Endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal lesions using the colonic Ovesco full-thickness resection device: Retrospective observational case series of 22 cases.

Background and study aims The endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFRT) device (FTRD) has been shown to have acceptable outcomes in regard to efficacy and safety in the resection of colorectal lesions. Data on its use in the upper gastrointestinal tract are limited to small case series. Patients and methods All consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic full-thickness resection of gastric or duodenal lesions at our institutions were analyzed retrospectively for a primary endpoint of technical success. Results A total of 22 patients with duodenal and gastric lesions underwent EFTR between June 2018 and February 2022. Technical success was achieved in 20 of 22 (91 %) of the procedures. Indications for EFTR were: subepithelial tumor (n = 14), mucosal lesion (n = 5), scar resection (n = 2), and EFTR of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) resection base (n = 1). The FTRD could be advanced to the lesion in all 22 cases (100 %). No dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) or pylorus was required to pass the device. There were 14 cases of gastric lesions and eight duodenal. One subepithelial lesion was too big for the cap and one scar could not be sucked into the cap. One lesion (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) was removed at second procedure with the ESD technique, including over-the-scope clip. The R0 resection rate for deployed clips was 90 % (18 of 20). There were two superficial esophageal tears from FTRD insertion that required no therapy. No bleeding occurred during the postoperative period. Conclusions Upper gastrointestinal EFTR using the colonic Ovesco FTRD is feasible without pre-dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter or pylorus. This study further confirms acceptable efficacy and safety in upper gastrointestinal use.

Case report: Desmoid fibromatosis diagnosed in a 27-year-old male after being mistaken for a gastrointestinal stromal tumour.

Despite being distinct lesions, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and desmoid fibromatosis may appear similar on imaging when they involve the stomach wall or bowel. As a result, they may be confused with one another when initially diagnosed. This report aims to present a case where a desmoid tumour was mistaken for a gastric GIST in a 27-year-old gentleman despite extensive investigation prior to exploratory laparotomy, and why differentiation through pathology, with a focus on the immunohistochemistry profile, is key for proper prognostication and appropriate management, including timely investigation for associated diseases such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in patients with desmoid tumours.

Non-Invasive Prediction of High-Risk Varices in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Baveno-VI guidelines recommend that patients with compensated cirrhosis with liver stiffness by transient elastography (LSM-TE) <20 kPa and platelets >150,000/mm(3) do not need an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to screen for varices, since the risk of having varices needing treatment (VNT) is <5%. It remains uncertain if this tool can be used in patients with cholestatic liver diseases (ChLDs): primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). These patients may have a pre-sinusoidal component of portal hypertension that could affect the performance of this rule. In this study we evaluated the performance of Baveno-VI, expanded Baveno-VI (LSM-TE <25 kPa and platelets >110,000/mm(3)), and other criteria in predicting the absence of VNT. METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study in four referral hospitals. We retrospectively analyzed data from 227 patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) due to PBC (n = 147) and PSC (n = 80) that had paired EGD and LSM-TE. We calculated false negative rate (FNR) and number of saved endoscopies for each prediction rule. RESULTS: Prevalence of VNT was 13%. Baveno-VI criteria had a 0% FNR in PBC and PSC, saving 39 and 30% of EGDs, respectively. In PBC the other LSM-TE-based criteria resulted in FNRs >5%. In PSC the expanded Baveno criteria had an adequate performance. In both conditions LSM-TE-independent criteria resulted in an acceptable FNR but saved less EGDs. CONCLUSIONS: Baveno-VI criteria can be applied in patients with cACLD due to ChLDs, which would result in saving 30-40% of EGDs. Expanded criteria in PBC would lead to FNRs >5%.