Background Delayed bleeding (DB) after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains a significant clinical problem. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new gel hemostatic powder (GHP) for the prevention of DB in high-risk patients. Methods A prospective, multicentric, open-label study was conducted at seven Belgian hospitals from 2023 to 2024 in patients undergoing EMR or ESD for lesions over 20 mm with high risk of DB (either anticoagulant or P2Y12RA treated, or undergoing duodenal EMR). The Nexpowder GHP preventive spray was applied to the resected area at the end of the procedure. The primary outcome was the rate of DB within 4 weeks post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included safety, procedure duration, post-procedural pain, and incidence of adverse events. Results Fifty patients were enrolled in the study and treated with endoscopic resection followed by GHP application. The observed DB rate was 22% (11/50), higher than the literature-reported rate of 16%. The hypothesized reduction in DB below 5% was not achieved ( p = 0.2472). DB was most common in rectal ESD ( n = 3/5; 60%) and duodenal EMR ( n = 6/20; 30%). DB typically occurred within the first 10 days post-procedure (median onset 7d). On univariate analysis, the only factor associated with DB risk was lesion size ( p = 0.042). No adverse events related to the use of the GHP were reported. Conclusion In this prospective study, GHP demonstrated limited efficacy for the prevention of DB in high-risk patients, with a 22% observed DB rate. Lesion size and location were key predictors of DB.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) presents as a constellation of nonspecific upper aerodigestive tract symptoms and signs. Among many objective tools available on the market, hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) is considered to date the gold standard technique for diagnosing LPRD, as well as tailoring treatment according to the different LPR profiles. More studies are needed to further validate and standardize diagnostic criteria and evaluate long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed and treated for LPRD using HEMII-pH.

Background:Various endoscopic treatment options are available for managing colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of these endoscopic interventions in achieving hemostasis in patients with CDB, focusing on early rebleeding rate (ERR) within 30 days. Methods:A systematic literature search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed for articles published between January 2008 and December 2023. Studies evaluating endoscopic clipping, with or without epinephrine injection, endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and endoscopic snare ligation (EDSL) in the treatment of CDB were included. The primary outcome was the overall pooled ERR following successful hemostasis. Secondary outcomes addressed ERRs associated with various hemostatic endoscopic techniques, and pooled ERRs for both direct and indirect clipping methods. Results are presented as pooled rates and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results:Sixteen studies were included, comprising 1435 patients with definite CDB of whom 1273 received endoscopic hemostatic treatment. Overall pooled ERR was 14.73% (95%CI 9.33-20.14%). Pooled ERRs were 9.83% (95%CI 7.41-12.26%) in the EBL/EDSL group and 22.32% (95%CI 12.48-32.16%) in the endoscopic clipping group (P=0.02). A subgroup analysis of the clipping group showed a significant difference between the pooled ERRs favoring direct clipping: 12.04% (95%CI 3.06-21.02%) vs. 27.74% (95%CI 18.34-37.14%), P=0.02. The measured effect favors direct over indirect clipping in reducing early rebleeding episodes: OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.24-0.85; P=0.01. Conclusion:In the management of patients presenting with CDB, EBL/EDSL and direct clipping showed significantly lower ERRs compared to indirect clipping.

Background and study aims: Chronic atrophic gastritis is an asymptomatic precancerous condition that can progress to extensive atrophy and/or intestinal metaplasia (IM), referred to as advanced stage of atrophic gastritis (ASAG). ASAG is a common condition with a variable prevalence worldwide reaching 45%. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) already has an established role in improving endoscopic detection of atrophy and IM. Considering the heterogeneous hospital population, this study aimed to assess the ASAG detection rate with NBI-guided biopsies compared with conventional Sydney protocol, in a European cosmopolitan city hospital. Patients and methods: This was a prospective, single-center, bi-phasic study conducted between October 2023 and March 2024, comparing ASAG detection rates using conventional Sydney protocol with optional NBI use, defined as phase 1, versus systematic NBI-guided biopsies in phase 2. Results: Of 495 eligible patients, 435 with similar demographics were included in both phases (87.8%). ASAG was detected in three patients using conventional Sydney protocol (1.43%) compared with eight patients (3.56%) using systematic NBI-guided biopsies (P = 0.269). Furthermore, systematic NBI-guided biopsies were associated with increased detection rates for atrophy and IM (P = 0.223 and P = 0.502, respectively). Suspicion-free NBI use correlated with increased likelihood of ASAG detection (odds ratio 16.99, 95% confidence interval 2.30-213.73). Age ≥ 50 years was a significant risk factor associated with ASAG. Conclusions: Despite the diverse hospital population, ASAG prevalence remained low. A numerical increase in ASAG detection rate was observed with systematic NBI use compared with optional NBI use. Overall, systematic NBI-guided biopsies appear to be associated with increased rates of detection of ASAG, atrophy, and IM.

