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Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the main modalities of treatment of achalasia cardia today across subtypes and we are increasingly seeing patients persistent or recurrent symptoms after POEM. An accurate high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is one of the most important tests that can help us guide the treatment in cases of failure of POEM. HREM can help us direct the therapy. The therapy can be lower esophageal sphincter-directed therapy or esophageal body-directed therapy that can be ascertained using HREM. With this review, we detail the factors associated with failure of POEM, tests that can be utilized for its evaluation, and case-based analysis using HREM in patients of post-POEM failure.

The word endo-hepatology evokes many perceptions. Some believe it to be the emerging new interventional branch and some believe it to be an extension of endoscopy. Nonetheless, it has continued to evolve into an exciting area of active work. With the advent of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) based procedures, new vistas have opened up. EUS-guided liver biopsies, portal hypertension management, and multiple new procedures are being described. EUS also plays a large role in the management of patients in the peritransplant period. With this review, we present an overview of the role of EUS in the field of hepatology as well as during the peritransplant period and its applications.

Background Aim. To compare the efficacy of omeprazole to other proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or placebo for the treatment of acid peptic disorders (APDs) using a comprehensive literature search including hard-to-access journals and non-English articles. Methods. PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched (from inception to March 2023) for trials comparing omeprazole to other types of PPIs or placebo for the treatment APD. Efficacy was analyzed separately for erosive diseases and nonerosive diseases. Primary outcomes included improvement of APD symptoms and frequency of ulcer or erosion healing. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, cost effectiveness, nocturnal acid breakthrough, and length of stay if hospitalized. Random and fixed-effects models were used to determine estimates of efficacy. Results. Thirty-one eligible trials (N = 10,539 participants) were analyzed, including 12 articles not typically included in previous reviews due to translation or journal access issues. Omeprazole significantly improved heartburn compared to placebo (RR = 2.47, 95% CI: 2.13 and 2.86, and p

Endoscopic management of bile duct obstruction is a key aspect in gastroenterology practice and has evolved since the first description of biliary cannulation by McCune et al in 1968. Over many decades, the techniques and accessories have been refined, and currently, the first-line management for extrahepatic biliary obstruction is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, even in expert hands, the success rate of ERCP reaches up to 95%. In almost 4 to 16% cases, failure to cannulate the bile duct may necessitate other alternatives such as surgical bypass or, more commonly, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). While surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality, PTBD has a very high reintervention and complication rate (∼80%) and poor quality of life. Almost parallelly, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has come a long way from a mere diagnostic tool to a substantial therapeutic option in various pancreaticobiliary diseases. Biliary drainage using EUS-guidance (EUS-BD) has gained momentum since the first report published by Giovannini et al in 2001. The concept of accessing the bile duct through a different route than the papilla, circumventing the shortcomings of PTBD, and sometimes bypassing the actual obstruction have enthused a lot of interest in this novel strategy. The three key methods of EUS-BD entail transluminal, antegrade, and rendezvous approach. Over the past decade, with growing experience, EUS-BD has been found to be equivalent to ERCP or PTBD for malignant obstruction with better success rates. EUS-BD, however, is not devoid of adverse events and can carry fatal adverse events. However, neither the technique of EUS-BD nor the accessories and stents for EUS-BD have been standardized. Additionally, different countries and regions have different availability of the accessories, making generalizability a difficult task. Thus, technical aspects of this evolving therapy need to be outlined. For these reasons, Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI) deemed it appropriate to develop technical consensus statements for performing safe and successful EUS-BD.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive endoscopic technique that has many diagnostic and therapeutic implications. It is a procedure with small but significant life-threatening complications. To ensure the best possible care, minimize complications, and improve the quality of health care, a constant review of the performance of the operator using ideal benchmark standards is needed. Hence, quality indicators are necessary. The American and European Societies of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have provided guidelines on quality measures for ERCP, which describe the skills to be developed and training to be implemented in performing quality ERCP. These guidelines have divided the indicators into pre-procedure, intraprocedural, and post-procedure measures. The focus of this article was to review the quality indicators of ERCP.

