Ultraslim Endoscope Research Articles

Analysis of painful situations during unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Background and study aims Although esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a widely used technique, the procedure is often associated with discomfort. This study aimed to analyze painful situations, their frequency, and factors associated with patient discomfort during EGD. Patients and methods This prospective observational study included patients scheduled to undergo EGD. Seven endoscopists recruited patients scheduled for EGD screening or surveillance. Each endoscopist enrolled 20 patients, performing 10 EGD procedures using ultraslim endoscopes and 10 with standard-sized endoscopes. Data regarding painful situations and frequency were collected using specialized buttons pressed by the patients during EGD. A survey about overall discomfort was conducted after the procedure. Results We analyzed data from 140 patients. Esophageal insertion and duodenal observation were associated with the highest incidence of pressing the pain button, accounting for 59.3% and 40.7% of the cases, respectively. The factor associated with pressing the pain button during esophageal insertion was endoscopist experience (< 10 years). In contrast, younger age and female sex were the factors associated with pressing the pain button during duodenal observation. In the post-procedure survey, 63.6% of patients reported discomfort. Factors associated with patient discomfort included pressing the pain button during esophageal insertion (odds ratio [OR]: 2.84, P = 0.01) and previous painful EGD experience (OR: 2.41, P = 0.03). Concusions This study provides objective data on painful situations, their frequency, and related factors during EGD. Further research and interventions focusing on pain reduction during endoscopic procedures are warranted. The results of this study will help endoscopists manage painful situations and potentially improve skills.

Ultraslim Endoscopy for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

Ultraslim Endoscopy for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

Comparison of disposable digital single-operator cholangioscopy versus direct peroral cholangioscopy for the diagnosis of intraductal superficial lesions of the bile duct.

Disposable digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC) and direct peroral cholangioscopy (D-POC) using an ultraslim endoscope are established POC modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of various biliary diseases. We compared the usefulness of D-SOC and D-POC for the diagnosis of intraductal superficial lesions of the bile duct (ISL-Bs). 38 consecutive patients with suspected biliary diseases who underwent both D-SOC and D-POC were enrolled. The primary outcome was ISL-B detection rate, and the secondary outcomes were technical success of POC and POC-guided forceps biopsy sampling (POC-FB), procedure time, visualization quality, and tissue adequacy. D-SOC had a higher technical success rate than D-POC but the difference was not statistically significant (100% vs. 92.1%, P = 0.25). D-POC had a marginally higher ISL-B detection rate (34.2% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.68) and significantly higher visualization quality (P = 0.03). The mean (SD) procedure time was significantly shorter with D-SOC (11.00 [1.33] vs. 19.03 [2.95] minutes, P<0.001). The technical success rate of POC-FB and tissue adequacy did not differ between the two techniques (D-SOC vs. D-POC: 81.8% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.69 and 77.8% vs. 90.9%, P = 0.57, respectively). Both POC systems were safe and useful for the detection, characterization, and diagnosis of minute ISL-Bs. While D-SOC displayed a shorter procedure time and a tendency for higher technical success rate, D-POC provided superior visualization quality, allowing detailed observation of the surface structure and microvascular patterns.

Detection of residual stones by peroral direct cholangioscopy in patients with intrahepatic stones after hepaticojejunostomy: a prospective study (with video)

Background and AimsThe difficulty of radiographic confirmation of the presence of stones remains a challenge in the treatment of intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) stones in patients after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). Peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) enables direct observation of the bile duct and is useful for detecting and removing residual stones; however, its effectiveness is not clearly established in this clinical context. MethodsThis single-center, single-arm, prospective study included 44 patients with IHBD who underwent bowel reconstruction with HJ during the study period. Stone removal was performed by short-type double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). Following balloon-occluded cholangiography, the DBE was exchanged for an ultraslim endoscope through the balloon overtube for PDCS. The primary endpoint was the rate of residual stones detected by PDCS. Secondary endpoints were success rate of PDCS, residual stone removal with PDCS, procedure time for PDCS, procedure-related adverse events, and stone recurrence rate. ResultsPDCS was successful in 39/44 patients (89%), among whom residual stones were detected in 16 (41%) (95% CI: 28%–54%). Twelve patients (75%) had residual stones <5 mm. Stone removal was successful in 15 (94%) patients and median procedure time for PDCS was 16 (IQR: 10–26) min. The rate of procedure-related adverse events was 7% (3/44), all of which improved with conservative treatment. During median follow-up of 2.1 years (IQR: 1.4–3.3), the overall probability of recurrence-free status at 1, 2, and 3 years was 100%, 92%, and 86%, respectively. ConclusionsPDCS is a safe and effective procedure for complete stone removal in patients with IHBD stones after HJ.

