A surprising culprit for delayed gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic ultrasound-guided cholecystoduodenostomy: the double-pigtail stent.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage using a lumen-apposing metal stent has emerged as an accepted option for the treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients unfit for surgery. While metal stents carry a risk of intra- and post-procedural bleeding, the coaxial placement of a double-pigtail stents through lumen-apposing metal stents has been proposed to lower the bleeding risk by preventing tissue abrasion against the stent flanges. We present a case of an 83 year-old male who had previously undergone uncomplicated endoscopic ultrasound-guided cholecystoduodenostomy with this technique. Six months later, he presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a duodenal pressure ulcer from the coaxial 10-Fr double-pigtail stent originally employed to prevent such bleeding. The 10-Fr stent was replaced with two 7-Fr stents whose increased flexibility and distribution of pressure across multiple points of contact with the duodenal wall was theorized to reduce the likelihood of erosion or perforation. Following the procedure, the patient's clinical course improved significantly with complete resolution of his symptoms of choledocholithiasis and cholecystitis. While 10-Fr double-pigtail stents are generally preferred for this indication due to their stiffness that reduces out-migration, use of more flexible 7-Fr stents may be advisable in thin-walled structures such as the duodenum.

Transoesophageal endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration (EUS-B-NA) for poorly accessible thoracic lesions: a case series.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has long been a common diagnostic tool used in the diagnosis of pulmonary pathologies. In the last decade, increased interest has been shown in its usage via the oesophagus for sampling lesions inaccessible via the airways. We describe three cases in which we used this modality to biopsy lesions not visualised via conventional EBUS and which would be too risky to be attempted via a CT-guided biopsy with a high likelihood of complications. More focused education on using EBUS via the oesophagus for respiratory trainees could greatly improve overall clinical practice. It improves the diagnostic yield of lesions and prevents subsequent referral to gastrointestinal colleagues which may delay diagnosis especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as was the case in our patient cohort where services are already limited. EBUS, due to its smaller size, is less irritant to the upper airways and requires less sedation than endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) scopes. It is also shorter than an EUS scope improving manoeuvrability. Each of our cases resulted in early histological diagnosis and subsequent appropriate treatment.

Interventional cytopathology in the COVID-19 era.

INTRODUCTION: The dramatic spread of COVID-19 has raised many questions about cytological procedures performed in and out of the laboratories all over the world. METHODS: We report a heterogeneous series of fine needle aspirations performed during the period of phase 1 of the lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic to describe our experience and measures taken during this period. RESULTS: A total of 48 fine needle aspirations (ultrasound, computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound guided) were processed and reported. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing procedures have been modified to allow healthcare professionals to work safely ensuring patients the necessary assistance with samples suitable for cellularity, fixation and staining for an accurate cytological diagnosis.

Safe performance of diagnostic bronchoscopy/EBUS during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is unprecedented in our professional lives and much effort and resources will be devoted to care of patients (and HCW) affected by this illness. We must also continue to aim for the same standard of care for our non-COVID respiratory patients, while minimizing risks of infection transmission to our colleagues. This commentary addresses the key paired issues of minimizing performance of diagnostic/staging bronchoscopy in patients with suspected/known lung cancer while maximizing the safety of the procedure with respect to HCW transmission of COVID-19.