Endoscopic management of bile duct obstruction is a key aspect in gastroenterology practice and has evolved since the first description of biliary cannulation by McCune et al in 1968. Over many decades, the techniques and accessories have been refined and currently, the first-line management for extrahepatic biliary obstruction is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). However, even in expert hands the success rate of ERCP reaches up to 95%. In almost 4 to 16% cases, failure to cannulate the bile duct may necessitate other alternatives such as surgical bypass or more commonly percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). While surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality, PTBD has a very high reintervention and complication rate (∼80%) and poor quality of life. Almost parallelly, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has come a long way from a mere diagnostic tool to a substantial therapeutic option in various pancreatico-biliary diseases. Biliary drainage using EUS-guidance (EUS-BD) has gained momentum since the first report published by Giovannini et al in 2001. The concept of accessing the bile duct through a different route than the papilla, circumventing the shortcomings of PTBD and sometimes bypassing the actual obstruction have enthused a lot of interest in this novel strategy. The three key methods of EUS-BD entail transluminal, antegrade, and rendezvous approach. Over the past decade, with growing experience, EUS-BD has been found to be equivalent to ERCP or PTBD for malignant obstruction with better success rates. EUS-BD, albeit, is not devoid of adverse events and can carry fatal adverse events. However, neither the technique of EUS-BD, nor the accessories and stents for EUS-BD have been standardized. Additionally, different countries and regions have different availability of the accessories making generalizability a difficult task. Thus, technical aspects of this evolving therapy need to be outlined. For these reasons, the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy India deemed it appropriate to develop technical consensus statements for performing safe and successful EUS-BD.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided celiac plexus intervention comprises EUS-guided celiac plexus block (EUS-CPB) and EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN). EUS-CPB and EUS-CPN are one of the used methods of pain management in patients of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis, respectively, along with medical therapy. Both the procedures are associated with minimal complications and improves quality of life. The role of EUS-guided celiac plexus intervention is increasing in gall bladder carcinoma for pain control.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (BDI) are commonly encountered after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Timely recognition of these injuries is important as the outcome depends on the optimal management and there is significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. Therapeutic management is guided by the type and extent of the bile duct injury and availability of expertise, and includes involvement of endoscopic, surgical, and radiological approaches.

The development of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) technique has been proved to be a great armamentarium to gastroenterologists and other branches including surgery, oncology, hepatology, pulmonary medicine, and internal medicine. EUS-FNA is quite safe and allows tissue acquisition from difficult anatomical locations like retroperitoneum, pancreas, and mediastinum. The current review discusses basic techniques steps of EUS-FNA including tips and tricks. Also, false negative FNA and EUS-FNA in difficult locations are discussed. We also discussed about EUS-guided fine needle biopsy.

Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) utilizes probe catheter and operates at a higher frequency (12–30 MHz). It can be passed down the biopsy channel of a side‑view endoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and it provides real‑time, high‑quality imaging of pancreatobiliary ducts and the surrounding structures. IDUS has been used in defining choledocholithiasis, evaluating biliary as well as pancreatic strictures or thickening, and local staging of tumor. We shall discuss the utility of IDUS in the current review.

