Efficacy and safety of EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) versus laparoscopic-assisted ERCP: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The altered anatomy in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) makes conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) a technically challenging procedure. EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) and laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) are alternative modalities used with comparable efficacy and adverse events in such patients. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing EDGE and LA-ERCP to assess the efficacy and safety in patients with RYGB. We conducted a comprehensive literature search from inception to July 7, 2022, on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases using the core concepts of EDGE and LA-ERCP. We excluded case reports, case series (<10 patients), and review articles. Relative risk (RR) was calculated when comparing dichotomous variables, whereas mean difference was calculated for continuous outcomes. A 95% confidence interval (CI) and P values (<0.05 considered significant) were also generated. The search strategy yielded a total of 55 articles. We finalized 4 studies with total 192 patients (75 EDGE and 117 LA-ERCP). The rates of technical success were not significantly different for LA-ERCP and EDGE (RR, 0.994; 95% CI, 0.939-1.051; P = 0.830, I 2 = 0%) Similarly, no difference in adverse events was noted between the 2 groups (RR, 1.216; 95% CI, 0.561-2.634; P = 0.620, I 2 = 10.67%). Shorter procedure time was noted for EDGE compared with the LA-ERCP group (mean difference, 91.53 min; 95% CI, 69.911-113.157 min; P < 0.001, I 2 = 8.32%). EDGE and LA-ERCP are comparable in terms of efficacy and safety. In addition, EDGE has overall lower procedural time. Our study suggests that EDGE should be considered as a first-line therapy if expertise available.

Laparoscopy With Percutaneous Transgastric Endoscopy for the Assessment of Gastric Cancer in the Excluded Stomach of a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patient.

Primary adenocarcinoma in the excluded stomach of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients is extremely rare. As such, the most effective diagnostic approach has not yet been determined. In typical patients, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is the first-line technique for evaluating suspected gastric cancer. However, RYGB patients require a more personalized approach. Endoscopic evaluation of the excluded stomach in RYGB patients, whether by EUS-directed, enteroscopy-assisted, or percutaneous means, is undoubtedly more complex than in patients with normal anatomy. In addition, gastric cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its asymptomatic early course. With the added complexity of endoscopy in RYGB patients, a laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic approach may have a more favorable diagnostic and therapeutic utility in the case of gastric remnant malignancy in RYGB patients. The following case describes this comprehensive laparoscopic and endoscopic approach for the diagnosis of gastric cancer of the excluded stomach in an RYGB patient.

Approaches to Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Anatomy.

The increasing prevalence of bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, has necessitated innovative approaches for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to the altered anatomy. Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP offers high success rates but leads to extended hospital stays and an increased risk of adverse events. Enteroscopy-assisted ERCP encounters technical challenges, resulting in lower success rates. A novel technique, endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP, employs a lumen-apposing metal stent to create a fistula connecting the gastric pouch to the excluded stomach, enabling ERCP and other endoscopic procedures. Common adverse events include perforation, stent migration, bleeding, and fistula persistence.

Transgastric migration of retained intraabdominal surgical sponge: Gossypiboma in the fundus.

The retention of a surgical sponge is a rare complication that presents diagnostic challenges and carries the risk of potential complications. Two distinct foreign body reactions, fibrinous, and exudative, can result in the formation of a granuloma (known as gossypiboma) or lead to complications such as abscess formation and migration into the gastrointestinal tract. In this report, we present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of splenectomy who presented with symptoms including epigastric pain, vomiting, and episodes of hematemesis. Imaging studies, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed a mass consistent with a gossypiboma that had migrated transmurally into the stomach. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed through gastroscopy, and successful endoscopic removal of the retained surgical sponge was performed.

