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Background/Aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) using Franseen needles is reportedly useful for its high diagnostic yield. This study compared the diagnostic yield and puncturing ability of EUS-TA using 22-gauge cobalt-chromium (CO-Cr) needles with those of stainless-steel Franseen needles in patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Methods Outcomes were compared between the 22-gauge Co-Cr Franseen needle (December 2019 to November 2020; group C) and stainless-steel needle (November 2020 to May 2022; group S). Results A total of 155 patients (group C, 75; group S, 80) were eligible. The diagnostic accuracy was 92.0% in group C and 96.3% in group S with no significant intergroup differences (p=0.32). The rate of change in the operator (from training fellows to experts) was 20.0% (15/75) in group C and 7.5% (6/80) in group S. Stainless-steel Franseen needles showed less inter-operator difference than Co-Cr needles (p=0.03). Conclusions Both Co-Cr and stainless-steel Franseen needles showed high diagnostic ability. Stainless-steel Franseen needles are soft and flexible; therefore, the range of puncture angles can be widely adjusted, making them suitable for training fellows to complete the procedure.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is technically challenging. For example, scope insertion, selective cannulation, and intended procedures, such as stone extraction or stent placement, can be difficult. Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been used to effectively and safely address these technical issues in clinical practice. However, the small working channel limits its therapeutic potential. To address this shortcoming, a short-type SBE (short SBE) with a working length of 152 cm and a channel of 3.2 mm diameter has recently been introduced. Short SBE facilitates the use of larger accessories to complete certain procedures, such as stone extraction or self-expandable metallic stent placement. Despite the development in the SBE endoscope, various steps have to be overcome to successfully perform such procedure. To improve success, the challenging factors of each procedure must be identified. At the same time, endoscopists need to be mindful of adverse events, such as perforation, which can arise due to adhesions specific to the surgically altered anatomy. This review discussed technical tips regarding SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy to increase success and reduce the risk of adverse events associated with ERCP.

Abstract Scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC) is diagnosed using endoscopy and/or biopsy; however, SGC diagnosis remains challenging owing to its special growth form and morphologic features. Hence, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA), which is minimally invasive and has a high proportion of diagnostic tissue, may be an alternative investigative modality for patients with suspected SGC. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify and evaluate the evidence for the efficacy and safety of EUS‐FNA in patients with suspected SGC. We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and Ichushi‐Web (NPO Japan Medical Abstracts Society) databases and included all entries in which SGC was evaluated using EUS‐FNA in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement from the databases′ inception to October 10, 2022. The primary outcome was the proportion of SGC diagnosed using EUS‐FNA. In addition, we analyzed the proportion of adverse events associated with EUS‐FNA. The electronic search identified 1890 studies; overall, four studies met the selection criteria and reported data on EUS‐FNA performed on 114 patients with suspected SGC. The overall diagnostic yield of EUS‐FNA for SGC was 82.6% (95% confidence interval, 74.6–90.6%) and the statistical heterogeneity was 0% (I2 = 0%), indicating a low heterogeneity. Furthermore, the EUS‐FNA diagnostic proportion for SGC lymph node metastasis was 75–100%, indicating a high diagnostic performance. The adverse event rate of EUS‐FNA was 0%. EUS‐FNA may be an alternative investigation mode for SGC patients with negative esophagogastroduodenoscopy‐biopsy results.

