Stricture Diameter Research Articles

Clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloons dilatation for benign esophageal stricture

BackgroundDrug-coated balloons (DCBs) angioplasty is safe and effective for coronary artery disease. However, DCBs dilatation for the treatment of benign esophageal strictures is rarely reported.PurposeWe aimed to report the clinical outcomes of DCBs dilatation for patients with benign esophageal strictures.MethodsFrom May 2020 to August 2023, 18 patients underwent DCBs dilatation for benign esophageal strictures. Baseline demographics were recorded and evaluated, including gender, age, comorbidities, stricture diameter and length, dilatation session, complications.ResultsA total of 24 dilatation sessions of DCBs were performed, with a mean of 1.3 ± 0.6 sessions per patients (range 1.0–5.0). Dysphagia score decreased significantly after DCBs dilatation (2.6 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 1.3, p = 0.0002). Both stricture diameter and stricture index decreased significantly after DCBs dilatation (p < 0.0001). No procedure-related death, massive bleeding or esophageal perforation was observed during or after DCBs dilatation. Minor complications were found in only 3 patients (16.7%). All 18 patients were successfully followed up for a median period of 12.0 months. By the end of follow up, 10 patients showed no dysphagia, 6 patients showed mild dysphagia and 2 patients showed no improvement in dysphagia. The clinical success rate of DCBs dilatation is 88.9%.ConclusionDCBs dilatation may be a safe, effective and feasible treatment for benign esophageal strictures, and can be utilized as an alternative option after standard dilatation has failed. Prospective studies with large samples are needed to further validate its clinical efficacy.

Health State Utility is Substantially Reduced With an Increasing Burden of Patient-Reported Symptoms in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

We aimed to estimate health state utility in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) by histologic activity and assess association with disease parameters. In this cross-sectional study, we measured health state utility by time trade-off and assessed symptoms with the EoE Symptom Activity Index. In 51 adults with EoE, the mean utility was 0.91 (95% CI 0.86, 0.95). Utility was numerically worse in patients with dilation or a smaller stricture diameter. With each ten-point improvement in EoE Symptom Activity Index, utility increased by 0.03 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05). EoE is associated with reduced health state utility, with symptoms most strongly predicting valuation.

Comparative study of sonourethrography and conventional urethrography in determining the length of anterior urethral strictures

Background: Conventional urethrography has been the “Gold standard” in the evaluation of anterior urethral strictures. Sonourethrography (SUG) is less invasive, more readily available, and cheaper and does not use ionizing radiation.&#x0D; Objective: To determine the length of anterior urethral strictures diagnosed on conventional urethrography using SUG and compare findings on SUG with conventional urethrography in adult male patients&#x0D; Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out over a period of twelve months, whereby 66 male patients with clinically suspected anterior urethral strictures and confirmed on retrograde urethrography (RUG)/ Micturatingcystourethrography (MCUG) were examined using SUG. The length of anterior urethral strictures from both procedures were compared. The data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23(SPSS Inc, IL, USA). At 95% confidence interval, P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Result: Sixty six patients were studied. The mean age of the participants was 56.7±13.7years with an age range of 20 – 78 years. The stricture lengths and diameters were consistently higher on SUG compared to conventional urethrography. The mean length of stricture on RUG/MCUG and SUG were 19.4 ± 6.0mm and 21.3± 6.7 mm respectfully. The mean difference for the stricture lengths on RUG/MCUG and SUG was 1.9 mm and this was statistically significant (CI = 0.983 – 2.761, p &lt; 0.001). The mean diameter of the stricture on RUG/MCUG and SUG were 2.2± 0.7mm and 5.6± 1.2mm and the mean difference for the stricture diameter on both techniques was 3.4mm (CI= 3.158 – 3.577, p&lt;0.001), which was statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: Significantly higher mean stricture length and diameter were found on SUG compared with RUG/MCUG.