Background This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for Barrett's neoplasia recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods Data from patients at 16 centers were collected for a multicenter retrospective study. Patients who underwent at least one RFA treatment for Barrett's esophagus and thereafter underwent further esophageal ESD for neoplasia recurrence were included. Results Data from 56 patients who underwent salvage ESD between April 2014 and November 2022 were collected. Immediate complications included one muscular tear (1.8%) treated with stent (Agree classification: grade IIIa). Two transmural perforations (3.6%; treated with clips) and five muscular tears (8.9%; two treated with clips) had no clinical impact and were not considered as adverse events. Seven patients (12.5%) developed strictures (grade IIIa), which were treated with balloon dilation. Histological analysis showed 36 adenocarcinoma, 17 high grade dysplasia, and 3 low grade dysplasia. En bloc and R0 resection rates were 89.3% and 66.1%, respectively. Resections were curative in 33 patients (58.9%), and noncurative in 22 patients (39.3%), including 11 "local risk" (19.6%) and 11 "high risk" (19.6%) resections. At the end of follow-up with a median time of 14 (0-75) months after salvage ESD, and with further endoscopic treatment if necessary (RFA, argon plasma coagulation, endoscopic mucosal resection, ESD), neoplasia remission ratio was 37/53 (69.8%) and the median remission time was 13 (1-75) months. Conclusion In expert hands, salvage ESD was a safe and effective treatment for recurrence of Barrett's neoplasia after RFA treatment.

BACKGROUND:Extensive esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs) without preventive measures carry a high risk of stricture. Oral steroids and local injection of triamcinolone acetonide have proven to be effective in Asia for the prevention of esophageal stricture. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a systematic steroid administration protocol for stricture prevention in a Western center. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted of all esophageal ESDs performed at H.U.B. Erasme Hospital, Brussels between 2016 and 2022. Injection of triamcinolone was performed for mucosal defects between 50% and 89% of the circumference. We added oral corticosteroids for patients with resections of ≥90% of the circumference. The primary outcome was the incidence of symptomatic stenosis at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative stricture rate assessed by endoscopy within 6 months of ESD. Potential risk factors of stricture were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS:111 patients underwent 130 esophageal ESDs, with 59 patients receiving triamcinolone acetonide local injection and eight receiving local and oral corticosteroids. The primary outcome demonstrated a stricture incidence of 8.4%. The cumulative stricture rate assessed by endoscopy within 6 months of ESD was 10.4%. A mucosal defect of ≥60 mm in length was associated with a 15-fold increased risk of stricture, with circumferential extent also identified as being an independent prognostic factor for stricture. CONCLUSIONS:Our protocol led to a low stricture rate, even after extensive resection. As a single session treatment without systemic side effects, triamcinolone injection could provide benefits as a preventive method after large esophageal resections.

Aims Submucosal injection is a crucial step when performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Glycerol is the most used solution that has been implemented, however novel formulations are emerging. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the submucosal injection using a gel solution versus glycerol during ESD procedures in patients with superficial gastric and rectal (pre)malignant lesions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:The prevalence of Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is underestimated and the assessment of fibrosis is recommended for this infection. We tested the diagnostic impact of an annual screening for HDV serology in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBs Ag) chronic carriers and followed the progression of fibrosis in these patients. METHODS:Between January 2014 and October 2021, we annually tested all chronic HBs Ag-positive patients for HDV antibody (HDV Ab). Each HDV Ab positive patient underwent annually repeated elastometry. Patients with detectable HDV RNA levels (group 1) were compared to those with undetectable HDV RNA (group 2). RESULTS:We identified 610 chronic HBs Ag-positive patients, and repeated screening for HDV Ab was performed in 534 patients. Sixty (11%) patients were HDV Ab positive at baseline and were considered as "coinfected". Seven cases of HDV superinfection were diagnosed through repeated screening. In co-infected patients, cirrhosis was initially diagnosed in 12/60 patients and developed in six patients during follow-up. HDV RNA PCR was performed in 57/67 patients and 27 had detectable levels (group 1). Cumulative incidence of cirrhosis at 7 years was 13.8% (95% CI 0-30) in group 1 and 0 (95% CI 0-0) in group 2 (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION:A systematic screening for HDV in chronic HB Ag carriers revealed a high prevalence of HDV Ab. Repeated serological screening enables the diagnosis of superinfections in asymptomatic patients. Regular assessment of fibrosis using elastometry leads to the identification of incidental cirrhosis in patients with detectable HDV RNA.

