Background and Aims Diminutive (1-5 mm) and small (6-9 mm) polyps comprise 90% of detected lesions during colonoscopy and rarely contain advanced histology or colorectal cancer (CRC). Routine removal ...of these lesions results in a significant burden to colonoscopy programs. At the same time, the risk for progression of these polyps to CRC is unclear. We performed a systematic review to explore the natural history of diminutive and small colorectal polyps. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies investigating the natural history of colorectal polyps. Studies were considered eligible when they assessed patients with 1- to 9-mm polyps that were not treated with polypectomy and that underwent follow-up. We excluded studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, polyposis syndromes, and previously diagnosed CRC. We independently extracted study characteristics and evaluated CRC and advanced adenoma (size ≥ 10 mm, containing high-grade dysplasia or villous features) as outcome parameters. Results Of 8775 retrieved studies, 9 studies with 721 patients were included that prospectively evaluated the evolution of 1- to 9-mm polyps. In 7 studies the average duration of observation was 2 to 3 years. There was only 1 study in which 1 small polyp might have progressed to cancer. Of 1034 adenomas sized 1 to 9 mm in those studies, 6% progressed to advanced adenomas over time. Conclusions Based on this systematic review, it appears that some 1- to 9-mm adenomas progress to advanced adenomas within 2 to 3 years. No information on long-term CRC transition rates was found. Defining the biologic significance of these polyps is needed to balance between benefits and harm of polypectomy. (PROSPERO database registration number: CRD42016036577.)
Background Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSAs/Ps) are premalignant lesions susceptible to being easily overlooked by endoscopists. A detailed description of the endoscopic appearance of SSAs/Ps ...might help endoscopists to recognize these lesions to improve the effectiveness of colonoscopy. Objective To identify various endoscopic features of SSAs/Ps using high-resolution white-light endoscopy (HR-WLE) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). Design Retrospective image evaluation study. Setting Single tertiary referral center. Patients Forty-5 patients with serrated polyposis syndrome undergoing surveillance colonoscopies. Intervention HR-WLE and NBI images of 150 polyps (50 SSAs/Ps, 50 hyperplastic polyps HPs, and 50 adenomas) were systematically assessed by 5 experts using various endoscopic descriptors. Main Outcome Measurements The prevalence of specific endoscopic features observed in SSAs/Ps versus HPs. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated that indistinct borders (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.57-6.15) and a cloud-like surface (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.21-5.78) were associated with SSA/P histology on HR-WLE. On NBI, a cloud-like surface (OR, 4.91; 95% CI, 2.42-9.97), indistinct borders (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.14-4.96), irregular shape (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.59-6.29), and dark spots inside the crypts (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.02-4.11) were found to be endoscopic predictors of SSA/P histology. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of NBI for differentiating serrated polyps containing either none or all 4 endoscopic SSA/P features were, respectively, 89%, 96%, and 93%. Limitations Retrospective, image evaluation analysis. Conclusions The current study demonstrates that SSAs/Ps possess several specific endoscopic features compared with HPs. Recognition of these characteristics might assist endoscopists in the differentiation of these lesions and could possibly facilitate endoscopic detection of these rather subtle lesions.
In the management of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) seems to be safe and more effective than enteral stent placement. However, comparisons with laparoscopic ...GE (L-GE) are scarce. Our aim was to perform a propensity score–matched comparison between EUS-GE and L-GE.
An international, multicenter, retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive EUS-GE and L-GE procedures in 3 academic centers (January 2015 to May 2020) using propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. A standard maximum propensity score difference of .1 was applied, also considering underlying disease and oncologic staging.
Overall, 77 patients were treated with EUS-GE and 48 patients with L-GE. By means of propensity score matching, 37 patients were allocated to both groups, resulting in 74 (1:1) matched patients. Technical success was achieved in 35 of 37 EUS-GE–treated patients (94.6%) versus 100% in the L-GE group (P = .493). Clinical success, defined as eating without vomiting or GOO Scoring System ≥2, was achieved in 97.1% and 89.2%, respectively (P = .358). Median time to oral intake (1 interquartile range {IQR}, .3-1.0 vs 3 IQR, 1.0-5.0 days, P < .001) and median hospital stay (4 IQR, 2-8 vs 8 IQR, 5.5-20 days, P < .001) were significantly shorter in the EUS-GE group. Overall (2.7% vs 27.0%, P = .007) and severe (.0% vs 16.2%, P = .025) adverse events were identified more frequently in the L-GE group.