Performance of a single-use gastroscope for esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Prospective evaluation.

Background and study aims Reprocessing reusable endoscopes is challenging due to their non-sterilizable nature. Disinfection has been shown to have a significant risk of failure with serious consequences. Single-use endoscopes can eliminate contamination risk and reduce workflow delays caused by reprocessing. This study evaluated the clinical performance of single-use gastroscopes in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Patients and methods In this case series, 60 patients underwent EGD using single-use gastroscopes, with 34 procedures in the endoscopy department and 26 in the intensive care unit. The primary outcome was successful completion of the intended EGD objective. Furthermore, certified endoscopists assessed device performance on a five-point Likert scale (ranging from 1-"much worse" to 5-"much better"), considering their experience with a reusable gastroscope. Results Successful completion of EGDs using only the single-use gastroscope was achieved in 58 of 60 cases (96.7%). In two cases, crossover to an ultra-slim endoscope was necessary to either reach the esophageal stenosis or to transverse the stenosis. Overall satisfaction was rated as comparable to reusable scopes in 51 of 56 cases (91.1%) and inferior in five cases (8.9%). The lower weight of the single-use gastroscope was rated as superior in 42 of 60 cases (70.0%). Drawbacks included reduced image quality (23 of 45 cases; 51.1%). Feedback included the absence of a freeze button, lens cleaning issues, and small image size. Conclusions Single-use gastroscopes exhibited a high EGD completion rate and effectiveness for various indications. Further research should focus on evaluating the implementation of single-use gastroscopes in a comprehensive context, considering clinical effectiveness, costs, and environmental impact.

Usefulness of Direct Peroral Cholangioscopy Using a Multibending Ultraslim Endoscope for the Management of Intrahepatic Bile Duct Lesions (with Videos).

: Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) has been used to assess intrahepatic duct (IHD) lesions but with a limited role. A new multibending (MB) ultraslim endoscope has been designed to improve POC performance. We evaluated the usefulness of POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for the management of IHD lesions. : Between March 2017 and March 2020, 22 patients underwent direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions documented by previous imaging or cholangiopancreatography. The primary outcome was technical success of POC, and secondary outcomes were technical success of POC-guided interventions, median procedure time, and POC-related adverse events. : The technical success rate for POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions was 95.5% (21/22). Free-hand insertion was successful in 95.2% (20/21). The overall technical success rate for POC-guided intervention was 100% (21/21), including nine diagnostic and 12 therapeutic procedures (eight direct stone removal and four intraductal lithotripsies). The median procedure time was 29 minutes (range, 9 to 79 minutes). There were no procedure-related adverse events. : Direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope allows direct visualization of IHD lesions and may be useful for diagnosis and therapeutic management in selected patients.

Bilateral stent-in-stent placement of biliary metal stents with a slim delivery system through an ultraslim endoscope.

Bilateral stent-in-stent placement of biliary metal stents with a slim delivery system through an ultraslim endoscope.