Course of Esophageal Strictures in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using Structured Esophagram Protocol

A key unknown in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the long-term course of esophageal stenosis. Our aim was to evaluate the course of esophageal strictures using structured serial esophagrams and determine predictors of diameter improvement in patients with EoE. This was a retrospective study of 78 EoE patients who completed 2 structured esophagrams at an academic tertiary referral center between 2003 and 2021. Maximum and minimum esophageal diameters were measured during esophagram using a standardized protocol to reduce measurement errors. The median age at first esophagram was 36.2 (12.9-64.3) years; 60.3% of patients were male; 41 patients had active EoE; and 9 were inactive. Of the patients, 39.7% had allergic rhinitis, asthma (32.1%), and atopic dermatitis (7.7%). Medical therapies at second esophagram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy included proton pump inhibitors (39.5%), swallowed topical steroids (31.6%), diet elimination (13.2%), biologic therapies (1.3%), and clinical trial medications (1.3%). Median maximum diameter significantly increased by 1.0 mm (Q1:-1.0 mm, Q3: 3.0 mm) (P= .034), independent of dilation (P= .744). Increase was most profound in patients starting in the lowest maximum diameter group (9-15 mm) with median increase of 3.0 mm. For patients in disease remission at the second esophagram, there was a significant increase in maximum diameter per year compared to active disease at 0.8 mm (Q1: 0.0 mm, Q3: 5.3 mm) and 0.0 mm (Q1:-0.4 mm, Q3: 0.6 mm) respectively (P= .019). Long-term improvement in esophageal strictures in patients with EoE may occur but is modest and likely occurs over years. Progression also appears to be minimal. Continuous medical treatment may reduce the rate of stricture recurrence and may improve stricture diameter over time.

Alternative Approach in Colorectal Anastomotic Stricture: Bougie Dilatation

Dear Editor, Anostomotic stricture (AS) is seen in 2-30% of patients after colorectal surgery. Various factors such as tissue ischaemia, anastomotic leakage and radiotherapy have been suggested in its pathogenesis [1,2]. Endoscopic methods (balloon dilatation, bougie dilatation, stents, endoscopic electroincision), digital dilatation, surgical methods (stapler stricturoplasty, transanal circular stapler resection, transabdominal redo-anastomosis) and corticosteroids are used in AS [3,4]. Surgery is generally preferred in complete/near complete AS [1]. Stents; the benefit of stents in AS after oncological surgery has not been shown [3]. However, Philip BC Pangg et al. treated near-total AS non-operatively with the colonic/rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) anastomosis technique and a hot lumen metallic stent [5]. We applied 3-stage bougie dilation to the patient with near complete anastomotic stricture. A 59-year-old female patient who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection due to sigmoid colon tumor was followed up with complaints of abdominal swelling, intermittent abdominal pain and difficulty in defecation. One month later, when colonoscopy was performed, near complete anastomotic stricture was observed. Bougie dilatation was performed with maloney flexible bougie dilators under wire guidance. Bougie dilatation was performed 3 times with fifteen days intervals. After the first (33, 36 and 42 F) and the second bougie dilatation (36, 42 F), the upper segment of the anastomotic stricture was reached by gastroscopy. After dilatation with a bougie (42, 45 F) for the third time, the colonoscope was easily passed through the anastomosis line to the upper segment. Six months later, colonoscopy was performed and the proximal part of the anastomosis was easily passed without the use of bougie dilators. Balloon dilatation is the first method used in AS. However, several repetitions are necessary for the success of the procedure. In addition, the risk of perforation increases when the stricture diameter is &lt;5 mm and length &gt;1 cm. The chances of success in AS are lower compared to bougie dilatation. Endoscopic electroincision is recommended in failure of balloon dilatation. Digital dilatation: used in distal anorectal anostamotic strictures. Corticosteroid application: very large studies are not available. Bougie dilatation in AS provides tactile feedback, allowing the amount of resistance to the passage of the dilator to be estimated and perforation to be avoided. Bougie dilatation method is simple, inexpensive and low risk of complications. Especially Maloney flexible silicone bougie minimise the risk of complications. Bougie dilatators can remain intact for many years and can be reused. But balloon dilatators are not reused. Surgical methods are used in 3-4% (complete/near complete AS) in the failure of endoscopic methods. But mortality risk is high [1,4-6]. Therefore, the alternative method of Philip BC Pang et al. can be applied [5]. However, due to limited endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) centers, gradual dilatation can be performed with flexible bougie dilators in case of anastomosis stricture. Yours Sincerely

