Esophageal Stricture Research Articles

Efficacy of oral viscous budesonide to reduce dilation treatment after esophageal atresia repair: a retrospective study

IntroductionAnastomotic stricture is a common complication following esophageal atresia (EA) repair, substantially affecting the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Multiple dilations are often required to maintain the appropriate diameter of the esophagus, leading to ongoing challenges. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of oral viscous budesonide (OVB) in prolonging the time between symptom recurrence and subsequent dilation.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective single-center study for pediatric patients (0–18 years) who had undergone recurrent esophageal dilations (≥3) following EA repair and initiated treatment with OVB (1 mg/day <10 years, otherwise 2 mg/day). Efficacy of treatment was determined by assessing a dysphagia symptom score (DSS) ≤1 for at least 3 months. Recurrence time to dysphagia and dilation were analyzed according to Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsOf 29 patients screened, 19 were enrolled: 19/19 were responsive to OVB and 13/19 (68%) didn’t required further dilations. The median time between dilations was significantly prolonged compared to the pre-treatment period [30 months vs 2 months; p<0.01] as well as the time to dysphagia relapse [18 months vs 1 month; p<0.01].ConclusionTopical budesonide has proven to be an effective treatment for recurrent esophageal stricture in repaired EA. Further investigation is required to assess the long-term sustained response of symptoms to topical steroids.

Pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation: efficacy, safety and lesion durability in patients with recurrences

Abstract Background Initial findings from feasibility studies regarding pulsed field ablation (PFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) indicated substantial efficacy and safety of the procedure, including high rates of lesion durability upon systematic remapping. However, data regarding PFA for AF in real-life settings remains scarce. Objective This pooled analysis was conducted to provide insights into PFA’s practical performance and safety profile in real-life settings, as well as information regarding lesion durability in patients with arrhythmia recurrences. Methods MEDLINE/EMBASE databases were searched up to August 31, 2023 for studies including patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF using PFA. Independent searches were performed by 2 investigators (K.B. and K.V.). Feasibility studies, first-in-human studies, small studies with population overlap, and those with a follow-up duration shorter than one year were excluded from the analysis. Authors were contacted for missing information or to confirm the absence of population overlap. Two investigators (K.B. and K.V.) independently extracted data from studies meeting inclusion criteria. Any discrepancies were resolved by a third experienced reviewer. Results We assessed for relevance a total of 952 references. Five studies met the inclusion criteria (comprising of 1 randomized trial, 2 single arm prospective trials, and 2 post-market registries), with a combined cohort of 2,359 patients who underwent PFA for AF. The pooled rate of acute PVI was 99.6% (95%CI 99.2-99.8, I2:7%). The pooled one-year rates of freedom from atrial arrhythmia for individuals with paroxysmal or persistent AF were 79.5% (95%CI 75.7-83.1, I2:70%) and 67.5% (95%CI 60.9-73.7, I2:60%), respectively. Among patients who underwent repeat catheter ablation for AF recurrences (n=197), the pooled rate of durable PVI per patient was 48.9% (95%CI 30.4-67.7, I2:71%), while durable PVI per vein was 74.1% (95%CI 65.1-82.2, I2: 75%). Incidence of overall complications and serious procedure-related complications were 1.8% (95% CI: 0.2-4.8, I2: 92%) and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3-1.7, I2:59%), respectively. The most prevalent complication types were access site complications (48.6%), pericardial effusions/tamponades (24.8%) and stroke/transient ischemic attack (9.5%). No esophageal damage or PV stenosis were reported . There was one case of persistent phrenic nerve palsy and two cases of reversible coronary spasm (during ablation along the posterior mitral isthmus, and during PVI, both resolving with intracoronary nitroglycerin). Conclusion This pooled analysis confirms that catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using pulsed field ablation is associated with high rates of atrial arrhythmia-free survival at one year while maintaining low rates of procedure-related complications. Durable pulmonary vein isolation is observed in approximately half of the patients undergoing a repeat procedure for atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus of the esophagus

Purpose of the study: to attract the attention of endoscopists and doctors of other specialties to the problem of diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus of the esophagus. Materials and methods. From January 2010 to December 2023, lichen planus was the cause of dysphagia in 7 of 17 patients with unexplained cicatricial strictures of the esophagus. Our own experience and literature data on endoscopic semiotics and treatment of lichen planus of the esophagus are presented. Results of the study. Lichen planus is most often localized in the upper third of the esophagus and is accompanied by a narrowing of the esophageal lumen. The mucosa is hyperemic, dull, with areas of epithelial detachment, erosions, and fibrin deposits. All 7 patients had grade 2-3 esophageal strictures with isolated esophageal involvement (3) or oral involvement (4). Morphological changes were nonspecific: ulcerations, granulation tissue and fibrosis of the underlying layers, atrophy and thinning of the epidermis, acanthosis. Only in 2 cases apoptotic Civatte bodies were detected in the suprabasal layer, which is a characteristic feature of lichen planus of the esophagus. All patients underwent courses of endoscopic bougienage, supplemented by intramural injections of triamcinolone. This manipulations led to stabilization of the esophageal lumen at 10-15 mm without a tendency to restenosis. Conclusion. Further experience is needed to determine optimal treatment strategies, but it is critical to pay particular attention to symptom assessment in patients with skin disorders and odynophagia or dysphagia. These actions will facilitate an earlier diagnosis of lichen planus of the esophagus and increase the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment.

A real-world pharmacovigilance study of FDA adverse event reporting system events for Capmatinib

Capmatinib is a potent selective mesenchymal-epithelial transition inhibitor approved in 2020 for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. As real-world evidence is very limited, this study evaluated capmatinib-induced adverse events through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. Four disproportionality analysis methods were employed to quantify the signals of capmatinib-related adverse events. The difference in capmatinib-associated adverse event signals was further investigated with respect to sex, age, weight, dose, onset time, continent, and concomitant drug. A total of 1518 reports and 4278 adverse events induced by capmatinib were identified. New significant adverse event signals emerged, such as dysphagia, dehydration, deafness, vocal cord paralysis, muscle disorder, and oesophageal stenosis. Notably, higher risk of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increases were observed in females, especially when capmatinib was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Compared with Europeans and Asians, Americans were more likely to experience peripheral swelling, especially in people > 65 years of age. Renal impairment and increased blood creatinine were more likely to occur with single doses above 400 mg and in Asians. This study improves the understanding of safety profile of capmatinib.

Planned supportive bougienage is the basis for complex endoscopic treatment of refractory cicatricial strictures of the esophagus and anastomoses

Purpose of the study: the concept of complex endoscopic treatment of refractory benign cicatricial strictures of the esophagus and esophageal anastomoses is outlined, including the methodology of long-term planned supportive bougienage with intramural injections of glucocorticosteroids based on our own extensive experience. The results of an analysis of immediate and first long-term results in this group are presented, as well as detailed recommendations for the management of patients after interventions. Materials and methods. For the period from 2013 to 2023 in the endoscopic department of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery” 70 patients with refractory cicatricial strictures of the esophagus and anastomoses underwent complex endoscopic treatment, including the main course and long-term planned supportive bougienage, supplemented with intramural injections of Dexamethasone and triamcinolone according to the protocol we developed. Results. Of the total number of patients, 16 (23%) patients, after one or several courses of intramural steroid injections, did not have restenosis for 1 year or more, and 38 (54%) patients required no more than 3 sessions of prophylactic bougienage. In 49 (70%) patients, the duration of treatment was less than 1 year, and the average number of bougienage sessions was from 11 to 20. Conclusion. During the endoscopic treatment of patients with esophageal stenoses of various etiologies and strictures of the esophageal anastomoses, it is very important to assess the refractoriness of the narrowing at an early stage and determine the indications for intramural injections of glucocorticosteroids. Only if all recommendations and a regimen of long-term planned supportive bougienage are followed is it possible to achieve lasting stabilization of the lumen in the narrowing zone and avoid recurrence.