Over-the-catheter endoscope replacement for stenting in patients with inaccessible malignant colonic obstruction with coexisting peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Although a large-caliber endoscope (LCE) is indispensable for through-the-scope placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) in patients with malignant colonic obstruction (MCO), inaccessibility of the target obstructing lesion (TOL) by the endoscope is a significant cause of unsuccessful procedures. We herein present a novel salvage procedure when the TOL is not directly accessible by an LCE in conditions such as coexisting peritoneal carcinomatosis involving the colon. The salvage procedure, termed over-the-catheter endoscope replacement (OCER), starts with an ultraslim endoscope suitable for deep insertion beyond a tortuous colon for traversing a guidewire through the TOL. The ultraslim endoscope is then withdrawn and replaced by an LCE through the following steps. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter is preloaded in the LCE, the catheter alone is passed over the guidewire already traversed through the TOL, and the LCE is navigated over the catheter as far as possible toward the TOL to deliver the SEMS delivery system in a standard through-the-scope manner or further in an over-the-wire manner even if LCE insertion is incomplete. Among the 165 patients with MCO who underwent stenting during our study period, OCER led to successful procedures in all nine patients whose TOLs were initially inaccessible because of colon-involving peritoneal carcinomatosis. By utilizing the functions of distinctive endoscopes in a unique and complementary way, OCER can be a practical salvage option for challenging cases of MCO that are highly prone to unsuccessful palliation by conventional SEMS placement.

Efficacy and safety of direct peroral cholangioscopy using a new multibending ultra-slim endoscope for the management of biliary diseases.

Compared with currently available duodenoscopy-assisted systems, direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultra-slim endoscope is limited by technical difficulties. The multibending (MB) ultra-slim endoscope was introduced as a dedicated cholangioscope for DPOC to challenge the technical problem. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical utility of DPOC using an MB endoscope with free-hand insertion into the bile duct in patients with biliary diseases. A total of 145 patients who underwent DPOC using an MB endoscope were analyzed. The primary outcome was the technical success rate of DPOC using the free-hand insertion of the MB endoscope. The secondary outcomes were the technical success rates of DPOC-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the diagnostic accuracy of DPOC-guided target biopsy, and adverse events related to DPOC. Free-hand biliary insertion of a MB endoscope for DPOC was technically successful in 133 patients (91.7%). DPOC-guided target biopsy was successful in 36 of 38 patients (94.7%) and had a diagnostic accuracy of 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 82.6-100). Sixty-nine therapeutic interventions were performed; technical success was achieved in 65 (94.2%). No severe adverse events were observed. The MB ultra-slim endoscope was technically effective to perform a DPOC including various diagnosis and therapeutic interventions without device assistance. MB endoscope is considered to contribute to expanding a role of DPOC in diagnosis and treatment of diverse biliary tract diseases.

Feasibility of Cholangioscopy Using Multibending Ultra-Slim Endoscope Through a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent for Choledochoduodenostomy.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided choledochoduodenostomy using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) allows access to the biliary system with a sufficiently large diameter stent. However, an appropriate endoscope for this purpose is required. We evaluated the feasibility of per-oral cholangioscopy (POC) using a multibending ultra-slim endoscope through a LAMS for EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy. Twelve patients who underwent EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy, followed by POC via a LAMS, were enrolled. POC was performed with an multibending ultra-slim endoscope. The primary outcome was technical success, defined as examination of both hepatic ducts and either the distal common bile duct or stricture site within 10min. The types of intervention and adverse events were also assessed. Technical success was achieved in all cases with the multibending ultra-slim endoscope. Narrow-band imaging endoscopy was performed in five cases (41.7%) and POC-guided targeted biopsy was performed in three cases (25.0%). Stone extraction during POC was performed in two patients (16.7%) and foreign body removal from the intrahepatic duct was performed in one patient. One patient underwent additional metal stent insertion under direct visualization. After POC, no stent migration or severe adverse events were seen in any case. POC using a multibending ultra-slim endoscope for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes can be performed effectively and safely through a LAMS after EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using the introducer method with ultra-slim endoscopy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with respiratory compromise: A safe technique.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is recommended in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the procedure is considered high risk. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcome of ALS patients with and without PEG. The success of the procedure and complications of PEG insertion were also explored. Patients with ALS who met the criteria for enteral feeding support were consecutively recruited. Patients who consented had PEG insertion using the modified technique of introducer method with transoral ultra-slim endoscopy. A total of 64 patients were recruited, of which 36 (56%) patients consented to PEG. The median age of all patients was 65years and 59% were male. There was no difference in demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who agreed to a PEG and those who did not. The mortality rate at 6 and 12months was lower in the PEG cohort compared with non-PEG, but this was not statistically significant (6months: 28.6% vs 32.2%, P=0.561; 12months: 38.9% vs 50.0%, P=0.374). Amongst the PEG cohort, 61% were stratified high risk and 31% moderate risk. Thirty-one percent of them required long-term home noninvasive ventilation. All patients (100%) underwent successful PEG insertion at single attempt using the modified approach. The complications reported over a period of 6months were infected PEG site (17%), dislodged gastrostomy tube (14%), and minor bleeding (8%). In ALS patients with moderate to high risk of PEG insertion, the introducer technique utilizing ultra-slim endoscopy guidance was well tolerated and safe.

