ABSTRACT
Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is a morbid complication that may occur after gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy reconstruction. The aim of this article is to review the different endoscopic treatment options of ALS. We describe the evolution of the endoscopic treatment of ALS and its limitations despite the overall propitious profile. We analyze the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound-guided entero-enterostomy (EUS EE) over enteroscopy-guided intervention, and the clinical outcomes of EUS EE. We expound on pre-procedural considerations, intra-procedural techniques and post-procedural care following EUS EE. We conclude that given the simplification of the technique and the ability to place a stent away from the tumor, EUS EE is a promising technique that will likely be established as the treatment of choice for ALS.
ABSTRACT
Esophageal diverticula are uncommon; however, when present, they can cause symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. Based on location and pathophysiological characteristics, they are classified as pulsion- and traction-type diverticula. In the past, the open surgical approach was the only treatment available; however, in the past few decades, transoral incisionless approaches in the form of rigid and flexible endoscopy have gained popularity. Diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy has emerged as an alternative treatment option. In this paper, we reviewed the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy as a treatment option for different types of esophageal diverticula. Although a safe and effective procedure, this novel submucosal tunneling technique for the treatment of esophageal diverticula requires further validation, and head-to-head comparisons between the different approaches for the treatment of esophageal diverticula are warranted.
ABSTRACT
Esophageal diverticula are uncommon; however, when present, they can cause symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. Based on location and pathophysiological characteristics, they are classified as pulsion- and traction-type diverticula. In the past, the open surgical approach was the only treatment available; however, in the past few decades, transoral incisionless approaches in the form of rigid and flexible endoscopy have gained popularity. Diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy has emerged as an alternative treatment option. In this paper, we reviewed the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy as a treatment option for different types of esophageal diverticula. Although a safe and effective procedure, this novel submucosal tunneling technique for the treatment of esophageal diverticula requires further validation, and head-to-head comparisons between the different approaches for the treatment of esophageal diverticula are warranted.
ABSTRACT
Biliary strictures are considered indeterminate when the initial radiologic evaluation and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with brush cytology and/or forceps biopsy do not reveal diagnostic findings. Evaluation of these strictures is challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach and multiple procedures. Peroral cholangioscopy allows direct visualization of these lesions and targeted tissue acquisition using miniature biopsy forceps. In the past decade, there have been significant improvements in the field of cholangioscopy. These advances have allowed higher-quality image acquisition, easy setup, operation by a single operator, easy maneuverability, and excellent targeted tissue sampling performance. However, the interpretation of cholangioscopic visual findings remains challenging. In this review, we discuss the role of peroral cholangioscopy in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures.