 70 minutes for each session (range, 15–70 minutes). While 9 patients had complete success, 1 patient had fever and chose to undergo surgery. Two patients developed pneumoperitoneum, which was treated conservatively. There was no mortality, cutaneous fistula, or recurrence during follow-up. Conclusions Laterally placed WON can be successfully managed by STE performed through a percutaneously placed drain. Details of the technique and end-points of STE require further evaluation.

Background/Aims The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a device used for endoscopic closure of perforations, leaks and fistulas, and for endoscopic hemostasis. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of OTSC. Methods Between October 2013 and November 2015, 12 patients underwent OTSC placement by an experienced endoscopist. OTSC was used for the closure of gastrointestinal (GI) leaks and fistula in six patients, three of which were iatrogenic (esophageal, gastric, and duodenal) and three of which were inflammatory. In six patients, OTSC was used for hemostasis of non-variceal upper GI bleeding. Endoscopic tattooing using India ink was used to assist the accurate placement of the clip. Results All subjects except one with a colonic defect experienced immediate technical success as well as long-term clinical success, during a mean follow-up of 6 weeks. Only one clip was required to close each of the GI defects and to achieve hemostasis in all patients. There were no misfirings or complications of clips. The procedure was well tolerated, and patients were hospitalized for an average of 8 days (range, 3 to 10). Antiplatelet therapy was continued in patients with GI bleeding. Conclusions In our experience, OTSC was safe and effective for the closure of GI defect and to achieve hemostasis of non-variceal GI bleeding.

We report a rare case of a patient of choledocholithiasis who underwent CBD stone removal with pigtail biliary stenting four year back, presenting with proximal migration of stent piercing the left lobe of liver. The stent was removed at laparotomy, by doing hepatotomy. We discuss this unreported case of proximal migration of pigtail biliary stent through surface of left lobe of liver.

Background/Aims: The etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB) is variable in different geographical regions. Epidemiological data are helpful in knowing the burden of the problem. This study was conducted to know the etiological spectrum, mortality, morbidity, and predictors of outcome in patients with acute UGIB. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients admitted to our hospital between January 2013 and May 2015, with UGIB and noted the clinical presentation, etiology of bleed, and outcome. Results: A total of 337 patients [272 (80.7%) male, 65 (19.3%) female (male:female ratio: 4:1)] of UGIB were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 55.11 ± 14.8 years (Range - 14–85 years). The most common etiology of UGIB was peptic ulcer (40.05%) followed by varices (33%). Majority of patients were managed medically. Endotherapy was required only in 33% patients. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.6 ± 5.79 days. Rebleed was seen in 11 (3.2) patients and surgery was required in 6 (1.7%). In hospital, mortality was 2.6%. Age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.108–29.266), serum albumin 2 mg/dl (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.068–8.591) were associated with increased mortality. Conclusions: Peptic ulcer disease is still the most common cause of UGIB. Majority of patients can be managed medically. Rebleed rate, need for surgery, and mortality due to UGIB are declining. Elderly age (>65), hypoalbuminemia serum albumin2) are important factors associated with increased mortality.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic idiopathic disorder involving the skin and mucosal surfaces. Although oral mucosal involvement is common, esophageal LP (ELP) is uncommon and also under-reported. Here, we present a case of ELP who was symptomatic with dysphagia for a year, but was untreated. Increasing awareness of this condition can help identify more cases and increase our understanding of this uncommon but interesting condition.

Nanotechnology is the understanding, control of matter and development of engineered devices in nanometer range (1-100 nm). Nanoparticles have different physicochemical properties (small size, large surface area to volume ratio, and high reactivity) in comparison to bulk materials of the same composition. The nanotechnology has proved its usefulness in early diagnosis, proteonomics, imaging diagnostics and multifunctional therapeutics. Recent studies have shown its role in early diagnosis and targeted therapy of various gastrointestinal disorders such as hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus related liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric ulcer, and malignancy. Application of this technology appears promising in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy such as the endoscopic hemostasis of peptic ulcer bleeding, prevention of clogging of plastic stent and advance capsule endoscopy. This article will highlight the basic concepts of nanotechnology and its potential application in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Gastric varices are the probable source of bleeding in 10-36% of patients, with acute variceal bleeding and carry high mortality and rebleeding rates. Till date, cyanoacrylate glue injection is considered as the standard of care but has high complication rate. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided coil placement is a new emerging technique of management of gastric varices. In this case report, we detail the EUS guided coil placement for management of gastric varices after failed glue injections.

Gossypiboma is term given for retained piece of cotton/sponge during surgery. The incidence of gossypiboma has described as 1 in 1000-3000 surgeries. Incidence is underestimated because of underreporting due to fear of medico-legal litigation and extreme criticism by media. Intraluminal migration is a rare complication of gossypiboma. Small intestine is most common intraluminal site followed by duodenum. Here, we report sixth case of transgastric migration of gossypiboma.

Detection of bleeding lesion in a patient of acute overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is a real challenge. Recently, authors have showed superiority of urgent capsule endoscopy (CE) over angiography in patients with acute overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Focal type of intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Here, we describe a case of focal lymphangiectasia who presented to us with acute overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and diagnosed by urgent CE.