Millet based Nutritious Powder for the Geriatric Population

Objective: This study aimed to utilize finger millet as a primary ingredient for creating nutritious millet powder suitable for hot beverages. Desiccated coconut was incorporated for color enhancement. The optimization process involved sensory evaluation and trials on a laboratory scale. Three variations of millet products and two recipes were developed: one for a beverage made by mixing millet (Ragi/ Finger millet) nutritious powder with hot water, and another for millet nutritious halua powder fortified with nutrients. Additionally, a millet nutritious powder based on Pearl millet was formulated for easy consumption by the ageing population.  Methods: The study involved the preparation and experimentation of three types of millet nutritious powder, derived from finger and pearl millet, targeting the nutritional needs of ageing individuals. Age-related challenges such as esophagus stenosis were taken into account during formulation. The viscosity graphs were utilized to refine the texture of the food, ensuring ease of swallowing. Laboratory-scale trials and benchtop sensory evaluations were conducted to optimize the formulations. The acceptability of the beverages was assessed using a 9-point hedonic scale.  Results: The formulated millet nutritious powders demonstrated excellent nutrient composition, with calcium content exceeding three times that of a cup of milk. The halua powder exhibited low viscosity, high solubility, and excellent swallowing properties. The optimized beverages achieved a total acceptability score exceeding 7 on the hedonic scale, indicating favourable consumer reception. The study successfully developed three variants of millet nutritious powder tailored for aging individuals, addressing concerns related to swallowing difficulties and offering a comfortable dietary option.  Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing finger and pearl millet to create nutritious powders suitable for hot beverages, particularly catering to the dietary needs of the aging population. The formulations offer a convenient and easily consumable option for individuals facing challenges with chewing solid food. Moreover, the affordability and widespread accessibility of the developed food products make them suitable for diverse populations, highlighting their potential for addressing nutritional needs on a broader scale.

Therapeutic effect of Wendan Decoction combined with mosapride on gastroesophageal reflux disease after esophageal cancer surgery.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common complication of esophageal cancer surgery that can affect quality of life and increase the risk of esophageal stricture and anastomotic leakage. Wendan Decoction (WDD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Mosapride, a prokinetic agent, functions as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 agonist, enhancing gastrointestinal motility. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of WDD combined with mosapride on GERD after esophageal cancer surgery. Eighty patients with GERD were randomly divided into treatment (receiving WDD combined with mosapride) and control (receiving mosapride alone) groups. The treatment was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023. The primary outcome was improved GERD symptoms as measured using the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ). The secondary outcomes were improved esophageal motility (measured using esophageal manometry), gastric emptying (measured using gastric scintigraphy), and quality of life [measured via the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey]. The treatment group showed a notably reduced RDQ score and improved esophageal motility parameters, such as lower esophageal sphincter pressure, peristaltic amplitude, and peristaltic velocity compared to the control group. The treatment group showed significantly higher gastric emptying rates and SF-36 scores (in both physical and mental domains) compared to the control group. No serious adverse effects were observed in either group. WDD combined with mosapride is an effective and safe therapy for GERD after esophageal cancer surgery. It can improve GERD symptoms, esophageal motility, gastric emptying, and the quality of life of patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.

Association of Cannabis Use with Complications Among Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Insights from National Inpatient Sample.

Background/Objective: Cannabis, one of the most widely used recreational drug in the United States, has had a significant surge in usage following its legalization in 1996. In recent years, there has been research into the physiological effects of cannabis on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Our study aims to systematically examine the association between cannabis use and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Materials and Methods: We queried the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample database to identify patient encounters with GERD. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis or missing demographics were excluded. We compared patient demographics, comorbidities, and complications among cannabis users and nonusers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and complications of GERD. Results: A total of 27.2 million patient encounters were included in the analysis, out of which 507,190 were cannabis users. Majority of the cannabis users were aged between 45-64 years (46.6%), males (57.4%), White (63.84%), and belonged to the lowest income quartile (40.6%). Cannabis users demonstrated a higher prevalence of esophagitis compared to nonusers (6.11% vs. 3.23%, p<0.001). However, they exhibited a lower rates of esophageal stricture (0.6% vs. 0.8%, p<0.001) and esophageal cancer (0.2% vs. 0.24%, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, cannabis users were noted to have higher odds of esophagitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-1.39, p<0.001). A lower odds of esophageal stricture (aOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96, p=0.02) and esophageal cancer (aOR: 0.48,95% CI: 0.42-0.57, p<0.001) were noted. Conclusion: Our cross-sectional study using the nationally available database indicates an association between cannabis use and higher odds of esophagitis, along with lower odds of esophageal stricture and cancer. While these findings suggest a potential relationship between cannabis use and esophageal complications, it is limited in establishing causality. Therefore, further long-term studies are warranted to understand the mechanism behind this association and to determine if cannabis use has an impact on esophagus.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy by Pediatric Surgeons: Our Early Experience.