Aims and Objective: High‑resolution esophageal manometry is the most important investigation for the evaluation of patients with dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). Chicago Classification (CC) utilizing an algorithmic approach in analyzing high‑resolution manometry has been accepted worldwide, and an updated version, CC v3.0, of this classification has been developed by the International high‑resolution manometry working Group in 2014. Data on the spectrum of esophageal motility disorders in Indian population are scarce as well as a newer version of CC has not been used to classify. The aim of our study is to evaluate clinical presentation and manometric profile of patients with suspected esophageal motility disorders using CC v3.0. Methodology: In this retrospective study, consecutive patients referred for esophageal manometry at our center from 2010 to 2015 were included in the study. High‑resolution esophageal manometry was performed with 22‑channel water‑perfusion system (MMS, The Netherlands). Newer version of CC (CC v3.0) was used to classify motility disorders. Results: A total of 400 patients were included, with a mean age of 44 years and 67.5% were males. Out of these, 60% (n = 240) patients presented with motor dysphagia while 40% (n = 160) had NCCP. Motility disorder was present in 50.5% (n = 202) of the patients while 49.5% (n = 198) patients had normal manometry. Disorders of esophagogastric junction outflow were the predominant type of disorder, found in 33.75% (n = 135). About 14.25% (n = 57) of the patients had minor disorders of peristalsis while 5% (n = 20) of the patients had other major disorders of peristalsis. Achalasia was the most common motility disorder present in 30% (n = 120) patients. Conclusion: Dysphagia was the most common esophageal symptom followed by NCCP in our series. Achalasia was the most common esophageal motility disorder followed by fragmented peristalsis.

We report an interesting case of 50‑year‑old female who had postcholecystectomy hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. This pseudo‑aneurysm was coiled by interventional radiologist. Patient later presented with obstructive jaundice which was due to migration of pseudoaneurysm coils into bile‑duct.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to jejunal diverticula is very rare. Capsule endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool for localizing the bleeding site, but single‑balloon enteroscopy is a good therapeutic modality for the management. Here, we report two cases, in whom the cause of GI bleeding was jejunal diverticula and they managed successfully with endoscopic management.

Lung carcinoma is a common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for majority of cases worldwide. Accurate staging of NSCLC is of paramount importance due to marked difference in survival and management strategies between stage II and III of the disease. The staging methods have evolved from invasive thoracotomies and mediastinoscopies to relatively non-invasive complete mediastinal staging by combination of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic bronchial ultrasound (EBUS). EUS also provides information about mediastinal invasion and liver/adrenal metastasis. Future role of EUS include providing tissue for molecular targeted therapy.