Abstract Background Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease (ME/CFS/SEID) is a condition diagnosed primarily based on clinical symptoms, including prolonged fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, there is no specific test for the disease. Additionally, diagnosis can be challenging since healthcare professionals may lack sufficient knowledge about the disease. Prior studies have shown that patients with ME/CFS/SEID have low serum acylcarnitine levels, which may serve as a surrogate test for patients suspected of having this disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the differences in serum acylcarnitine levels between patients with ME/CFS/SEID and healthy controls. Methods This systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Ichushi-Web databases. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, we included all studies from the databases’ inception until February 17, 2023, that evaluated blood tests in both patients with ME/CFS/SEID and healthy control groups. The primary endpoint was the difference in serum acylcarnitine levels between the two groups. Results The electronic search identified 276 studies. Among them, seven met the eligibility criteria. The serum acylcarnitine levels were analyzed in 403 patients with ME/CFS/SEID. The patient group had significantly lower serum acylcarnitine levels when compared with the control group, and the statistical heterogeneity was high. Conclusion The patient group had significantly lower serum acylcarnitine levels when compared with the control group. In the future, the measurement of serum acylcarnitine levels, in addition to clinical symptoms, may prove to be a valuable diagnostic tool for this condition.

Background and Aims: Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) are used for treating gastrointestinal perforations, postoperative anastomotic leakages, and mucosal defect closure after endoscopic resections. However, OTSCs are expensive and associated with fatal complications; therefore, proper OTSC usage is necessary. Criteria of OTSC use for mucosal defect closure after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are scarce. We examined closure outcomes with OTSCs and conventional clips in patients undergoing duodenal ESD, analyzed the resected specimen area, estimated the preoperative size of tumors treated with each method, and attempted to clarify the criteria for the use of OTSCs vs conventional clips. Methods: Endoscopic resection was performed for 133 superficial duodenal epithelial tumors from April 2017 to February 2022. Complete closure of mucosal defects after duodenal ESD was attempted for 82 superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors, divided into OTSC and control (conventional clips used) groups. Closure outcomes were analyzed. Results: The overall rate of complete mucosal defect closure in both groups was 98.8%. Significant between-group differences existed in the median estimated tumor size and median resected specimen area. Conclusion: Conventional clips work well for mucosal defects ≤18 mm after duodenal ESD, but for those >18 mm, a combination of OTSCs may be considered.

Abstract Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a difficult procedure, and its introduction to trainees has been debated. Although the criteria for performing colorectal ESD vary among institutions, it is often allowed after gaining experience performing surgeries in animals and upper gastrointestinal ESD. This pilot study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of ESD performed by trainees using the multi-loop traction device (MLTD group) and those of conventional ESD performed by experts (control group). It also aimed to determine whether the MLTD can be used to safely introduce colorectal ESD to trainees. We included 26 colorectal ESD patients (13 in the MLTD group and 13 in the control group) treated at our hospital from October to December 2021. There were no significant differences in the procedure time (50 min vs. 30 min), dissection speed (19.9 mm2/min vs. 28.7 mm2/min), and intraoperative perforation (0% vs. 0%) of the two groups. Furthermore, the rate of ESD self-completion in the MLTD group was 100%. Therefore, the use of the MLTD allowed the safe introduction of colorectal ESD, even among endoscopists with no experience performing colorectal ESD. Consequently, the use of the MLTD may replace animal and upper gastrointestinal ESD when introducing colorectal ESD to trainees.

Abstract Objectives Understanding the exact morphology of the bile duct opening is important for determining the success of bile duct cannulation. Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) has been reported to enhance slight changes in color tone and structure that are difficult to see with white light imaging. This study investigated whether TXI mode1 could improve papillary recognition by trainees inexperienced in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Methods We included 31 patients with naive papilla of Vater at a single institution in the study. Trainee endoscopists (n = 4) evaluated and identified the papilla according to the Inomata classification using white light imaging and TXI. The degree of agreement with the evaluation of supervising physicians (n = 4) was examined using the McNemar test. Results In the trainee group, the kappa coefficient agreements were κ = 0.346 and κ = 0.754 for white light imaging and TXI, respectively. When further evaluated, the separate and septal types of papilla groups showed an increased concordance rate in one of the four trainees (76.67%–96.67%, p = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, comparison for two‐group evaluation showed an increased kappa coefficient in two of four trainees (0.34–0.92, p = 0.010, 0.45–0.92, p = 0.024). Conclusions Observation of the duodenal papilla using TXI improved papillary differentiation and suggested the potential of TXI as a clinical tool. Further study of this method is necessary; it is expected to help reduce cannulation time and the incidence of pancreatitis.