Author commentary on Hae Won Yoo et al.

Hae Won Yoo et al. Peroral cholecystoscopy using a multibending ultraslim endoscope through a lumen-apposing metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage: a feasibility study

Utility of Direct Peroral Cholangioscopy Using a Multibending Ultraslim Endoscope for Difficult Common Bile Duct Stones

Background/AimsTreatment options for difficult bile duct stones are limited. Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC)-guided lithotripsy may be an option. A newly developed multibending (MB) ultraslim endoscope has several structural features optimized for direct POC. We evaluated the utility of direct POC using an MB ultraslim endoscope for lithotripsy in patients with difficult bile duct stones.MethodsTwenty patients with difficult bile duct stones, in whom stone removal using conventional endoscopic methods, including mechanical lithotripsy, had failed were enrolled from March 2018 to August 2019. Direct POC-guided lithotripsy was performed by electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy. The primary outcome was complete ductal clearance, defined as the retrieval of all bile duct stones after lithotripsy confirmed by balloon-occluded cholangiography and/or direct POC.ResultsThe technical success rate of direct POC was 100% (20/20), and the free-hand insertion rate was 95% (19/20). Direct POC-guided lithotripsy, attempted by electrohydraulic lithotripsy in nine patients (45%) and laser lithotripsy in 11 patients (55%), was successful in 95% (19/20) of the patients. Complete ductal clearance after direct POC-guided lithotripsy was achieved in 95% (19/20) of patients. Patients required a median of 2 (range, 1–3) endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sessions for complete stone removal. Adverse event was observed in one patient (5%) with hemobilia and was treated conservatively.ConclusionsDirect POC using an MB ultraslim endoscope was safe and effective for lithotripsy in patients with difficult bile duct stones.

Diagnostic ability of linked color imaging in ultraslim endoscopy to identify neoplastic lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Background and study aims Linked color imaging (LCI) is a new image-enhancing technique that facilitates the differentiation of slight differences in mucosal color tone. We performed an exploratory analysis to evaluate the diagnostic capability of LCI in ultraslim endoscopy, using data from patients examined in the LCI-Further Improving Neoplasm Detection in upper gastrointestinal (LCI-FIND) trial, a large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trial that demonstrated the capability of LCI for detecting neoplastic lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Patients and methods Data from the LCI-FIND prospective trial were used. In the LCI-FIND trial, 1502 patients with a history of gastrointestinal cancer were randomly assigned to two groups based on examination methods: white light imaging (WLI) followed by LCI (WLI group) and LCI followed by WLI (LCI group). The present exploratory analysis investigated the outcomes of patients who underwent ultraslim and standard endoscopies. Results Ultraslim endoscopes were used in 223 patients and standard endoscopes in 1279 patients. The primary endpoint of the LCI-FIND trial was the percentage of patients diagnosed with a neoplastic lesion using WLI or LCI. The corresponding percentage tended to be higher with LCI than with WLI among patients who underwent ultraslim endoscopy and among those who underwent standard endoscopy; the crude risk ratio was 2.21 [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.06–4.67], and the adjusted odds ratio was 2.46 (95 % CI: 1.07–5.63). Conclusions Our exploratory analysis of data from the LCI-FIND trial showed that LCI is useful in identifying neoplastic lesions, when used in ultraslim endoscopy.