INTRODUCTION:The study aimed to develop international consensus recommendations on the safe use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) for on- and off-label indications. METHODS:Based on the available literature, statements were formulated and grouped into the following categories: general safety measures, peripancreatic fluid collections, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-biliary drainage, EUS-gallbladder drainage, EUS-gastroenterostomy, and gastric access temporary for endoscopy. The evidence level of each statement was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology.International LAMS experts were invited to participate in a modified Delphi process. When no 80% consensus was reached, the statement was modified based on expert feedback. Statements were rejected if no consensus was reached after the third Delphi round. RESULTS:Fifty-six (93.3%) of 60 formulated statements were accepted, of which 35 (58.3%) in the first round. Consensus was reached on the optimal learning path, preprocedural imaging, the need for airway protection and essential safety measures during the procedure, such as the use of Doppler, and measurement of the distance between the gastrointestinal lumen and the target structure. Specific consensus recommendations were generated for the different LAMS indications, covering, among others, careful patient selection, the preferred size of the LAMS, the need for antibiotics, the preferred anatomic location of the LAMS, the need for coaxial pigtail placement, and the appropriate management of LAMS-related adverse events. DISCUSSION:Through a modified international Delphi process, we developed general and indication-specific experience- and evidence-based recommendations on the safe use of LAMS.

Objective: Helicobacter pylori and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are both pandemic infections with variable geographic prevalence rates. H. pylori–HIV co-infection at the regional and sub-regional levels with a perspective on gastric cancer incidence is discussed. Design: Based on PRISMA guidelines, national data for H. pylori, HIV, and H. pylori–HIV co-infection were collected for the general population through December 2019. Joint temporal and geographical data for H. pylori and HIV infections in 48 countries were available and used to generate H. pylori–HIV co-infection estimates by cross-sectional analysis. These data were compared with gastric carcinoma statistics for the same countries. Results: The estimated global prevalence rate of H. pylori–HIV co-infection was 1.7 per 1000 people, representing 12.6 million people. Prevalence according to region was, in decreasing order, sub-Saharan Africa 21.9‰, Eastern Europe/Central Asia 4.3‰, Latin America/Caribbean 2.0 ‰, North America/Western/Southern/Northern Europe 1.1‰, Asia/Pacific 0.8‰, and North Africa/Middle East 0.1 ‰. The incidence and mortality rates for gastric carcinoma were higher in East/Pacific Asia, Southern/Andean Latin America, and Eastern Europe regions, and the incidence appeared to be 1.8-fold greater in H. pylori–HIV-infected people in East Asia. Conclusions: The population at risk of H. pylori–HIV co-infection is estimated to be 12.6 million people (2015 reference year). The heterogeneity of H. pylori–HIV co-infection across regions and sub-regions does not show a clear association with gastric carcinoma. Other methodological approaches with analytical studies (cohort, case–control) are required to measure the potential effect of H. pylori infection and its treatment on the incidence of gastric carcinoma in the large HIV–H. pylori-positive cohort.

RESULTS: All treatments except mechanical lithotripsy significantly outperformed sphincterotomy in terms of stone removal rate (risk ratio [RR], 1.03-1.29). SOC was superior to other adjunctive interventions (vs balloon sphincteroplasty [RR, 1.24; 95% CIs, 1.07-1.45], vs S+EPLBD [RR, 1.23; range, 1.06-1.42] and vs mechanical lithotripsy [RR, 1.34; range, 1.14-1.58]). Cholangioscopy ranked the highest in increasing the success rate of stone removal (surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA] score, 0.99) followed by S+EPLBD (SUCRA score, 0.68). SOC and S+EPLBD outperformed the other modalities when only studies reporting on stones greater than 15 mm were taken into consideration (SUCRA scores, 0.97 and 0.71, respectively). None of the assessed interventions was significantly different in terms of adverse event rate compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy or with other treatments. Post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding

Bckground and Objectives:EUS-guided cystogastrostomy is a well-established advanced endoscopic technique with a steep-learning curve which necessitates an ex-vivo simulator that would allow for adequate training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the model in allowing training for EUS-guided cystogastrostomy using lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). Subjects and Methods:The model was created by ROEYA Training Center, Egypt, using native porcine tissue to create fluid collections simulating both cystic and solid lesions. It was designed and tested in advance while the hydrogel was added on-site. The simulator was evaluated prospectively in five training sessions involving 17 international experts. The task was to successfully deploy the LAMS to drain the created cyst. After using the simulator, the experts were asked to fill a questionnaire to assess their experience. The primary endpoint was overall satisfaction with the model as a training tool. Results:All of the experts were satisfied with the model as a tool to train endoscopists for the technique. 76.5% (n = 11) of the experts thought the model to be moderately realistic. Proper visualization was reported by 94.1% of the experts. All experts believed the lesions to be either slightly like or very similar to real lesions. The model was graded "easy" in difficulty by 11 of the experts. Conclusions:In all parameters assessed, the experts thought the model to be a useful tool for future training. This preliminary study suggests that the aforementioned simulator can be used to train endoscopists on using LAMS in a risk-free environment.

Aims Oral steroid is usually administered in Western countries to prevent post-ESD esophageal stricture after extensive resection. A single local injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) at the end of ESD has been demonstrated to be effective for resections comprising 50 to 90% of circumference in Japan.