Abstract Objectives There is no unanimity regarding the most appropriate needle to use for an endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB). To date, new types of FNB needles have been designed, including the Fork‐tip and Franseen needles. This study primarily aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy and histological quality between the use of the Franseen and Fork‐tip needles in EUS‐FNB for solid pancreatic lesions. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed 147 patients at our center for solid pancreatic lesions, 75 of whom underwent EUS‐FNB using a 22‐G Franseen needle, and 72 using a 22‐G Fork‐tip needle, from December 2019 to September 2021. The present study conducted a propensity‐matched analysis and confounder adjustment. Results The diagnostic accuracy of the Fork‐tip group (93.3%, 42/45) was the same as that of the Franseen group. For the core tissue and blood scores, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.58, 0.25) between the two groups. The rate of changes in the operator from that of a trainee to an expert was less in the Fork‐tip group (4.4%, 2/45) than in the Franseen group (15.6%, 7/45), but not significantly different (p = 0.16). Conclusions In both groups, the diagnostic accuracy and histological quality were not significantly different. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the rate of operator changes. As both needles are useful, the choice of using either of them is equally good.

Abstract Gel immersion endoscopy (GIE) has gained prominence for securing a good visual field. Traditionally, OS‐1 jelly (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory) has been used for GIE. However, due to the presence of electrolytes, it is unsuitable for endoscopic hemostasis using a monopolar device. Therefore, VISCOCLEAR (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory), a new gel that does not contain electrolytes, has been developed. Moreover, unlike water or saline, VISCOCLEAR does not readily mix with blood, making it effective in visualizing gastrointestinal bleeding. We report two cases in which GIE was performed using a novel gel injection method.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard for diagnosis and intervention in patients with biliopancreatic disorders. However, ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is considered more difficult than in patients with normal anatomy. Since the introduction of balloon enteroscopes for patients with small intestine disorders, single-balloon enteroscopes (SBEs) and double-balloon enteroscopes (DBEs) have also been used for biliopancreatic diseases in patients with SAA. Nevertheless, the use of conventional SBEs and DBEs is limited, as a balloon enteroscope has a working length of 200 cm and a narrow working channel with a diameter of 2.8 mm; therefore, few ERCP accessories are available for use. A short-type SBE with a working length of 152 cm and a working channel of 3.2 mm in diameter, and a short-type DBE with a working length of 155 cm and a working channel of 3.2 mm were introduced to solve these difficulties. Favorable outcomes of these devices have recently been reported. Moreover, studies have reported several tips to achieve procedural success and factors affecting procedure failure. Difficult cases necessitate alternative techniques, such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage.