Peroral cholecystoscopy using a multibending ultraslim endoscope through a lumen-apposing metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage: a feasibility study

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) has rendered endoscopic gallbladder assessment through a stent possible, but an appropriate endoscope is required. We assessed the feasibility of peroral cholecystoscopy (POCC) using a multibending ultraslim endoscope passed through a LAMS after EUS-GBD. 14 patients with a LAMS for EUS-GBD who consecutively underwent POCC were included. POCC was performed using a multibending endoscope inserted through the LAMS. The primary outcome was the technical success rate, defined as complete endoscopic examination of the gallbladder from the orifice of the cystic duct to the fundus. The types of intervention and adverse events were recorded. 17 POCCs were performed in 14 patients. Of the 17 POCCs, 15 (88.2 %) were technically successful. Narrow-band imaging endoscopy was performed in 12 procedures (70.6 %), and cholecystoscopy-guided target biopsies were obtained in six. Gallstone extraction was performed in two patients. After POCC, all LAMSs remained stable and no adverse events were observed. POCC using a multibending ultraslim endoscope can be effectively and safely performed through a LAMS after EUS-GBD.

Endoscopic Management of Gastrojejunal and Jejunocutaneous Fistulae: A Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Complication in a Pediatric Patient

Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a method of gastric feeding access that has had increasing use by pediatric surgeons in recent years. Known risks of the procedure include bleeding, infection, and accidental placement into the liver, colon, and small bowel.1–3 Endoscopic management of PEG complications is a rapidly evolving field.4,5 This video describes the use of endoscopic techniques to manage a PEG complication in a pediatric patient. Materials and Methods: The patient was a 15-year-old boy who suffered a stroke resulting in ventilator and tube feed dependence. For long-term feeding access, the patient underwent a (PEG) procedure. The patient had difficulty tolerating gastric tube feeds and the decision was made to convert the gastrostomy to a gastrojejunostomy. Fifty-nine days after the initial PEG procedure, the patient was taken to the operating room for conversion to a gastrojejunostomy tube. After PEG removal, attempts were made to place a guidewire through the tract into the stomach. However, the guidewire did not go in the expected direction. Fluoroscopic and endoscopic evaluation raised concern for communication with the small bowel. An advanced surgical endoscopist was then consulted. The gastrostomy site was identified and traversed with an ultraslim endoscope. The gastrostomy site entered immediately into small bowel. A jejunocutaneous fistula was noted on the opposite site of the bowel, suggesting that the original PEG had traversed a loop of small bowel in a through-and-through manner. The tracts appeared stable and there was no evidence of contamination or insufflation leaking into the peritoneal cavity. Attention was then turned to closing the jejunocutaneous fistula, which could only be accessed through the gastrojejunal fistula. Given that only an ultraslim endoscope, without a proper working channel for the desired intervention, could access the site, an endoclip device was affixed to the side of the ultraslim endoscope. The jejunocutaneous fistula was then closed with five endoclips. Next, the gastrojejunal fistula was closed using an over-the-scope clip. Fluoroscopic evaluation with air insufflation demonstrated complete closure. Finally, to afford enteral access, a PEG was performed using the pull technique. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic observation confirmed good positioning. Results: An upper gastrointestinal contrast study on postoperative day 3 demonstrated no signs of fistula or leak. Tube feeds were initiated and slowly advanced to goal by postoperative day 7. The patient tolerated his gastric tube feeds and had no further surgical complications. Conclusion: This case has several key learning points. First, it demonstrates the high clinical suspicion for PEG complication that must be held when a patient fails to tolerate feeds. Second, it demonstrates how the skilled use of endoscopic and surgical principles can provide minimally invasive definitive management of PEG complications. Next, this case demonstrates how a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of available endoscopic tools can lead to innovative solutions to difficult problems. Finally, this case demonstrates the advanced care that can be offered to patients when a multidisciplinary approach is utilized. C.G.D., D.J.M., A.Y.T., and M.C.S.: No competing financial interests exist. E.M.P.: Speaking/teaching: Cook Biotech, Inc., C.R. Bard, Inc., Boston Scientific Corp. Ovesco; Research Support: C.R. Bard, Inc.; Consultant: Boston Scientific Corp., Actuated Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Baxter, Surgimatrix, CMR Surgical; Royalties: UpToDate, Inc., Springer. Runtime of video: 7 mins 45 secs This video was presented as a video presentation at the 2020 American College of Surgeons Virtual Clinical Congress, on October 3, 2020.

Necrosectomy with an ultra-slim endoscope for gangrenous cholecystitis refractory to endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage.

Watch a video of this article.