Real-World Efficacy of Dupilumab in Severe, Treatment-Refractory, and Fibrostenotic Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Dupilumab is approved for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), but real-world data are lacking. We aimed to determine the real-world efficacy of dupilumab in patients with severe, treatment-refractory, and fibrostenotic EoE. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of EoE patients prescribed dupilumab and who were treatment-refractory to standard modalities. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, EoE history, and procedural data (including the histologically worst, predupilumab, and postdupilumab endoscopies) were extracted from medical records. Symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic responses were assessed for the worst and predupilumab endoscopies compared with the postdupilumab endoscopy. We identified 46 patients with refractory fibrostenotic EoE who were treated with dupilumab. Patients showed endoscopic, histologic, and symptomatic improvement on dupilumab compared with both the worst and the predupilumab esophagogastroduodenoscopies. The peak eosinophil counts decreased markedly, and postdupilumab histologic response rates were 80% and 57% for fewer than 15 eosinophils per high-power field and 6 or fewer eosinophils per high-power field, respectively, and the Endoscopic Reference Score decreased from 5.01 to 1.89 (P < .001 for all). Although the proportion of strictures was stable, there was a significant increase in the predilation esophageal diameter (from 13.9 to 16.0 mm; P < .001). Global symptom improvement was reported in 91% (P < .001). In this population of severe, refractory, and fibrostenotic EoE patients, most achieved histologic, endoscopic, and symptom improvement with a median of 6 months of dupilumab, and esophageal stricture diameter improved. Dupilumab has real-world efficacy for a severe EoE population, most of whom would not have qualified for prior clinical trials.

197. FIBROSING MEDIASTINITIS CAUSING CONCOMITANT FOCAL STRICTURE AND TRACTION DIVERTICULA OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Abstract Background Fibrosing mediastinitis, also known as mediastinal fibrosis or sclerosing mediastinitis, is a rare condition caused by an excessive fibrosing reaction of the mediastinum. The clinical presentation of fibrosing mediastinitis varies based on the mediastinal structures involved, which can include the great vessels, airway, thoracic duct, phrenic nerve, or esophagus. We present a unique case of a patient with fibrosing mediastinitis causing dysphagia due to esophageal involvement with both focal esophageal stricture and multiple traction diverticula. Case Report: 82-year-old man with a past medical history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis in his 20s, Crohn’s colitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease presented to clinic with worsening dysphagia for the past few years with chronic dysphagia symptoms for the past 50 years. Barium esophagram demonstrated a stricture in the upper to mid esophagus and a corkscrew pattern of the mid-esophagus (Figure 1). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated an esophageal stricture and multiple traction diverticula distal to the stricture. Computed tomography of the chest showed homogeneous soft tissue encasing the trachea and esophagus consistent with fibrosing mediastinitis. Serial dilation of the esophageal stricture was performed, but mucosal disruption was never achieved with no improvement in stricture diameter. The case was discussed in a multi-disciplinary conference where esophageal stenting was not felt to be feasible given multiple traction diverticula, and esophageal resection would be high risk given the fibrosing mediastinitis. Risks and benefits were discussed with the patient, and the patient opted to do dietary modifications as he did not have dysphagia on a pureed diet. Discussion Fibrosing mediastinitis is often idiopathic but can be due to infectious/inflammatory processes, sarcoidosis, or radiation exposure. The most common cause of fibrosing mediastinitis is prior infection with Histoplasma capsulatum. In this case, fibrosing mediastinitis from remote Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection resulted in a focal stricture and traction diverticula of the esophagus causing dysphagia. Barium esophagram revealed a corkscrew pattern of the esophagus, a pattern usually seen in diffuse esophageal spasm but was due to multiple traction diverticula. Fibrosing mediastinitis causing dysphagia is rare, and no prior reports in the literature describe a case causing concomitant esophageal stricture and traction diverticula in a patient.

Long-term outcomes of large balloon dilatation for benign anastomotic stricture following surgical resection of esophageal cancer.

Surgical resection of esophageal cancer may result in benign anastomotic strictures, which are usually treated by balloon dilatation. Here we reported the long-term outcomes of large balloon dilatation for benign anastomotic strictures secondary to esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. From February 2011 to December 2016, 27 esophageal cancer patients underwent large balloon dilatation for benign strictures following surgical resection. Clinical success rate, number of dilatation sessions, complication rate, and mortality rate were evaluated. A total of 27 patients developed a benign stricture at the esophagectomy site. A total of 50 dilatation sessions of large balloon were performed, with a mean of 1.8 sessions per patients (range 1.0-5.0). Only 1 perforation was observed (2.0% per dilatation session), and required no surgery. No procedure-related deaths were recorded. Large balloon dilation was technically successful in the remained 26 patients (96.3%). Dysphagia score and stricture index decreased significantly (P < .0001). Proximal diameter of stricture, stricture diameter and length decreased significantly. Patients were followed up for 36.3 ± 7.1 months, and 14 patients survived without dysphagia. The survival rates were 95.0%, 69.1%, 34.5% for 1, 5, and 9 years, respectively. The median survival was 96.0 months. Large balloon dilatation can be a safe and feasible treatment for benign anastomic strictures following surgical resection of esophageal cancer, with a low perforation rate. However, further study compared with small balloon dilatation is warranted.