Summary: Background: The impact of stroma-targeting therapy on tumor immune suppression is largely unexplored. An RNA oligonucleotide, STNM01, has been shown to repress carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) responsible for tumor proteoglycan synthesis and matrix remodeling. This phase I/IIa study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of STNM01 in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: This was an open-label, dose-escalation study of STNM01 as second-line therapy in gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel-refractory PDAC. A cycle comprised three 2-weekly endoscopic ultrasound-guided locoregional injections of STNM01 at doses of 250, 1,000, 2,500, or 10,000 nM in combination with S-1 (80–120 mg twice a day for 14 days every 3 weeks). The primary outcome was the incidence of dose-liming toxicity (DLT). The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), tumor response, changes in tumor microenvironment on immunohistopathology, and safety (jRCT2031190055). Findings: A total of 22 patients were enrolled, and 3 cycles were repeated at maximum; no DLT was observed. The median OS was 7.8 months. The disease control rate was 77.3%; 1 patient showed complete disappearance of visible lesions in the pancreas and tumor-draining lymph nodes. Higher tumoral CHST15 expression was associated with poor CD3+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration at baseline. STNM01 led to a significant reduction in CHST15, and increased tumor-infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in combination with S-1 at the end of cycle 1. Higher fold increase in CD3+ T cells correlated with longer OS. There were 8 grade 3 adverse events. Interpretation: Locoregional injection of STNM01 was well tolerated in patients with unresectable PDAC as combined second-line therapy. It prolonged survival by enhancing T cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment. Funding: The present study was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreatobiliary diseases require advanced techniques. We usually use an oblique‐viewing endoscope in such procedures. Sometimes, tumor invasion causes gastrointestinal strictures. Crossing a stricture using an oblique‐viewing endoscope is more difficult than using a forward‐viewing scope. Therefore, the frequency of scope perforation is higher than other endoscopic procedures. Although surgical repair for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes has been performed, patients with pancreatobiliary diseases are often elderly and in poor general condition; therefore, patients are hesitant to undergo surgical treatments. Recently, the usefulness of over‐the‐scope clipping (OTSC) as a minimally invasive rescue method has also been reported. In this study, we report cases of successful endoscopic closure using OTSC for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes in ERCP and EUS‐related procedures. After those procedures, all cases showed no abnormalities in blood tests or symptoms, and emergency surgery was successfully avoided. Thus, endoscopic closure using OTSC for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations is safe and effective. However, OTSC requires some expertise. A good assessment of defect size and careful insertion of the scope using OTSC attached to the upper esophagus are needed to avoid clip migration or disinsertion and esophageal tears. Therefore, endoscopic closure using OTSC could be the first choice of treatment for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations. We should be familiar with its indication and perform it carefully and rapidly.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy has been reported to be useful. However, selective biliary cannulation through the papilla is difficult in cases with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Herein, we report a successful biliary cannulation using a pancreatic duct (PD) stent in patients with Roux‐en‐Y anatomy. A 70‐year‐old man who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y anatomy was admitted to our hospital with jaundice due to recurrence of gastric cancer. ERCP was performed for biliary drainage. We approached the papilla using a short‐type single‐balloon enteroscope (SIF‐H290; Olympus Medical Systems). Because the papilla was positioned tangentially, it was difficult to adjust the catheter in the direction of the bile duct. As only a PD could be cannulated, we placed a guidewire in the PD. Although we attempted the double‐guidewire technique using a guidewire placed in PD, selective biliary cannulation was difficult. Therefore, we placed a PD stent 5Fr‐5cm (Geenen, Pancreatic Stent Sets, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) to assist biliary cannulation. We inserted a catheter crossing the PD stent. With this, selective biliary cannulation was successful. We successfully performed selective biliary cannulation using the PD stent as we were able to fix the papilla, straighten the common channel and the axis of the bile duct, and not restrict scope movement by not using the PD guidewire placement method. This novel technique using a PD stent appears to be useful in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

Background and study aims Endoscopic resection of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (DNETs) remains controversial, and its indications are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes of a newly developed endoscopic muscularis resection (EMR) method that utilizes an over-the-scope clip (OTSC), termed EMRO, for treating DNETs. Patients and methods In total, 13 consecutive patients with 14 small (≤ 10 mm) DNETs who underwent EMRO from September 2017 to March 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. EMRO was performed by a single experienced endoscopist. Patients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes were assessed. Results The En bloc and R0 resection rates were 100 % (14/14) and 92.9 % (13/14), respectively. The median pathological resected specimen size was 10 mm, with a median pathological resected tumor size of 6 mm. During the EMRO procedure, there was no occurrence of misplacement of the OTSC to the target lesion. With respect to the pathological resection depth, nine cases (64.3 %) and five cases (35.7 %) were categorized as deep submucosal resection and muscularis resection, respectively, whereas no case was categorized as full-thickness resection. There were no intraoperative or delayed perforations. However, delayed bleeding occurred in two cases. At a median follow-up of 12 months (range 7–36) after EMRO, there was no incidence of local recurrence. At the first follow-up endoscopy performed at 6 months after EMRO, the OTSC was retained in place in two of 14 DNETs (14.3 %). Conclusions EMRO can be performed safely, by an experienced endoscopist, for small (≤ 10 mm) DNETs.