Current Utility of Transgastric Percutaneous Drainage for the Management of Pancreatitis-Related Retrogastric Walled-Off Necrotic Collections: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction Pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) is one of the most frequent complications associated with acute pancreatitis. The route of drainage is guided by the size and site of collection. The present study aims to assess the clinical and technical success of transgastric percutaneous drainage (PCD) for managing retrogastric walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Materials and methods A total of 44 patients with acute pancreatitis diagnosed with WOPN who underwent transgastric PCD with ultrasound or CT guidance as part of standard clinical management were included in the study. Patients were observed for improvement in clinical parameters, and treatment outcomes were noted in terms of technical success, clinical success, adverse events, need for additional procedures, hospital stay, and duration of placement of all drains. Data for the internalization of transgastric PCD was also observed in the study. Results Technical success during the drain placement was observed in 93% (n=41) of patients.Internalization of the transgastric drain was attempted in 12 patients and successful in 11 (91%). The median duration of hospital stay from the time of placement of the first PCD until discharge and the median duration of all PCDs placed were higher in patients where the transgastric drain was not internalized as compared to patients where the transgastric drain was internalized. Conclusion In WOPN, transgastric drain placement and successful internalization in any form help in the early resolution of peripancreatic and abdominal collections. It also reduces the time to percutaneous catheter removal, which in turn reduces the morbidity and decreases the need for additional interventions or surgery.

Endoscopic management of a transgastric migrated gossypiboma: A case report.

Textiloma, also known as gossypiboma, is a rare but well-documented entity. It involves the omission of surgical material during surgery. Gossypiboma remains a diagnostic dilemma to this day, due to its wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and numerous radiological pitfalls. The recommended treatment for gossypiboma is surgical removal. Endoscopic removal has been performed by some teams and has shown satisfying results. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with a transgastric migrating gossypiboma, managed by an endoscopic extraction.

Single-Session Endoscopic Ultrasound-Directed Transgastric Intervention for a Fine Needle Biopsy of Pancreatic Head Mass Using Endoscopic Through-the-Scope Suturing in a Patient With Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Anatomy.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a diagnostic tool used to examine pancreatic lesions. In patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, lesions of the pancreatic head can be difficult to access because of altered foregut anatomy. To access the excluded stomach for better visualization of the pancreatic head, EUS-directed transgastric intervention can be used in a 2-step fashion. We present an interesting case of a 62-year-old woman who underwent a single-session modified EUS-directed transgastric intervention with a fine needle biopsy of a pancreatic head mass. A novel through-the-scope suturing system, the X-tack system (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX), was used to allow for a successful single-session procedure.

Transgastric drainage of the perforated esophagus: our experiences over 10 years.

We first described the technique of transgastric drainage of esophageal injuries in 2008. The method establishes vacuum drainage of the lumen of the esophagus, while maintaining patency, effectively exteriorizing the perforation to allow healing. We summarize this technique and present our experiences from the largest published series of patients. Our unit has treated selected esophageal injuries with transgastric drainage for 10 years. Indications include perforations not amenable to primary repair and treatment failure following prior surgical intervention. A 36 French silastic chest drain is pulled through the abdominal and stomach wall and introduced into the esophagus so that it crosses the perforation. Gastropexy is performed. Mediastinal decontamination and drainage are performed as needed. Continuous suction of -10 cm water is applied. Leak resolution is assessed with weekly water-soluble swallows. For this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data for patients with esophageal perforation, between 2012 and 2022. Inpatient mortality and time to leak resolution were set as primary and secondary outcomes. Esophageal perforations were treated with transgastric drain in 35 patients, of whom 68% (n = 24) were men. Median age was 67 (26-84). Spontaneous perforations accounted for 60% (n = 21), 31% (n = 11) were iatrogenic and 6% (n = 2) were ischemic. Inpatient and 30-day mortality was 14% (n = 5). Among successful treatments, the median length to resolution of leak on imaging was 34.5 days (6-80). Transgastric drainage can successfully treat esophageal perforations, where primary repair is not feasible. The mortality rate of 14% and reduced morbidity compares favorably with other traditional methods of management for esophageal perforation.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Directed Transgastric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in a Patient with Gastric Bypass. Report of the First Local Case

We describe the first case in our environment of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with gastric bypass surgery. The procedure was performed with a side-viewing duodenoscope through a jejunogastrostomy using apposing stents, placed with EUS assistance, and a standard technique and instruments.

Se describe el primer caso en nuestro medio de colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica transgástrica asistida por endosonografía en una paciente con cirugía de baipás gástrico. El procedimiento se realizó con duodenoscopio de visión lateral a través de una yeyunogastrostomía por stent de aposición, emplazado con asistencia endosonográfica y con una técnica e instrumental estándar.

Endoscopic transgastric fenestration versus percutaneous drainage for management of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections adjacent to gastric wall (with video).

