Preoperative biliary drainage for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, but any meaningful improvement in its prognosis remains elusive. The lack of early diagnostic methods means that many patients only present when symptoms develop, such as obstructive jaundice. Once a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has been made in a patient with obstructive jaundice, then a decision should be made if the patient is a candidate for surgical resection. Patients who are candidates for surgical resection generally do not need preoperative biliary drainage, unless they present with cholangitis, or if they require neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. If preoperative biliary drainage is to be done, then patient factors and local expertise should guide appropriate interventions. The evidence for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a first-line therapy for biliary decompression is strong; However, the use of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage as well as endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage has generally not been found to be inferior. Finally, to ensure ongoing patency and minimize complications, an appropriate self-expanding metal stent should ideally be placed.

Comprehensive management of cholangiocarcinoma: Part I. Diagnosis

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Classification and staging of intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinomas provide useful prognostic information and further guide in their management. Establishing diagnosis is frequently challenging and may require a multi-modality approach that includes advanced radiological imaging studies and procedures for tissue acquisition; the endoscopic procedures that have been utilized in the management of cholangiocarcinoma comprise endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with brushing and biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, cholangioscopy with targeted biopsy, and intraductal confocal endomicroscopy. In this review, we will examine the strengths and limitations of each diagnostic tool and assess the serum and bile tumor markers.

Comprehensive management of cholangiocarcinoma: Part II. Treatment

Cholangioarcinoma is a rare but dreadful malignancy which poses much difficulties in the management. If detected early with only localized disease, curative resection is possible. However, most patients present in the late stages of the disease, which are managed with endoscopic biliary drainage and/or chemoradiation. Liver transplantation offers a possibility for cure in the distal and the perihilar tumors for selected candidates. Local treatments, such as hepatic artery-based therapies, brachytherapy, and photodynamic therapy, may offer some benefit in cases of the advanced disease. In this review, we will assess the role of preoperative biliary drainage, how best to drain biliary obstruction, and the intricate details of various treatments that are currently available.

Advances in endotherapy in chronic pancreatitis

Patients with chronic pancreatitis may develop complications such as chronic debilitating abdominal pain related to neuropathy, pancreatic duct leaks, pseudocysts, pancreatic carcinoma, pancreatic duct calcifications and strictures. Management of mechanical complications of chronic pancreatitis may pose a significant challenge to the interventional endoscopist. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the latest developments in interventional techniques and to set the stage for future investigations.

Greetings from the Guest Editor

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How to manage gastric polyps

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the world. In United States, gastric polyps are found in approximately 6% of upper endoscopy. The incidence of gastric polyps increased with widespread use of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and more liberal use of proton pump inhibitors. They are usually asymptomatic, but infrequently cause symptoms of bleeding, pain and gastric outlet obstruction. It is important to distinguish premalignant conditions and mimickers of malignancy. Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy leads to regression of hyperplastic polyps but it is not clear for adenoma. Endoscopy plays key role not only in diagnosis but also in surveillance. With narrow band imaging and chromo endoscopy, we are much better today in detecting and discerning these. Also, with endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, we can manage these better. In this review article we will discuss the various diagnostic tools and therapeutic options for hyperplastic polyp, fundic gland polyp, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, adenoma, neuroendocrine tumor, linitis plastica, and intestinal metaplasia.