Maintenance of complete mucosal healing is associated with avoiding restenosis after endoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's disease‐related small intestinal strictures

Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for Crohn's disease (CD) related intestinal strictures. However, restenosis frequently occurs and requires repetitive EBD or surgical resection. Since previous studies could not evaluate restenosis based on stricture diameter, factors affecting restenosis after EBD were unclear. This study aimed to identify these factors by precisely measuring the diameter of small intestinal strictures in patients with CD. This single-center retrospective study enrolled patients with CD with de novo small intestinal strictures who underwent two double-balloon enteroscopy sessions (EBD and follow-up) between January 2016 and October 2021. Clinical and endoscopic data were obtained from electronic medical records. A calibrated small-caliber-tip transparent hood was used to precisely measure stricture diameters. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with restenosis. Forty-eight patients (37 male) were analyzed. The total number of strictures detected decreased from 162 to 143. The mean diameter of all strictures and the narrowest stricture in each patient increased significantly from 8.6 to 9.8 mm and from 7.6 to 8.7 mm, respectively. Thirty-two (67%) patients developed endoscopic restenosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of ulcers at the follow-up session was a risk factor for restenosis (odds ratio 9.4, p = 0.01). Patients with complete mucosal healing at both sessions (n = 21) showed significant improvement in the narrowest stricture (+1.7 mm, p = 0.001). Maintenance of complete mucosal healing is significantly associated with avoiding restenosis after EBD in CD-related small intestinal strictures.

A107 VISCERAL ADIPOSE TISSUE VOLUME DIFFERENTIATES BETWEEN FIBROSTENOTIC AND INFLAMMATORY CROHN’S DISEASE

Abstract Background Creeping fat, a form of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) that wraps the intestinal wall, influences the formation of Crohn’s disease (CD) strictures. The degree of fat wrapping from intestinal stricture resections is correlated with the extent of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, stricture formation, and response to biologic therapy. VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratios from CTE (computed tomography) scans are elevated in CD strictures. However, the definition of strictures in these studies has been poorly defined and not included current well-recognized criteria: 1) bowel wall thickness (BWT), 2) narrowed luminal diameter, and 3) pre-stenotic dilation. (PSD). Purpose The objective of this pilot study was to assess the relationship of 2D and 3D VAT:SAT ratios with CT stricture parameters in patients with terminal ileal (TI) CD strictures. Method 2D VAT:SAT ratios from CT’s of CD patients with TI strictures defined as increased BWT, narrowed luminal diameter (&amp;lt; 50% relative to normal adjacent distended loop), and PSD greater than the stricture diameter were retrospectively obtained from a database and chart review. CT’s from fibrostenotic CD patients were sex and BMI matched to patients with only TI inflammatory behaviour. Patient demographics, medication, smoking, and surgical history were also obtained. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and BMI covariates. Unpaired t-tests and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Result(s) Twenty-eight patients with stricturing CD had a significantly greater mean VAT:SAT volume ratio than 29 non-stricturing CD (41.5 cm3 vs 34.2 cm3, p=0.03). Thirty-six percent (10/28) of CD stricture patients had prior ileocolic resection with a mean disease duration of 13.5 years (range 0-48). The median ileal BWT (7.0 mm, range 4.0-13.0 mm) for the stricturing group was significantly greater than those with inflammatory behaviour (BWT 2.0 mm, p&amp;lt;0.0001). The median luminal diameter and PSD for the stricture group was 2.0 mm (range 0 - 14.0 mm), and 3.0 cm (range 1.0 - 7.3 cm), respectively. Image Conclusion(s) Fibrostenotic TI CD patients have increased VAT:SAT ratios in comparison to those with only inflammatory behaviour. These pilot VAT:SAT results provide an initial foundation for further studies to assess its predictive role in responsiveness of medical or surgical therapies in stricturing CD. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

P669 Improving Crohn’s disease stricture dilation outcome: Effect of repeated dilation, needle knife stricturotomy, and ongoing active inflammation