Background: Etiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) remains idiopathic in 30% of patients. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been shown to increase the diagnostic yield in patients with idiopathic AP (IAP). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of EUS in achieving etiological diagnosis in patients with IAP. Materials and Methods: Consecutive 192 patients with IAP were evaluated prospectively with EUS over a period of 2 years. Patients who had no etiological diagnosis for AP after detailed history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were included in the study. Results: The mean age of patients was 34.6 ± 12 and male:female ratio was 2.1:1. Of these, 135 patients had gallbladder intact (Group A) and 57 patients had undergone cholecystectomy (Group B). In Group A, EUS identified a possible cause in 79 (58.5%) patients; microlithiasis (n = 48), chronic pancreatitis (CP) (n = 23), common bile duct (CBD) and gallbladder stone (n = 3), pancreatic divisum (n = 3), small pancreatic tumor (n = 1), and anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (n = 1). In Group B, EUS yielded diagnosis in 28 (49.1%) patients; CP (n = 22), ascariasis (n = 3), CBD stone (n = 2), and pancreatic divisum (n = 1). Overall EUS helped in achieving etiological diagnosis in 107 (55.1%) of patients with IAP. The presence of intact gallbladder showed a tendency for increased diagnostic yield (P = 0.06). Conclusion: EUS is a useful modality to establish the diagnosis in IAP and this technique should be incorporated in the evaluation of IAP.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a well-established diagnostic and therapeutic modality for adults. It is extremely helpful for a broad range of diagnostic indications including upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, submucosal lesions, pancreatic lesions (masses, cystic lesions), chronic pancreatitis, etiological workup of recurrent acute pancreatitis, common bile duct evaluation (calculi versus tumor), gallbladder lesions/microliths, and rectal malignancy; well-established therapeutic roles include fine-needle aspiration of lesions/lymph nodes, pancreatic fluid collection drainage, pancreatic duct drainage, biliary drainage, gallbladder drainage, pelvic abscess drainage, celiac plexus block, or neurolysis. Some recent studies have reported the use of EUS in the pediatric population. EUS is safe and easy to perform in the pediatric population also. However, there is paucity of data on use of EUS in pediatric population. In contrast with its regular therapeutic use in adults, EUS is not commonly performed in children for therapeutic reasons and most of the data are available on diagnostic use only. All of studies have shown that EUS is safe and a useful modality with a positive impact on management in majority of study population. EUS is very useful in pediatric population for the evaluation of upper GI tract submucosal lesions or rectal masses, pancreaticobiliary disorders, characterization of esophageal strictures, and for evaluation of enteric duplication cysts. The advent of miniprobe that can be passed through conventional endoscopes has increased the applicability of EUS in infants and children. Although there are limited data regarding use of EUS in pediatric population, it appears to be a very promising diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Background: There is very limited literature on results of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of small (defined as ≤1 cm at long and short axis) lymph nodes, particularly in the setting of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Methods: The study was conducted from July 2014 to December 2015 at a tertiary care center. A total of 34 endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided FNAs in 33 patients were done for lymph nodes ≤1 cm at long and short axis and these were included in the analysis. Results: The study cohort comprised 33 patients; 23 males and 10 females, mean age of 58 ± 12 years. Indication of FNA was to look for malignancy (n = 15), PUO (n = 16), unexplained weight loss (n = 1), and presence of lymphadenopathy in prospective liver donor (n = 1). The FNA was taken from mediastinal nodes (n = 20, 14 subcarinal) and abdominal (n = 14, 8 at porta). The mean size of lymph nodes was 87 ± 11 mm at large axis and 68 ± 17 mm at short axis. A total of 3 (8.8%) FNAs were nondiagnostic (inadequate material). The cytopathologic diagnosis was malignancy in 8 (23.5%), granulomatous change in 8 (23.5%), and reactive lymphadenopathy in 15 (44.1%). Thus, EUS-guided FNA of these small nodes changed the management decisions in 44% of cases (one patient had tubercular lymphadenopathy at two sites). The 22-gauge EUS FNA needle was used in majority of patients (n = 26). There was no significant difference between pathologic (malignant and granulomatous) and reactive lymph nodes regarding size at long or short axis, ratio of long and short axis, hypoechogenicity, and sharply defined borders. Conclusion: EUS-guided FNA of small lymph nodes showed pathological enlargement in 44% of cases.

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is the third most significant risk factor for acute pancreatitis after gallstones and alcohol. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been considered a possible treatment for HTG-induced pancreatitis, especially in severe and refractory cases. Here, we report one such clinical experience with a patient of severe HTG-induced pancreatitis. He was treated with TPE along with intravenous insulin, statins, and fibrates. TPE resulted in immediate relief of symptoms as well as a marked improvement in laboratory values, with 74.5% reduction in triglycerides after a single session. TPE can be successfully utilized as an adjunct in HTG-induced pancreatitis.

Background and study aims Endoscopic management using standard accessories is the preferred modality for treatment of benign biliary strictures. However, with difficult strictures, there is frequently failure of endoscopic therapy. We are reporting our experience regarding use of a standard diathermic dilator (cystotome) to aid in stricture dilatation and stent placement in patients with difficult strictures. Patients and methods Data were analyzed from January 2014 to January 2017 at a single tertiary care center in North India. Total 25 patients were included. Results The mean age was 45 years (varying from 38 – 55 years). Of the 25 patients with difficult strictures, 14 (56 %) were male and 11 (44 %) were female. Further, of these, 19 had biliary and 6 had pancreatic strictures. The average time of diathermic current application was 3.5 seconds (ranging 3 – 5 seconds). Technical and clinical success were achieved in 100 % of cases. None of the patients had any procedure-related (early or delayed) major complications. Conclusion The cystotome is an extremely safe and useful accessory in benign biliary and pancreatic strictures, whereas conventional methods to negotiate stricture have failed.