Pediatric upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is an important procedure in the management of gastrointestinal pathologies. Conventionally, it has been the forte of medical gastroenterologists. However, unlike adults, the availability of pediatric gastroenterologists is limited, especially during emergency hours. We present our early experience of UGI endoscopy done by the department of pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to study the feasibility and benefits of UGI endoscopy by pediatric surgeons. A retrospective descriptive study was carried out by the department of pediatric surgery of a tertiary-level medical college, from January 2017 to January 2022. Data were collected from electronic and physical medical records. Parameters included age, gender, indication for endoscopy, and procedures done endoscopically or based on endoscopic findings and complications. One hundred and thirty endoscopies were done in 95 patients aged 1-16 years, from January 2017 to January 2022. The most common indication for UGI endoscopy was esophageal stricture (71 procedures in 41 patients), followed by UGI foreign body (18 cases). All other indications were mostly diagnostic, other than four patients with achalasia. Thirty of these patients underwent UGI endoscopy as an emergency procedure. Seventeen patients were followed through or had added procedures, with UGI endoscopy. There was one perforation when dilating an esophageal stricture who responded to conservative management. UGI endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, which can be performed by pediatric surgeons after necessary training. It supplements decision-making in management, avoids waste of time in referring, avoids additional anesthesia, and is valuable in emergencies.

Etiological and clinical profiles of patients with dysphagia: A teaching institution experience.

Dysphagia can involve any structure from the mouth to the lower esophageal sphincter. The etiologies vary from benign causes to malignant lesions. There is dearth of data regarding dysphagia in our population. A total of 208 patients with complaints of dysphagia were screened for the study. After ruling out neurological/local oropharyngeal causes of dysphagia, 200 patients with suspected esophageal dysphagia (ED) were recruited in the study. Dysphagia was graded as per the dysphagia scoring system. All patients underwent upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and were evaluated for the presence of mechanical and non-mechanical causes of ED. The mean age of patients with dysphagia was 53.8 ± 15.4 years. with males and females being 82 and 118, respectively. The mean duration of the symptom was 7.2 ± 10.6 months (median 3 months). Ninety-eight patients (49%) having dysphagia were in the age group of 56-65 years. The dysphagia score was 0 among 58, and 4 among 26 subjects. Foreign body sensation was the most frequent chief complaint in 90 (45%) patients. Ninety-six (48%) and 104 (52%) patients had mechanical and non-mechanical causes of dysphagia, respectively. Among mechanical causes of dysphagia, 68 patients (70.8%) had esophageal growth and 28 (29.2%) had esophageal stricture. Sixty-seven patients had squamous cell carcinoma. Among non-mechanical causes, 50 (48.1%) had globus sensation, 24 (23.1%) had hiatus hernia, and 16 (15.4%) functional dysphagia. Dysphagia is a common problem with varied etiologies. The esophageal growth and globus sensation are among the predominant causes of ED. We stress that all patients of dysphagia must be meticulously investigated.

Esophageal Lichen Planus: A Descriptive Multicenter Report.

To better understand the characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes of patients with esophageal lichen planus (ELP). ELP is a rare, often unrecognized and misdiagnosed disorder. Data on this unique patient population are currently limited to small, single-center series. A multicenter, retrospective descriptive study was conducted of adults diagnosed with ELP over a 5-year period, between January 1, 2015, and October 10, 2020, from 7 centers across the United States. Seventy-eight patients (average age 65y, 86% female, 90% Caucasian) were included. Over half had at least 1 extraesophageal manifestation. Esophageal strictures (54%) and abnormal mucosa (50%) were frequent endoscopic findings, with the proximal esophagus the most common site of stricture. Approximately 20% had normal endoscopic findings. Topical steroids (64%) and/or proton pump inhibitors (74%) dominated management; endoscopic response favored steroids (43% vs. 29% respectively). Almost half of the patients required switching treatment modalities during the study period. Adjunctive therapies varied significantly between centers. Given its at times subtle clinical and endoscopic signs, a high index of suspicion and biopsy will improve ELP diagnosis, especially in those with extraesophageal manifestations. Effective therapies are lacking and vary significantly. Prospective investigations into optimal treatment regimens are necessary.