Background. Accurate diagnosis of benign and malignant lymphadenopathy is important for determining the appropriate treatment and prognosis. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with a conventional needle compared to endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) with a Franseen needle for diagnosing lymphadenopathy. Methods. Patients who underwent EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB for mediastinal or abdominal lymphadenopathy between July 2013 and August 2020 were enrolled in the study. The outcomes between EUS-FNA patients (July 2013 to January 2017; 22-gauge conventional needle; Group A) and EUS-FNB patients (February 2017 to August 2020; 22-gauge Franseen needle; Group B) were compared. Results. A total of 154 patients (Group A: 83; Group B: 71) were analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy (differentiating between malignant and benign lesions) was 88.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.2–93.3%) in Group A and 95.8% (95% CI, 88.3–98.8%) in Group B. Group B had high diagnostic accuracy, but there was no difference between the groups (p=0.14). Group B had significantly fewer passes (median 2, interquartile range (IQR): 2-4) than Group A (median 3, IQR: 3-4) (p

Background. The accurate diagnosis of biliary strictures remains problematic. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical utility of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) under the direct view of peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) for the diagnosis of biliary strictures. Methods. Consecutive patients with biliary strictures were included. We investigated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to diagnose malignancy for (1) ERCP alone, (2) POCS, (3) pCLE under the direct view of POCS, and (4) tissue sampling under the direct view of POCS. Results. A total of 30 patients (17 with malignant lesions) were prospectively enrolled. (1) ERCP alone showed 88.2% sensitivity, 46.2% specificity, and 70% (95% confidence interval (CI), 52.1%–83.3%) accuracy. (2) POCS showed 100% sensitivity, 76.9% specificity, and 90% (95% CI, 74.4%–96.5%) accuracy. (3) pCLE under the direct view of POCS showed 94.1% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity, and 93.3% (95% CI, 78.7%–98.8%) accuracy. (4) Tissue sampling under the direct view of POCS showed 82.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 90% (95% CI, 74.4%–96.5%) accuracy. Conclusions. pCLE under the direct view of POCS provided highly accurate and sensitive characterization of biliary strictures and showed the potential for more diagnostic reliability and reduction of delays in diagnosis. This trial was registered at UMIN (registration number: UMIN000033801).

Background and study aims This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and utility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) performed using a Franseen needle on solid pancreatic lesions. Patients and methods This study included 132 consecutive lesions sampled by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) using a 22-G conventional needle and 95 consecutive lesions evaluated by EUS-FNB using a 22-G Franseen needle to evaluate solid pancreatic lesions at our medical center between July 2013 and November 2018. We used propensity-matched analysis with adjustment for confounders. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Results Diagnostic accuracy was higher in the Franseen needle group (Group F; 91.6 %, 87 /95) than in the conventional needle group (Group C; 86.3 %, 82 /95), showing no significant difference (P = 0.36). In Group F, diagnostic accuracies for pancreatic head lesions and lesions sampled by transduodenal puncture were 98.0 % (48/49) and 97.9 % (46/47), respectively. These values were significantly higher than values in Group C (P = 0.013, 0.01). Group F displayed a significantly lower number of punctures. In terms of differentiating benign from malignant lesions, Group C showed 85.1 % sensitivity (74/87), 100 % specificity (8/8), 100 % positive predictive value (74/74), and 38.1 % negative predictive value (8/21), compared to values of 90.1 % (73/81), 100 % (14/14), 100 % (73/73), and 63.6 % (14/22), respectively, in Group F. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were better in Group F. Conclusions Franseen needles for EUS-FNB of solid pancreatic lesions offer similar puncture performance at different lesion sites while requiring fewer punctures than conventional needles.