For patients with GOO, EUS-GE and L-GE showed almost identical technical and clinical success. However, reduced time to oral intake, shorter median hospital stay, and lower rate of adverse events suggest that the EUS-guided approach might be preferable.
For pancreatic solid lesions, ESGE recommends performing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling as first-line procedure when a pathological diagnosis is required. Alternatively, percutaneous ...sampling may be considered in metastatic disease.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.In the case of negative or inconclusive results and a high degree of suspicion of malignant disease, ESGE suggests re-evaluating the pathology slides, repeating EUS-guided sampling, or surgery.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.In patients with chronic pancreatitis associated with a pancreatic mass, EUS-guided sampling results that do not confirm cancer should be interpreted with caution.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.For pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), ESGE recommends EUS-guided sampling for biochemical analyses plus cytopathological examination if a precise diagnosis may change patient management, except for lesions ≤ 10 mm in diameter with no high risk stigmata. If the volume of PCL aspirate is small, it is recommended that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level determination be done as the first analysis.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.For esophageal cancer, ESGE suggests performing EUS-guided sampling for the assessment of regional lymph nodes (LNs) in T1 (and, depending on local treatment policy, T2) adenocarcinoma and of lesions suspicious for metastasis such as distant LNs, left liver lobe lesions, and suspected peritoneal carcinomatosis.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.For lymphadenopathy of unknown origin, ESGE recommends performing EUS-guided (or alternatively endobronchial ultrasound EBUS-guided) sampling if the pathological result is likely to affect patient management and no superficial lymphadenopathy is easily accessible.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.In the case of solid liver masses suspicious for metastasis, ESGE suggests performing EUS-guided sampling if the pathological result is likely to affect patient management, and (i) the lesion is poorly accessible/not detected at percutaneous imaging, or (ii) a sample obtained via the percutaneous route repeatedly yielded an inconclusive result.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.
Background Surgical repair of endoscopic perforations of the GI tract used to be the standard, but immediate, secure endoscopic closure has become an attractive alternative treatment with the ...potential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Objective We aimed to perform a systematic review of the medical literature on endoscopic closure of acute iatrogenic perforations of the GI tract. Design A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Setting Available medical literature from 1966 through November 2013. Patients Patients with an acute perforation after an endoscopic procedure that was closed endoscopically. Interventions Endoscopic closure of an acute perforation of the GI tract. Main Outcome Measurements Clinically successful endoscopic closure. Results In our search, we identified 726 studies, 702 of which had to be excluded. Twenty-four cohort studies (21 retrospective, 3 prospective) were included in the analysis. No randomized trials were identified. Overall, the methodological quality was low. The 24 studies included described 466 acute perforations in which endoscopic closure was attempted. Successful endoscopic closure was achieved in 419 cases (89.9%; 95% CI, 87%-93%). Successful closure was achieved in 90.2% (n = 359; 95% CI, 87%-93%) of cases by using endoclips, in 87.8% (n = 58; 95% CI, 78%-95%) by using the over-the-scope-clip, and in 100% (n = 2) by using a metal stent. Limitations Low methodological quality of included studies. Conclusion This systematic review suggests that endoscopic perforation closure is a safe and effective alternative for surgical intervention in selected cases; however, the overall methodological quality was low. Prospective, true consecutive studies are needed to define the definitive role of endoscopic closure of perforations.
Endoscopic duodenal stenting is the current standard treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in patients with limited life expectancy. However, duodenal stenting is prone to stent ...dysfunction. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel technique with potentially superior stent patency. We compared clinical success, safety, and stent dysfunction of EUS-GE and duodenal stenting in patients with malignant GOO using propensity score matching.
This international, multicenter, retrospective study analyzed consecutive patients undergoing EUS-GE or duodenal stenting for GOO between 2015 and 2021 in three European centers. Primary outcomes were clinical success (GOO scoring system GOOSS ≥ 2) and stent dysfunction (GOOSS ≤ 1 after initial clinical success). A propensity score matching (1:1) analysis was performed using age, sex, underlying disease, disease stage, ascites, and peritoneal carcinomatosis as variables.
214 patients underwent EUS-GE (n = 107) or duodenal stenting (n = 107). After propensity score matching, 176 patients were matched and compared. Technical success rates for EUS-GE and duodenal stenting were 94 % (95 %CI 89 %-99 %) vs. 98 % (95 %CI 95 %-100 %), respectively (
= 0.44). Clinical success rates were 91 % (95 %CI 85 %-97 %) vs. 75 % (95 %CI 66 %-84 %;
= 0.008). Stent dysfunction occurred in 1 % (95 %CI 0-4 %) vs. 26 % (95 %CI 15 %-37 %) of patients (
< 0.001). Adverse event rate was 10 % (95 %CI 4 %-17 %) vs. 21 % (95 %CI 12 %-29 %;
= 0.09).