A case of Kommerell diverticulum in adolescence presented with dysphagia

BackgroundKommerell diverticulum (KD) with right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSCA) is a rare congenital aortic anomaly. To improve organ compression symptoms and avoid rupture of aneurysms in adulthood (19 years old–), surgical treatment is considered the only curative option. However, in childhood (–18 years old), several problems regarding approach and technique selection have been reported. Surgical treatment for KD in infancy (birth–2 years old) has been reported recently, but rarely in adolescence (13–19 years old). We herein report a case of KD in which the patient underwent graft replacement during adolescence. Case presentationA 13-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital presenting with dysphagia and body weight loss. Esophagography showed upper esophageal stenosis caused by extrinsic compression. Contrast-enhanced computer tomography showed saccular aneurysm formation of KD with right aortic arch (RAA) and ALSCA. Elective surgery including KD resection and graft replacement of the descending aorta was performed via right thoracotomy under partial extracorporeal circulation. The ALSCA was reconstructed by graft interposition. No postoperative complication was observed. Follow-up esophagography showed no residual stenosis.ConclusionWe experienced a case of KD with dysphagia and weight loss in adolescence, which was successfully treated with surgery. Graft replacement could be an effective treatment option, facilitating recovery even during the growth period.

Diet Outcome in Patients With Hypopharyngeal Defects Repaired With Different Reconstruction Flaps: A Comparative Study.

To assess potential risk factors influencing diet outcomes after reconstruction of subtotal hypopharyngeal defects using free patch- or tube-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flaps. Retrospective cohort study. First-level referral hospital. Between January 2011 and December 2020, we studied hypopharyngeal cancer patients who underwent the reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects using free patch- or tube-shaped ALT fasciocutaneous flaps. The choice between patch- or tube-shaped ALT flaps depended on the defect's nature, favoring patch-shaped for subtotal defects and tube-shaped for circumferential defects. A restricted diet was characterized by a history of enterostomy or endoscopic esophageal dilation treatment postreconstruction. We analyzed patients with restricted diets at 1- and 3-year follow-up visits. Ninety-eight patients were enrolled; 39 patch-shaped flaps, and 59 tube-shaped flaps. No significances were noted in demographics, postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy, rates of free flap reoperation/salvage, or complications. However, a significant difference emerged in diet outcomes at the 1-year follow-up (P = .005). The rate of a restricted diet was 6.08 times higher in patients with tube-shaped flaps compared to patch-shaped flaps (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-18.94). Stratifying based on postoperative RT revealed a 5.47 times higher rate of a restricted diet in tube-shaped flap recipients compared to patch-shaped flap recipients (95% CI: 1.44-20.48). No significances were observed in 5-year survival rates. Concerning postoperative RT, patch-shaped flaps exhibited a lower incidence of a restricted diet compared to tube-shaped flaps. Preservation of the posterior mucosa may play a crucial role in preventing RT-induced esophageal stricture.

Gastric antral web presenting with esophageal stricture and severe malnutrition

Gastric antral web is a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction in children. Common complaints include intermittent non-bilious vomiting, bloating, pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Herein, we report a case of gastric antral web presenting with esophageal stricture and malnutrition, which was followed for many years with a misdiagnosis. An 8-year-old African boy was referred to our pediatric gastroenterology clinic due to recurrent vomiting and severe malnutrition. According to his medical history, the patient began experiencing non-bilious vomiting at 40 days of age and a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux was made. He was hospitalized multiple times and received nasogastric tube feedings in the following 4 years. He was re-evaluated for growth retardation and malnutrition at 4 years of age. He had been diagnosed with gluten enteropathy and was fed a gluten-free diet. Recently, he developed difficulty swallowing solid food and was only able to consume liquid meals. Esophagography revealed segmental stenosis in the distal portion of the esophagus. After stricture excision with thoracotomy, upper gastrointestinal series with a radiopaque substance indicated normal esophageal passage; however, prolonged gastric emptying time was also noted. Upon examination during laparotomy, a congenital web was detected in the antral region and was excised. Esophageal and gastric pathologies were consistent with stricture caused by reflux esophagitis and gastric antral web. Today, gastric antral web is mostly diagnosed and treated in infancy. Near total obstruction is relatively easy to diagnose; however, many patients with partial obstruction are followed-up for years with an incorrect diagnosis. Therefore, it should be considered in such cases, persistent vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux may be associated with esophageal stricture.