Diagnostic Ability of High-definition Imaging Using Ultraslim Endoscopes in Early Gastric Cancer.

PurposeIt is unclear whether high-definition (HD) imaging improves visibility and diagnostic ability in early gastric cancer (EGC) compared with standard-definition (SD) imaging. We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance and visibility scores of HD and SD ultraslim endoscopes in EGC.Materials and MethodsWe used HD and SD ultraslim endoscopes to obtain 60 images with similar compositions of gastric environments. Of the 60 images, 30 showed EGC (15 images for each modality) and 30 showed no EGC (15 images for each modality). Seventeen endoscopists evaluated the presence and location of the lesions in each image. Diagnostic ability was compared between modalities. The color difference between a lesion and the surrounding mucosa (ΔE) was measured and compared between the modalities.ResultsThe ability of HD to detect EGC was significantly higher than that of SD (accuracy: 80.8% vs. 71.6%, P=0.017; sensitivity: 94.9% vs. 76.5%, P<0.001; positive predictive value, 76.2% vs. 55.3%, P<0.001; and negative predictive value (NPV), 94.1% vs. 73.5%, P<0.001). The ability of HD to determine the horizontal extent of EGC was significantly higher than that of SD (accuracy: 71.0% vs. 57.8%, P=0.004; sensitivity: 75.3% vs. 49.0%, P<0.001; NPV, 72.9% vs. 55.9%, P<0.001; and area under the curve: 0.891 vs. 0.631, P=0.038). The mean ΔE was significantly higher for HD than for SD (10.3 vs. 5.9, P=0.011).ConclusionsThe HD ultraslim endoscope showed a higher diagnostic performance in EGC than the SD endoscope because it provided good color contrast.

Treatment outcomes, including risk factors of stone recurrence, for hepatolithiasis using balloon-assisted endoscopy in patients with hepaticojejunostomy (with video).

Endoscopic treatment outcomes for hepatolithiasis in patients with altered anatomy are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of hepatolithiasis in patients with hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) using short-type double-balloon endoscopy (sDBE) and to assess the risk factors for stone recurrence. This was a retrospective cohort study that consisted of 73 patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent bowel reconstruction with HJ at an academic center. Stone removal was performed using sDBE. After balloon-occluded cholangiography using sDBE, peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) using ultraslim endoscopy was performed to check for residual stones, depending on the bowel reconstruction method. Recurrence was defined as the development of cholangitis from stones. The success rate of reaching the HJ site was 92% (67/73), and the complete stone removal rate was 93% (62/67) with multiple sessions (mean number 1.5 ± 0.9). The occurrence rate of procedure-related adverse events was 6.8%. Among 58 patients evaluated for stone recurrence, 13 (22%) developed recurrence during a median follow-up period of 2.7years (interquartile range: 1.5-4.8). Multivariate analyses determined that a stone diameter ≥ 8mm [odds ratio (OR), 5.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.39-37.2; p = 0.013] and performing PDCS (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.0084-0.90; p = 0.036) were significant factors for stone recurrence. Endoscopic treatment using sDBE for hepatolithiasis was effective and safe. PDCS might reduce the rate of stone recurrence by detecting stones that are too small to confirm on fluoroscopic images.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Gastroenterostomy Techniques for Treatment of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) can be caused by periampullary malignancies and often leads to a reduction in a patient’s quality of life. Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) using a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS) has been developed as a minimally invasive and durable endoscopic treatment for GOO. There are three types of EUS-GE technique: (1) the direct technique; (2) device-assisted techniques, such as a balloon catheter, nasobiliary drainage tube, and ultraslim endoscopy; and (3) EUS-guided double balloon-occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass. Previous reports of EUS-GE with LAMS have shown technical and clinical success rates (regardless of technique and etiology) of 87%–100% and 84%–100%, respectively. Studies comparing EUS-GE and surgical gastrojejunostomy have shown similar success rates, reintervention rates, and cost benefits, with a lower rate of early adverse events in EUS-GE. A comparison of EUS-GE and endoscopic enteral stent placement revealed similar technical success rates, but initial clinical success rate was higher and the rate of stent failure requiring reintervention was lower with EUS-GE.