Abstract Background Traditionally Crohn’s disease strictures have been treated by a single endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD), repeated only for obstructive symptom recurrence. We postulated that scheduled repeated EBD may result in greater dilation effect than a single EBD; and that needle-knife stricturotomy (NKSt) may be a valuable salvage intervention in patients with strictures. Methods In this prospective observational study, patients with endoscopically accessible and short (&amp;lt;5cm), symptomatic Crohn’s disease stricture were assessed clinically (using an Obstructive Symptom Score [OSS]) and by imaging (colonoscopy, MRI and IUS). All patients had drug treatment optimized to decrease inflammation. Patients were treated with 3 serial balloon dilatations each 3 weeks apart, single EBD, or needle-knife stricture incision. The primary endpoint was improved OSS at 6m. Secondary outcomes; ability to endoscopically pass the stricture, treatment failure / surgery, stricture morphology on imaging, and safety. Results Twenty-one consecutive patients were included in the analysis. Of these 17 (81%) were receiving treatment with a biologic therapy. Median stricture length at baseline was 20mm (IQR 20mm) and median estimated stricture diameter was 8mm (IQR 3mm). 18 (86%) had visible ulceration. Of the 21 patients 11 (52%) underwent more than one EBD, 5 (24%) had ≥1 NKSt and 5 (21%) underwent a single EBD. Four of the 21 patients (19%) strictures were passable before endoscopic treatment. All procedures were technically successful. 14/21 (67%) had improvement in OSS at 6m, including 8/11 (73%) with 3 serial EBD, 4/5 (80%) with NKSt and 2/5 (40%) patients undergoing a single EBD. Two patients required surgery. At 6m, 3/8 (38%) who had repeat dilations, 4/5 (80%) who had NKSt, and 2/5 (40%) having a single EBD had a passable stricture. All 4 patients with highly elevated stricture inflammation (stricture magnetic resonance index of activity [MaRIA] score ≥20) at the 6m MRI had a non-passable stricture at study endpoint, whilst 9/12 (75%) were passable when stricture MARIA was &amp;lt;20 (P=0.019). No major complications occurred. Conclusion Endoscopic stricture treatment was safe and technically successful in all patients with accessible Crohn’s disease strictures and was associated with symptom improvement in most. Progression to surgery in this symptomatic and advanced disease was low at 6m. The highest rates of symptom improvement were seen in patients who had NKSt. Lesser stricture inflammation on MRI was associated with a better outcome, suggesting that controlling inflammation is important in preventing stricture recurrence after dilation. NKSt should be considered when balloon dilation is not possible or has failed, as a salvage treatment alternative to surgery.

Factors influencing outcomes of esophageal balloon dilatation for anastomosis site stenosis after esophageal atresia surgery.

Esophageal balloon dilatation is an effective treatment for anastomotic strictures, but the factors affecting the outcome of dilatation remain unclear. To investigate the predictive factors of esophageal balloon dilatation outcome in children with anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia repair. We retrospectively reviewed children with esophageal atresia who underwent esophageal balloon dilatation for postoperative strictures between August 2007 and February 2021. We investigated each child's age, weight and height; type of esophageal atresia surgery; shape, length and level of stricture; esophageal balloon dilatation balloon size; application of mitomycin; number of inflation sessions; and number of esophageal balloon dilatation sessions. The outcome of each esophageal balloon dilatation session was determined as improvement in stricture diameter between pre- and post-esophageal balloon dilatation esophagography. We used uni- and multivariate analyses with generalized estimating equations to evaluate outcome predictors. Overall, 69 children (mean age, 2.3years; 45 boys) underwent 227 esophageal balloon dilatations. In the univariate analysis, the positive effect of esophageal balloon dilatation decreased with increased age, weight, height, balloon size and number of esophageal balloon dilatation sessions. Additionally, the positive effect was decreased in cervical-level strictures and with the application of mitomycin during esophageal balloon dilatation. In the multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors of the positive esophageal balloon dilatation effect were age (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: -0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.01, -0.002), shape of stricture (IRR: -0.54; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.18) and number of esophageal balloon dilatation sessions (IRR, -0.10; 95% CI: -0.14, -0.18). Repeated esophageal balloon dilatation, older age and eccentric stricture shape are associated with poor response to esophageal balloon dilatation in children with anastomotic strictures after esophageal atresia repair.