Reducing Eosinophil Counts in Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children Is Associated With Reduction in Later Stricture Development.

There are limited longitudinal data on the impact of chronic therapy on the natural history of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patients with well-controlled EoE were less likely to develop fibrostenotic complications. Subjects were identified from a database of pediatric patients with EoE at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia started in 2000. Patients were then searched in adult medical records to identify patients who transitioned care. All office visits, emergency department visits, and endoscopic, histologic, and imaging reports were reviewed for the primary outcome of strictures and the secondary outcomes of food impactions and dysphagia. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed for outcomes. One hundred five patients were identified with the mean follow-up of 11.4 ± 4.9 years. 52.3% (n = 55) had a period of histologic disease control defined as ≥2 consecutive endoscopies with histologic remission. These patients were less likely to develop strictures compared with patients who did not have a period of histologic control (HR 0.232; 95% CI 0.084-0.64, P = 0.005). Patients who were diagnosed at younger ages were less likely to develop strictures. Presentation with dysphagia or impaction was associated with higher rate of stricture development. In this cohort study with > 10 years of follow-up, children with EoE with a period of histologic disease control and diagnosed at younger ages were less likely to develop esophageal strictures. While this suggests histologic remission is associated with reduction of remodeling complications, additional prospective data with long-term follow-up are needed.

Update on applications of endoscopic cryotherapy in the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopic cryotherapy has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure for targeted tissue ablation within the gastrointestinal tract. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current clinical applications of EC with a review of the pertinent literature. Endoscopic cryotherapy has demonstrated safety and efficacy for various gastrointestinal conditions. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of endoscopic cryotherapy, including both liquid nitrogen-based spray cryotherapy and the novel cryoballoon focal ablation system, in achieving complete eradication of dysplasia and neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic cryotherapy has also shown promise as a second-line treatment option for patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus refractory to radiofrequency ablation and as an alternative to surgical resection for duodenal adenomas, when endoscopic resection is not feasible. Innovative applications for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding and management of benign refractory esophageal strictures have also been reported. Endoscopic cryotherapy represents a safe, effective, and well tolerated therapeutic option for various clinical scenarios in gastrointestinal endoscopy, including challenging disease states such as refractory Barrett's esophagus and advanced esophageal cancer. Advancements in cryotherapy technology and ongoing research continue to explore additional clinical indications and expand the role of endoscopic cryotherapy in patient care with an aim toward improved patient outcomes.

The Dual Lens of Endoscopy and Histology in the Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders-A Comprehensive Review.

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) are a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eosinophil accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract. Among these EGIDs, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is the most well documented, while less is known about Eosinophilic Gastritis (EoG), Eosinophilic Enteritis (EoN), and Eosinophilic Colitis (EoC). The role of endoscopy in EGIDs is pivotal, with applications in diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic intervention. In EoE, the endoscopic reference score (EREFS) has been shown to be accurate in raising diagnostic suspicion and effective in monitoring therapeutic responses. Additionally, endoscopic dilation is the first-line treatment for esophageal strictures. For EoG and EoN, while the literature is more limited, common endoscopic findings include erythema, nodules, and ulcerations. Histology remains the gold standard for diagnosing EGIDs, as it quantifies eosinophilic infiltration. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the histological understanding of EoE, leading to the development of diagnostic scores and the identification of specific microscopic features associated with the disease. However, for EoG, EoN, and EoC, precise eosinophil count thresholds for diagnosis have not yet been established. This review aims to elucidate the role of endoscopy and histology in the diagnosis and management of the three main EGIDs and to analyze their strengths and limitations, their interconnection, and future research directions.

Medium term (> 12 months) outcomes after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair without conventional fundoplication using PH4B-mesh implant (Phasix™) in 176 reflux patients: experience and technique.