Considerable progress has been made recently in the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) to diagnose intra-luminal gastrointestinal lesions and extra-luminal lesions near the gastrointestinal tract. Numerous reports have indicated that EUS-FNA has high diagnostic performance and safety, which has led to the routine use of EUS-FNA and an increasing number of cases. Thus, while EUS-FNA has a low rate of complications, endoscopists may encounter these complications as the number of cases increases. Infrequent reports have also described life-threatening complications. Therefore, endoscopists should possess a comprehensive understanding of the complications of EUS-FNA, which include hemorrhage, perforation, infection, and acute pancreatitis, as well as their management. This review examines the available evidence regarding the complications associated with EUS-FNA, and the findings will be useful for ensuring that endoscopists perform EUS-FNA safely and appropriately.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is among the most important tools for the evaluation of gastrointestinal tumors and affected areas around the gastrointestinal tract. It enables the acquisition of material from abnormal lesions via the gastrointestinal wall for tissue confirmation via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). EUS-FNA has played a vital role in oncological care and has become the standard method for tissue sampling. The choice of needle type is an important factor determining tissue acquisition and has been evaluated by many researchers. New needles are introduced into the market almost every year, and opinions vary regarding proper needle selection. While there are diverse opinions but no definitive recommendations about the use of one particular device, fine-needle biopsy needles may provide detailed information on a tissue’s architecture based on greater sample yields. This permits additional analyses, including genetic sequencing and phenotyping, thereby enabling the provision of more personalized treatment plans. Furthermore, other EUS-guided procedures have been developed, including interventional EUS and through-the-needle devices. Given the continued attempts to improve the diagnostic ability and therapeutic techniques, we review in detail the available types of puncture needles to provide guidance on the selection of the appropriate needle types.

Background and aims In recent years, the short single-balloon enteroscope (SBE) has been used during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with surgically altered anatomy and has been reported to be useful. However, difficulties remain, and the procedures and devices need improvements. We assessed the usefulness and superiority of a new short SBE equipped with passive bending and high-force transmission by comparisons with outcomes using the conventional short SBE. Methods This study evaluated short SBE-assisted ERCP-related procedures for Roux-en-Y gastrectomy between September 2011 and October 2017. Outcomes including the procedural success rate, which was the primary outcome, were assessed to compare the conventional short SBE (SIF-Y0004 [prototype]) and the new short SBE (SIF-H290S). Results Of 74 procedures performed in 61 patients, 51 procedures in 39 patients involved the SIF-Y0004, and 23 procedures in 22 patients involved the SIF-H290S. The procedural success rates were 70.6 % for SIF-Y0004, and 95.7 % for SIF-H290S, representing better results for the new short SBE (P = 0.02). The new short SBE also had a superior diagnostic success rate (P = 0.047) and median time to reach the blind end (P

We reported a 95‐year‐old man with cholangitis who underwent Billroth‐I gastrectomy. He was diagnosed with situs inversus viscerum and ERCP was performed. A stable field of view could not be secured due to anatomical factors (Billroth‐I gastrectomy) and strong respiratory variations. However, pancreatic duct cannulation was possible. A pancreatic guidewire was placed to achieve selective biliary cannulation. This stabilized the field of view. The catheter was inserted on the right side of the guidewire. Cannulation to the 1 o'clock direction achieved biliary cannulation. Intended procedure was completed safely in the present case.

With the advances in computed tomography (CT) imaging, CT can result in precise imaging, even of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the diagnostic quality of endoscopy is superior to CT because of precise mucosal observations or biopsy procedure. In the present case, CT was useful in the diagnosis of a gastric ulcer because endoscopy was deemed too difficult to perform due to tongue cancer occupying the oral space. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images revealed an ulcerous lesion at the upper posterior wall of the stomach. CT may therefore be helpful for the diagnosis of gastric lesions when usual endoscopy is difficult to perform, as observed in the present patient.