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage (PCD) and endoscopic approaches have largely replaced surgical drainage as the initial approach for (peri) pancreatic fluid collections (PFC)s, while complications associated with endoscopic stent implantation are common. AIM: To introduce a novel endoscopic therapy named endoscopic transgastric fenestration (ETGF), which involves resection of tissue by endoscopic accessory between gastric and PFCs without stent implantation, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety compared with PCD for the management of PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall and who subsequently received ETGF or PCD were restrospectively enrolled. Indications for intervention were consistent with related guidelines. We analyzed patients baseline characteristics, technical and clinical success rate, recurrence and reintervention rate, procedure-related complications and adverse events. RESULTS: Seventy-two eligible patients were retrospectively identified (ETGF = 34, PCD = 38) from October 2017 to May 2021. Patients in the ETGF group had a significantly higher clinical success rate than those in the PCD group (97.1 vs 76.3%, P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences regarding recurrence, reintervention and incidence of complication between the two groups. While long-term catheter drainage was very common in the PCD group. CONCLUSION: Compared with PCD, ETGF has a higher clinical success rate in the management of PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall. ETGF is an alternative effective strategy for the treatment of PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall.

Duodenal Diverticulitis Following Biliopancreatic Diversion: A Case Report.

Duodenal diverticulitis is a relatively uncommon finding in patients. Treatment of complications of duodenal diverticulitis may be challenging in patients with altered intestinal anatomy such as those with altered anatomy from weight loss procedures involving intestinal bypass. We present a case report describing the management of duodenal diverticulitis following a biliopancreatic diversion, our decision-making process, and our final treatment strategy.

Comparison of trans-gastric vs trans-enteric (trans-duodenal or trans-jejunal) endoscopic ultrasound guided gallbladder drainage using lumen apposing metal stents.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is being increasingly used in practice (either as a bridge to cholecystectomy in high-risk patients or as destination therapy in non-surgical patients). Stents are used to create a conduit between the lumen of the gallbladder (GB) and the intestinal lumen through the gastric or enteric routes. Among the various types of stents used, cautery-enhanced lumen apposing metallic stents (LAMS) may be associated with fewer adverse events (AEs). AIM: To compare the clinical success, technical success, and rate of AEs between transgastric (TG) and trans-enteric [transduodenal (TD)/transjejunal (TJ)] approach to GB drainage. Further, we analyzed whether using cautery enhanced stents during EUS-GBD impacts the above parameters. METHODS: Study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022319019) and comprehensive literature review was conducted. Manuscripts were reviewed for the data collection: Rate of AEs, clinical success, and technical success. Random effects model was utilized for the analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in clinical and technical success between the TD/TJ and TG approaches (P > 0.05) were noted. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of AEs when comparing two-arm studies only. However, when all studies were included in the analysis difference was almost significant favoring the TD/TJ approach. When comparing cautery-enhanced LAMS with non-cautery enhanced LAMS, a statistically significant difference in the rate of AEs was observed when all the studies were included, with the rate being higher in non-cautery enhanced stents (14.0% vs 37.8%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: As per our study results, TD/TJ approach appears to be associated with lower rate of adverse events and comparable efficacy when compared to the TG approach for the EUS-GBD. Additionally, use of cautery-enhanced LAMS for EUS-GBD is associated with a more favorable adverse event profile compared to cold LAMS. Though the approach chosen depends on several patient and physician factors, the above findings could help in deciding the ideal drainage route when both TG and TD/TJ approaches are feasible.

Transgastric pancreatic necrosectomy: Tricks of the trade.

Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) affects 20 % of the 300,000 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis every year. Mechanical intervention to debride necrotic and/or infected pancreatic and peripancreatic tissue is frequently required. Minimally invasive approaches to treat pancreatic necrosis have gained popularity over the last two decades, including transgastric pancreatic necrosectomy. The purpose of this report is to review the indications, surgical technique, advantages, and limitations of surgical transgastric necrosectomy.