Hiatal mesh repair remains a controversial topic among anti-reflux surgeons. Biosynthetic mesh cruroplasty may prevent early recurrence while avoiding late esophageal erosion and strictures associated with non-resorbable materials. So far, medium-term results on hiatal PH4B (Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate) mesh repair from high-volume centers are lacking. We analyzed the medium-term efficacy and safety of PH4B mesh cruroplasty in 176 consecutive patients (≥ 18years) with symptomatic hiatal hernias. Treatment failure was defined as the clinical recurrence of reflux symptoms. Patients could choose between mesh augmented hiatal repair (combined with a modified anterior hemifundoplication and fundophrenicopexy), Nissen fundoplication, and magnetic sphincter augmentation at their discretion. We also describe the surgical approach to mesh augmented hiatal repair used at our center. On average, patients were 55 (± 14) years old and followed up for 22 (± 7; sum: 3931) months. Treatment failed in 6/176 (3%, 95% CI: 2-7%) patients. The 24-month Kaplan-Meier failure estimate was 2.8% (95% CI: 0.4-5%). Each centimeter in hernia size increased the risk of failure by 52% (p = 0.02). Heavier patients (BMI > 27) had an 11% higher probability of clinical symptom recurrence (p = 0.03). The dysphagia and bloating/gas rate were 13/176 (7%), each. 8 (5%) patients required endoscopy due to dysphagia but without intervention. No serious complications, including mesh infection and erosion, or fatalities, occurred. Augmented PH4B mesh cruroplasty without conventional fundoplication shows excellent intermediate-term results in patients with reflux disease due to hiatal hernia. Around one in thirty patients experience treatment failure within 2years of surgery. Hernia size and overweight are key determinants of treatment failure.

Analysis of gap length as a predictor of surgical outcomes in esophageal atresia with distal fistula: a single center experience.

Long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is still a challenge for pediatric surgery. No consensus exists as to what constitutes a long gap, and few studies have investigated the maximum gap length safely repairable by primary anastomosis. Based on surgical outcomes at a single institution, we aimed to determine the gap length in LGEA with a high risk of complications. The medical records of 51, consecutive patients with esophageal atresia (EA) with primary repair in the early neonatal period between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Three, major complications were found in the surgical outcomes: (1) anastomotic leakage, (2) esophageal stricture requiring dilatation, and (3) GERD requiring fundoplication. The predictive power of the postsurgical complications was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) and the cutoff value with a specificity of > 90% were calculated. Sixteen patients (31.4%) experienced a complication. The AUC of gap length was0.90 (p < 0.001), and the gap length cutoff value was ≥ 2.0cm for predicting any complication (sensitivity: 62.5%, specificity: 91.4%). A gap length ≥ 2.0cm was considered as defining LGEA and was associated with an extremely high complication rate after primary repair.

Administration of oral prednisolone to prevent esophageal stricture after balloon-type radiofrequency ablation for ultralong-segment esophageal neoplasia

Background and AimsEndoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown good efficacy and safety in eradicating flat-type early esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN). However, post-RFA stricture is still a major concern, especially when treating ultralong-segment ESCNs. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral prednisolone to prevent post-RFA stricture. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 48 patients treated with balloon-type RFA who had Lugol-unstained or mosaic-like flat-type ESCNs with an expected treatment area more than 10 cm. Oral prednisolone was started at a dose of 30 mg/day on the third day after RFA and continued for 4 weeks. The results were compared to a historical control group of 25 patients who received RFA without oral steroids. The primary endpoint was the frequency of post-RFA stricture. Secondary endpoints were the number of balloon dilation sessions and adverse event rate. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the worst pathology grade at baseline, length of unstained lesions between the two groups. The complete response rates after 1 session of RFA were 73% and 72%, respectively. Compared to the control group, the oral prednisolone group had a significantly lower stricture rate (4%, 2/48 patients vs. 44%, 11/25 patients; P<0.0001) and a lower number of balloon dilation sessions (median 0, range 0-4 vs. median 6, range 0-10). There were two cases of asymptomatic candida esophagitis in the study group, and no severe adverse effects. ConclusionsOral prednisolone may offer a useful and safe preventive option for post-RFA stricture in ultralong ESCNs. Clinical trial registration numberNCT05768282