We report a case of 61-year-old immunocompetent man with no comorbidity presenting with unexplained weight loss. All routine investigations could not point to the etiology of weight loss, but duodenal biopsy taken on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode endemic to Indian subcontinent. The patient recovered after course of albendazole, and in the absence of other causality, weight loss was attributed to strongyloidiasis.

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a well-known complication of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. It is a collection of fluid due to acute or chronic inflammation of pancreas or from injury. A pseudocyst with mediastinal extension is a rare entity. There are only few reports of endoscopic transesophageal drainage of mediastinal pseudocysts. We present a case of mediastinal pseudocyst in a 45-year-old male who presented with dysphagia, weight loss, fever, and productive cough which was managed endoscopically by endoscopic ultrasound-guided transesophageal aspiration.

Tuberculosis, both pulmonary and extrapulmonary, is one of the leading causes of significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. A 29-year-old chronic alcoholic patient presented to gastroenterology outpatient department with complaints of decreased appetite, weight loss, and generalized weakness. On endoscopy, the second part of duodenum appeared edematous with some luminal compromise. There was also presence of an opening in the inferolateral wall of the second part of duodenum, through which milky white caseous material was coming out. Computed tomography demonstrated large conglomerate of paraduodenal, celiac, para-aortic, peripancreatic, and retrocaval nodes with central necrosis. Endoscopic ultrasound showed hypoechoic lymph nodes in paraduodenal, parapancreatic, and celiac axis. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed epithelioid granuloma with Langerhans giant cells suggestive of granulomatous lymphadenitis of tubercular etiology. Tubercular lymphadenopathy eroding into duodenum has been very rarely reported in literature. This case reports the rare possibility of extrinsic tubercular lymphadenopathy eroding into duodenum.

Background and study aims The role of endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with lymphadenopathy in terms of diagnostic adequacy and safety in large population is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic adequacy and safety of EUS-FNA in patients with lymphadenopathy. Patients and methods Retrospective study from October 2010 to September 2015 at tertiary care center in Delhi-NCR. We analyzed data from 1005 EUS- FNAs of lymph nodes. Results The study cohort comprised 1005 lymph nodes in 865 patients; 68 % were males, mean age was 50 ± 14 years. Indications of FNA were to look for etiology of pyrexia of unknown origin or staging of malignancy mainly. FNA was taken from mediastinal nodes (n = 528, 52.5 %) and intra-abdominal nodes (n = 477, 47.5 %). Median size of nodes at long axis and short axis was 17 (12 – 25.7) and 10 (8 – 15) mm respectively. Adequate material by FNA was obtained in 92.8 % cases. The cytopathologic diagnosis were malignancy in 153 (15.2 %), granulomatous change in 452 (42 %), and reactive lymphadenopathy in 328 (35.6 %). There was statistically significant difference seen between groups with pathological and reactive lymph nodes regarding size at long and short axis, hypoechoic nature, well defined borders and presence of necrosis and calcification. Procedure-related adverse effects were encountered in 6 patients (0.8 %). Four patients had mild mucosal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients and two had mild hepatic encephalopathy related to sedation. Conclusion EUS-FNA of lymph nodes has good diagnostic adequacy and safety.

Background and aim There is paucity of data about endoscopic pancreatic sphincteroplasty (EPS) after endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPST) in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to establish the indications for EPS, complications related to it, and to examine its effectiveness in managing chronic pancreatitis after a year of follow-up. Methods We evaluated the safety and efficacy of pancreatic balloon dilation coupled with sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The technical success rate of balloon dilation, stone clearance, frequency of pancreatic stenting, and procedure-related adverse events were recorded. Results Out of 580 patients who underwent pancreatic endotherapy between July 2014 and February 2016, 80 patients underwent EPS. The mean age of these 80 patients was 34 ± 11 years, and 80 % (n = 64) were males. The common indications were removal of large radiolucent stones in 31 patients; unyielding radiopaque stones post extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 20 patients, and pancreatic duct stricture combined with stones in 29 patients. EPS could be successfully completed in 98.75 % of patients. Complete ductal clearance in a single session was achieved in only 25 patients, while 26 patients required two sessions. There were two adverse events of pain requiring admission for more than 24 hours and one procedure related bleeding, all of which were managed conservatively. The patients had an average follow-up of 8 months (6 – 12 months) and all the patients were pain free. Conclusions Endoscopic pancreatic sphincteroplasty is a relatively safe procedure with a low incidence of complications and a high rate of treatment success.