EUS-GE had higher clinical success and lower stent dysfunction, with similar safety, compared with duodenal stenting, suggesting that EUS-GE may be preferred over duodenal stenting in patients with malignant GOO.
Pilot studies have indicated that peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) might be a safe and effective treatment for achalasia. We performed a prospective, international, multicenter study to determine ...the outcomes of 70 patients who underwent POEM at 5 centers in Europe and North America. Three months after POEM, 97% of patients were in symptom remission (95% confidence interval, 89%–99%); symptom scores were reduced from 7 to 1 ( P < .001) and lower esophageal sphincter pressures were reduced from 28 to 9 mm Hg ( P < .001). The percentage of patients in symptom remission at 6 and 12 months was 89% and 82%, respectively. POEM was found to be an effective treatment for achalasia after a mean follow-up period of 10 months. Clinical Trials Gov Registration number: NCT01405417.
Background EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as an alternative rescue method in patients with failed ERCP. Opportunities for teaching and training are limited because of a low case ...volume at most centers. Objective To evaluate a stereolithography/3-dimensional (3D) printing bile duct prototype for teaching and training in EUS-BD. Design Prospective observational feasibility study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects Twenty endosonographers attending an interventional EUS workshop. Intervention A prototype of a dilated biliary system was prepared by computer-aided design and 3D printing. The study participants performed guidewire manipulation and EUS-BD procedures (antegrade procedure and/or choledochoduodenostomy) on the prototype. Participants were scored with the device on a scale of 1 to 5 via a questionnaire. Participants’ success rate for various steps of the EUS-BD procedure was noted. Main Outcome Measurements Subjective and objective evaluation of the prototype regarding its overall applicability, quality of radiographic and EUS images, and 4 steps of EUS-BD procedure (needle puncture, guidewire manipulation, tract dilation, stent placement). Results Fifteen participants returned the questionnaire, and 10 completed all 4 steps of EUS-BD. The median score for overall utility was 4, whereas that for EUS and US views was 5. Participants with experience in performing more than 20 EUS-BD procedures scored the prototype significantly lower for stent placement ( P = .013) and equivalent for needle puncture, tract dilation, and wire manipulation. The success rate of various steps was 100% for needle puncture and tract dilation, 82.35% for wire manipulation, and 80% for stent placement. The mean overall procedure time was 18 minutes. Limitations Small number of participants. Conclusion The 3D printing bile duct prototype appears suitable for teaching of and training in the various steps of EUS-BD. Further studies are required to elucidate its role.
Background Recent studies suggest that there is a substantial risk of perforation after colorectal stent placement. Objective To identify risk factors for perforation from colonic stenting. Design A ...meta-analysis of 86 studies published between 2005 and 2011. Setting Multicenter review. Patients All patients who underwent colorectal stent placement. Intervention Colorectal stent placement. Main Outcome Measurements The occurrence of perforation with subgroup analyses for stent design, stricture etiology, stricture dilation, and concomitant chemotherapy, including the use of bevacizumab. Results A total of 4086 patients underwent colorectal stent placement; perforation occurred in 207. Meta-analysis revealed an overall perforation rate of 7.4%. Of the 9 most frequently used stent types, the WallFlex, the Comvi, and the Niti-S D-type had a higher perforation rate (>10%). A lower perforation rate (<5%) was found for the Hanarostent and the Niti-S covered stent. Stenting benign strictures was associated with a significantly increased perforation rate of 18.4% compared with 7.5% for malignant strictures. Dilation did not increase the risk of perforation: 8.5% versus 8.5% without dilation. The subgroup of post-stent placement dilation had a significantly increased perforation risk of 20.4%. With a perforation rate of 12.5%, bevacizumab-based therapy was identified as a risk factor for perforation, whereas the risk for chemotherapy without bevacizumab was 7.0% and not increased compared with the group without concomitant therapies during stent therapy (9.0%). Limitations Heterogeneity; a considerable proportion of data is unavailable for subgroup analysis. Conclusions The perforation rate of colonic stenting is 7.4%. Stent design, benign etiology, and bevacizumab were identified as risk factors for perforation. Intraprocedural stricture dilation and concomitant chemotherapy were not associated with an increased risk of perforation.
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