S2259 The Efficacy and Safety of Treatment Outcomes for Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures Using a Novel Combination of Needle-Knife Stricturoplasty, Balloon Dilation, and Steroid Injection

Introduction: Benign esophageal strictures that are refractory to standard endoscopic techniques can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life leading to complications such as malnutrition and weight loss. When repeat dilations fail to achieve an adequate luminal diameter or resolve dysphagia, further therapy with needle knife or steroid injections are needed. However, patients can still clinically fail. In an effort to manage such strictures we employed a novel triple combination of needle-knife stricturoplasty, balloon dilation, and steroid injection to assess clinical outcomes and safety. Case Description/Methods: This was a single center retrospective study of all adult patients with benign strictures that were refractory to conventional endoscopic therapy and removable self-expanding metal stenting. The triple therapy consisted of at least 4 longitudinal needle knife incision followed by balloon dilation and then targeted 4 quadrant intralesional steroid injections (Figure). Primary success was defined as a 50% reduction in repeat endoscopic therapy needed. Secondary outcomes included periodic dilation index, esophageal diameter changes, technical success, and complications. Four patients (average age 49.7 years, average body mass index 22.8 kg/m2) underwent endoscopic therapy for complex benign strictures using our triple therapy technique (Table). Stricture etiologies included peptic strictures (n= 3) and an anastomotic stricture (n=1). All patients previously required esophageal stenting (range 1-3). There was 100% technical success rate with no adverse events. The average diameter of the esophagus before and after triple therapy was 4.2 ± 1.63 mm and 13 ± 1.36 mm, respectively. The periodic dilation index was 6.3 (range 12-2) before and 1.5 (range 5–0) after triple therapy. The mean length of follow up was 316 days (range 116-425). Discussion: Triple combination therapy may be useful in benign strictures that are refractory to standard techniques. We do recommend needle knife before dilation to enhance the efficacy of steroid injections. In light of our findings, this method should be considered when strictures are refractory after 2-3 dilation sessions and/or stent therapy. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings and identify predictive factors that can enhance clinical success using this novel combination.Figure 1.: Esophageal stricture (A) that was treated with needle knife (B), balloon dilation (C) and then steroid injections (D). Table 1. - Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes Patient Age/Sex Stricture Etiology Initial stricture diameter Stricture diameter after triple therapy Number of triple therapy procedures Length of follow up (days) 1 30/Male GERD 7 mm 13.5 mm 1 425 2 59/Male Anastomotic 3 mm 15 mm 2 421 3 57/Male GERD 3 mm 11.5 mm 4 304 4 53/Male GERD 4 mm 12 mm 2 116

Measurement of Stricture Dimensions Using a Visual Comparative Estimation Method With Biopsy Forceps During Endoscopy.

Estimation of the dimensions of endoscopic findings such as stricture diameter is largely subjective. Accurate assessment of stricture dimensions has multiple benefits including facilitating the choice of appropriately sized endoscopic therapies for treating stricture, properly tracking response to endoscopic therapies between procedures, and potentially even predicting outcomes of endoscopic therapy. Endoscopies performed in children with repaired esophageal atresia between August 2019 and August 2021 for which both (1) an endoscopic estimate of esophageal stricture diameter obtained by visual comparison with the known dimensions of the biopsy forceps and (2) an intraoperative esophageal fluoroscopy study were performed were included for analysis. Fluoroscopic stricture diameter measurements were manually obtained using a software ruler tool calibrated to the known dimensions of the intraluminal endoscope. Statistical concordance was calculated between the visual diameter estimates and the standard fluoroscopic stricture measurements. One hundred ninety-one endoscopies were included for analysis. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.89-0.94) between the visual diameter estimates and the fluoroscopic stricture measurements. Correlation was strongest for smaller to mid-sized stricture diameters. Use of the biopsy forceps as a visual reference of known dimensions enables accurate visual estimation of esophageal stricture diameter during endoscopy using commonly available tools, with high concordance with standard fluoroscopic measurement techniques.

A prospective study of fully covered self-expandable metal stents for refractory benign pancreatic duct strictures.

Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) are a relatively novel option for treating painful main pancreatic duct refractory strictures in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Herein, we aimed to assess the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of FCSEMSs in this patient group. This prospective single-center study included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography with FCSEMS placement. The primary endpoints were the technical and clinical success rates. A reduction in visual analog scale pain score of >50% compared with that before stent placement was defined as clinical success. Secondary endpoints were resolution of pancreatic strictures on fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and the development of stent-related adverse events. Thirty-six patients were included in the analysis. The technical success rate was 100% (n=36) and the clinical success rate was 86.1% (n=31). There was a significant increase in stricture diameter from 1.7 mm to 3.5 mm (p<0.001) after stent removal. The mean visual analog scale pain score showed statistically significant improvement. At 19 months of follow-up, 55.6% of the patients were asymptomatic. Stent migration (16.7%), intolerable abdominal pain (8.3%), development of de novo strictures (8.3%), and mild pancreatitis (2.8%) were the most common adverse events. FCSEMS placement showed good technical and clinical success rates for achieving pain relief in patients with refractory main pancreatic duct strictures.

Local palliative therapies for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction: radiofrequency ablation combined with stent or biliary stent alone? An updated meta-analysis of nineteen trials.

Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in radiofrequency ablation combined with stent (RFA + Stent) for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA + Stent compared with biliary stent alone. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception dates to June 20, 2021, for studies that compared RFA + Stent and stent alone for unresectable MBO. The main outcomes were survival, patency, and adverse effects. All meta-analyses were calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 19 studies involving 1946 patients were included in this study. Compared with stent alone, RFA + Stent was significantly associated with better overall survival (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.48, 0.63; P < 0.00001), longer mean survival time (SMD 2.20; 95% CI 1.17, 3.22; P < 0.0001), longer mean stent patency time (SMD 1.37; 95% CI 0.47, 2.26; P = 0.003), higher stent patency at 6months (OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.54, 5.18; P = 0.0008). The two interventions had similar incidence of postoperative abdominal pain (OR 1.29; 95% CI 0.94, 1.78; P = 0.11), mild bleeding (OR 1.28; 95% CI 0.65, 2.54; P = 0.48), cholangitis (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.76, 1.55; P = 0.65), pancreatitis (OR 1.39; 95% CI 0.82, 2.38; P = 0.22). Furthermore, the serum bilirubin levels and stricture diameter after operations were significantly alleviated than before operations, but the degree of alleviation between the two groups were not significantly different (all P > 0.05). Although the alleviation of serum bilirubin and stricture diameter did not differ between the two interventions, RFA + Stent can significantly improve the survival and stent patency with comparable procedure-related adverse events than stent alone. Thus, RFA + Stent should be recommended as an attractive alternative to biliary stent alone for patients with unresectable MBO.

Endoscopic Treatment for Pediatric Esophageal Stenosis Induced by Chemical Burn, Congenitally, or After Surgical Repair of Esophageal Atresia

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment for congenital pediatric esophageal stenosis or pediatric stenosis that develops after a chemical burn or surgical repair of esophageal atresia.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic treatments (dilation and/or stenting and/or incision) for congenital esophageal stenosis or esophageal stenosis that developed after a chemical burn or surgical repair of esophageal atresia, between January 2010 and January 2019. The patients were periodically followed-up to assess the safety and efficacy of treatment by comparing the diameter of stricture and dysphagia score before and after procedures, and complications or recurrence.ResultsAll children successfully underwent the procedures. Fourteen of the 15 patients received endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) as the first step of treatment, but EBD alone only resolved the symptoms in two patients. The remaining patients received other comprehensive treatments, such as EBD with endoscopic incision (EI), EBD with stent replacement, or a combination of EBD, stent replacement, and EI. Eleven (11/15, 73.3%) patients experienced symptomatic relief after endoscopic treatment, and recurrence was noted in four patients on 3–36 months after the final endoscopic treatment. All four patients underwent esophageal surgery to relieve their symptoms. Until October 2021, all patients experienced symptom relief, and their dysphagia scores decreased from 3–4 to 0–1 during the follow-up period of 8–121 months. The average diameter of stenosis was increased from 0.34 cm (range 0.2–0.7 cm) to 1.03 cm (range 0.8–1.2 cm). No severe complications occurred during endoscopic treatment and follow-up.ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment is safe and effective for pediatric esophageal stenosis that is congenital or induced by chemical burns or surgical repair of esophageal atresia. Comparative large-scale studies are required to confirm our findings.

Visceral adipose volume is correlated with surgical tissue fibrosis in Crohn's disease of the small bowel.