Background and study aim Different types of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) techniques are used in clinical practice; the best method in terms of outcome has not been determined. The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic adequacy of aspirated material, and the cytopathological and EUS morphological features between capillary action, suction, and no-suction FNA methods. Patients and methods This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were randomized to the three groups: capillary action, suction, and no suction. A total of 300 patients were included, with 100 patients in each arm. Results A total of 300 patients (195 males) underwent EUS-FNA of 235 lymph nodes and 65 pancreatic masses (distribution not statistically different between the groups). The mean age was 52 ± 14 years. A 22 gauge needle was used in the majority (93 %) of procedures. There was no statistical difference between the three groups regarding lymph node size at the largest axis and ratio, type of needle, echo features, echogenicity, calcification, necrosis, shape, borders (lymph nodes), number of passes, and cellularity. Diagnostic adequacy of the specimen was 91 %, 91 %, and 94 % in the capillary, suction, and no suction groups, respectively (P = 0.67). Significantly more slides and blood clots were generated by the suction method compared with the other methods. Conclusion The capillary action, suction, and no suction methods of EUS-FNA are similar in terms of diagnostic adequacy of the specimen. The suction method has the disadvantages of causing more bleeding and generating more slides.

Background and aims Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided drainage of symptomatic pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON) followed by fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) placement offers several advantages such as higher technical success rate and the option of necrosectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS guided drainage of patients with WON by using FCSEMS and intracavitary lavage with a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and adopting a step-up approach. Methods A prospective open label study was carried out at a single tertiary care center between January 2014 and January 2016. Patients with symptomatic WON who underwent EUS guided drainage followed by FCSEMS placement were included. Primary end points were complete drainage with improvement in symptoms or major adverse events. Secondary end points were minor adverse events related to the procedures. Results A total of 64 patients (mean age 36 years; 52 males) were included. Technical success was achieved in 100 % of patients and clinical success was achieved in 90.6 %. Complete drainage was achieved with FCSEMS alone in 18 (28.1 %), FCSEMS with necrosectomy using lavage in 40 (62.5 %), FCSEMS with percutaneous drainage (PCD) in 5 (7.8 %), and 1 (1.6 %) patient required salvage surgery. The major adverse event was life threatening bleeding in 3 (4.7 %) patients. Minor adverse events were non-life threatening bleeding in 2 (3.1 %) patients and stent migration in 3 (4.7 %) patients. Conclusion EUS guided WON drainage with FCSEMS followed by necrosectomy with lavage using a solution containing hydrogen peroxide as a step-up approach is a minimally invasive and effective method with a high technical and clinical success rate. Patients with solid debris > 40 % need aggressive management.

Tissue acquisition from mediastinum is difficult due to anatomic location and presence of vessels. Endoscopic ultrasound provides access to difficult mediastinal locations that are near esophagus. We describe a case of pericardial lesion, endoscopic ultrasound guided guided fine needle aspiration cytology was done and the lesion proved to be metastatic in nature.