Transgastric versus transrectal: Which access route is the best for NOTES gallbladder-preserving gallstone therapy?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and safety of transgastric and transrectal pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for cholecystolithotomy. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective comparative study of consecutive patients who underwent pure NOTES for either transrectal or transgastric gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy between September 2017 and April 2020. Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were assigned for transrectal or transgastric NOTES based on the patients' choice. Treatment success, postoperative pain, peritonitis, time to resume normal diet, and duration of hospitalization were compared. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. Forty-eight patients underwent successful NOTES cholecystolithotomy via the transrectal (n = 26) or transgastric route (n = 22). One (3.8%) patient in the transrectal NOTES group experienced postoperative abdominal pain compared to 6 (27.3%) in the transgastric NOTES group (P = 0.04). Fever and bile peritonitis developed in one (3.8%) patient in the transrectal NOTES group versus 8 (36.4%) in the transgastric NOTES group (P = 0.005). A postoperative fluid diet was commenced at 6 h with the transrectal approach versus on day 3 for the transgastric NOTES group. The mean postoperative hospitalization for transrectal and transgastric NOTES groups was 4.5 days versus 7 days (P = 0.001). Three patients in the transgastric NOTES group developed postoperative gastric fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal NOTES has advantages over transgastric NOTES, including preserved spatial orientation, relatively easier removal of specimens, early food intake, shorter hospitalization, fewer postoperative complications and less pain. Multicenter clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of both approaches.

Safety and efficacy of LA-ERCP procedure following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) translates to an increased need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) intervention. Laparoscopically Assisted Transgastric ERCP (LA-ERCP) has emerged to address the issue of accessing the excluded stomach. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LA-ERCP procedure following RYGB. METHODS: The Cochrane, EMBASE, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, Daily and Epub databases were searched from inception to May 2022 using the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies reported participants older than 18 years who underwent the LA-ERCP procedure, following RYGB, and outcomes of patients. RESULTS: 27 unique studies met the inclusion criteria with 1283 patients undergoing 1303 LA-ERCP procedures. 81.9% of the patients were female and the mean age was 52.18 ± 13.38 years. The rate of concurrent cholecystectomy was 33.6%. 90.9% of procedures were undertaken for a biliary indication. The mean time between RYGB and LA-ERCP was 89.19 months. The most common intervention performed during the LA-ERCP was a sphincterotomy (94.3%). Mean total operative time was 130.48 min. Mean hospital length of stay was 2.697 days. Technical success was 95.3%, while clinical success was 93.8%. 294 complications were recorded with a 20.6% complication rate. The most frequent complications encountered were pancreatitis (6.8%), infection (6.1%), bleeding (3.4%), and perforation (2.5%). Rate of conversion to open laparotomy was 7%. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis presents preliminary evidence to suggest the safety and efficacy of LA-ERCP procedure following RYGB. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this procedure using studies with long-term patient follow-up.

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel via percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy in advanced Parkinson's disease: hitting two birds with one stone?

Here we focus on people with advanced PD undergoing percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy (PEG-J) ("one stone") for LCIG infusion therapy for managing severe motor fluctuations ("first bird") and discuss its implications for improving accompanying symptoms of cardiovascular, urinary, and gastrointestinal autonomic failure ("second bird").

The impact of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease patients treated with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is common in advanced phases of Parkinson disease (PD), and is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. Nonetheless, dysphagia has been poorly investigated in PD patients treated with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG). We aimed to analyze the impact of dysphagia on mortality in LCIG treated patients and its relationship with other PD disability milestones. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 95 consecutive PD patients treated with LCIG. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test were used to compare mortality in patients with dysphagia from others. Cox regression was used to estimate the impact of dysphagia, age, disease duration, and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) on mortality in the entire cohort. Finally, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to estimate the association between dysphagia and age, disease duration, H&Y, hallucinations, and dementia. RESULTS: A significantly higher mortality rate was observed in patients with dysphagia. In the Cox model, dysphagia was the only feature significantly associated with mortality (95%CI 2.780-20.609; p < 0.001). Univariate analyses showed a significant correlation between dysphagia and dementia (OR: 0.387; p:0.033), hallucinations (OR: 0.283; p:0.009), and H&Y score (OR: 2.680; p < 0.001); in the multivariate analysis, only the H&Y stage was associated with the presence of dysphagia (OR: 2.357; p:0.003). CONCLUSION: Dysphagia significantly increased the risk of death in our cohort of LCIG-treated patients, independently from other relevant features such as age, disease duration, dementia, and hallucinations. These findings support the management of this symptom as a priority in the advanced PD stages, even in people treated with LCIG.