BackgroundThis study explored the diagnostic performance of visceral adiposity to predict the degree of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis.MethodsThe patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who underwent surgical small bowel resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between January 2007 and December 2017 were enrolled. We evaluated the intestinal imaging features of computed tomography enterography (CTE), including mesenteric inflammatory fat stranding, the target sign, mesenteric hypervascularity, bowel wall thickening, lymphadenopathy, stricture diameter, and maximal upstream diameter. We used A.K. software (Artificial Intelligence Kit, version 1.1) to calculate the visceral fat (VF) and subcutaneous fat (SF) volumes at the third lumbar vertebra level. Pathological tissue information was recorded. Diagnostic models were established based on the multivariate regression analysis results, and their effectiveness was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analyses.ResultsOverall, 48 patients with CD were included in this study. The abdominal VF/SF volume ratio (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.38; P = 0.009) and the stenosis diameter/upstream intestinal dilatation diameter (ND) ratio (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.99; P = 0.034) were independent risk factors for the severe fibrosis of the small intestine. The AUC values of the VF/SF ratio, the ND ratio, and their combination were 0.760, 0.673, and 0.804, respectively. The combination of the VS/SF volume ratio and ND ratio achieved the highest net benefit on the decision curve.ConclusionThe VF volume on CTE can reflect intestinal fibrosis. The combination of the VF/SF volume ratio and ND ratio of CD patients assessed using CTE can help predict severe fibrosis stenosis of the small intestine.

Predictors and Outcomes of Fully Covered Stent Treatment for Anastomotic Esophageal Strictures in Esophageal Atresia.

Anastomotic strictures following surgical repair is one of the most common complications in esophageal atresia (EA). The utility of esophageal stenting to treat anastomotic esophageal strictures in pediatrics is unclear. Our primary aim was to evaluate whether esophageal stenting, in conjunction with dilation and other endoscopic therapies, prevented surgical stricture resection (SR). Our secondary aims were to evaluate predictors of successful esophageal stenting and evaluate adverse events from stent placement. A retrospective review of pediatric patients with EA complicated by esophageal strictures was performed. The change in stricture diameter in millimeters from the time of stent removal to subsequent endoscopy was defined as delta diameter (ΔD). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the discriminatory ability of ΔD. Youden J index was used to identify optimal cutoff-point in predicting stent success. A univariate and multivariate analysis were done to assess predictors of success. Forty-nine esophageal anastomoses were stented to treat esophageal strictures. Stents prevented SR in 41% of patients. ROC curve analysis utilizing Youden J index identified ΔD of ≤4 mm (area under the curve = 0.790; 95% confidence interval: 0.655-0.924; P < 0.001) as the optimal cutoff point in differentiating stent success. The most common adverse events were erosions/ulcerations, granulation tissue formation, and vomiting/retching. Stent therapy in preventing SR at the site of EA repair was successful in 41% in our population with good long term follow-up. The most significant predictor of success in this study was the change in luminal diameter (≤4 mm) at initial poststent follow-up.

Evaluation of quantitative MRCP (MRCP+) for risk stratification of primary sclerosing cholangitis: comparison with morphological MRCP, MR elastography, and biochemical risk scores.

To study the association of MRCP+ parameters with biochemical scoring systems and MR elastography (MRE) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). To evaluate the incremental value of combining MRCP+ with morphological scores in associating with biochemical scores. MRI images, liver stiffness measurements by MRE, and biochemical testing of 65 patients with PSC that were retrospectively enrolled between January 2014 and December 2015 were obtained. MRCP+ was used to post-process MRCP images to obtain quantitative measurements of the bile ducts and biliary tree. Linear regression analysis was used to test the associations. Bootstrapping was used as a validation method. The total number of segmental strictures had the strongest association with Mayo Risk Score (R2 = 0.14), minimum stricture diameter had the highest association with Amsterdam Oxford Prognostic Index (R2 = 0.12), and the percentage of duct nodes with width 0-3 mm had the strongest association with PSC Risk Estimate Tool (R2 = 0.09). The presence of Ducts with medians > 9 mm had the highest association with MRE (R2= 0.21). The strength of association of MRCP+ to Mayo Risk Score was similar to ANALI2 and weaker than MRE (R2 = 0.23, 0.24, 0.38 respectively). MRCP+ enhanced the association of ANALI 2 and MRE with the Mayo Risk Score. MRCP+ demonstrated a significant association with biochemical scores and MRE. The association of MRCP+ with the biochemical scores was generally comparable to ANALI scores. MRCP+ enhanced the association of ANALI2 and MRE with the Mayo Risk Score. • MRCP+ has the potential to act as a risk stratfier in PSC. • MRE outperformed MRCP+ for risk stratifcation. • Combination of MRCP+ with MRE and ANALI scores improved overall performace as risk stratifiers.