Refractory chronic abdominal pain as a result of inoperable pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis poses a formidable challenge and can be effectively relieved with celiac axis block or celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN). Percutaneous celiac plexus block (CPB) or computed tomography (CT)-guidance using anterior or posterior approaches has some limitations. However, endoultrasound (EUS)-guided CPB has evolved itself as an effective and safe procedure for management of refractory abdominal pain. The EUS offers advantages, which include accurate anatomic imaging, real-time monitoring of injection, and anterior approach, which avoids neurologic complications. The CPN can be combined with staging and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of a malignancy in the same session. The present review discusses anatomic details of celiac axis block, procedure-related details, complications, contraindications, comparison to other modalities, and results of various studies and author’s experience of EUS guided CPB/neurolysis.

Background and aims: Etiologic diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin is important in patients with cirrhosis for optimal management and to prevent flare up of infectious disease after liver transplantation. However, there is very limited literature available on this subject. The present study aimed to examine the safety and impact of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: The study was conducted between January 2014 and January 2016 at a tertiary care center. A total of 50 (47 lymph nodes, 3 adrenal) EUS guided FNAs were performed in 46 patients. Data are presented as median (25 – 75 IQR). Results: The study included 46 patients (40 males) whose mean age was 47.9 ± 11.1 (SD) years; mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and mean MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score were 10 (8 – 11) and 18 (12 – 20), respectively. The Child Pugh class was A in 4, B in 14, and C in 28 (including three patients with adrenal FNAs). Indications for FNA were pyrexia of unknown origin and lymphadenopathy on CT imaging. The cytopathological diagnoses were metastatic disease in 1 (adrenal), granulomatous change in 10 (6 positive with acid fast bacilli stain), histoplasmosis in three (two adrenals, one lymph node), 32 lymph nodes were reactive and four lymph node FNAs showed inadequate cellularity. The pathologic nodes had significantly lower long-to-short axis ratio [1.25 (1.09 – 1.28) versus 1.46 (1.22 – 1.87), P = 0.020]; a higher proportion of hypoechoic echotexture (5 versus 3, P = 0.017), and sharply defined borders (4 versus 2, P = 0.029). Complications included mild hepatic encephalopathy related to sedation in two patients with Child’s C status. Conclusion: EUS guided FNA is safe in patients with cirrhosis and modified the management in 14/46 (30.4 %) patients.

A 50‑year‑old male came to us with pain abdomen; endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) made a diagnosis of cholecystoduodenal fistula which was later on confirmed on gastroscopy and surgery. We present interesting images of EUS; a calculus is visualized outside gallbladder with inflammatory changes of duodenal wall.

Biliary communication in hepatic hydatid cyst is reported in 1–20% of patients. These patients present with fever (70–90%), right upper quadrant pain (80%), cholangitis (20–37%), acute pancreatitis (rare), liver abscess, and septicemia. Diagnosis of biliary rupture is on abdominal ultrasound, computerized tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging demonstration of hydatid membranes. We report a case of rupture hydatid cyst where diagnosis was on endosonographic findings and the patient had normal caliber common bile duct.

A 74-year-old male presented with dysphagia for 2 months. Computed tomography revealed irregular wall thickening of the esophagus at T3 to T5 level. He underwent gastroscopy which revealed a submucosal bulge with normal mucosa at 25 cm from incisors. Repeated biopsies were taken, all were negative for malignancy. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration was taken which was suggestive for squamous cell carcinoma.

A 59-year-old male was diagnosed as carcinoma gallbladder around 1 year back and underwent radical cholecystectomy. He also received four cycles of chemotherapy. Now, he complained upper abdominal heaviness; positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) was done which showed PET-avid 8.5 mm sized lymph node at aortocaval region. There was no safe route, so endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was advised. However, FNA was not possible without crossing inferior vena cava and further management depended on FNA report. The EUS-FNA was done, and cytopathological smears were consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma. There was no complication.

We describe a case of iatrogenic gastric perforation after sleeve gastrectomy procedure as bariatric surgery. Initially, a covered self-expanding metal stent placement (SEMS) was attempted outside, but it resulted in second iatrogenic perforation at lower esophagus. He improved gradually with drainage, antibiotics, and SEMS placement.